Zanussi-Electrolux ZWF 16070

I am somewhat new to this but I would like to share my experiences for this washer as I have found it to be a well worth while purchase.
Firstly I would like to apologise in advance if I tend to ramble on a bit and any helpful comments would be appreciated.

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Choice
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I will start by giving my reasons for choosing this particular appliance. In the past I have always stuck to Hotpoint, however ...
...18 months of use. Although they carry a 5 year parts cover, the labour cost still makes it an expensive game to keep having the engineer out. After the 3rd or 4th repair within two years, I decided it was time to change.
A friend of mine had recommended Zanussi to me, so I thought I would give it a go. After all a recommendation from an end user is worth 20 sales brochures in my book.

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Price
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... more

I am somewhat new to this but I would like to share my experiences for this washer as I have found it to be a well worth while purchase.
Firstly I would like to apologise in advance if I tend to ramble on a bit and any helpful comments would be appreciated.

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Choice
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I will start by giving my reasons for choosing this particular appliance. In the past I have always stuck to Hotpoint, however my last machine had been giving me problems after only 18 months of use. Although they carry a 5 year parts cover, the labour cost still makes it an expensive game to keep having the engineer out. After the 3rd or 4th repair within two years, I decided it was time to change.
A friend of mine had recommended Zanussi to me, so I thought I would give it a go. After all a recommendation from an end user is worth 20 sales brochures in my book.

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Price
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Prices for these machines do tend to vary a lot. My original intention was to buy on line from boots on account of the loyalty card points. However, after a trip to town, I popped into the local independent Euronics shop just to see the machine in the flesh so to speak. To my surprise, they were able to supply the machine £15 cheaper and also a lot quicker. With delivery I paid £265 (In Silver) and they even connected it up for me on delivery. Just goes to show that buying over the internet is not always the cheapest option.

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Performance
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The first thing that was very apparent, is the relatively low noise the machine produces, even when in full spin. Also in relation to the spin the very fast 1600 rpm does get the vast majority of the water out. This is particularly useful at this time of the year when the amount of time available for drying clothes outside is limited. Further more, if you use a tumble dryer a lot, it will save you a fortune on energy bills.
Having such a fast spin does however have a downside. When drying pure cotton shirts etc. the spin is a little to fierce and does make ironing a lot harder. Fortunately there is a facility to override the spin and turn it down to alleviate this problem.

Washing performance is also very good. I must admit that the wash results are as much down to the detergent as the machine, however my Zanussi certainly plays its part. As we are constantly being told to do our bit for for the environment, I do now actually turn the temperature down to the recommended 30. As for the difference in the wash results compared to washing at 40, quite simply....there isn't any. I should point out at this point, that this was another factor in my choice of purchase. Despite the fact we are constantly being told to save energy, the ability to turn down the temperature is surprisingly not available on all new appliances.

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Extra Features
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The machine itself has a variety of other useful features built in. The one I have found most useful is the woolens wash. I have to admit I was more than a little sceptical with regards to putting wool into an automatic washing machine. However I decided that since the machine has it, i might as well give a try. Airing on the side of caution, I washed some old jumpers and cardigans to see what sort of shape they would come back out again. I was half expecting them to come out resembling the shape of a sack of potatoes. In total contrast to this they had come out in perfect shape and clean as well.

The instruction manual quotes the machine as having no less than 21 different programmes. Here is a quick question for everyone, am I alone or does everyone else only ever use 2 or 3 different wash cycles? I do wish that manufacturers would stop playing the numbers game and simplify the wash cycle guides. (sorry, that's my little winge for today over)

A useful little extra on the machine is the ability to vary the rinses during a wash cycle. At 1st I couldn't see much benefit to this as the standard rinse cycle to me is more than adequate. However a neighbour of mine has this feature on her machine and explained that one of her children has sensitive skin. Apparently the extra rinses on a machine do make all the difference for making sure that ALL the detergent is removed. A word of caution however, this could be costly if you have a water meter fitted.

Another good feature is the design of the door opening. Compared to my old Hotpoint, the actual aperture of the door opening is much bigger. This feature really comes into its own when washing large duvets or blankets. Simply getting these items in and out of the machine is a whole lot easier.

A feature which is not usually noticed until you come to try it is the ease of which the filters can be cleaned. I have had machines in the past where cleaning the filters can be a nightmare of a task. Having once paid an engineer £60 to come out and repair a machine, only to find out that it just needed the filters cleaning (DUH!!) I now tend to do this on a regular basis. With my Zanussi this job is very strait forward and more to the point, very easy to do!

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My Opinion
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In my opinion this machine is an excellent performer. As the adverts say "It does what it says on the tin" (Yes I know that ad wasn't for washing machine's, but who cares?). The machine is well built, has a good quality feel to it and produces 1st class wash results.
If asked would I recommend this machine, I would say yes, and already have done.

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Summary
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Finally to sum up, before I started this review, I had a look round some of the other reviews on this site to get a few tips. I hope I haven't produced too much waffle and this information is of some interest.
For the benefit of readers who like to read the technical spec on a product, I have listed these below.
I have tried to give all the benefits I have found useful and apologise if I missed anything out. If anyone has any tips on how this review could be improved, I am open to suggestions.
Thankyou for your time.

* Dimensions : H850 x W600 x D600mm
* Loading : Front Loading
* Spin Speed : 1600
* Wash Load : 6
* Energy Rating : A
* Wash Performance : A
* Spin Performance : A
* Number of Programmes : 21
* Variable Spin : Yes
* Variable Temperature : Yes
* Control Panel Type : LED
* Noise Level : 54
* Anti Crease Programme : Yes
* Half Load Function : Automatic Half Load
* Delay Timer : Yes
* Hand Wash : Yes
* Quick Wash : Yes
* Delicate Wash : Yes
* Silk Wash : Yes
* Wool Programme : Yes
* Wide Opening Door : Yes
* Pre Wash : Yes
* Rinse Hold : Yes
* Water Supply : Cold Fill Only
* Intensive Wash Option : Yes
* Super / Extra Rinse : Yes
* Variable Rinses : Yes
* Water Consumption : 54
* Drum Capacity : 46
* Economy Wash : Yes
* Energy Consumption : 1.02
* Larger Porthole : Yes
* Refresh Option : Yes 

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