best washing machine?

[helpimcrap]

My Hotpoint blew up so i need a new one. Well it went at max spin then kadunk, kadunk, KADUNK, KADUNK, followed by a constant scraping noise at which point i stopped it straight away. The grinding metal smell inside makes me think the bearings collapsed so kaput.

Budget of £500 inc install/removal and ideally cheaper. Must be stainless steel colour to fit in. And quiet so i can watch tv. Warranty ideally.

Looking at £397 Hotpoint (5yr warranty)from Curry's or 8kg 1200spin LG Direct drive from independent for £350(10yr warranty on direct drive/2yrs on rest).

Thinking go the LG way. What do people recommend? I live on my own so minimal washing.

 

[helpimcrap]

Cheers for the input guys.

Heard Hotpoint have gone downhill in last couple of years. They're owned by Indesit?
Bosch were fantastic years ago but not sure on quality now. Sounds like an option but seems LG are the ones to go for.
Avoiding Bush and Beko (although some Beko's look nice).
Good reviews but reliability's iffy.

 

[helpimcrap]

Interesting views and opinions. Thanks guys.

 

[helpimcrap]

I think I've decided to go for LG F1289TD5 (but it has square buttons so the later model) for £349. 8kg/1200spin direct drive. Its A+++.

Its in steel so it'd go with my fridge.

 

[helpimcrap]

Ended up buying the LG F1296TDA5.

It is a cool thing! Even plays a tune for about 20s when it finishes and tells you how long to go etc. Chuffed. Quiet in operation as well.

 

[helpimcrap]

Does anyone know if you can change the funky tune at the end of wash cycle?

Thinking 'Baby, one more time.' lol