Efficient washing machine
4/5
The washing machine seems pretty good so far. With the other reviews I have read, it is difficult to know if the problems they have experienced are due to the actual washing machine or if the user has installed or used the machine in the wrong way.
It is important to read the instruction manual and the other documents that come with the washing machine before unpacking it and installing it. The instructions must be followed carefully. AO could provide more assistance for their customers in regard to this to help ensure that customers don't accidentally damage their new appliance.
The washing machine's LCD display cannot show the set wash temperature, set spin speed and estimated time remaining at the same time. This is a drawback for me.
My previous Indesit washing machine had dials for the wash temperature and spin speed. These dials were quicker to use and I could check the settings just by looking rather than having to push two buttons.
The washing machine is only 2 to 3 weeks old so far so I cannot report on the reliability. The drainage pump did sound very rough/noisy briefly when I used it a few days ago but then it settled down to its normal level - I don't know if this is a sign that the pump had some kind of issue or not. I haven't done anything (as far as I am aware) that could have caused any kind of blockage on the drainage pump's filter. There is no sign of a blockage on the filter as far as I can tell but I haven't opened the filter cover to check.
The washing machine door design feels fine. The overall washing machine build quality appears to be reasonable for the price. The machine is pretty quiet during washing and not too noisy during the spin cycle - it reduced noise levels are worth paying the extra money for in my opinion.
The actual delivery of the product was good - efficient, hard-working staff brought the washing machine into the kitchen without any problems. The purchase process could be improved because AO doesn't mention about needing to warn them about steps on the product's webpage - some customers might find that they have a problem with delivery of the product if they are not warned about this clearly on the product's webpage when they are considering their purchase decision.
I have given the washing machine an 'overall rating' of four out of five stars based on my own definition - in this case 'very good'. AO doesn't give a definition for each number of stars.
We shall see how many cycles the washing machine achieves before it fails.
I would use AO again if I have to buy another new appliance.