How on earth did this washing machine get so many positive reviews? It's the noisiest, most inefficient washing machine we have ever owned. Whilst on a washing cycle, yes it is very quiet. However, once it is draining or spinning, you'd better leave the house or invest in ear defenders. It is absolutely ridiculous. At first we thought it was faulty so AO exchanged it. The second one was slightly better (the dreadful whining had gone), but it is still unbearable. Goodness knows how people cope with it in an open plan setting, or even in their kitchen. We have ours in a large cupboard in our bathroom. Even with all doors closed, you have to cover your ears or get put the house! The side walls of the machine are extremely thin, and as such, the internal engine and drum rattle furiously against them during the spin cycle. As the spin increases in speed, it gets worse. The sound is like a plane engine at full throttle about to take off. The 1400 spin isn't avaiable on all the wash settings. Even after a 1400 spin, heavier items such ad jeans and towels were still wet and required another spin (not very energy efficient given the the energy rating of the spin cycle is only a B!). We previously had a Beko, which was fairly old, but so much quieter. I can only think they must be using cheaper materials now to save money. If you are looking for a quiet spinning machine which spins very efficiently, I would not recommend this machine at all. You get what you pay for it seems! Lesson learned.
