Come on, you little snail! (Whirlpool AWG5122)

Advantages: It washes clothes very well.

Disadvantages: It works slowly.

Last Bank Holiday I purchased a washing machine, Whirlpool AWG5122, at my local Currys shop for a cost of £219.99, £60 less than the original price.

General information

Brand name: Whirlpool

'Whirlpool is the number one household appliance brand in Europe and has been selected as a Super brand in the UK (2008/09).'(statement from the UK website of Whirlpool).

Model: AWG5122

Maximum dry laundry capacity: 5kg

Recommended loading: 4.5kg

Recommended wool loading: 2kg

Maximum spin cycle (rpm): 1200

Size: 8451x5959x5441mm (hxwxd)

Exterior Colour: white

Washing Method: Drum

Control Panel:

1. Detergent drawer

It is on the left side and has three separate spaces for prewash detergent, main wash detergent and fabric conditioner. On the front cover are listed 12 washing programmes.

2. Programme knob

It is in the centre of the control panel. You can select the programme with which you desire to wash. You have a choice of 12 programmes plus rinse, spin and drain cycles.

3. Spin speed selector

It is to the right of the programme knob. You can adjust the spin speed from 0 and 1200 rpm.

4. Start/pause and cancel button

5. Washing operation light with Delayed Start Timer

6. Three function buttons: rinse hold, intensive rinse and delayed start.

These three function features are on the right hand side of the control panel.

Energy Consumption per Wash: 0.95 kWHrs;

Water Consumption per Wash: 12.94 Gal.

Energy Efficiency: A

Wash Efficiency: A

Spin Drying Efficiency: B

What I like?

The machine does wash clothes very well.

It just needs a cold water supply and heats water by itself.

There is a pump filter hidden behind the front kickplate.

What I dislike?

It takes too long to complete a washing cycle. For example a standard cotton wash cycle at 40 degrees will take 135 minutes. It's really snail paced; almost double the time of my old machine. Maybe that is why it washes clothes so well.

The washing machine seems to have problems with very small items. Twice I have had a liner sock stick to the door without being washed.
It is very annoying and could be dangerous if the sock falls between the door and the drum.

When I bought the machine I thought I could use the delay start timer. I could load the machine before going to bed and let it start during the cheap electricity period. However I found the noise of the spin cycle too much during the night. I live in a small flat and I don't want to receive complaints from my neighbours so I abandoned the plan.

If you ask my opinion about this washing machine I will ask you do you mind a machine that takes its time, but does a reasonable job?

Summary: do you mind a machine that takes its time, but does a reasonable job?