hi Yan Mei
after doing extensive research for the best washing machines on the market, below is what i have found out (others may have different opinions or disagree- this is only a suggestion).
For front load washing machines, European brands are the experts.
1. Miele - a low end model (W 562 Prestige Plus)retails @ Best Denki Taka for $1788 (showroom cheapest starts at $3k+ but that is for a different technology-Honeycomb drum)
2. Siemens (not available in SIN)
3. AEG* (not available in SIN)
4. Bosch - reliable
5. LG - quiet, direct drive (no belt=1 less part to breakdown) great comments about the steam washer cum dryer which needs little ironing but as this is a new model, reliability remains to be proven
6. ISE (not available in SIN)
7. Electrolux*
8. Tricity Benedix* (not available in SIN)
9. Zanussi* (no longer available in SIN)- reliable and value for $, have had wonderful experiences with these washers, owned 2 machines that both lasted at least 15 years each
*AEG, Electrolux, Tricity Benedix & Zanussi are under the same parent company, Electrolux which are all quite reliable - if you want a budget washer that is reliable this would be it.
As lots of the good washers are not available is SIN, there would be 3 choices 1-Miele, 2-Bosch, 3-Electrolux (budget but relaiable), 34-LG (if you want a quiet machine-but these are not cheap)
From what I heard some of the Brandt's are not very reliable.
Initially Miele's pricing scared me off from getting it, however after close analysis on the quality of the wash, parts and reliability I decided on getting it as it will be cheaper in the long run.
Miele's washers are
- built to last a minimum of 20 years
- the outer drums are made of stainless steel (not plastic which tends to break after frequent use)
- easy servicing (from engineers point of view)and guarnteed part availbility even if a model has been discontinued for 20years
- enamel front (means no scratches & yellowing) unlike paint coated fronts
- solid metal (not plastic) opening catch that is solid cast (no joints = less breakage)
- weight of washer = 95kg compared to conventional 50kg which goes to show the kind of quality parts they put in their machines
- PC update function - if there are new washer functions developed in the future your machine will be upgraded free
- look at the internal drum - the holes of the Miele are so small & finely made that it would be difficult to snag your clothing
- a 6kg Miele drum is bigger than other brands 6kg drums (however note that the biggest Miele drums are mostly 6kg except for a top end model that is 6.5kg)
- there are so many other benefits it would be impossible to describe them all but you can refer to the following website that gives very detailed reviews
http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/buying-advice-5.html
http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/reviews/washing-machine-reviews.html