Washing Machines – 2014 Ratings
Posted by Canstar Blue March 18th 2014
Bosch stays on top for washing machine customer satisfaction
It makes sense to do a little research before buying an expensive household appliance, a sentiment held by nearly half the respondents to our recent survey. These people researched washing machines online before making their purchase.
We think you should be one of these savvy shoppers and compare washing machine brands with our latest customer satisfaction ratings. To lend a hand, we’ve compared the biggest names in the washing machine industry: Bosch, Fisher & Paykel, Simpson, LG, Samsung and Haier.
While many of these brands performed well in these results, only one can be the winner of our Most Satisfied Customers Award – Washing Machines. For 2014, that brand is Bosch. They earned five stars in all rated criteria, including such areas as value for money, performance, and reliability. Not only that, but Bosch has secured this award for the third year in a row.
Two in five men falling short on household cleaning
New Zealand men need to pick up their game when it comes to household chores, with these results revealing that 88% of women do a majority of the washing in their household, versus only 59% of men.
Our results also show that 57% of women do more than five loads of laundry per week. Only 45% of men could say the same.
While divvying up the chores may be overdue in some households, others should learn more about their appliances first:
- Two in five New Zealanders didn’t know there were parts inside their washing machine that needed to be cleaned.
- A little more than a third ignore care labels and wash all their clothes on the same setting, and
- A little less than a third ruined clothes by mixing colours and whites in the wash.
Canstar Blue commissions Colmar Brunton using the SSI Panel to survey 2,500 New Zealand consumers to measure and track customer satisfaction on a range of different consumer goods and services. The outcomes reported are the results from respondents within the survey group who have purchased and used a new washing machine in the last three years – in this case, 739 people. Brands must receive at least 30 responses to be included.
Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands that received three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10.
Overall customer satisfaction
If you’re going to invest in a washing machine, better it be an award-winning brand. Bosch has earned five stars for overall customer satisfaction in these 2014 ratings. LG, Fisher & Paykel, Simpson and Samsung all followed with four stars, and Haier received with three.
Value for money
Whitegoods are yours to live with for the long haul, so make sure you’re happy with what you’re paying. Bosch received five stars for the value for money of its washing machines, with Simpson, Samsung, and Fisher & Paykel all following close behind with four. LG and Haier were next with three stars apiece.
Performance
Red wine stains, food marks, dirt damage – a good washing machine can tackle them all with equal effectiveness. Bosch customers were most satisfied with the performance of their recently purchased washing machine. Bosch reached five stars, and was followed by four star recipients Simpson, LG, Fisher & Paykel, and Samsung. Haier finished with three stars for performance.
Reliability
Don’t be caught with a washing machine that can’t produce clean clothes all year out. Receiving five stars for the reliability of its washing machines was award-winner Bosch. Simpson, Fisher & Paykel, LG, and Samsung all finished with four stars each, and Haier closed with three.
Ease of use
A variety of washing machine modes can help you take on any laundry load. However, a washing machine with difficult controls can interfere with these best laid plans. Bosch, Fisher & Paykel, and LG customers were most satisfied with how easy their machines were to use. Simpson and Samsung both received four stars for ease of use, and Haier received three.
Quietness while operating
Need a washing machine that won’t cause a racket? Bosch finished in front, with five stars for its quietness while operating. Bosch outpaced four star recipients LG, Samsung and Fisher & Paykel, and three star recipients Simpson and Haier.
Design (including appearance / finish of the machine)
A well designed washing machine is accessible, not overly heavy, easy to move, etc. Bosch earned a five star rating, LG, Samsung, Simpson, and Fisher & Paykel achieved four, and Haier received three.
Warranty and service
Washing machines don’t maintain themselves, so finding a model with a decent warranty can go a long way in keeping costs down. Customers of Bosch washing machines were most satisfied with the warranty they were provided. Fisher & Paykel, Simpson, LG, and Samsung all received four stars, and Haier received three.
Past Ratings
Washing Machines (2012)
Washing Machines (2013)