Beko Zanussi, Bosch and Hoover have all been linked with an exploding washing machine drama affecting glass fronted washing machines.
Following our story yesterday (see here), when we revealed that washing machines made by German appliance maker Miele have been known to explode sending shards of glass flying a consumer organisation in the UK has revealed that washing machines from Zanussi, Bosch Samsung LG, Beko and Hoover are also being investigated.
Which Magazine which is similar to the Australian Choice Magazine, has said that they are currently investigating more than 50 incidents involving machines from major brands.
Home product researcher at Which Adrian Porter, said the problem first appeared around 18 months ago but that the number of cases has risen sharply in recent months.
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Many of those affected have posted accounts of their experiences on the website Whitegoodshelp.
One owner claimed: ‘Bought a Beko washing machine less than two months ago and 20 minutes ago the glass shattered. ‘It was on a final spin and sent the shards of glass all over the kitchen floor and the clothes inside are covered in very sharp pieces.’
‘It was on a final spin and sent the shards of glass all over the kitchen floor and the clothes inside are covered in very sharp pieces.’
Another contributor alleged: ‘My Miele W3740 washing machine glass door suddenly exploded, shedding glass and water around the room.
Visitors to the web site Whitegoodshelp.co.uk have revealed that the issue is not isolated to just one brand of washing machine.
Many of those affected have posted accounts of their experiences on the website Whitegoodshelp.
One article on the web site reveals that the problem was first revealed back in 2008 and since then the issue has got worse. The writer said “Reports started to accumulate of spontaneously exploding door glass. Most reports were of the glass “exploding” whilst on a wash cycle but several reported the glass exploded when the washing machine was not even in use”.
One website user claimed: ‘My Miele W1613 had been unused for a few days when a bang was heard. On inspection the inner glass door had exploded. Just to clarify: it was not in use at the time.’
In one article titled ‘Exploding door glass in washing machines’ a list of the top 7 brands affected by the issue are listed Beko is on top with 18 complaints followed by Miele with 8.
Beko 18
Miele 8
Hoover 4
Zanussi 4
Bosch 3
LG 3
Samsung 3
The writer of the article wrote ‘ Manufacturers so far have tended to fall back on blaming customers. They say large metal buckles or buttons on some laundry, or leaving coins and other metal objects in pockets are causing the door glass to take hits, which is weakening them. Whilst I have some sympathy with this explanation, and for all I know it could be the common link in all cases, I have to say that coins, bad loads and metal parts on laundry have always been present. Not only that, but they always will be’.
Discussing the Which? Investigation, Mr Porter said: ‘This hasn’t happened to any washing machines during our lab tests, so we have been unable to observe it in laboratory conditions and follow up with a proper analysis.
A spokesman for Beko, whose machines have generated the largest number of reports on Whitegoodshelp, told the Daily Mail: ‘Whilst we have no reason to believe that there is a fault with our washing machine range, we are investigating these incidents in full and always take such matters seriously.’
Alex Walker of Miele said: ‘We conducted an investigation. [Which] confirmed we have had no recent reports of such an incident?’
The other manufacturers under investigation did not respond to requests for comment last night.
