Which washing machines are built to last? Check our new repairability ratings

We’ve added a ‘repairability’ rating to our washing machine reviews to help you choose a machine that will last.

Why do we need a washing machine repairability rating?

On average, a washing machine should last around 10 years, but some will fail earlier, and others will last longer. There are many factors that affect lifespan – the design, the quality of materials and components, the amount of use and how well the machine is maintained. We can’t expect an appliance to perform without fault for its whole life, so its repairability is paramount. If parts aren’t available or are too expensive or the repairer’s labour cost is too high, then the appliance will often be scrapped.

Currently, consumers have no real way of knowing how long their intended purchase might last and how repairable it is. People often use brand reputation, peer reviews or random online opinions to help make a purchasing decision. Now, Consumer NZ has removed some of the guesswork for you by rating washing machine brands for repairability.

How we calculated the washing machine repairability rating

First, we contacted numerous repair and spare parts companies across Aotearoa. We asked what the most common failures and repairs were for washing machines. We also asked which brands had the most repairs, which had the least and how easy it was to get parts for each brand.

We combined this information with warranty lengths to rate each brand for repairability.

As a final step, we’ve added our repairability ratings into the lifetime scores for individual washing machines. Lifetime scores include data about reliability and satisfaction. With the addition of repairability, this score provides a robust assessment of any washing machine you might be considering purchasing.

What we found

Overall washing machine repairability ratings

Here is our washing machine brand overall repairability rating, on a scale from highest to lowest.

Highest – Bosch, LG, Miele

High – Fisher & Paykel, Panasonic

Average – Samsung

Low – Asko, Beko, Haier

Lowest – Electrolux, Hisense, Kogan, Westinghouse.