How long should a washing machine typically last?

[User6179]

My mate Hotpoint Eddie used to fix washing machines many years ago and said 9 times out of 10 it was the brushes that need changing, I don't think the cheap washing machines you get nowadays last that long that the brushes go first, the last 3 cheap machines I use it has been the door mechanism on two of them not recognising the doors shut and an Ariston that the door melted but at under £200 a pop for an average 5 years use they are decent value .

 

[Drago]

Hotpoint Eddie. No way could he have had any other type of career with a name like that.

 

[Mr Celine]

Heating elements have got smaller, drums have got larger, and a check of wash cycle times(Old machine versus New) gives a longer wash time for the same temperature, 15 -25 minutes longer on the newer machine. Yet the new one is "more energy efficient'!

Single feed machines are cheaper produce. The "logic board" requires less pre-programming. Parts are not required with only the single feed. The plastic in the soap drawers can be cheaper, hoses likewise.

The last washing machine I had with hot and cold fill only used the hot fill on wash programmes at 60 degrees or above. This was apparently because hot water cylinders are usually set at 55 degrees. When I bought that machine I lived in a flat with hot water supplied from an electric immersion heater, which was rarely on anyway. After I moved house the machine was so far from the hot water cylinder that the machine was full before the water ran hot.
The other reason hot fill isn't used is the different enzymes in biological powders are said to work at the different temperatures they experience as the water gradually warms up. (This sounds reasonable but may be BS from the manufacturers).