Whirlpool Washing Machine

When we decided to upgrade from Videocon semi-automatic to fully automatic, we were apprehensive how to select the best so that it lasts at least for 10 years. 

We studied the various options Samsung, Videocon, Haier, IFB, etc.  We narrowed on Videocon and Whirlpool.  When it came to change we thought Whirlpool seems to be purely a white goods manufacturer and with their international collaboration should deliver us good value proposition.

We finally bought the machine in Jan 2005, and got the extended warranty made at Rs 1600/- so it was covered upto 10th Jan 2010.  Well it was really worth the buy.  The operation is simple with pulsator technology which rinses and washes the clothes very efficiently.  The automatic setting is basically fine tuned to the load on the machine.  High water, Medium and Low water settings are basically designed for optimum wash  cycle.The extended warranty scheme now in vogue is a ripper, the company has hiked up the charges to more than 4 times the original price.  An extended warranty for 5 years could cost at least Rs 6000/-, instead one should use their washing machine with care and look for insurance options.

We faced the following problems during the 5 years of operation were in the nature of  plastic under protector got damaged in transhipment from Mumbai to Bangalore.  We called up the service and they came and replaced it by charging us Rs 240/- no service charge was levied.  Secondly there was a drag sound emanting from the machine, it was also corrected by the technician within warranty.

Around 5 years when the machine started vibrating we complained almost on the last day.  The technician bought all the replacement springs and changed it.  It was great feeling since the next day onwards the warranty would have expired.  Meanwhile the service engineer suggested we should go for attaching hardwater conversion filter.  It costed us Rs 1800/- which we reluctantly undertook.  We found little difference to the washing efficiency.

Basically when your ground borewell water is hard than a good detergent in surf excell would take care of  the wash.  There is a special pack of Surf EXCEL  which clearly mentions converts hard into soft water.  The alum in the detergent takes care of it.  Next time buy it for a better wash whichever washing machine you are using.

One important thing for washing machine users, once a year one needs to clean the messy residue using a special cleansing powder, which is sold by Whirlpool.  A 40 gm pack cost 135, which is quite hefty, of course they believe in making hefty margins on after sales products.  I hope they get down the price of this cleanser.  It should cost a maximum of  60 bucks, even than the company will be earning 200% margin.  They insist on you buying the entire pack of  6 nos which is negative.   The company suggests you cleanse using this powder every month.  It depends on your load of washing, if you wash once a week or twice a week, once a year is fine.

Overall Whirlpool works wonders for those who own it and use it with care, do not spray water on the electronic panel, it is bound to spoil the motherboard.  This product is value for money, back up service is their forte.  

Purchase Price 12 k, extended warranty Rs 1600 for 3 years, now the company seems to have raised this warranty fees