Washing Machine

[annette]

Unfortunately my washing machine died in September and on my next visit to Lunigiana in late December I will have to purchase a new one. Does anyone know of any Electrical shops in this area and if they will be open around 27-30th Dec.?? and if so do they deliver and any general idea of what an average washing machine costs ??? Thanks in advance.

[Gala Placidia]

I don't shop in your area; however, I would advise you to go to Sarzana to one of the local sellers of electrical appliances, here is the list:

Elettrodomestici - Vendita Al Dettaglio Sarzana | PagineGialle.it

They will certainly be open pm tje 29th and 30th at list. Local suppliers have the advantage of being able to deliver and install the appliance almost immediately and in most cases they do not charge for delivery. Their prices may be a few euros higher than in a big chain, but you save on service and if you have any problems, they come and fix it.
Washing machines vary greatly in price according to size, load, type and brand. You will find that prices range from some 400 to 1200 euro depending on what you want. If you buy it locally and need an urgent delivery, you may have to choose one of the appliances they already have in the shop, but perhaps you will find something suitable. Good luck with the purchase!

[Nielo]

It depends where you have space for it but If you can fit a top loader, they are much more efficient.

Because the drum is held both sides instead of just at the back to allow the ‘window’ the spin speeds can be faster and the bearings wear out less quickly.

When I use the fastest spin speed on my top loader the washing is nearly dry when it comes out of the machine – it really helps in winter if I can’t get the washing on the line.

[Charles Phillips]

Probably the best places to look are the big chainstores. Most of them have websites, and nearer the time it would be worth looking at their 'special offers' (often called volantino on the websites) - all of them always have at least one washing machine 'on offer' at any one time.

If you have any of these shops near to you: Mediaworld Media World - Elettronica, Informatica, Tecnologia e Elettrodomestici , UniEuro UniEuro: la grande catena di elettronica di consumo Italiana. , MercatoneUno www.mercatoneuno.com , Euronics Euronics - Home Page .

There are plenty more, these are just four off the top of my head.

[cdavies]

Annette I have sent you a PM I have a friend near Barbarasco who has a virtually new washing machine for sale from when she sold her house in the UK
Ciao
Charlotte

[alan h]

Originally Posted by cdavies

......... I have a friend near Barbarasco who has a virtually new washing machine for sale from when she sold her house in the UK,,,,,

Careful - check how much power it takes - UK washing machines can draw a lot of power [as they have big heating elements for a quick wash]

.

[Persephone]

Annette

If the english washing machine does not work out you have an electric store in Monti (right hand side, on the main road before the bars). It's on your way up the hill!!!! Probably a bit more expensive than the Euronics of the world, but when we bought someting from there a couple of years ago they were very reliable (ie. delivered as promised) and when something was damaged they changed it without any fuss. I'm afriad I have long since thrown away the receipts, but if you need more info. send me a PM.

I seem to remember most shops are open the few days before the New Year.

[annette]

Hi, Thanks for the information. Yes it appears that most people who know the area have recommended the store in Monti, so I think that is where I will buy one after Christmas. Do you know if they take the old one away or do we have to dispose of it ourselves ?

[Carole B]

A couple of things you might like (need) to consider when/if buying a washing machine here in Italy...



1. They are nearly ALL 'cold fill' - one water feed from the cold water pipes. All water is heated by the machine when needed. OK if you live in a soft water area - no so good if you don't. Elements gather limescale much faster.
ERGO: Buy shares in 'Calgon' -

2. Spin speeds are much lower than you may be used to - unless you want to pay premium prices. They usually range between 600/800/850rpm with occaisionally 1000/1200rpm on the more expensive models.

I have always chosen 800rpm (last 2 machines in 21 years) and have found that the main advantage is that the lower speed causes less 'seam stress/tears' than the faster speeds. Yes, drying can take a little longer, but in the summer that's not a problem anyway, and in the winter the heat from central or stove heating serves this purpose too.

Oh, and BTW - most 'sales' begin in Italy on 28th December... then you can usually get some good bargains - especially from larger wholesalers. My last new washer model (in 2004) was on 10% discount at the Co-op in Milano before Christmas and I was about to buy it when the salesman tipped me off to come back 'early' on the 28th as there would be a FURTHER 20% off... so I got a discount of 30% overall from the top Ariston model - paying just €295 instead of €420... who's going to sneeze at a discount of €125 these days? Not me - that's for sure!