Asko W6444A

Asko front loader? Not a good idea – Previously owned a Fisher & Paykel top loader. It washed the clothes of our family of four well - but got out of balance sometimes. Stupidly I believed what i was told about front-loading washing machines, Asko in particular and bought W6444A. It was expensive and has proved to be NOT worth it! It does not wash properly! White towels and sheets?… Read more

Forget about ever getting them looking good again! A delicate wash is the only thing it does well. I bought this machine in 2016 and when it breaks down I will replace it with another top[ loader.

Good washing machine – Doesn't have a lot of features, but does the job! Isn't too noisy on the spin cycle, only complaint so far has been that after it finishes it switches itself off - meaning you have to power it back on the next time you want to use it. I guess it saves power that way, but it's taken us a little while to get used to it. A big bonus for us is that… Read more

it doesn't have that big rubber seal most front loaders have - which normally get all gunky after a while. Overall, really happy with it.

Update - it is now June 2022, so over three years since buying it (and a year past the 2 year warranty) and the machine is making a loud noise during the first spin cycle - basically when it has a reasonable amount of water in it. It is like it is out of balance, but it actually isn't. It is also fine towards the end of the wash cycle even when it is running at high rpms. I suspect that most likely the shock absorbers need replacing which is a little disappointing after only three years - they should last upwards of ten. Will cost about $200 plus labour so not too bad I guess, but still disappointing.

Update #2 - Decided to save some money, get a kit, and replace the shock absorbers myself. Didn't look too hard to do. On opening the machine I discovered that one of the two balance springs had snapped. I found the remnants, and the metal was very brittle - not a great sign. I suspect this will be a common issue as it snapped where the wire had been bent into a sharp right angle. It's possible that the shock absorbers are a little worn causing in turn more stress on these two springs but I might wait a few more years before putting them in. Anyhow, I didn't have a new spring so did a temporary fix using some wire and what was left of the old spring - and it seems to have fixed it for now. So the lesson here is - as much as it was a pain to pull the washer out and open it - to check first before ordering parts..... Anyhow, will now order in two springs (I know that only one is broken, but given how brittle the broken one was I think it's best to replace both and the old one can perhaps be a backup spare). My repair should last a while, but it is definitely temporary!

Update #3 - Final update, I'm afraid. Yesterday the machine died after the power went out. Unclear if the machine caused the outage, or if it was an innocent victim. Anyhow, once power was restored it refused to empty the water, and would not open the door. It just sat there flashing the time remaining. By holding down both buttons could cancel the current program and change it to something else, but no emptying of water or other activity would happen. Well, not quite true - the time remaining would slowly count down but nothing else would happen. Pressing & holding the unlock button would not unlock the door. I manually emptied the water from the hatch below and then was able to manually open the door (they say to use the special key, but a small screwdriver works as well) so I could rescue the towels inside. I could manually spin the the drum, but I tried a number of times to get it to work but no go. Best was at one point it sounded like it was trying to empty water - which was interesting given that it was empty. Searching the internet came up with a suggestion of leaving the machine off for at least a minute then opening and closing the door up to 12 times to reset the machine, but that made no difference. I have three theories - the brushes on the drum are worn so it's not spinning, the switch that detects if the water has drained is faulty so it's not allowing the door to open, or the motherboard is faulty. I think the most likely issue is the motherboard. Whatever the case may be, repairing it now is probably not going to be economically feasible so six years after buying it it's time to move onto another machine. Because it only lasted 6 years, I've downgraded my rating from 5 to 4 stars.

We have gone through Miele (Miele W2515 - lasted more than ten years which was actually pretty good, although it wasn't without issues over that time), now Asko, so next on the list is Bosch. Will see how that goes.

Great machine, simplicity at its best – We got the Asko from a friend who was moving overseas. The machine had seen 3 years of gentle use. Since our time using it, we have loved it. I understand it’s a $1000+ machine. Pros & Cons for you below: Pros: The best button layout I have ever used. Simple, elegant, work left to right and love its minimal design Washes great - gentle on… Read more

clothes

Spins fast - very little vibration

Cons:

Shutting the door requires a shove instead of a usual click-shut. I thought this was strange. I've never used an Asko machine before so perhaps its normal, but my wife struggles to close the door. I've gotten used to it

The noise this machine creates is what I have learnt to be a typical Asko whining sound. As it starts to spin up it actually on the noisy side. During wash I wouldn't call it quiet.. We're in a small apartment so the noise carries throughout our space when it is running

No other quirks to point out. I did notice our model is made in Slovenia, and the manual has some interesting comments about being 'Inspired by Sweden'

Asko....the product no longer lives up to its former reputation – This machine was purchased in February 2017. I see that my model washing machine is now discontinued and I think I know why. The wash is satisfactory but the soap dispenser is not. The dispenser of both washing liquid and fabric softener does not empty. On contacting customer service my husband was instructed to remove some sort of barrier… Read more

from the soap tray so that it would flush properly. We were told by the company representative that the manufacturers of washing detergent were a step ahead of machine manufacturers and that they had increased the viscosity and thickness of detergent and that we should water it down before putting it into the dispenser tray. We tried that. Disgusting really when the machine was only a few months old. When the same thing happened with the fabric softener dispenser we asked that a technician come out and see what was wrong. He removed the same barrier from the fabric softener dispenser but nothing has changed. I have multi coloured liquids in the dispenser tray all of the time. They never clear properly. This is not good surely. Especially if the machine is not used for some time. Not happy at all and would not recommend Asko products to anyone else.

Yeah it's pricey but the design and features are tailored to it's intended purpose – Still going well after 5 years... Writing this review because there are a few other opinions of misfortune. My Asko was an update because I liked it's simplicity and design. I am mechanically minded and value these traits. Replacing an LG CleanMaster because after 15 years it earned a retirement, it's on pet duties. Looking at notable features… Read more

without being too 'smart' this one ticks all the boxes. There are settings for all my needs which recall temp and spin speed for each. The best feature is the 'steel seal' as an evolution and trademark of Asko looks. Being on tank water I appreciate the units efficiency, using eucalyptus type liquid the machine smells as fresh as the day it arrived and completes it's eco friendly nature being grey water safe. My only gripe in getting a 7kg washer is that I need to 1/2 fill it with clothes ! Ideally 2/3 loose is my limit and no issues with cleaning. I can understand the 'long' program times but the unit adjusts and usually finishes earlier. Only using pre wash when needed is a bonus, and having extra rinse cycles programmable could be great for sensitive skin. It's all too easy. Doonas, pillows, towels, no issues. Just put some thought into how it will balance. It knows when something is waterlogged and takes it's time with little spins before ramping up. Love it. So is their 20 years a good estimate... Well I have just had the back off to check the belt, you can adjust the tension. Quattro shock have done some miles, gave them a quarter turn and a bit of MX6 Inox refresh. No problems with leaks, the detergent draw is of good design, and I have never had a pump issue. Beware though, that mould attracting 'pen & coin' etc catching rubber seal is not on this one so check your pockets :-) While not as whisper quiet as a friends Euromaid (Aussie Owned !) I love my Asko and it's Swedish charm. It's the last one made in Sweden. And it's mine. I cherish it dearly.

Not happy – Brought w6444a front loader in 2015 thinking if pay more should be good even paid extended warranty through asko then yesterday on/off button wont work no power burnt smell and warranty run out 3 mths ago. Not happy asko not happy paid over $1200 and extended warranty not happy not happy.  Show details

Great washing machine – Have had the ASKO for 10 months, and can't fault it. Very quiet and hardly any vibration/shaking for a washing machine. Also uses a heap less water than my old one, and with water as rare as it is, that can only be good. Very quick and power efficient too.  Show details

Not worth The spend as the quality is not there – we have both Asko washer and heat pump dryer , they have been fine until 4.5 years in the washing machine has worn bearings and worn drum and seals , it now sounds like theres half a dozen spanners getting a run with machine, i would not go near this brand again, to top that the dryer has issues which are starting and need repair, these machines cost $2k so they are not cheap machines the quality is just not there barely 5 years NOT Good Enough  Show details

Nothing but trouble – A few months after purchase we had problems with the on/off button and the electronics panel was replaced under warranty. Now, 3 years on the switch is playing up again and keeps turning the machine off. I have been quoted $650 for the part as it is now out of warranty. Very disappointed in the quality of an expensive machine. I am going back to Bosch.  Show details

No problems – Been fine so far 1 year on. Bought as the sales pitch was I've had one for 27years never needing a single repair. Plus it's water and electricity energy rating being the highest. My only beef is the small ON button and I've got big fingers so it can be a bit hard operate  Show details

ASKO service is appalling – The machine has always been very loud. But is also doesn’t spin or rinse everything the first wash I have too repeat the rinse cycle before I take the wash out. I have had to email a request for a serve try and ring twice for a service and when I did get to speak to a service operator he was very rude and disrespectful. I am still waiting for someone to confirm I have a service person booked. Service is appalling.  Show details

Mostly Good – I bought this machine to replace a 10year old Bosch which was slightly smaller. Because I live in an area with high humidity I liked the fact that the Asko had no rubber around the door. Even if you dried the Bosch rubber every wash, it still developed mould. The Asko definitely seems to wash and rinse better, but takes slightly longer. The noise… Read more

level is about the same. My main issue is that it is very difficult to close the door. You seem to have to bang it really hard. I find the laundry powder dispenser doesn't empty completely. The official website it not very user friendly. I tried to find a place where I could ask about the door closure, but couldn't locate one.

Asko Washer Big Improvement Over Top Loader – We always promised ourselves and Asko washer. They are expensive but the difference is night and day to a top loader. The first thing I noticed was the dryness of the clothes after spinning, it is remarkable. Clothes hardly need any drying time. It is so much more efficient with water too. The only gripe I have is the total washing time seems… Read more

quite long for a regular load but given the improvements that's no concern.

I see other people questioning the long term reliability so I guess we will see but so far I am more than happy with the performance.

This is perfect – I used to have a top loader machine before purchasing this Asko machine and I wouldn’t go back. The only downside to this machine is that unlike a top loader you can’t go back and add things to the wash once it’s started. It clean the clothes and rinses them well. It is a quiet machine  Show details

Asko update – Update on prev review. Read it first - see below. For all you people converting from TopLoader to FL , your wash will be cleaner than all the top loaders you have ever used. That's the way it is, FL machines wash 50% better than TL machines, so expect that. Dont be swayed by reviews on here that say how fantastic asko are. They should be as… Read more

they cost twice as much as TL machines. Other brands are just as good without the price tag

I have also used Bosch FL (good- no probs in 2 years) and LG (a dog but it was a 5kg 10 yo machine)

Why do I worry ?... because asko have been zero help in my problems with their machine and it cost me $1495....

After 6 months of wasting time with asko and service I looked at machine myself to find incorrectly diagnosed by asko repairman. Not PCB but burnt out wire, underneath so can't see it.

Got local non asko guy to check and repair $120. Machine worked for 6 months then died.... you guessed it PCB! SO junkheap !!

Seriously, I admit yearning for a well made european product so i bought asko.

It was a mistake they're not what they were 15 -20 years ago.

You will be sorry if you do.

Go buy a price point machine for $795 on special and get an extended warranty. I did and it is excellent (Electrolux made in Thailand !! check choice for latest great buy)

Below is original review.... nothing has changed and new machine washes 90 % as well as asko

""Do not buy ASKO. they wash well BUT they delete spare parts too early and you are stuck with a dud.

PCB for W6021 NA 6 years after our purchase ( ONE in AUSTRALIA = $500!!!!). 

Control board failure = throw away machine. 

Why make a machine that "lasts 20 years " IF parts not available ASKO ??? Previous machines BENDIX (12 years), (and 15 years)"

Disgusted – Purchased on the 6th of December 2017. First use clothes were soaking wet on finish. Soap dispenser fills with water and does not drain. Machine leaks on and off. Called service centre book a service, Asko mucked me around and the call centre treated me with extreme disrespect. Service man came no idea what is wrong orders new soap dispenser 6… Read more

weeks ago. Meantime my further investigations reveal machine has timer issue so electronic starts on one time then gains time them cycle stops early. Would seem to be reason as to why clothes are at times STILL Soaking wet. Soap dispenser fills with water and won't drain could be cause of continued on and off leaking. Report all this to Service persona ASKO and the purchase company of Appliance online. Still waiting for someone to contact me as to what will happen brand new machine and they don't give a rats !!! Have their money so why would they care. So next step fair trade and handle my complaint service... Don't buy this crap product..

Great washing machine! – Have had this machine for a few years now, and it's excellent! superb spinning even though it is quite loud. sounds something like an aeroplane engine. but it definitely spins a lot of the water out. So when it comes time to dry, you won't need to have it out for long. Loose change can be collected at the bottom left, be careful as this can block water drainage  Show details

Not good enough Asko! – Joan on December 14, 2017 After noticing rust particles on the floor I looked underneath my machine and saw terrible corrosion despite it being less than five years old. I sent photos to Asko who said for a $100 call out fee they would replace the soap tray and front panel, also corroded, but not the underneath. Why is there no way to fix this… Read more

corrosion? So much for the long lasting claim on Asko's website. I'd say the machine could start leaking at any time and will last another year if I'm lucky!

Good machine, dreadful after market service – Bought an Asko front loader, had it installed by that company at extra cost, it soon started squeaking and damaging garments. Booked a service call, cost $100 to be informed that a new rear belt drive need to be fitted for another $200. Mechanic returned wanting me to disconnect the machine which I declined. He requested towels which, to our… Read more

amazement, he used to pad his knees with while on his disconnecting the hoses, water poured into the under bench cabinetry and flooded the floor. We became really alarmed when for several minutes, we heard very loud banging for which I finally went to investigate, discovering that the man had fitted a shifting spanner to the drum nut, and unable to loosen it, was lustily bashing at it with heavy pliers. I told him to to stop as he was stripping the nut, to use a ring spanner which he said that he didn't have. I told him to reassemble the machine and send someone who did have the proper equipment. When he left, we no longer had running water although the floors were saturated. On reporting this incident to a woman called [name removed] at Asko's HQ, I was very rudely fobbed off although he was sent back to re-connect the water. The surly man identified himself as an Asko serviceman in an Asko marked vehicle but clearly didn't have sufficient technical knowledge or professional finesse and used the tools of a backyarder.

Worst Machine Ever bought – We have had this machine for the last 3 years & we wish we never bought it. It is definitely not worth the money we paid for it. The machine is really loud. It hits the outer rubber as it washes. It makes a really loud squeaking noise. The Asko tech advised that the water is too hard for this machine & advised us to use a cleaner from their… Read more

company, which we ordered but to date this issue has not resolved. The clothes with stains are not clean but general day to day clothes are fine. I certainly wouldn’t recommend this machine to anyone.

hay at least you got your to work – Plastic inlet, brass connector. Brand new they delivered but never installed, I had to remove all packaging and move it to my laundry myself. When I tried to connect this to the water supply they use a plastic inlet and a brass connector which don’t fit. After multiple calls to asko I get things like you did not play for installation I may have to… Read more

pay, have you tried running hot water on the connector, and let me pull up the instruction manual only to tell me that this is to be installed by a appropriate qualified person, still waiting for some to call me back as the technician that they are going to send can’t do it as he can only do 9 to 10 am

love it after a few hiccups – Love my washing machine now. Had to call repairer out two times as the door would not click correctly and therefore the machine would not start. the second time they changed the rubber around door. Have not had a problem since. The only issue though is if something gets stuck in the lint catcher then the clothes do not wring as well and are a bit wet. It is still a good machine and my clothes come out clean.  Show details

Bad – It came with my apartment so I didn't actually choose this brand and it broke after 3 years. I would expect a washing machine that cost over $1000 to last a little longer than that. Even when it was working, everytime it wash it is so noisy and sounds like a machine gun. Would not recommend it at all.  Show details

Ok – This washing machine is ok it doesn't work as well but it still washes my clothes and does the job its not the best but I would still reccommend it for use it lasts pretty long and is still working and over the next two years it has started breaking down  Show details

Love this machine – Great washing machine that acutally washes your clothes clean as new, even muddy socks. Extremely good on water efficiency and the 1400rpm practically dries your clothes which means they are only out on the line for about 30 minutes. The machine is quiet and reliable. The delay timer to start washing is an excellent feature.  Show details

Super quiet machine – Very happy with how quiet this front loader is compared to our last one. You barely know it's on. It was a bit more expensive, but was recommended by a friend and came with a great warranty. Spins clothes very well so they dry quicker. Clothes come out clean. Happy with how easy it is to use.  Show details

Perfect washer – I have had my machine about 18 months and I am very happy with it. I have never used washing powder or liquid, I use the ECOEGG laundry egg , I am extremely happy with the wash, and wouldn't buy anything else. I was going to buy the Miele but the door opened on the wrong side for me. Luckily Askos door is the opposite. I was always worried… Read more

about the bending down for a front loader, but it is no problem. I am on my own but still wash about 3-4 times a week.

Disgraceful – Holy lord what a lemon! I am disgusted in the quality of this machine (and the dryer to match!) In 4 years I have had numerous call outs to repair this appliance and a new motor replaced. At this current moment it's now leaking. I am so angry and about to start the process to claim compensation by my machine being replaced or money back with the retail ombudsman !  Show details

Asco are fair BUT – Brought my ASCO front loader 3 years ago, there has always been a problem with water leaking from the machine. The machine was under a manufacturing warranty i was told I used too much washing detergent. The rubber seal on the door would not completely seal due to the amount of soap used! I had heard this from other washing machine manufactures.… Read more

So I cut the amount of detergent in half and was extremely diligent with the amount I used. This month the washing was replaced but ASC0 under their extended warranty because the bottom of my machine was extensively rusted, the seal on the door was not sealing and hadn't been for three years. It was a fair outcome but I was unable to purchase another extended warranty making me question the product? Is it worth the extra dollars to purchase a steel drummed machine as in reality they don't appear to last longer than the cheaper front loader with plastic washing drums.

Best by far on the market for front loaders – The Asko front loader is water efficient and simple to use. Asko have a patent on the rubberless seal on the inside which is the same as what you see in commercial laundries. The reason why this is so good is it gives a much longer life span. It's only a washer (so not buy a washer dryer combo which other companies offer. That's like buying an… Read more

oven that you can also use as a fridge! Don't be fooled by salesman).

Washer adjusts water according to the load so no water wasting and you DO NOT need to use a full scoop of powder with these new models. 1/4 is enough for a full load. So you save on running costs.

Best value for money – Get clean clothes in good time (for a front loader) with little water use. Spins very fast so clothes are almost dry when I hang them out. Takes more clothes than other 7kg machines courtesy of the flat door (doona cover, both sheets an 6 pillow covers from queen sized bed with room to spare). Very well rated on Whirlpool forums for long life (at… Read more

least 20yrs is the consensus). When it gests noisy on spin i find stuff in the easily assessable pump and remove it (three times since new, mostly coins).

Love This Machine !! – Best washer I have ever owned. My clothes come out really clean, perfectly washed and not tangled like others. It is really quiet and spins inside the cabinet itself so does not walk or move around. I think it is great. My only negative is the shortest wash cycle is 40 minutes. I would prefer a quick wash for not so soiled clothes. 20 minutes would be great.  Show details

Really good washing machine – The washing machine cleans and rinses clothes really well. My previous machine left horrible detergent residues on my clothes whereas this one thoroughly cleans and rinses my clothes without damaging them. The machine can be a little loud but it's not a deal breaker for me. Initially when the machine was delivered to me it was slightly dented on the corners. Phoned up asko and they were kindly enough to send me a new one!  Show details

Too hard to close – Its a shame as this machine cleans clothes really well without damaging but it is so hard to close that I have to use all my strength to try to close it that I know in the very near future I'm not going to be able. I'm fit active and healthy . This machine definitely should not be promoted to women over the age of 55. I thought it would loosen up but after 2 years it hasn't.  Show details