Electrolux Washer Dryer EWW8024Q5WB (8kg/4.5kg)

Power cord is too short compared to dryer from same manufacturer – I purchased this Electrolux front loader washing machine because I also have an Electrolux 8kg dryer, so it made sense to have machines with the same load capacity, and a brand I know and trust. My dryer was only purchased in June 2022. Imagine my surprise then, when the washing machine was being installed and the power cord is much shorter than the cord for the dryer. I am incredibly fortunate that I have two power points at different levels on the wall in my laundry, so I had a power point the washing machine could be plugged into – otherwise I would have had the additional expense of having to have another power point installed, as the instruction manual for the washing machine explicitly states it should not be used with a double adaptor, extension cord or multi-plug adaptor.

I’ve used it with a number of different washing options and it does a good job. It does, however, start with an awful crunch noise no matter what function I’m using, which is a little disconcerting. The maximum spin speed for any type of load is 1200 RPM (there are different brands out there with a higher RPM, so if you are relying on drying your clothes with a dryer instead of line hanging to dry, you may want to consider a washing machine capable of the higher RPM, as the items will come out of the machine with less moisture in them). I can definitely tell the difference in the slower spin cycle on this machine compared to my last machine which had the 1400 RPM.

Interestingly, the only washing programs that will take the full capacity of the machine (ie 8kg) are the following programs: Cottons, Energy Saver (also for cottons), and Full Wash 60 (also for cottons). All other washing programs are limited to 1.5kg, 3kg, 4kg or 5kg. The shortest wash cycle available is the “Quick 15” which is for lightly soiled synthetics or mixed fabrics, and is only for a 1.5kg load. The next shortest cycle available is the “Daily 39”, which is suggested for daily wear coloured cotton clothing with low levels of soiling. Otherwise there is the “Full Wash 60” which is for a mixed load and it will take 8kg.

It also has a “Tub Clean” function which comes in handy for getting rid of the build up of residue if, like me, you normally use either cold water or low temperature for your washes. It does also suggest to occasionally use water softening powder in a separate wash if you live in an area with hard water. You can use it with either powder or liquid detergent, you just need to adjust the flap on the detergent drawer depending on which you are using. It does suggest not to use a gelatinous or thick liquid detergent though. Same with the fabric softener, if you are using a thick one, it recommends diluting it with water.

It has a “Rinse Hold” function so that the machine will keep turning the clothes to prevent creasing. If your load is significantly dirty, you can increase the time of the wash. What they call the “Delay End” option is what I would call a ‘delayed start’ – so if you want the washing to finish in 6 hours time, the machine will do that. I tried this function and it was very accurate. I note the machine says the cycles won’t always take as long as what the machine timer says the cycle will take when it first starts. It will adjust the time depending on what it determines during the load sensing phase.

It also has a “Hygienic Care” function where it will tumble the load in vapour after the rinse cycle. They say this is more effective with a half load rather than a full one, and obviously only use it with clothing that can take higher temperatures. There are also functions for doing a pre-wash and an extra rinse.

Fortunately, you can also turn off the annoying “end of wash” music that it plays.