Canstar

A consumer satisfaction survey has revealed more than 50% of Australians surveyed named water efficiency as the most important factor when choosing a washing machine.

"Our first Canstar Blue washing machine survey showed how eco-friendly most Australian consumers are when it comes to the purchase of this key household item," said CANSTAR CANNEX's Head of Research Steve Mickenbecker.

Interestingly, Gen Y respondents surveyed were most likely to choose 'green' when

it came to their washing machines (59%), when compared to Generation X (56%) and Baby Boomers (50%)."

"Our survey also showed which brands are best in the eyes of their customers - with Miele coming out on top for front loader washing machines and Fisher & Paykel scoring top marks for top loader washing machines."

Miele came in first place for overall satisfaction, performance, noise, design and warranty in the front loader washing machine survey. Samsung and Bosch scored top marks for price and Bosch also came out in front for water efficiency and ease of use.

Fisher & Paykel's customers were the most satisfied for the top loader survey in the categories of overall satisfaction, performance, design and water efficiency. The company tied in first place for the categories of price, ease of use, noise and warranty.

Most Common Washing Machine Gripes

• Excessively noisy
• Cycle too long (particularly for front loader washing machines)
• Cycle settings rigid - inability to change to an alternative cycle
• Annoying notification beeps - unsatisfactory tones, volumes and amount of beeps.

Canstar Blue, a new initiative of CANSTAR CANNEX, commissions Colmar Brunton to survey 2,500 Australian consumers across a range of categories every few months to measure and track customer satisfaction. Miele today received the Most Satisfied Customers Award for Front Loader Washing Machines and Fisher & Paykel received the Most Satisfied Customers Award for Top Loader Washing Machines.

The outcomes reported are the results from buyers of washing machines within the survey group. To qualify, the washing machine has to have been bought within the last three years.

"We launched Canstar Blue to give Australians a free online resource to help them with their key purchasing decisions by making it simple for them to learn from the experiences of other consumers. It is essentially a guide to product excellence as voted by customers," Mr Mickenbecker said.

The independent survey was undertaken in conjunction with professional market researchers, Colmar Brunton.

The full Canstar Blue results are available at www.canstarblue.com.au.

Other key survey findings

• Females were more satisfied than males with their washing machines.
• Baby boomers lived up to their optimistic reputation; with the study showing they are the happiest generation with their washing machine overall.
• SA residents are more satisfied with their washing machines than Australians in any other state.