If you’re in the market for a new washing machine, you might be confused about which brand to go for.
We will be looking at the washing machine manufacturer Beko and giving you all the information needed to make an informed purchase.
Just to kick things off, we think that Beko washing machines are excellent. We will be going through all the reasons we think that and why you might want to buy one.
Why Beko washing machines are good
Beko makes cost-effective and sturdy washing machines that are very stylish and repairable.
Over the last 10 years, they have really stepped up their game in the washer department and have been producing some really impressive washers.
Some positives of Beko washing machines:
- Great prices – you can usually pick up a Beko washing machine starting at around £250.
- Very repairable and the spare parts are almost always available.
- Most machines come with a quick wash which is great for small families and people that want to just freshen up a few items.
We also love that they are now producing machines with recycled tubs made from waste plastic bottles. This is great for the environment and a huge step in the right direction for appliance manufacturers.
Why Beko washing machines are bad
Like most appliance manufacturers, the machines that Beko produce are not perfect. They are susceptive to a range of faults like most machines.
The bad points:
- Sealed drums – this means that when the bearings fail in your washer, you have to buy a complete drum or replace the machine.
- Small drum capacity – most Beko budget machines have a small drum capacity which is not great for large families.
- The cheaper models have really poor energy ratings meaning they are inefficient and cost you more money in electricity.
Where are Beko washing machines made?
Beko washing machines are manufactured in Turkey. All Beko household appliances are made by the multinational company Arçelik.
If you own a Beko washing machine, then there’s a really good chance that it was made in Turkey and then imported.
Since 1959, Arçelik has been producing and retailing washing machines in Turkey and exporting them all around the world.
Common Beko washing machine faults
Beko washing machines have a range of common faults. If your machine has an LCD display, then it will usually show an error code when it breaks down.
Let’s take a look at 4 common problems with Beko washing machines:
1. The pumps get blocked often
It’s not unusual for a washing machine to experience a blockage every now and again.
This is mainly because people forget to check their pockets before loading the drum up with clothes. In fact, it accounts for a huge percentage of repairs that appliance engineers carry out.
The problem with Beko washing machines is that they seem to be more susceptible to getting blocked in the drain pump filter.
Some washing machine manufacturers like Zanussi have integrated a different type of filter that is better equipped to deal with objects making their way through the drum and into the pump.
This isn’t a fault that you should worry about too much because draining off a washing machine and unblocking the pump is not that hard to do.
2. The motors seem to fail more than other brands
Most Beko washing machines have a single drive motor that is equipped with carbon brushes to power the motor.
Even though it’s less of a fault and more maintenance, this means that the carbon brushes will wear down and cause the machine to stop spinning.
Obviously, if you’re looking to buy a new washing machine, you’re going to want to look out for machines that are almost guaranteed to break down within a certain timeframe.
Buying a washing machine with carbon brushes is a sure way to guarantee that your washer is going to need repairing in the future.
You can buy washing machines with a magnetic motor, which are usually described as super silent. Beko does have a range with this style of motor, but they’re usually a little bit more expensive.
3. Control board failure
One of the worst faults you can have on a washing machine is control board failure.
This is because the control boards are usually one of the most expensive parts to replace. You might even need to have the control module programmed before it’s installed for some brands and models.
A common problem with Beko washing machines is when they won’t start the cycle and just clicks. This is a topic that we have covered previously if you want to go and check it out.
Sometimes you might even find that Beko washers will have a fault where the control board short circuits and blows. This is usually a combination of another faulty part, making the repair even more expensive and more difficult to figure out.
It’s worth noting that control board failure is not exclusive to Beko appliances and can happen on any brand or model of washing machine.
4. Bearing failure
Bearing failure is always something that can cause real problems for the life of your washing machine.
Because the drum is one of the most used parts of a washer, the bearings can take a real beating over their lifetime.
One of the problems with Beko washing machines is that they are usually fitted with sealed drums.
This means that if the bearings in a Beko washing machine collapse or fail, you would need to replace the entire drum, which is significantly more expensive than just the bearings.
This is definitely something to look out for when buying a new washing machine as it can mean that you have to replace the machine as opposed to getting a repair with other models.
How to reset a Beko washing machine
Most Beko washing machines don’t have a combination reset, meaning they rely on the machine being disconnected from the power to reset the control board.
Here’s how to reset a Beko washing machine:
- Turn the control knob to the off position – this is usually the setting at the top of the display.
- Disconnect the machine from the main power supply by removing the plug from the socket.
- Wait for 5 – 10 minutes so that the capacitors on the control board discharge.
- Connect the machine back to the power supply and run a cycle to test if the problem has been solved.
If you’re trying to reset your machine because it has an error code or is experiencing a fault, then resetting the machine might not solve the problem.
Most washing machine faults are caused by a broken part and need to be investigated and replaced.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a budget washing machine and you’re not sure where to start, Beko might be a great option for you.
It’s not recommended to buy a Beko washing machine if you have a large family because the drum capacity isn’t great for large washes.
If you overload a Beko washing machine drum with too many items of clothing, it might experience spinning problems or may shake around and vibrate.
It’s important to do some research into the type of drum that’s fitted into a washing machine because bearing failure is one of the main reasons that a machine is replaced and the ability to have the bearings replaced as opposed to replacing the drum could work out much cheaper.
