Why a high-end appliance is more likely to go wrong than cheaper rivals

Top brands, including Smeg and Hoover, were less reliable than lower-priced fridges, washing machines and dishwashers.

Households could be hit with repair bills of up to £750 just months after buying a brand new machine.

In one example, nearly half of all Whirlpool washing machines broke down after 12 months.

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Researchers warned shoppers to buy carefully in the run-up to Christmas, when spending on appliances is expected to reach £500million.

The analysis of more than 18,000 white goods was conducted by Warranty Direct.

Spokesman Duncan McClure Fisher said: "The analysis highlights that expensive does not always guarantee reliability."

Some American- style Smeg fridge freezers sell for more than £3,000, but the study found one in eight is likely to break down within a year, compared to fewer than one in 50 of the much cheaper models made by Zanussi and Beko.

Instead of splashing out more than £2,000 on a Smeg FA550X model, Beko's equivalent AP930X can be picked up for as little as £650.

Washer-dryer combinations were the poorest performers, with one in four breaking down within a year.

Washing machines were almost as bad, with one in five failing in the first 12 months.

Beko washing machines - around £100 cheaper than comparable Hoover appliances - proved four times more reliable.

Two in five had faults in the first year. Ariston and LG were almost as bad, according to the research.

One in five Hoover tumble-driers can be expected to suffer a fault in the first 12 months, compared to just seven per cent of White Knight and Creda machines.

Smeg also failed to come out gleaming when it came to dishwashers-Some of its models sell for nearly £900 - but almost a third broke down in their first year.

One of the most reliable models came from Bosch, with fewer than one in 10 breaking down.

Its dishwasher range comes in at up to £600 less.

The study also examined repair costs.

The average for repairing a washing machine - one in five of which are expected to break down in their first year, was £130, but the bill could reach a stinging £728.

Warranty Direct said it was important to get reasonably priced insurance cover against breakdowns.

Mr McClure Fisher added: "Consumers should never take out a manufacturer or shop extended warranty for years two and three of their white good's life.

"The one-year manufacturer warranty and the Sales of Goods Act offers plenty of protection.

"For real peace of mind against having to fork out three figures on repairs, get cover from an independent supplier, not the overpriced cover pushed on customers by stores."