You are probably aware of the Italian company Smeg. Even if you don't recognise the name you will have seen their products in your local appliance stores - they're the ones that make you think "wow! That is a cool dishwasher ", for example. And lets face it - dishwashers are rarely cool. Renowned throughout the world for their emphasis on style, elegance and sophisticated design combined with quality engineering and performance, Smeg are principally famed for their 1950's themed refrigerators. That tradition is continued with their range of WMFAB16 free standing washing machines. Presented in four different colours; pastel blue, black, pink and cream (left), it must be said that they look rather splendid. But as someone once said, never judge a book by its cover - or in this case, a washer by its colour. Aesthetics are all well and good, but when it comes to washing machines performance is key. So does the WMFAB16 range stand up to the rigours and expectations of modern living, or is it full of old flannel? Lets take a look.