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No household should be without a washing machine. There are now many different models and functions that washing machines have. But in the course of life, needs and household sizes change. The most important aspects should also be considered for a sustainable and water-saving washing machine. One of the best-known manufacturers of washing machines is the German company Bosch, headquartered in Gerlingen (southern Germany).
It has been one of the leading washing machine manufacturers for years and continuously brings new innovations to the market. In our Bosch washing machine test 2023 we want to introduce you to important functions and show you the best Bosch washing machine for your needs.
Contents
- 1 Summary
- 2 The Best Bosch Washing Machine: Our Picks
- 3 Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying a Bosch washing machine
- 4 Decision: What types of Bosch washing machines are there and what are their advantages and disadvantages?
- 5 Buying criteria: You can use these factors to compare and evaluate Bosch washing machines
- 6 Facts worth knowing about the Bosch washing machine
Summary
- Bosch washing machines offer a lot of innovation and function. Among other things, there are now intelligent dosing systems and functions for allergy sufferers. Before buying, you should find out about possible additional functions.
- A Bosch washing machine comes in different series. The higher the series, the more functions they have and the higher their price. It starts with series 2, goes through series 4,6,8 and finally the HomeProfessionels series.
- Bosch washing machines have different capacities. The larger the household, the larger the capacity of the washing machine should be.
The Best Bosch Washing Machine: Our Picks
Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying a Bosch washing machine
When choosing a washing machine, various factors such as the size of the drum, additional washing programmes for allergy sufferers or an “extra-quiet” function are important. Depending on the size of your household and individual factors (allergy sufferers, athletes, work clothes), you should take a closer look at different models. In the following guide, you can find out where to buy a Bosch washing machine and how it differs from others.
What distinguishes Bosch washing machines from those of other manufacturers?
Bosch washing machines are also available in a so-called SlimLine . This means that they are not 60 cm deep, but only 45 cm. This is particularly practical for students or people with a small flat and little space! With a Bosch washing machine, you can be sure that it will meet your needs exactly and that it has been developed with high quality and good technology.
How much does a Bosch washing machine cost?
The higher the series, the higher the prices. Bosch washing machines from series 6 onwards may also be a little more upmarket in design and have new innovative technologies. The extra-quiet appliances are also only found in the higher series numbers.
What spare parts are available for my Bosch washing machine and where can I get them?
- Connection cable
- Wiring harness
- Control panel
- Condenser mains filter
- Control module
- Seal
- Rotary handle programme
- Pan handle
Of course, you can also order a user manual if you no longer have yours.
Decision: What types of Bosch washing machines are there and what are their advantages and disadvantages?
What distinguishes a front-loading Bosch washing machine and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
Front-loading washing machines are all washing machines that have access to the washing drum at the front. This means that the doors open outwards and you need some space to get the laundry out easily. These are the most common washing machine models. Among them you will find a wide range of functions and series.
What distinguishes a Bosch SlimLine washing machine and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
SlimLine washing machines from Bosch differ from conventional front-loading washing machines in terms of depth. This is particularly practical in small flats and also for 1-2 person households. The depth is only 47cm instead of the usual 60cm. So it also fits into smaller corners
Buying criteria: You can use these factors to compare and evaluate Bosch washing machines
Design
Generally speaking, there are three general types of Bosch washing machines:
- Freestanding units
- Undercounter units
- Built-in appliances
The meaning is based on the installation options of the Bosch washing machine. As the name suggests, freestanding appliances are not placed under a worktop or built into the kitchen unit. Therefore, they do not have any special height requirements and have a lid. If the freestanding Bosch washing machine is to be placed next to a worktop, the height of the worktop must be taken into account.
They are particularly suitable if you have a lot of space and do not move around often. An under-mount Bosch washing machine usually fits under all standard worktops (85cm or higher). It is then installed under the worktop so that the lid can be unscrewed. However, if you have a lower worktop, you should know the exact dimensions of the washing machine.
Undercounter washing machines are particularly flexible, as even a new kitchen or a move will not cause any problems. You can also use the under-counter washing machine with lid as a freestanding washing machine.
If the washing machine needs to be flexible in terms of installation and relocation, a built-in washing machine is less suitable.
Bosch also offers built-in washing machines . These are generally less common with other manufacturers because the dimensions have to fit perfectly into the existing kitchen and they are therefore less flexible. The effort involved is significantly higher than with other designs. When repairs are needed, for example, the entire washing machine has to be removed first.
Capacity
In general, Bosch offers washing machines with a capacity of 6 – 9 kg. The unit is always indicated by the weight of the dry laundry. Single households or couples need less volume than families. If you are a couple and generally do a lot of sports or have work clothes, you can consider a washing machine with a load capacity of 7-8kg. The higher the capacity, the higher the electricity and water consumption. Therefore, you should never choose a machine with too high a load capacity.
| Capacity | Household size |
|---|---|
| up to 6kg | 1-2 persons |
| 6-8kg | 3-4 persons |
| up to 9kg or larger | 5 persons or more |
Revolutions
The number of revolutions for Bosch washing machines is around 1000 – 1600 revolutions per minute. The higher the speed, the drier the laundry is after the wash cycle. However, more creases will form.
(Image source: unsplash.com / Kelly Sikkema)
For delicate laundry, the speed should be lower. The table below should give you a further overview of when you should increase or decrease the speed.
| High spin speed (1200 rpm or more) | low spin speed (1000 rpm or less) |
|---|---|
| Drying within your own four walls | drying on the balcony/ in the garden or in the drying cellar is possible |
| Laundry should be as dry as possible | laundry should be as crease-free as possible |
| non-sensitive materials | for sensitive materials such as silk, chiffon and certain cotton fabrics |
Special programmes
There are a number of special programmes that cover specific needs. For example, a Bosch washing machine has the following special programmes:
- Extra short
- Allergy Plus
- Down
- Shirts/blouses
- Sportswear
- Jeans/dark laundry
So you can find the right washing programme for every need. From the Bosch Series 6 onwards, the washing machines are particularly quiet and have a long-lasting motor. This is particularly interesting for people who wash a lot and frequently. Washing machines with special drums for allergy sufferers are already available in Series 2, so you are guaranteed to find the perfect washing machine with relevant special programmes for you.
Sustainability
Above all, a washing machine should be water and energy efficient. Especially in households with more than 3 people, there is a lot of laundry. Fortunately, most Bosch washing machines have efficient water and energy use.
From Series 2 to Series 8 as well as the HomeProfessionals series, all Bosch washing machines include an extra short wash programme. This can be used when there is little and only lightly soiled laundry.
Always make sure that the volume of the washing drum is used as much as possible in one wash cycle. This avoids unnecessary water consumption. If you do not wash a lot of laundry, use either a gentle or energy-saving programme. You can also use the short programme. If you live in a shared flat, wash your clothes together with your flatmates. Then you can share the work of hanging out the laundry!
(Image source: unsplash.com/ Erik Witsoe)
Volume
Washing machines with a high spin rate tend to be noisier. The movement also creates slight vibrations that can be felt through walls higher up. Especially in rented flats or if the flat is small, you should consider buying a Bosch washing machine that is particularly quiet. This way, neighbours in the flats below you won’t feel bothered. This ensures less potential for conflict! Even if you do a lot of washing, you don’t want to hear the washing machine all the time. If the washing machine is in a laundry room, the function is less relevant.
Facts worth knowing about the Bosch washing machine
Which compartment should you use for which functions?
A Bosch washing machine usually has three compartments. But which compartment is suitable for which detergent or tab? The compartments or chambers are labelled differently on many washing machines. There is usually a prewash compartment, a main wash compartment and a fabric softener compartment .
This is often marked with a flower. It is therefore important to sort the detergents correctly so that they enter the drum in the right order. Usually the number 1 (I) stands for the prewash compartment, 2(II) for the main wash compartment and 3 (III) for the fabric softener compartment. To be sure, check the instruction manual of your Bosch washing machine again. The main wash compartment contains:
- Heavy-duty detergent
- Delicates
- Colour detergent
- Water softener
In the prewash compartment belong:
- Heavy-duty detergent from 90 degrees
And only fabric softener and vinegar or fragrances belong in the fabric softenercompartment.
How do I care for and clean my Bosch washing machine?
To make sure your Bosch washing machine lasts a long time, we have a few tips on how to care for it.
- Counteract unpleasant odours by using the boil wash cycle at regular intervals. This kills all odour-causing bacteria that cannot be killed by gentle washing
- Add Anti Limescale Tabs to the wash. The different degrees of water hardness cause limescale deposits. The tabs are available in every supermarket or drugstore.
- Clean the lint filter regularly. The lint filter should be cleaned after about 12-14 washes. Sometimes larger items such as hair clips or socks can get caught there and cause blockages.
- Avoid overfilling the washing drum. If there are too many clothes in the washing drum, they will not be able to unfold during the wash cycle and will not only cause stains on the clothes, but also leave residues in the detergent chamber or in the drum due to the washing powder.
Error messages with the Bosch washing machine
Sometimes error messages occur during the wash cycle. To identify the error message for your Bosch washing machine, it is worth taking a look at the user manual. The most common error messages are, for example, E18 / F18: Pump time exceeded or error E16 / F16: Window shutter open . You can also find an overview of the various error messages on the Bosch website.
Warranty for Bosch washing machines
In general, Bosch washing machines have a 24-month warranty. During this time, all repair costs or possible faults are covered by the warranty.
Image source: PlanetCare / Unsplash
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