Bosch Washing Machine Buying Guide

It’s a good idea to go for a larger drum if you have a family, or if you’d rather do your laundry once or twice a week. An 8kg washing machine drum is ideal for a family of 4 and a 9kg drum can easily accommodate a king size duvet, whereas a smaller 6kg or 7kg drum may be overloaded with this. The added advantage of a larger capacity drum is that if you wash a smaller load it will have more space and be cleaned more thoroughly. The latest Bosch models all feature an 8kg or 9kg drum.

It’s important to look out for effective quick wash programmes that can cut your laundry time down when you’re in a hurry. Bosch’s SpeedPerfect* programme enables you to wash a full load thoroughly in just an hour, and for really quick cleans there are even Super Quick 15 and 30 minute programmes. Also, a washing machine with a high spin speed (1400-1600rpm) will leave clothes a bit dryer when the wash is finished, and a bigger drum will give laundry more space to move around and spin dry more efficiently.

*Difference between the duration of Easy Care 40°C and the duration of Easy Care 40°C in combination with SpeedPerfect option.

Most washing machines will offer a range of different programmes to help your clothes and linen stay in perfect condition for as long as possible. Settings like hand wash, delicates, silk, sportswear and woollen are ideal for getting different types of fabrics cleaned effectively and safely. And innovations like Bosch ActiveOxygen take cleaning and protection of delicates to a new level. You should also look out for programmes that can increase convenience and save money, like Bosch’s EcoPerfect which reduces energy consumption by up to a third.

All washing machine detergents should deliver good results when used in the correct dosage. Powders and gels give more flexibility to get the dosage right for your laundry load, but liquitabs and tablets are more convenient. Because liquids dissolve quickly, they can be good for washing at low temperatures. Washing machines with an automatic dosing system like Bosch i-DOS are the best way to achieve convenience and get the perfect dosage.

Buying a low-cost washing machine isn’t always the best way to save money in the long term. When you’re investing in a new washing machine look out for features that will help it to last a long time – like Bosch Drum Clean and Bosch’s EcoSilence Drive motor with 10 year guarantee. Also look out for features and designs that save energy, water and detergent, like Bosch’s VarioPerfect settings, A+++ energy ratings, Active Water system and the EcoBar energy reduction display.

If you’re installing your washing machine in a fitted kitchen, you might favour a built-in washing machine to blend in with your units. Features like Bosch’s TimeLight enable you to check washing progress without opening the door. Free standing washing machines are the same width as built-in appliances but have a bit more depth, so you should always measure first. Whichever style you go for, if it’s situated in an open area like a kitchen, look for low noise settings or low noise motors like Bosch EcoSilence Drive.

There are many reasons why you might want to have the quietest washing machine, and the good news is that there are many low noise models available that don’t compromise on cleaning performance. Look for washing machines with low-noise motors like Bosch’s EcoSilence Drive, quiet programmes like Bosch NightWash and for attention to detail like extra noise insulation. A very quiet washing machine will be rated at about 70-75dB(A) on spin.