Bosch washing machines - any good?

Ximian

After five and a a half years of use, my Indesit washing machine started making a rumbling noise when it was busy with the spin cycle. I opened the machine, removed the belt and then spun the drum by hand and could feel that the drum bearings were shot. I thought it would be a relatively cheap and easy task replacing the bearings once I sourced the replacement bearing kit for £25 online but for £15 at my local electrical appliance shop. I've never worked on washing machines before, but since the machine cost £177 brand new in 2005 I thought I had nothing to lose. Removing the drum was a real pita BUT I noticed that the plastic drum housing is a sealed unit. The drum housing is in two pieces originally but I suspect that once the metal drum is inserted into the housing the case is sealed shut either by plastic weld or PVC.

I've confirmed that the cheaper washing machines like I have can't have the drum housing split to repair the bearings and are mostly disposable units, even if the fault is minor, the repair costs could amount to 50% or more for what the machine was purchased for.

I've since been looking at online reviews and comparisons and see that Miele is regarded as one of the most reliable brands out there, but comes at a cost at around £600+ for the cheaper models but you can get a 10 year guarantee. I think the lesson learnt is to buy decent and not cheap as it seems the cheap models have a life expectancy of around 3-5 years.

I'm looking at the Bosch range and was wondering if MSE members can share any thoughts on the Bosch range of washing machines. I'm looking to buy a Bosch WAE24364GB model. Any thoughts on reliability and cost of repairs appreciated.

TIA

mandragora_2

Ours was fine - but I replaced it with a Miele when it finally died. I'd recommend this forum, as they give great advice:

http://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/modules.php?name=Forums

and this guy:

http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/


If you're thinking of a Miele, really scour the internet for deals - there's one site (sorry, can't remember which one) that gives discount and extended warranty on anything that's come up as a 'Which' Best Buy.

WestonDave

We've had a Bosch washing machine for I would guess 8 years - earlier in the year it tripped the electrics but after a bit of research, I took the back off, replaced the motor brushes (paid £15 in a shop in town to get them instantly so I could do it that weekend - £6 online!) and its now working as good as ever. Wasn't a particularly difficult fix, and some sites suggest you might want to change them after 5 years as a maintenance thing.

A._Badger

I've had a Bosh washing machine for around 10 years and it has been absolutely faultless. It's probably been one of the best domestic appliance purchases I've ever made,

However, I keep hearing that the current Bosch range isn't as well made, unless you are willing to spend a lot of money on one of their up-market models and, looking at them, I can see why people say that.

At that upper price-level, however, you're starting to get into Miele territory, so I think, when the Bosch eventually fails, I'll be going for the cheapest Miele I can find.

totalsolutions

>We've had a Bosch washing machine for I would guess 8 years

Same here WD, but with a Miele washing machine, can't fault it.

sweetdreamer

Would never choose any other. Our last machine lasted almost 10 years without any probs. When it eventually went wrong it was terminal! Replaced with newer model - delighted with perfomance. Have since changed most other appliances to Bosch with similar satisfaction. Highly recommend

elsien

Another vote for Bosch, for those of us who can't afford Miele. I was told by the shop assistant that the more expensive ones are made in Germany and have better quality control than the cheaper ones, but our cheap one has 4 loads a day pretty much every day and has just hit the 2 year mark. Which doesn't sound much but other brands have made it that far then died, with that level of usage.

cally1_2

I do on average 1 load a day with mine and I have had it about 4 years.

No problems so far and would buy another. Cost about £280 new, so one of the cheaper ones.

Gloomendoom

We've got one... or so my wife tells me.

It must work alright because I can't remember buying a new one in a few years.

loracan1

I've had one for the last 6/7 years. Faultless? No. The lcd panel failed after a couple of years, never bothered replacing it, but otherwise washes perfectly well.

Inactive

There really isn't much point in comparing washing machines made 5 to 8 years ago, with ones made now, they are made down to a price, even Bosch ones.

The only washing machines that are designed to last now are Miele.