Bosch Front-load Washing Machine 2.2 cubic feet ENERGY STAR®

best small washer possible but get an extended warranty March 25, 2012
via Sears.com

I bought this washer over a year ago for my condo because the one that came with it (a two-year-old Whirlpool) didn't work. After much research I discovered ALL small washers have problems. This one was the highest rated. I never buy extended warranties--because I do research before making major purchases and buy good quality products and have saved a bundle not buying those extended warrenties--however it became apparent from all the reviews I read on small washers unless you have a small space, as I do, smaller washers are more expensive and have lots of problems. It was good I bought the warranty because Today Sears is coming to repair what appears to be a broken close latch--it won't start and make several short buzzes when I try, hopefully this will be the first and last time for the four years the warranty will last, but I doubt it. If you are only buying a washer--not the set--be aware this one has a European plug that is made to fit into a Bosch Dryer, I was not aware of this until it was delivered to my home. Because I still have the working Whirlpool dryer, I am lucky my husband knew how to add a junction box with a correct plug that is tied to my dryer or it would not have worked. Another issue I have with this machine is it seems to take a lot of time to wash the types of loads I use--cottons and dark colors take about an hour--not including a second spin cycle I often add to save drying times--to wash a load of laundry. This seems about 25% longer than what I recall other washers taking but it also washes better than the other washers I've owned. The reviews I read helped me avoid problems others seem to have had with front-loading machines, I ALWAYS leave the door open for at least two days to dry it out after using it to avoid mold and NEVER use bleach--as was stated in the owner's manual--because bleach might damage its front rubber gasket.I discovered that Oxyclean works well for keeping whites white and appears to be do less damage to fabrics and the environment than bleach. Finally, I would have preferred more control over what I will be wishing, instead of having the controls by clothing type (i.e. KidsCare, sportswear?) but it does have overrides so when I select darks, I am able to change water temps from warm to cold and change cottons from warm to hot, Other than it breaking after one year, its European plug, somewhat long washing cycles, some unclear washing types, need to use Oxyclean instead of bleach and needing to leave the door open for a few days to make sure it doesn't get mold, this machine has been a gem, In summary, its good qualities far outweigh its problems. It washes MUCH larger loads than other small washers and it cleans clothes very well. Using its spin cycle for an additional spin significantly reduces dry times for cottons. I recommend this washer and plan to buy a second when this one is expected to die but will again buy an extended warranty--however if you have space buy the larger, less expensive and better version of the same machine.

Dont Buy!!!! March 16, 2012
via Sears.com

This washing machine is a lemon! I know three different owners all have problems. Washing machine requires maintenance, locks and wont unlock, gets out of balance. Do not buy!!!

Bosch Washer & Dryer March 05, 2012
via Sears.com

We have the Bosch WFK2401 under cabinet washer and WTL 5400 Dryer that came with our home.  We believe that they are about 8 to 10 years old.  Both came from Sears.  They work well and we have only had to do minor repairs to the washer.  My husband had to replace the carbon brushes on the motor that spins the washer (Thank goodness for the internet and dossy.org for the detailed instructions on how to do that!) and we have had to call Sears under our home warranty to replace the impeller/drain motor.  Our WFK2401 is not made to serve a 5 person home.  It has difficulty handling a full size comforter or more than 5 or 6 towels at a time so we believe that it was designed for apartment installation.

My biggest beef with our older machine is that the door seal gets mildew/moldy because my husband and children do not leave the door cracked open for the machine to dry out after use.  Our washer is in a high traffic hallway.  Once the mildew has started it never ends no matter how much bleach is applied to kill the mildew.  Mold will grow in the soap compartment area too if it is not cleaned monthly especially during high humidity times.

I have considered replacing the the machine, but ours is installed under a counter so the only option is another Bosch front loader or remodelling the entire laundry room to remove the corian counter above it since I only have 34 inches of clearance under my counter.  Another consideration that people need to think about it the type of floor under the machine.  Ours is on main floor above our basement so when the high rpm spin cycle is going, everyone in the nearby rooms knows it from the vibrations that are sent out.  Apparently this is an issue with all front loaders.  I am hoping this newer Bosch model has compensated for this issue.  I am also hoping that this newer model has a larger capacity that our current one, since it is too small for our family.

I love my Bosch front loading washers! February 14, 2012
via Sears.com

I've owned one Bosch 220V washer up to now. It lasted me 12 years. I loved using it each and every load. I also lived in Europe for a time and owned other front loading washers. I love the compactness and efficiency of these front loaders. They use little water, are energy efficient, and spin the clothes really fast. Also, 220V gives you more torque in the motor and much faster heat for your wash water. It's a win/win situation if you already have 220V in your laundry. So, when the motor gave out recently on my 12 year old Bosch washer I simply went to the store to see what new Bosch machines they had on offer. In the past they only marketed one 220V model in the States. To my surprise, they now have three Axxis models! I eventually elected to purchase the mid-priced model from the current line up for a number of reasons. I do think this machine is the winning compromise of price/performance. I will compare the different features and the reasoning behind my final purchase. My old Bosch had all the perks currently included on the $1400 Axxis model. This top of the line machine features a digital readout, delayed wash cycle, max 1200 rpm spin cycle, and a dial in wash water temperature for 5 different temps. The midline model I purchased has a few less features and was priced at under just $1000. It's a substantial savings in my book for the same basic machine. I'm also not sure I ever took advantage of these added features when they were available to me. Your experience may differ, however. For instance, my old Bosch was able to spin clothes up to 1200 rpm. I never asked it to spin past 1000 rpm, however. The 1200 rpm sounded like a space ship taking off in my laundry room. I also didn't think the clothes were that much drier over 1000 rpm. My new machine spins up to 1000 rpm. It's fine by me. It's also much quieter than my old machine was at 1000 rpm, as well. Nice bonus! My old washer had a digital readout which displayed the time left in the cycle. I rarely looked at this after the first month. I became quite accustomed to the 75 minute wash cycles. I knew when I heard it spinning how much longer to the end of the cycle. You can listen for the buzzer, as well. However, I shut my buzzer off on both machines as it reminds you every five minutes that the clothes are ready. This gets old really quickly. This new washer does not have a digital readout but does have LED's which show where you are in the cycle. It might be nicer to have the digital readout but I'm not sure it is essential for the price difference. My old Bosch could delay the wash cycle for up to 24 hours. This mid-priced model does not. I think I may have used this feature a handful of times. If I had a lot of loads lined up, say after returning from vacation, I would use it. You can load the clothes, leave for work, and delay the start so the cycle will end right when you get home. No damp clothers sitting around for hours. On the other hand, I have mostly found myself just waiting until I get home to start the next load. Again, it might be a nice feature if you are doing a mega number of loads. I doubt I'll miss it, however. My old washer had 5 temperature settings. The machine used its built in heating element to make sure the temperature was accurate no matter what the temp of the ambient water. I am particularly fond of this feature in both washing machines and dishwashers since they are often located a good distance from the water heater, itself. This feature gets used with every load in my home. This new washer is much the same. I'm not sure yet how you dial in 145 degrees but the web site says this model does have 5 settings for the wash water. I just haven't figured out how to access the fifth setting due to the sparse instructions. The old washer came with a 30 page booklet detailing every facet of its operation. True, it was overkill. This new machine, however, has only a small fan-folded pamphlet that gives you just the bare essentials. They say you can access more info on line but in truth there isn't much more on the Bosch web site. It's basically the same information but in a different format. But that's it. For $400 more you get the 1200 rpm spin over 1000 rpm spin. You can delay the start of the wash cycle for 24 hours. You get a digital readout that tells you the remaining time in the cycle. There may also be one more wash temp setting. These are not any features I commonly used, however, even when they were right in front of me. So, for me, the mid-priced machine was a no brainer. On all the machines, a word about leveling. The rubber feet on these new machines are very easy to adjust and there is a nut for each which you tighten once the machine is leveled. I would advise that you also place a small level inside the drum initially and compare this with the level reading from the top of the machine. It's a bit dicey with all those tear drop shaped indentations in the drum so do line it up carefully. I found the drum to tilt just a bit forward when the top panel of the machine was exactly level. Not by a lot, but it was still noticeable. By adjusting the feet in favor of having a level drum I found the noise during the spin cycle to improve dramatically. I thought it was quiet before. Now it's perhaps 75% quieter when spinning compared to my old Bosch. Well worth a little tweaking. So, at the end of the day, does this new Bosch mid-line washer work as well as my old top of the line model? It's actually much quieter, cleans clothes better, and is just as intuitive to use. In short, I'm sure I'm going to love it. Since it cost the same as my old top of the line Bosch I'm also thinking it's very good value for the money. Do make sure you look at all the current models, however, and choose according to your needs. I think the mid-priced model at $999 gives perhaps the most bang for your buck but if you can utilize those top of the line features then perhaps it's worth the $400. In either case, these are super compact, super efficient washers that I can't praise highly enough.