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Choosing a Bosch Washing Machine
Bosch as a Manufacturer
Bosch started operation in 1886 by launching “Workshops for precision engineering and electrical engineering” in Germany, and has since grown to be the third largest home appliance manufacturer in the world. Bosch operates in almost 50 countries and is famed for innovation, quality and different product ranges, including their washing machines. By focusing on producing highly efficient appliances that are energy saving and cost effective, Bosch has captured a sizeable chunk of the market share in appliances. Their products frequently receive consumer awards and are among the top ranking models on display in consumer magazines. Bosch washing machines aim to take the drudgery out of washing, by their fully automated functionality, thus freeing you to get on with other more pressing tasks.
Choosing a Washing Machine
Although the choice of washing machine depends upon your personal needs and specifications, there are several general features to consider. There would be no point in paying a substantially higher price for a machine with extra features that you may never use.
Loading Options
Washing machines come with two loading options: front loading machines and top loading ones. The choice would typically depend upon the available space in your kitchen or utility room and the amount of washing you do each week.
• Front Loading Machines: These machines are compact, can fit easily under counter tops, and could accommodate a tumble dryer on the top if needed. Clothes are usually loaded through an opening at the front of the machine. Front loading machines are in general more expensive than top loading machines, but they consume less water and energy.
• Top Loading Machines: These machines need additional floor area to accommodate the dryer at its side. The clothes are loaded from the top, removing the need for you to bend down either for loading or taking the clothes out after they are washed. They are less expensive to buy, but running expenses are higher, in terms of the water and energy they consume. You can use regular detergents for washing.
Load Capacity
The washing machine you opt for should have the right capacity to handle your wash load. The wash load of a machine is expressed in terms of the weight of clothes the machine is capable of handling. The capacity of a washing machine ranges from 4-8 kg. A washing machine with a 4 kg capacity can meet the needs of one or two people, while a 6-8 kg machine can handle the load of a family of four or five.
Spin Speed
The spin speed of a washing machine has a bearing on how effectively the detergent is removed from the clothes and the degree to which the clothes are dried by the end of the wash cycle. Typical spin speeds of washing machines range from 800-1600 rpm, while a 1000 rpm machine could be considered if there is no dryer. Spin speeds can either be fixed or variable. In a machine having a fixed spin speed, the drum spins at the preset spinning speed, while a machine with the variable spin speed feature, allows you to select and adjust the speed at which the drum spins, for each wash. If the machine is set at inappropriate speeds without taking into consideration the type of material being washed, there is a risk that the clothes may become damaged at excessive speeds.
Energy Consumption
Machines with higher energy consumption will cost more by way of energy bills. Washing machines which come with an ‘energy star’ label are considered as being more energy efficient than those that don’t bear these labels.
Wash Programs
Preset wash programs allow you to set an appropriate wash cycle to suit your requirements. With a preset program, you have the option of setting the wash time, rinsing time and the wash temperature. It is just a matter of determining the right combination for your wash. The consumption of water and degree of drying are dependant upon the preset features of the machine. Some machines also have inbuilt features with appropriate spin speed, according to the texture and type of the fabrics in the wash.
Size
Front loading washing machines come in a standard size of 60cms. wide, but if you prefer to have something narrower, you may opt for a top loader.
Noise
Washing machines that produce less noise are often the preferred choice. Machines with 70 db or lower, are considered to be quiet.
Euro label Classification
The ‘Euro’ label is a tag that ranks the washing machine according to performance, and this practice is in vogue in the UK and most major European countries. The ranking system has an ‘A’ to ‘G’ range, that indicates the quality of your washing machine as ‘best to worst.’ AAA rating indicates that the machine is rated as having the optimal features to ensure peak performance.
The Bosch range of Washing Machines
Bosch washing machines give superior performance by incorporating all the basic features required for a washing machine plus many advanced features. Indeed, they claim to have outstanding efficiency with levels of water and energy consumption reduced by up to 76% as compared to similar offerings from other manufacturers. They have a large capacity drum, and are built for handling heavy loads. These washing machines have quiet noise ratings, achieved through the use of sound ‘deadening’ material. They are also equipped with a network of sensors that analyse the weight, balance, temperature and the level of water within.
Bosch washing machines use less energy and water than many of their competitors. They consume some 60% less water and 68% less electricity than many conventional models. They are also designed to be gentle on the most delicate of fabrics, whilst maintaining quiet operation and superior cleaning.
Conclusion
Washing machines save time and energy, and take away the drudgery of washing. There are washing machines with advanced features such as hot wash, timers, warning sounds, etc. The wealth of brands and designs of washing machines available in today’s market render the task of selection more complex. You would do well to consider the features that make for easy operation and lower running expenses, and overall affordability when you set out to buy your ideal machine. Bosch machines are at the higher end of the price scale but as we have seen, you need to consider overall cost of ownership including energy factors and durability when making your decision.
About the Author: Sean Clark is eCommerce Director at Tribal UK.
Find further information and a guide to buying Bosch washing machines at www.tribaluk.com - your home for quality electrical goods delivered FREE of charge to all mainland UK addresses
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