Bosch WAS20160UC Front Load Washer
- Volume Capacity: 3.4 cu/ ft
- Weight Capacity: 164 lb.
- Load Type: Front Load
- Washer Type: Washer
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User ReviewRead All Reviews »
Very disappointing -- DNB
Pros
They look nice.
Cons
Poor cleaning, long wash cycles, Clorox prohibited, hard to keep the unit clean
Recommended it?
No
The Bottom Line:
Do not buy this machine. There are better makes and models available, especially for the price.
From the get-go I should have known to send this machine back. I have an extremely small space for a stack washer dryer and the Bosch Axxis units fit the bill, and were energy efficient to boot.
In order to prepare the area electrically before delivery, I consulted the technical specifications online, but could not tell if the dryer plugged into the washer or needed a separate outlet. After calling the dealer from whom I ordered the unit (this is not a stock item in my area) I called the phone support center who said I needed a second outlet. So, I spent the $400 to add a new outlet because I was going to have top notch appliances which were going to save me time and money. But when the machines arrived, I found out that my original electrical setup had been sufficient, and the new outlet was not necessary. Bosch agreed that the tech specs were insufficient and incorrect, but refused to offset my electrician's bill.
Apparently written documentation is a major problem at Bosch. In addition to bad tech specs, what they don't tell you in any of their publications is that you cannot use Chlorox or any chlorine based products in the washer (as Emsie pointed out in her review), nor can you use Bounce or fabric softener sheets in the dryer. You only get this information in the product literature delivered inside the machine. Very poor customer orientation.
Along with all the work Emsie noted in having to pretreat stains because they cannot be bleached, this washer requires scrupulous care of the door gasket as it is very prone to mold. This is a design issue, as the gasket folds back upon itself and cannot be straighted out for drying. I cannot leave my washer door open all the time as it interferes with traffic (these are made for small areas for a reason). And while I dry it and leave it open as much as possible, the mold is there. Bosch has no real fix for this aside from suggesting that you replace the gasket (by a pro repairer, of course and it's an environmental issue not covered by warranty). They gave me the go-ahead to try a bleach solution, but said that it probably wouldn't help too much.
As for performance, my laundry is not as clean and fresh smelling as it was with my old system (Whirlpool Thin Twin, 10 years old). The wash cycles are long, and cannot be programmed for different sizes of loads -- washing one small item takes as long as washing a tub full. I have a hard time believing that this is energy efficient. The washer also does not do well with powdered detergent, leaving globs of the powder in the dispenser (you have to lift the gate that holds the detergent in, but water just doesn't wash through the dispenser properly.)
I purchased my Bosch Axxis washer and dryer a year and a half ago and have never been happy with them. I am sorry that I did not write about it sooner to prevent others from making the same mistake. Since the set was so expensive, and I am still paying it off, I cannot replace it. But I am looking forward to the day when I do. At that point I might have to give up "energy efficiency" and return to a Whirlpool Thin Twin.
In order to prepare the area electrically before delivery, I consulted the technical specifications online, but could not tell if the dryer plugged into the washer or needed a separate outlet. After calling the dealer from whom I ordered the unit (this is not a stock item in my area) I called the phone support center who said I needed a second outlet. So, I spent the $400 to add a new outlet because I was going to have top notch appliances which were going to save me time and money. But when the machines arrived, I found out that my original electrical setup had been sufficient, and the new outlet was not necessary. Bosch agreed that the tech specs were insufficient and incorrect, but refused to offset my electrician's bill.
Apparently written documentation is a major problem at Bosch. In addition to bad tech specs, what they don't tell you in any of their publications is that you cannot use Chlorox or any chlorine based products in the washer (as Emsie pointed out in her review), nor can you use Bounce or fabric softener sheets in the dryer. You only get this information in the product literature delivered inside the machine. Very poor customer orientation.
Along with all the work Emsie noted in having to pretreat stains because they cannot be bleached, this washer requires scrupulous care of the door gasket as it is very prone to mold. This is a design issue, as the gasket folds back upon itself and cannot be straighted out for drying. I cannot leave my washer door open all the time as it interferes with traffic (these are made for small areas for a reason). And while I dry it and leave it open as much as possible, the mold is there. Bosch has no real fix for this aside from suggesting that you replace the gasket (by a pro repairer, of course and it's an environmental issue not covered by warranty). They gave me the go-ahead to try a bleach solution, but said that it probably wouldn't help too much.
As for performance, my laundry is not as clean and fresh smelling as it was with my old system (Whirlpool Thin Twin, 10 years old). The wash cycles are long, and cannot be programmed for different sizes of loads -- washing one small item takes as long as washing a tub full. I have a hard time believing that this is energy efficient. The washer also does not do well with powdered detergent, leaving globs of the powder in the dispenser (you have to lift the gate that holds the detergent in, but water just doesn't wash through the dispenser properly.)
I purchased my Bosch Axxis washer and dryer a year and a half ago and have never been happy with them. I am sorry that I did not write about it sooner to prevent others from making the same mistake. Since the set was so expensive, and I am still paying it off, I cannot replace it. But I am looking forward to the day when I do. At that point I might have to give up "energy efficiency" and return to a Whirlpool Thin Twin.
