Makes doing laundry enjoyable.

I purchased the Bosch 500 plus Series Nexxt Washer after reviewing Consumer Reports and consulting Epionions.com. I was replacing a 15 year old Kenmore top loading washing machine. Originally, I was considering the LG front load washer, a Kenmore front loader and the Whirlpool front loader. Am I glad I did my research.

After reading of the service problems the front loaders had and the "smell/mildew" problems that the LG in particular had, I was a bit wary of even getting a front loader. My husband liked the LG because of the look and the available colors - I was more interested in getting a quality product that would last for a long time even if that meant another top loader.

We purchased this Bosch Washer at a local appliance store. We've had it for almost 2 months and I couldn't be happier. We got the 500 plus series mainly for the 4.0 capacity washer, the 1100 RPM spin cycle, the quietness rating (highest in the US) the high Energy Star rating and the many different cycles that were available.

I will address each area.
Capacity: While this washer drum has a larger capacity than my old one with an agitator, it just doesn't seem bigger. It is suppose to be able to fit 17 pairs of jeans, but unless they mean little kid jeans, I can only get about 8(adult) pairs in, and thats pushing it. When I'm washing just shirts/socks/underclothes, the capacity is great and has decreased my # of loads of laundry per week.
RPM & Quietness: It does spin the clothes so that they are nearly dry coming out of the machine - IF YOU DON'T OVERLOAD IT. If too many clothes are in the drum, they come out a bit wetter but still not as wet as the old machine. This machine is QUIET. When I first got it, I kept checking to see if it was running because you just can't hear it. My laundry room is right off our family room so quietness was important. We don't hear the spin cycle (no banging if the machine is installed level).
High Energy Star rating: in the 2 months I've had this machine, our gas bill has gone down. Whether that is from not having to do as many loads of laundry or from the energy efficiency I don't know. I haven't gotten the water bill yet but it should be lower because this machine does not use as much water.
Many wash cycles: This machine features XXTRA Sanitary cycle, KIDScare, Quick Wash 25 cycle and a Jeans cycle. I've used the XXTRA Sanitary & the Jeans cycle and they both run VERY LONG. The clothes come out very clean and fresh on the regular (Permanant Press/Cotton)cycles that I really don't see the need for these extra cycles - but I don't have small children anymore. When I had little kids, I could have used the XXTRA sanitary, kids cycle and Jeans cycle more as they use hotter water and give extra time for cleaning.

I am so very glad I did my research and bought the Bosch washer (& dryer). They may not be as "pretty" as the LG or the Whirlpool but they are quality. We bought the 15" pedestals as well and I really like the look of the washer/dryer together. The appliance manual suggests wiping out the rubber gasket of any dampness after doing laundry and keeping the washing machine door open for about a half hour to let the drum dry out. We have been doing that and there is absolutely no smell or signs of mildew building up. I have found a sock and a "color catcher" caught in the gasket so wiping it out is a good idea. Bosch also recommends using HE detergent which I have been using. The clothes come out clean and smelling great with half the amount of detergent. Everything really does seem cleaner.

Bosch has been in this market for a long time and has a reputation for long standing quality. These machines were no more expensive than the LG, Kenmore or Whirlpool but I feel more confident (since this is new technology) that this machine will last a long time.

UPDATE: I've now been using this machine for about 4 months. I still love it! There is no mildew/smell problem, we've not experienced any mechanical problems and the machine is working as expected. I have decided that I prefer using powder detergent (Tide HE) as it is less messy and smells better than the liquid detergents. I would still highly recommend this machine.