passatdoc
Well-known member
Most of you know that Bosch sells European size (24"/60 cm wide) "Axxis" machines in the US (still 240V as far as I know), plus US-sized (27"/70 cm wide) "Vision" 120V machines.
Formerly, the larger size washers were sold as "Nexxt", with an odd-looking door that looked as if it might be hinged on top, but it was hinged on the left in conventional fashion. The controls on the Nexxt were on TOP of the washer (front of the top panel), which was probably convenient for users (less stooping to see controls), but the placement of controls prevented using Nexxt in a stacked configuration.
I recently checked Bosch's website and the Nexxt line has disappeared in favor of the Vision line. These have conventional doors and conventional placement of controls. The number of models was reduced to three (though mid-range 500 comes three ways: two water-stop options or no option): 300, 500, 600. Formerly, the lower models of Nexxt did not have internal heaters, but now even the most basic model 300 has a heater.
Anyone have experience with these new models? The most recent version of Consumer Reports, for what it's worth, does not rate them very highly on cleaning ability. I seem to remember that the Nexxt models received fairly high ratings. I also noted on a retailer's site that Bosch is offering $100-200 rebates (in the form of a prepaid VISA card) on the purchase of all of its washers.
I realize that CR is not the world's most reliable source. In particular, they don't test reliability or durability with their short-term tests. However, they do test each washer's ability to clean a similar load of clothing, so I do pay attention to their ratings for washing ability, noise, etc. You just have to be well-informed and realize that some highly-rated washers (example: Frigidaire 2940), that are a good value for price and features may have long-term reliability problems (example: broken aluminum spider) that CR just can't test.
That said, anyone have any idea why Bosch washers are getting a bad rap? Were they redesigned to use less water and now can't clean decently? I noted they are Tier 3 for water use and thus qualify for most rebates offered by utilities and water districts. The fact that I saw $100-200 rebates offered by retailers is not a good sign, though, as if they know their product line isn't doing well and needs a boost. $200 is nothing to sniff at, but if the machine has quality issues, better to buy a competitor that at least works well, even if it means spending extra money.
Formerly, the larger size washers were sold as "Nexxt", with an odd-looking door that looked as if it might be hinged on top, but it was hinged on the left in conventional fashion. The controls on the Nexxt were on TOP of the washer (front of the top panel), which was probably convenient for users (less stooping to see controls), but the placement of controls prevented using Nexxt in a stacked configuration.
I recently checked Bosch's website and the Nexxt line has disappeared in favor of the Vision line. These have conventional doors and conventional placement of controls. The number of models was reduced to three (though mid-range 500 comes three ways: two water-stop options or no option): 300, 500, 600. Formerly, the lower models of Nexxt did not have internal heaters, but now even the most basic model 300 has a heater.
Anyone have experience with these new models? The most recent version of Consumer Reports, for what it's worth, does not rate them very highly on cleaning ability. I seem to remember that the Nexxt models received fairly high ratings. I also noted on a retailer's site that Bosch is offering $100-200 rebates (in the form of a prepaid VISA card) on the purchase of all of its washers.
I realize that CR is not the world's most reliable source. In particular, they don't test reliability or durability with their short-term tests. However, they do test each washer's ability to clean a similar load of clothing, so I do pay attention to their ratings for washing ability, noise, etc. You just have to be well-informed and realize that some highly-rated washers (example: Frigidaire 2940), that are a good value for price and features may have long-term reliability problems (example: broken aluminum spider) that CR just can't test.
That said, anyone have any idea why Bosch washers are getting a bad rap? Were they redesigned to use less water and now can't clean decently? I noted they are Tier 3 for water use and thus qualify for most rebates offered by utilities and water districts. The fact that I saw $100-200 rebates offered by retailers is not a good sign, though, as if they know their product line isn't doing well and needs a boost. $200 is nothing to sniff at, but if the machine has quality issues, better to buy a competitor that at least works well, even if it means spending extra money.
]. Not a case many of them don't spin after the 1st and 2nd rinse, just after 3rd and following. My 26 y.o. machine does just like that
