Bosch Axxis experiences?

[mysteryclock]

Does anyone have any personal experience with the North American Bosch Axxis washers and dryers? The "24460" version washer, for instance, seems to have been out (with minor changes) for some time, yet on many of the sites I check the reviews (more like one-paragraph blurbs) seem remarkably critical. I know Bosch, for some unfathomable reason, ditched all their larger W/D models in favor of concentrating on the smaller, EU-sized machines so it seems somewhat unlikely that they would be as awful as these "reviews" would have me believe.

The small washers in particular seem to have a lot of features I'm interested in - 220v operation (via a plug on the companion dryer) for fast water heating and guaranteed wash temps, true horizontal axis design, etc. etc. Sort of like a "poor man's Miele" considering they are a large % less expensive.

And, on another note, does anyone find it odd that the only Axxis dryer with a time display is the ToL condenser model? Are they really pushing those that hard? Like most folks I've only ever had vented dryers so the whole idea of a condenser one is a bit unusual. Any feedback on how they work, dry times and energy usage vs. a standard electric vented model?

Thanks in advance!

 

[glenfieldmathk1]

A condenser dryer takes longer to dry the clothes than a vented one. A condenser dryer you don't have a big tube coming out the back, instead you need to empty a water collection tray. A condenser needs more maintaining too, as you need to regularly clean the condenser box at the bottom, remove any lint, as this is what condenses the water, and keeps the air dry.
I would look into vented dryer if you have had vented all your life, a condenser will take too long and need more maintaining.
Bosch have a high reputation in the EU, it does say on the Bosch US website, made in Germany - so you get a good washing machine.
The large washers were seized in production, so they should be doing more to ensure the Front loader smaller models are better.
The latest touch up was the door design. The Axxis+ model, could feature the eco silence drive, though made need looking into further. ECO silence drive is a lot quieter, more energy efficient, more durable, as it uses a direct magnet, as opposed to brushes.

 

[bingwsguy]

Axxis +

I have had an Axxis + machine for almost 9 years and have been pleased with it's performance. I like that it's 220V- it's more efficient, it's cycles are quicker than a 110V, and it does maintain temp on any cycle (something that is important to me). I will say that it vibrates more than ASKO (compact) or Miele (compact)if on a wood floor- concrete is fine. The motor was replaced under warranty and again about 2 years ago (which I paid for). At that time I replaced the belts and a cold water valve. I was getting error reads intermittently "Water Tap Closed?" -or something like that. My ASKO (prior to the Bosch) had motor replacements as well. As mentioned, brush motors may not be the most durable? Maybe I just over use my machines? As for reviews- I think the more money spent, the more critical the consumer overall. A Miele can have a bad bearing or a Mercedes can have a bad transmission....it does happen. Based on the way I like my machine to operate, Bosch, & ASKO seem to be it for 220V unless I venture out to a less known brand (something I'm not so willing to do). After all these years and my few issues, I still feel that the Bosch Axxis machines are a great value. Hope my input helps.

 

[bosch2460]

Axxis +

I have been an Axxis+ set owner for over ten years now. It was my first true Euro washer. It cleans like a beast....built like a tank. On average, this washer has done anywhere from 12-20 loads a week all of it's life. It had one repair to replace the motor brushes about year 6. All in all, a great washer. Do not let its size fool you either. It is true horizontal axis...it will take a lot of laundry at once. It also requires minimal detergent. I do, however, suggest the Rinse Plus for most loads. The water levels are low, and I like to make sure it is rinsing completely. Personally, based on my experience, I would totally recommend them to anyone who wants a REAL FL washer.

-Joel

 

[mysteryclock]

Thanks for the feedback guys - that was very informative and helpful!

WRT the condenser dryer, the EU versions are advertised as having a "self cleaning" condenser IIRC. Not sure how well that would actually work in the real world, however. Oddly, the (apparent) manual for the US version mentions that the dryer requires a "condensate hose" to be attached to the drain which sounds like that does away with the tray you have to empty.

Are we dealing with two separate versions for the condensing dryer perhaps? An EU one with a tray and self-cleaning condenser, and a US one with a drain hose but old fashioned icky condenser?? Not sure which version I'd prefer in that scenario...

The US Bosch web site is (not) surprisingly unhelpful.

 

[glenfieldmathk1]

The US model doesn't have a self cleaning condenser unit.
The US & EU models both have a tray that collects the water, just you can add a tube to the back, like a washing machine drain hose, that will pump away the water, this is an additional cost, and if you don't go for it, the machine will pump the water up to the tray, where you empty the water.

The Self cleaning dryers in the EU, actually work really well, you no longer have to clean the condenser unit yourself, as often as normal (Though you should still check it), plus because it cleans the insides of it self, it remains very economically, in fact achieves better 'eco friendly results' than natural Gas dryers, however they take even longer to dry the clothes (nearly 3hrs)

US model doesn't feature the self cleaning unfortuantly, that's probably because Condensers don't really sell.