Whirlpool V. Bosch

[iheartmaytag]

I have been reading the Frigidaire V Bosch thread with great interest as the Bosch machine was recommended to me by a repairman.

When I had my 14 year old Maytag washer repaired in May to the tune of $398. The repairman told me that it may last a year, it may last three years, but he knew it wouldn't keep on going forever.

I resigned myself to the fact that I will have to eventually replace the old girl, so I decided to shop around while it wasn't an emergency then I won't be so shocked when I have to make the purchase.

So I was at Lowe's this weekend buying light bulbs and made a treck through the appliance section. Like I ever pass it by anyway . I passed up the Samsung as a no freaking way. But as much dislike I have for Whirlpool, I liked the look and featurs of the Duet.

Here are my questions:
How does the Bosch compare to the Whirl?
Is the steam feature worth $400 of the Whirl?
would I ever use it after the new wears off and for what?
How dependable are these machines Whirl's front loaders? I heard the early models had electronics problems. Has that been fixed?

The Whirls seemed much more gadget laden, but I liked that they had a washer clean cycle with a reminder. Is there anything simular on the Bosch 500?

The machines I looked at were 4.O Cu Ft. Will this handle a King size comforter?

If I spend more than my first car, well actually more than my first two cars for the pair. I want them to last.

Which brings up another question. If I get a super high capacity washer, do I have to get a new dryer to handle the loads it coughs out, or would I be defeting my purpose by cutting down the size of load washed so that they dry effecively?

Oh--BTW the GE washer looked pretty, but the salesman said to walk on by. He either knows something, or the commission isn't as high.

 

[thomasortega]

between whirlpool and bosch, I prefer Whirlpool...

but...

Why not a Frigidaire? It´s FABULOUS!

 

[iheartmaytag]

One thing I found in my research is the Bosch has a 1200 RPM spin whereas the Whirly only has a 1000.

Does the Pool's larger drum moot this point since it is ever so slight 3.7 to 4.0?

 

[frigilux]

Some Whirlpool Duets have a 1200 rpm spin. Is there really a huge difference in the water extracted between 1000 and 1200?

I'll put my 2-cents in for the Whirlpool. They seem to be reliable and Consumer Reports rates the Duets fairly high, especially the steam machines. You should be able to wash and dry a king-sized comforter in the Duet. I wash a queen-sized comforter in my 3.0 cu. ft. Frigidaire on a regular basis.

I've read that Bosch washers can be quite finicky with oversudsing. They'll shut off.
Whether that's true of all Bosch models, I can't say.

 

[iheartmaytag]

I just checked on the Whirlpool website

This sickens me as I am not a fan of Whirl-crap, that the machine I liked the most was one of one of theirs. Does this mean they do actually listen to their customers and make changes?--NAW

I am still worried about reliability, as that has been my issue with Whirlpool in the past.

Features

ENERGY STAR® Qualified feature details

Ultra Capacity Plus

6th Sense® Technology more

Direct Inject Wash System more

Care Control Temperature Management more

Quiet Wash Plus Noise Reduction more

Stainless Steel Wash Basket more

Built-In Water Heater

14 Factory Pre-Set Cycles and Options

Add-A-Garment Feature more

Auto Soak & Pre-Wash Cycles

Bulky Items Cycle more

Clean Washer Cycle more

Delicate Cycle more

Hand Wash Cycle more

Heavy Duty Cycle more

Normal/Casual Cycle

Quick Wash Cycle

Sanitary Cycle more

Silk Cycle

Whitest Whites Cycle more

Wool Cycle

Adjustable End-of-Cycle Signal

5 Temperatures

Delay Wash Feature more

Deep Clean with Steam Boost Option

Drain/Spin Option

On/Off Extra Rinse Option

Rinse and Spin Option

4-Tray Prewash, Detergent, Bleach, Fabric Softener Dispenser

Smart Dispenser with Timed-Oxy Release

Automatic Water Level Control more

1,200 RPM Maximum Spin Speed

6-Point Self-Leveling System

Variable-Speed Motor

Easy View Door Window

Child Lockout

Door Lock more

Audio Feedback

Instructional Controls

Optional Storage Pedestals more

Optional Laundry Tower

Optional Laundry Worksurface more

Flexible Installation with Matching Dryer

Stackable Installation with Matching Dryer more

 

[laundromat]

Everybody I know who has/had Bosch washers and needed service were not pleased at all.Parts are not readily available.They take at least 5 weeks to get and that's the earliest of the ones I know about.My friends,Gary and Willy,waited almost a year for a new tub boot!!!!The Whirlpools are much better but they too are made in Germany and their hinges have a tendancy to rust.However,I had their KitchenAid set for a few years and if my laundry room was set up where the washer/dryer could be stacked or side by side,I'd still have them but my pair has to face each other and the W'pools are just too deep.Lots of returns were made on the ones I sold at Lowe's when I worked there because of that.Customers do not measure.

 

[mayken4now]

1980 Maytag A810's would be perfect for ya.

 

[easyspindry]

Whirlpool experience

I had a Whirlpool Duet set for 5 years with absolutely no problems whatsoever. The washer is quiet (except for the spin) and does a great job of cleaning. The washer needs to be well balanced or it might walk. Although I don't have a king size bed, I'm sure it would handle a king size comforter.

But be ware of the footprint. They are large machines. And that's the only reason I sold my set 3 years ago (and they're still in use) -- they simply took up too much space in my kitchen.

I have never used a Bosch, but my salesman says he has a Bosch set at home and that they are great machines.

Good luck.

Jerry Gay

 

[andrewinorlando]

Since you mentioned that you have a king sized comforter to wash, one feature of the Bosch 800 series washer is the "Comforter" cycle. This is not available of the 500 series. Not sure what it does differently, but my guess is that it uses more water to handle the bulk of a comforter and make it more manageable for tumble washing. Their owner's manuals are all online, so might be worth a read. The 800 retails for about $300 more than the 500. I guess it would also depend on the size/weight of the comforter you're trying to wash, too. One of my king comforters will just not fit in anything but a large commercial washer because of its bulk, while other I have clean fine in the Calypso.

 

[iheartmaytag]

I have another related question

This is for those in the know. How is the repairability of the Whirly machines? I had a repair man tell me that some of WP's FL machines were coming out with bearings that could only be replaced if you replaced the entire tub.

Is this steam washer one of those designs. I know that if the machine lives long enough the bearing will eventually go out. What other issues should I worry about? The same repair man said they were having some probs with the electronics, but thought they had solved that issue.

 

[laundromat]

I had mine repaired once due to a room mates ignorance and stupidity.They washed their bamboo rug which pressed against the door and broke its lach/lock.A&E (Sears)came out within 2 days of my call and had to order the part.The tech the sent noticed another problem in my dryer and ordered that part too.He vreturned within 3 days to finish the repair.I never had any more problems and had I not had the space isuue here in Texas,I'd still have them.They took a lot of abuse and did great!I washed stuffed animal toys,pillows,king size comforters,area rugs,car floor mats,shoes,blankets and curtans with excellent results.

 

[thomasortega]

I had this malfunction with my Affinity 1 week after installing it.

I had the stupid idea to try to impress my neighbour with it´s powerful spin and jet engine noise that I stucked more than 30 kilos of wet clothes in it and tried to spin.

As the safety devices didn´t let it spin (the motor detected the obvious overload), I had my second stupid idea:
I entered the self-test mode and forcer a spin cicle.

The washer shaked and jumped like a monster and the result was destroyed bearings.

Well... it happened on a friday night...

Monday morning, first time, a sexy Electrolux repairman went to my home and changed the bearings in less than 30 minutes.

Unfortunatelly he was straight... and married. I'll never forget those muscles and those blue eyes...

But the important is... at least the Frigidaire Affinity has separate bearings.
About whirlpool, I don´t know but I bet a manufacturer wouldn´t do that because it increases the production costs.

 

[iheartmaytag]

I bet a manufacturer wouldn´t do that because it increases t

The repair man that repaired my Maytag said Whirl was molding the bearings into the tub. This forces a complete replacement to replace the bearing, driving up the cost to the point it is cheaper to replace the unit than repair it.

I know this is not a common problem, as I have only had one tub seal/bearing replacement in 14 years of faithful service. However, If I drop a grand for a new washer (please God don't make me.) I want it to be servicable, and dependable.

 

[thomasortega]

"However, If I drop a grand for a new washer (please God don't make me.) I want it to be servicable, and dependable."

... If you drop a grand for a new washer, you can be sure it WON´T be dependable as the old ones. UNFORTUNATELLY.

 

[iheartmaytag]

you can be sure it WON´T be dependable as the old ones. UNFO

That is what the repairman told me as well.

He said that washer prices have not increased that much in the last 30 or so years, however, their build has decreaed. In the olden days you could buy a Maytag for $500 and it would last you 30 years or so. Today you buy a new machine, doesn't have to be Maytag. You still spend the $500, but you will only get five to seven years service out of it. So yes, actually the prices have gone up in the fact we have made our durables into commodities.

Another example he gave was microwave ovens. In the 70's a new microwave would run you $400 to $500 on up, but it will last 20 to 30 years. Now you can get one for $49.95, but only expect a year service out of it. You are still paying the same, or more in the long run.

 

[rp2813]

I've heard horror stories about Bosch washer parts availability and repair lead times, and also about ducting problems with Bosch dryers--apparently they are very finicky.

I think we'll end up with an Affinity pair once we're settled. They seem to have the smallest footprint of the full sized machines, and our laundry room will require dimensions similar to conventional washers and dryers.

 

[iheartmaytag]

My biggest problem would be

Getting them down the basement stairs. They have to make a tight turn then down. After they are in the laundry room space is not a problem. There is a four inch concrete platform built above the basement floor that the washer & dryer sit on. I think this was back in the day before the ejector pump was installed in the basement so the washer drain could reach the sewer pipe. Now there is a bathroom down there and the pump sends everything out the sewer.

I have to step up my searching as the old girl is having more problems. Last night the pump started squalling. It's still pumping, and no leaks, but sounds like a mouse in a blender. I am going to try to take the hose off tonight and see if there is something stuck in it.

 

[spankomatic]

I use the Whirlpool Duet washer and gas dryer at my friends house in Ukiah all the time. I really don't care for them. The washer will hold a king size comforter but the machine just does not have enough water in it for me. The washer shakes the entire house when on final spin. The machine is balanced.I do not care for the soap dispencer drawer.Trying to pour bleach in that tiny little box...I always spill! The gas dryer takes for ever to dry the clothes. The wrinkle gaurd is the style where the machine turns on and off. I like continuous cool down. I had purchased Kenmore He3t washer and electric dryer. Pretty much the same thing as the Whirlpool Duet. I ended up taking them back to sears and getting Maytag Neptune. Way way happier with the Maytags. The Whirlpool and Kenmores LOOK very impressive. You know the old saying....Don't judge the book by it's cover.

Jim