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Bosch WAA24160 review

Independent washing machine reviews by a repairman with 30 years experience.

Summary

I'm reasonably impressed with this washing machine. It looks simple to use and reasonably made for the price. It uses micro chip technology but without getting carried away by having lots of fancy stuff we don't need or even understand.

It should be quiet and stable on its more than adequate 1200 (top) speed spin. It's not the best quality money can buy but it's not bad for the money. There are better quality washing machines out there although you'd need to spend much more for one. This washing machine is not that much more expensive than a Hoover or Hotpoint, yet it's a better washing machine with a higher reliability record (according to Which? - Which? Online 30 day trial)

My only concern is that independent repairers can't get parts and technical information as easily for the German washing machines. This means if you can't find a local repairman who repairs Bosch washing machines, you may need to be prepared to use the manufacturer's service for any future maintenance.

Latest info:

Unfortunately this model is no longer widely available but the replacement models are still very similar in the way they are made to the one reviewed here. This review can still give a good idea of what Bosch washing machines are like. Search for similar models - Bosch washing machines

Main review

The first thing that struck me about the Bosch WAA24160 washing machine is that it looks and feels solid. It's a fair bit heavier than the Hoover and Hotpoint washing machines, yet it doesn't cost that much more. It's also quieter and more stable on spin.

Secondly, I was impressed with the clean and simple design. The program timer knob and all the option buttons are nice and chunky. The whole control panel has a slightly old-fashioned look to it. To me though, old-fashioned in washing machine terms equates to uncomplicated and reliable, so instead of putting me off, I found it reassuring.

There is a small display, which gives the projected time estimate for the completion of the wash. This display counts down to the finish so you can tell at a glance how long it is going to be before you can start washing the next load. I liked the way in which the time is adjusted when pressing any of the other option buttons so you can see what effect they will have on the time of the wash. Some of them increase the time and some decrease it. I did notice that many of the programs had long time periods which is probably because the GB model is cold fill only.

Build quality

Taking off the lid, I was surprised that it weighed probably twice as much as a lid for washing machines like Hoover, Hotpoint, Whirlpool and Indesit etc. It's certainly a sign of better quality and this helps keep noise down.

The outer tub is plastic. This is increasingly common these days and only the most expensive washing machines are likely to have anything different. Plastic tubs are cheaper to produce and can't rust like vitreous enamel ones used to. However, they can be punctured by coins or other metal objects that should never get inside a washing machine in the first place but inevitably often do. I've written off many cheaper washing machines due to careless washing of clothes with coins in the pockets, so be warned.

Other parts

The Bosch WAA24160 has a very large door. The hinges are solid and the door catch is made of metal. The drum is no bigger than normal (11 lb/5 Kg) but the big door opening makes loading it much easier. The door gasket seal's lip comes over the front of the drum which should make losing socks very unlikely. The motor looks large and solid, with hard-wearing carbon brushes. Everything looked well made.

Continued on next column ...


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