In a Spin (Bosch WAE 2846S Exxcel 1400 Washing Machine)

Member Name: cmh4135

Product:	Bosch WAE 2846S Exxcel 1400 Washing Machine
Date:	22/08/06 (2370 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Quiet and fast machine with a good range of programmes

Disadvantages: Unclear programme selector

In a Spin WAE2486S

The white goods market seems to change by the week. In fact, between deciding to purchase a washing machine and actually making our purchase (a period of three days) the model we had decided upon (under a year old) had been superseded. However, when looking at washing machines, one finds that often the changes are only cosmetic or the introduction of a new programme so thankfully much of our research was not wasted.

The main reason for replacing our machine was a desire for a quicker wash cycle. With a baby on the way this was uppermost in our minds. Our old machine, a very tired and now not so reliable Siemens had a cotton wash cycle of about 2.5 hours.

Given moves to energy efficiency, we also wanted a machine that was as green as possible. Other desirable features included the ability to manually vary the wash temperature, a child lock and variable spin. With one exception, the Bosch fulfilled our needs.

Bosch machines come in three grades: classixx, exxcel and logixx, with each category offering more and more features. We decided that some of the features of the exxcel range were valuable but that those offered in the logixx range were just added extras that were not necessary.

Web searches and consumer test results narrowed our candidates to three machines and of those we decided that the Bosch fitted the bill. I’m happy to report that it has lived up to expectation in the main.

The most important thing is, does it wash well. The answer? Yes. I have tried most wash cycles and have been very pleased with the results. Using the same washing powder and conditioner as were used in the old machine, the washing did actually look cleaner. Whites in particular were very bright.

One of the selling points for this machine was the fact that temperature and spin speeds can be varied for the pre-set washes. This means that rather than a gentle care cycle being limited to 40 degrees and 800 rpm spin, you can select any temperature from cold to 60 degrees and any spin from none to 1200rpm. The temperature range over all cycles goes from cold to 90 degrees and spin speed from none to 1400 rpm. I have found that there really is a difference between the spin speeds with washing being substantially drier, but more creased, at 1400 rpm.

The spin speeds and temperatures are selected by repeatedly pressing buttons on the front of the machine. This is one of the weak points of the machine as the facia on which the buttons are located feels a little flimsy – I wonder, in time, whether this will prove to be a weak point. I would have preferred dials or buttons that didn’t require you to scroll through all of the temperatures/spin speeds. Having said that, the dial that does exist to select the wash programmes is less than clear making this machine unsuitable in my opinion for the elderly or others who may have vision problems. The issue is that the writing indicating the wash programme is not actually in line with the lines indicating where to turn the selector to. It’s all a little off and as such makes it hard to see, at a glance, whether you are on the right programme. This could be a disaster in some cases!

The range of pre-set washes is excellent, from a wonderful freshening quick wash at 15 minutes, through to a heavy soiled cotton wash at under 2 hours. A standard mixed load wash takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Most of the pre-sets can be enhanced with wash plus (for heavy soiling), prewash (at 30 degrees), reduced ironing (variable spin) or aqua plus (more water used on the rinse cycle for sensitive skins or soft water areas). I was particularly dubious about the reduced ironing function but so long as you don’t mind the washing being slightly damper after the spin cycle it does work.

One of the best functions for me is the ability to see exactly how long a wash will take before you start it and then the fact that you can get real-time information as to how long there is left on the wash. Of particular note is the fact that the time shown is the time left before you can open the door so no more going to the machine at the end of a wash and finding that you can’t open the door because the time lock has not yet released. An optional sound alarm can be used to signal the end of a wash. This will sound at intervals for about 3 minutes before turning itself off. During the wash, the digital display shows which part of the wash cycle you are in – interesting but not that useful unless you regularly interrupt a wash mid-cycle.

There is a delayed start option but this operates in hours only. You select when you want the washing ready up to 19 hours ahead and the machine does the maths to ensure that your wash is ready by then.

One of the features that is lacking is the child lock. This was a must-have for us and the model which this one superseded had one. A call to Bosch confirmed that the only change between the models was the introduction of the 15 minute cycle. Unfortunately, this was not the case. The child lock seems to have been dropped.

The machine is very quiet to run and the spin is very stable. The front load is easy with a wide enough door for a king-sized duvet. The door is firm to close. The powder drawer is easy to fill although care should be taken to ensure it really is shut!

Bosch guarantee their machines for 2 years as standard although you do need to register for the second year after you purchase the machine. If you don’t register then you will only benefit from a single year. Registration can be done online, by phone or post so there’s no excuse. I’m willing to bet that many people forget. However, possibly saving Bosch a few pennies.

Environmentally, the machine is cold-fill only and is rated A+ (a new rating for washing machines) for economy.

Bosch machines are fairly widely stocked and you should be able to pick up this model for around £400-450 as at August 2006.

Finally, despite the slightly misleading information given, I can recommend the Bosch customer service line. Staff were very helpful and emailed brochures and specs to me without delay.

I would recommend this machine.

Summary: A good buy with an excellent wash

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