Bosch 287 is actually 2871 (Bosch WFL 287)

Member Name: helen23

Product:	Bosch WFL 287
Date:	01/05/05 (448 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Efficient washing, Reliable, Easy to use

Disadvantages: cold water fills, can take a bit longer, more expensive initially

I bought my Bosch washing machine from a local dealer having being recommended Bosch by my grandmother who swears by the make and has done for nearly 20 years.

My Bosch is model no 2871 and I have researched to find if this is the same as 287 and I can't find any record of a Bosch 287 so I have to assume it is the same as 2871. So here goes.

It is a freestanding front loading fully automatic washing machine, 60cm wide, 85 cm high, 57 cm deep. It fits nicely under the work surface and tucks nicely away.

Maximum load.

Cottons and linens - 5.0kg / 11lb although the initial descriptions said 5.5kg.
Easy care - 3.0kg / 6.6lb
Delicates and wollens - 2.0kg / 4.4lb
It does have a really strong metal drum which I seem to be able to get more washing in than with my previous machines and it never seems full.

Maximum spin rate.

1400 rpm although this can be altered via a dial to anywhere inbetween to 600 rpm. There is also the option to have a 'rinse hold' setting which I am told will help reduce creases.

It is rated as a category A efficient for washing and category B for spin drying efficiency. I have to say, my clothes always come out a lot cleaner than with my previous washing machines. I am very pleased with it.

There is no half load option but as it used cold water only, there is no wasted power heating up unnecessary water, it uses 55L of water for each wash.

Range of programmes.

Cottons and Linens:- 30, 40, 60, 60 with intensive stains, 90, 60 with prewash, degrees programmes.
Easy care :- 30, 40, 60 degrees
Delicates:- 30 degrees, with a maximum spin of 600 rpm
Woollens:- cold and 30 degrees
At the bottom of programme dial there is also selections for rinse, spin and drain which is particularly useful when doing hand washing.

There is also extra buttons available for 'reduced ironing' where after the spin cycle, the laundry is fluffed as they call it to make sure the laundry is loose in the drum which reduces creasing.

The 'rinse plus' button is quite self explanatory and is great for items that need that bit extra rinsing, for example net curtains ( not that I have any ). It is also recommended for areas that have very soft water.

And so to my favourite button the 'Quick wash' button. Because the bosch machines use cold water fills only, they do take longer to wash. An average wash time using a 60 degress on the cotton and linens will be about 1 ½ hours which is alright if you are putting the washing in the night before or whilst out. But if you have a sunny day and want to get some out quick, you are a bit limited to how many loads you will get through. This is when I find the 'quick wash' button priceless. It reduces the wash time to about 50 - 70 mins which is much better for me.
I don't find that because I use the 'quick wash' that my clothes wash any less efficiently, in fact I can't tell any difference.

Cleaning and Care.
The draw removes for easy cleaning which is great as all machines get clogged up from time to time with excess or spilt powder and fabric conditioner.

There is no filter to clean as such, it is extremely easy to get to the drain pump which is the only other part that may need cleaning if it is blocked by either loose debris or fluff which may accumulate from fluffy fabrics or the dreaded tissues. It is a case of opening the door/hatch and removing the drainage hose which is very simple, the only thing to watch is that there is a fair bit of water that has to be drained away first. As it is on the floor level, I found that using a baking tray catches most of it before releasing the drainage hose completely.

I have found it very easy to use and simple to understand. It had to be, even my husband got the hang of it and now puts his own washing in.

The only drawback I have found with it is once a programme has started, if somebody should turn the dial to another programme, the cycle/machine stops until the start button is pressed again. It's not really a problem unless you have an inquisitive 3 year old who has on several occasions stopped the machine.

At the end of the cycle, there is an annoying bleeeeep that seems to go on forever, it bleeps 3 times and then stops and then bleeps 3 times and so on and this goes on until the machine is actually turned to off. Again it's not really a problem until we are sat down watching telly or otherwise and all you can hear is the bleeeeping.

All in all I would definitely recommend this machine or any other Bosch washing machines as I have found them very efficient and extremely reliable.
They may be a bit more expensive initially, but if I have to spend less on expensive call outs, then that can be a bad thing.

Summary: