Bosch Nexxt 100 Series WFMC1001UC Front Load Washer

We purchased our washer 2 months ago from Lowe's and paid $798 plus tax. Lowe's was running a appliance promotion where we also got a $75 Lowe's gift card after filling out and mailing the rebate form. We also got free delivery (reimbursed by a separate rebate form also).

I love this machine. It replaced a 15 year old Whirlpool that had gotten so unreliable and creaky that I couldn't use the regular spin cycle without the machine taking a long walk across the laundry room as the floor shook, etc. Really annoying.

In contrast, the Bosch is so quiet that you can literally stand next to it and not realize that it's running - even on the spin cycle.

Here are the main things I love about it:

1. Quiet! (already described above)

2. Large loads: If you can cram it in and get the door closed, the laundry will come out clean. The machine has a 3.81 cubic foot capacity. That didn't mean much to me until I was able to wash a king size comforter, 3 full sized towels, and several wash cloths IN THE SAME LOAD.

3. Fast spin cycle half-dries clothes: The spin cycle is so efficient that the laundry comes out almost dry from the washer. The aforementioned comforter dried on the clothesline in less than 2 hours.

4. Uses very little water: I don't have any way to measure the amount of water the washer uses, but I have sat and watched and listened as it ran through a cycle (which my husband found very, very odd behavior). What I noticed is that I just didn't see a lot of water churning around in the washer along with the laundry.

5. Not hard to use as-is: The sales people will try to sell you a base for the washer that raises it up a foot or so off the ground. It's supposed to make it easier to get the clothes in and out. It's also probably a major profit center because it costs over $150! I don't have a problem using the washer as is. It's no different than bending over to get clothes in and out of the dryer. Don't waste your money unless you have a serious mobility issue that makes it hard for you to bend down.

6. VERY well constructed: We went to Lowe's intending to buy one of the cheaper front-loading machines: a Frigidaire. My engineer husband quickly changed his mind when he compared the construction of the Frigidaire compared to the Bosch. The main issue was the way the door is attached in the two washers. The Frigidaire uses what looks like two small hinges no stronger than those used on kitchen cabinet doors. The minute our daughter swung herself on it (kids do those things sometimes), the Frigidaire door would have been history. The Bosch door though, has this giant bolt held by two heavy-duty hinges that look like maybe they're used on the Space Shuttle or something. One look and my (usually very frugal) husband agreed that we should spend an extra $225 to get a washer that looked like it was built to last.

Things other reviewers had issues with (not necessarily here, but at other sites too) that don't bother me:

1. Numerous different cycles: Can't comment on the different cycles: I only wash in Cold water.

2. High Efficiency Detergent: The manual spends a bit of time telling you why it's important to use special detergent for the washer, but I never have. I just use less of our regular 7th Generation liquid detergent and haven't had any problems.

3. Must use liquid detergent: I use that anyway, so it's no big deal, but if you have a favorite powder, you will have to switch.

4. Long wash cycle: When researching the washer, I was really worried by the people who complained that "one load takes an hour" or "90 minutes" or whatever. But it hasn't been a problem for me - mainly because you can wash SO MUCH at one time. I can do in one load in the new washer what would have taken 2-3 loads in my old one. I think I save time. I've timed 4 loads and they averaged 70 minutes each.

5. Water in the door seal: Many reviewers complained that water standing in the door seal would sour, leaving a terrible smell. I sometimes notice a little bit of water, but just dry it quickly with a paper towel (or laundry I'm getting ready to wash). It's never more than a few teaspoons. Just in case, I'll always leave the door open for an hour or so after I take laundry out, just to make sure it gets good and dry inside. So far, I haven't noticed any odor problems.

My criticisms:

1. Cycle complete reminder: This thing drove us crazy the first week. It dings about every 5 minutes when a wash cycle is complete to tell you that it's finished. It's like having an anxious toddler pulling on you constantly. Finally, I actually LOOKED at the manual and found that it's really easy to turn off that feature. I recommend doing it.

2. Loads are too large: Ok, this is my silly one. I can wash so much in one load that it won't all fit on my clothesline. Fortunately, we live in an area where nutty neighbors don't think the Clampetts have moved in next door if you hang out laundry.

3. Small loads make me feel guilty: The washer holds so much that I feel compelled to fill it up each time I wash. But fortunately, it has sensors that measure how much you're washing and it adjusts water and washing time accordingly. So you will notice that really big loads take a little longer than small ones.

So I can really recommend this washer. Yes, it's expensive, but watch for sales or deals like the Lowe's gift card promotion. You won't be sorry.