What to consider when buying a washing machine?

Which washing machine should I buy?

What to look for when buying a washing machine? Consider your needs, including the capacity – from 7 kg for singles to 10 kg for families. How important is energy efficiency? Certain features make life easier, such as i-DOS, the automatic dosing system, Speed Perfect to reduce the washing time, and more. All to allow your washing to run without disturbing daily life, saving you time and detergent. 

Explore our buying guide below to help find the right machine for you.

Bosch washer dryer in a modern white bathroom
Two appliances in one: a washer dryer

1. Which type of washing machine do you need?

If you're looking for two in one, you can opt for a washer dryer. It combines the functions of two appliances in one housing. Because it's able to both wash and dry your garments, it's the right choice for households that appreciate maximum function in minimum space.

Bosch freestanding front load washer in a modern white bathroom
Bosch built-in front load washer in a modern white kitchen
Bosch built-under front load washer in a modern white kitchen

2. A freestanding or an integrated washing machine?

When choosing a new appliance, consider for a moment where it will be located. Is it integrated into the kitchen? Placed in the bathroom? In the laundry room or the cellar? Depending on where it will go, you'll need either an integrated or freestanding washing machine.

What is a freestanding washing machine?

These models stand alone, often in the bathroom, laundry room or cellar. A dryer can be placed next to it or, if compatible, stacked on top.

What is an integrated washing machine? What is a built-in washing machine?

An integrated washing machine, also called a built-in washing machine, fits into a cabinet for a seamless look, typically in a kitchen. There are also built-under models that slide under a worktop, without being hidden by a cabinet door.

3. What capacity? 7, 8 , 9 or 10 kg?

How many kilograms of laundry should your new machine hold? The answer depends on the number of people in your home, the amount of laundry you do, and the types of items you wash. Here are some rules of thumb to follow:

Here are some rules of thumb to follow:

7 kg washing machine
Good for singles or small households of 1 to 2 people.
8 kg or 9 kg washing machine
Suits homes with 3 to 4 people.
10 kg washing machine
Ideal for homes with 5+ people such as families. For 5 people, a 9 kg model also suffices.
Wash large amounts of laundry?
Or do you want to wash bulkier items such as duvets? Consider choosing a model with a capacity of 8 to 10 kg.
Blue icon with two people symbolising an 6 kg washing machine and 7 kg washing machine


Explore 7kg
Blue icon with four people symbolising an 8 kg washing machine and 9 kg washing machine



Explore 8kg
Blue icon with five people symbolising an 10 kg washing machine



Explore 10kg
Blue icon showing pile of shirts and a bottle laundry detergent



Explore 9kg
Energy label highlighting the different ratings via a magnifying glass
Washer with open detergent drawer showing i-DOS, the automatic dosing system from Bosch
Bosch washer with open door and small pile of laundry in front

4. How important is an energy efficient washing machine?

Should your washing machine have a comparatively good energy rating? How much power should your washing machine consume?

First the good news: all new Bosch products are energy efficient. But if, like us, you want to push boundaries, consider our Series 8 options that outperform class A machines by 20%.

By choosing a model with certain energy-saving features you'll also spend less money in the long run – and be even kinder to the planet. Here are a few examples:

  • Save water and detergent with i-DOS automatic dosing system
  • Lower electricity consumption when only washing a few items with Mini Load
  • Reduce water consumption by 50% thanks to Active Water Plus with load detection
  • Choose the most affordable energy source automatically with Flex Start via Home Connect

EcoSilence Drive written in white on a blue background - the start image of the video
Bosch washer with EcoSilence Drive motor, child's nursery in background
Bosch washer with EcoSilence Drive motor, relaxation space in background

5. Do you want a very quiet washing machine?

Especially during the spin cycle, but also during a normal wash programme, the noise some products make can be disturbing. If your machine is located in the kitchen, bathroom or other living space where you spend time, we strongly recommend choosing a low decibel model. It's also advisable to choose a silent washing machine if you've found a machine noisy in the past.

What is the quietest washing machine?

Bosch's quiet washing machines with an EcoSilence Drive™ motor efficiently clean your garments while operating at an exceptionally low noise level. AntiVibration sidewalls stabilise the appliance, reducing vibration and noise.

6. Which special washing machine programmes should you consider?

Specialised programmes optimally wash delicate pieces or special fabrics. Depending on the types of items you machine wash at home and your personal needs, you might want a model with a short or allergy-prevention cycle. The following Bosch programmes might come in handy:

Save time button

Digital clock showing 00:45 hours to represent a washing machine with a short cycle

Allergy programme

A fluffy white dandelion symbolising an allergy washing machine
Automatic stain removal

Open red lipstick tube with squiggles in front, symbolising AntiStain
Uncrinkle wrinkles

White and wrinkleless t-shirt with a yellow smiley.
Select Speed Perfect to get spotlessly clean clothes – in up to 65% less time.* Allergy Plus effectively removes as much allergen residue as possible. Anti Stain reliably and effortlessly removes up to 4 of the most stubborn stains. Iron Assist gently steams freshly dried or worn items, removing up to 50% of creases.
Want to know more? Explore all washing machine programmes
*Difference between the duration of Easy Care programme 40°C and the duration of Easy Care programme 40°C with Speed Perfect.
Video showing how i-DOS automatic dosing works
16535272_Bosch_Washing_What_to_consider_innovation_HomeConnect.jpg

7. What washing machine innovations are useful?

The latest advances in technology optimally clean your clothes while making life easier. If you're looking for maximum convenience and the best-possible clean, discover:

  • i-DOS dosing assistant – Automatically measures the exact amount of detergent and water for each load. In tandem with Home Connect, i-DOS with Detergent Scan reads your favourite product's bar code and takes its unique formula into account.
  • Home Connect – A smart appliance opens up new possibilities and features, such as the Easy Start Guide. It recommends the best-fit programme for each load via the Home Connect app.

Did you know...? Other innovative features such as reload, which lets you add or remove items mid-cycle, and AquaStop, which protects the machine in case of water damage, come as standard on all Bosch models.

Which one is right for you? Washer Finder.

Ready to select a new washer? Answer a few questions about your needs and preferences to find out which model ticks all the boxes.

Signpost icon and three different Bosch washers represent the washer finder
5 year warranty on selected models
5 year warranty on selected models

How long should a washing machine last?

A high-quality model should last for years. And that's our priority at Bosch. We engineer every machine that leaves our factory to uphold the highest quality standards – and certify it with our generous warranty. As a result, you get a long-lasting product and peace of mind.

All models come with 2 year warranty as standard, with select eligible models offering 5 year warranty

Washing machine reviews: What do our customers think?

Quiet new machine

Immediately impressed by how quiet this new machine is.

My new washing machine

So far so good ,I have always chosen bosch appliances

Good value

This is enough for my 2 person household. The programs are fairly easy to use and as a whole I like the machine. I have only had this for 5 months, but so far so good. Things I don't like: - no quick wash. Sometimes I want to do an urgent wash in 30 minutes, and I don't think this is possible - I like the pre-set programs, but I would like to have at least an option to costumize the programs a bit, i.e. select the temperature - the machine is advertized as a 7kg machine, but many programs are for loads under 4 kg

Dream machine.

Love this washing machine. So efficient. Great choice of washing cycles and speed perfect is the best thing ever.

Rubber on door seal failin… hoping Bosch can help

The rubber door seal has deteriorated on my machine after a few weeks and little bits have chipped off causing a minor leak so hoping it will be repaired /repaced by Bosch service . Otherwise a good machine and good results

Washing machine review. Working very well.

It is a very good brand and washing machine
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