Which is the best Bosch washing machine to buy? Our buying guide.

1. Which type of washing machine do you need?
2. A freestanding or an integrated washing machine?
3. What capacity? 10 kg or 9 kg washing machine?
4. What spin speed? 1600, 1400, 1200 or 1000 rpm?
5. How important is an energy efficient washing machine?
6. Do you want a very quiet washing machine?
7. Which washing machine programmes are essential?
8. What washing machine innovations are useful?

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What to look for when buying a washing machine? Consider your needs, including the capacity – from 6 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, and Speed Perfect to reduce the washing time. What's important to you? An ultra quiet washing machine runs without disturbing daily life.

Read our buying guide below to get the information you need to make your choice.

You'll need to decide if you want a standard 60-cm-deep front load machine or a shallower 45-cm-deep SlimLine model, the perfect products for singles.

Alternatively, 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.

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.

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:

When talking about spin speed, the revolutions per minute (rpm) refer to how fast the drum rotates during the spin cycle. Generally speaking, the higher the spin speed, the "drier" your clothes are after washing.

Pro tip: Choose a 1600 spin washing machine or one with a spin speed of 1400 rpm and use less energy to dry your items. It also makes air drying much faster.

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

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.

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:

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.
• 4D Wash System – Highly efficient water and detergent fabric penetration to thoroughly clean your clothes – even at full load. For heavily soiled items, 4D Wash System Intensive Plus offers a more intensive wash cycle.
• 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.

Time and again, Bosch models have won awards from independent test institutes for their exceptional quality, longevity and performance. Which washing machine is the best buy for you ultimately depends on your washing habits and personal needs. However, when you buy a Bosch product you can count on investing in a home appliance that will serve you well for years to come.

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.

Use the online dealer finder to locate where to buy Bosch appliances in your vicinity. There you can see the products in real life, get personalised advice, make your purchase and more.