Which washing machine should I buy?

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.

Bosch standard size front load washer in a modern white bathroom
Bosch front load SlimLine washer in a modern white bathroom
Bosch washer dryer in a modern white bathroom

1. Which type of washing machine do you need?

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.

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? 10 kg or 9 kg washing machine?

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:

6 kg or 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


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



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Blue icon with five people symbolising an 10 kg washing machine



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Blue icon showing pile of shirts and a bottle laundry detergent



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Display on Bosch washer showing the spin speeds of 1600, 1200, 1000, 800, 600 400 rpm
The higher the spin speed, the drier your clothes at the end of a programme

4. What spin speed? 1600, 1400, 1200, or 1000 rpm?

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.

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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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
Video showing what is possible with Home Connect washing machines
16535272_Bosch_Washing_What_to_consider_innovation_HomeConnect.jpg

8. 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.
  • 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.

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
Bosch freestanding washer with gym bag to the left and best in test badge
Many Bosch washing machines are award winners

Which is the most reliable washing machine brand?

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.

Bosch freestanding washer and 10 year warranty badge
A 10-year extended warranty on the motor comes as standard

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.

Washing machine reviews: what do others say?

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Where can I find a washing machine shop near me?

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.

Still looking? Here are some other criteria that might help.

Need help? Washer Finder.

Our online Washer Finder helps you choose the right one in a few clicks.

Compare our series.

What are the differences between a Series 8 and a Series 6 model? Find out now!

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