Which washing machine should I buy?

What to look for when buying a washing machine? Consider your needs, including the capacity – from 8 kg to 10 kg. 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.

A standard 60-cm-deep front load washing machine
Two appliances in one: a washer dryer

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 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.

2. 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


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



Blue icon with five people symbolising an 10 kg washing machine



Blue icon showing pile of shirts and a bottle laundry detergent



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 program

3. What spin speed? 1600, 1400 or 1200 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

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 is a 5 star energy/water rating.

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 up to 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 program, the noise some products make can be disturbing. If your machine is located in the 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 programs should you consider?

Specialised programs 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 programs might come in handy:

Save time button

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

Allergy program

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 programs
*Difference between the duration of Easy Care program 40°C and the duration of Easy Care program 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

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.
  • 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 program 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.

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?

A great washing machine

Really happy with our new washing machine which we've had for nearly a month. Quiet, good size drum, easy to use. Can't hear from another room when it has finished its cycle. The cotton and delicates cycles have a good cycle time, the cotton eco cycle time is too long to be useful.

Best of the best

I have been very impressed with this machine. Its quiet, efficent and has great functions/options to fit everyday use. I really can not fault

Great washer

too many option for me but nice to have them all - use regularly and works well!

Amazing Product

Never had a Bosch before and do a lot of washing, I was concerned i wouldnt like it, but it is amazing. Nice and quiet, clothes come out clean and less wrinkled than my previous machine. Easy to use, clothes not tangled up together. Would highly recommend this front loader

Bosch Series 6 Washing Machine

Very HAPPY with our Machine to Date From the time I ordered on line the communication was great and the fact that free delivery was included with purchase and promp delivery with friendly Delivery personnal was great reason i am full time Carer for my Disabled wife which certainly limits going into shops ect. I selected the washing machine due to parts being made in Germany which i knew would be good Quality
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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.

Compare our series.

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

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