Bosch WFO2865 FS A

When my Whirlpool gave up the ghost after just 5 years, it had to be replaced. Having read lots of reviews, we decided to buy a model which appeared to be reliable.

So we bought the Bosch WFO2865 washing machine.

Where did we buy it?

After trawling the internet, we found this machine on QED-UK.com for £349, which is £100 cheaper than other sites. It comes in white, and it was free delivery via a company called M1 Logistics. This may sound quite expensive when you can pick up washing machines from about £150, but my mothers Bosch has lasted 19 years, and my last one (Whirlpool) only lasted 5!

Insurance?

It comes with 2 years free warranty. Bosch apparently changed their policy of 1 year's warranty last May (2003) to 2 years. This only comes into effect if you register your machine, and you can do this by posting off a card, or by phoning their helpline.

You also have the option of extending the warranty to 5 years by paying an extra £164. This can be paid interest free by direct debit over a ten month period, which I thought was good value.

Delivery Times?

Well in all, delivery took 2 weeks, so I suppose if your old machine packs up completely, you will probably want one quicker than that, but I thought this was reasonable considering I was saving so much money.

What accessories are included?

Water inlet hose
water drainage hose (attached to the back of the machine)
A plastic "elbow" for attaching the pipe to the basin should you ever need to
spanner
plastic hole covers

How easy is it to install?

Well this was reasonable, and didn't require a plumber. There are 4 transit bolts which need to be removed with the spanner provided.

Next, you place the 4 plastic clips provided into the holes where the bolts have been removed. This was quite tricky. I managed to "force" them into the holes, but sliding them into position took brute force and ignorance. I actually cut my finger trying to slide the covers into place when my hand slipped.

Next, the pipe is connected to the cold water. The hose is to be connected up. Plug the machine into the mains. Slide machine into position. Voila.

If the machine needs levelling up, there are bolts on the underside of the machine which are easily adjusted. (Spirit level not included).

How easy is it to use?

When you open the drawer, there are 3 compartments. The left hand one is for detergent, and is used for most washes. The middle one is for softner, and has a maximum fill level identified by the plastic cover. The right hand compartment is for detergent when using the prewash cycle.

Place your detergent in the compartment. Add softner to the middle compartment if required. Close drawer.

Choose your spin speed (there are 6 settings from no spin to 1400). Turn dial to temperature required. The machine does the rest for you. Press start.

That is it.

How long does a load take?

The cycle time is displayed on a digital display, and times are as follows:

Cottons & Linen - 30 deg 58 mins
40 deg 1:06 hr
60 deg 1:17 hr
60 deg 1:33 hr (stains)
90 deg 1:46 hr
60 + prewash 1:44 hr

Rinse and freshen up - 20 mins
Spin only - 11 mins
Drain only - 1 min

Woolens 30 deg 39 mins
Woolens cold 35 mins
Silk 30 deg 35 mins

Easy care - 60 deg 55 mins
40 deg 45 mins
30 deg 40 mins

What are the results like?

I have found that I put most loads on a 40 degree linen cycle, and the results are outstanding. In comparison to my Whirlpool, the clothes come out cleaner, and are dryer. The 1400 spin is much faster than my old machine, and this is very noticable. Clothes feel damp when they come out of the machine rather that wet.

What is the instruction manual like?

It comes with a Quick reference instruction on 2 sides of A4, and a full instruction booklet.

The Quick reference guide shows you in diagrams 1 to 12 how to work the load, from removing items from pockets, to pressing the start button. Very easy and simple to use. Page 2 has an overview of the programmes to help you decide which to use. This is invaluable as you don't want to be delving into the booklet every time.

The Instruction manual isn't exactly the best quality booklet I've ever seen. It looks like a photocopy which has been stapled together. Having said that, it does the job. It tells you everything you need to know from environmental issues, safety issues, how to wash, trouble shooting, consumption rates, etc.

Energy efficiency?

This machine comes with an "A" efficiency rating. The machine adjusts the amount of water it uses to the amount of linen in the drum. It takes in cold water only, and heats it to temperature.

Would I recommend it?

Yes. I love the machine. It is quiet, easy to use, washes well, and spins clothes so that they are only damp on the fastest spin setting.

I hope you have found this review helpful. If you require any more information, please leave me a message and I will be pleased to add it.

More info can also be gained from the web site bosch-hausgeraete.de. Click on the English icon at the top of the page.

UPDATE - OTHER THINGS i HAVE BEEN ASKED TO ADD.

In amongst the paperwork, there was a leaflet on Calgon. It has a little testing stick which you put in your tap water for 1 second, and this tells you after 1 minute what type of water you have, whether it is soft, medium, hard or very hard. This is a guide for how much Calgon you should use in the machine to stop it "furring up".

There are no recommendations on washing detergent or softners, but I use Fairy non-bio liquid (it is the only one that doesn't give my son a rash) and Comfort Pure. I get really good results with these.

Thanks for reading, and please don't forget to rate.

Xxxx Sam xxxX