Recommended Washer(s) With More User Friendly Controls?

[meeshu]

I’ve got a Bosch WAE24460 washer which I’m not entirely happy with! 🙁

It has got control buttons which are touch sensitive (or which require very little finger pressure to operate). The buttons don’t appear to depress when pressed (I DON’T like that; I prefer buttons which actually move when depressed). Also, wash options do not always set after pressing the buttons. Sometimes there is a slight lag in response by the washer in recognising the button press. And sometimes the options may step through more than one setting, when I only want to step one setting ❗ ❓

I don’t think the control panel buttons are faulty, I think it is a design issue.

The main programme selector switch does not have a setting for “Polyester” or even “Synthetics”??? If I want to wash polyester clothes which setting should I use (selector has “Delicate/Silk” and “Easy-care” options)? I would prefer to see an option specifically labelled “Polyester” or “Synthetic”.

Although I am aware that front load washers take a bit longer to wash than top loaders, I am finding the time taken to wash even small loads a bit too long for convenience! By the time I’ve finished washing all clothes, there is often not much sunlight left to dry the last wash! It seems I have to start washing early in the morning (getting up early, or setting delay start) in order to go through all the washing and have sufficient sunlight left to dry all clothes.

I am beginning to regret selling my top loader washer now (it was a Fisher & Paykel)! It was reasonably fast, with good user friendly push button controls.

This Bosch washer purchase was a bit rushed I think. I’m thinking about trading it in for another washer now. Bosch may be reliable, but for features and ease of use(?), not too good.

So, can anyone suggest a front loader washer (easier on clothes, and on water consumption) that has more positive pushbutton feedback, selection specifically labelled “Polyester” or “Synthetic”, and can wash clothes (relatively) quickly (all clothes type, and I don’t mean 15 or 30 minute washes)?

[Penguin45]

Re: Recommended Washer(s) With More User Friendly Controls?

Sorry you’re not getting on with the new machine.

The modern front loaders are all slow through the wash. Your old F+P was effectively a bucket full of water, slapping the clothes about. The modern auto uses minimal water, which is forced through the clothes. Whilst this is very energy and water efficient, it is a far slower process, with cotton programmes taking up to two hours.

You should have some sort of “Quick Wash” option – this will generally shorten the wash programme, but will often delete one of the rinses as well.

Polyester and most man-made fibres fall into the “Easycare” category.

Can’t really advise much on what appliances are available down at your end of the world. I gather that you have the Korean machines and that Ariston (The Indesit Company) is now available.

BSP might be able to tell you more.

Good luck with it,
Penguin45.

[meeshu]

Re: Recommended Washer(s) With More User Friendly Controls?

Thanks for your comments!

I was told by the washer dealer here that synthetics should be washed using the “Delicate/Silk” program. I don’t know what the difference in wash cycles are between “Delcate/Silk” and “Easycare”?

BTW, the Bosch “user manual” is nothing more than a folded card with about half a dozen or so pages of unusually presented information which seems (to me) to be incomplete. The layout is a bit gaudy also. The user manual is another thing which I don’t like either!

From my preliminary research into possible alternative washers, the Ariston/Indesit brands may not be suitable as far as features are concerned. And, their (apparent) lack of reliability is also of concern.

At this time, I believe an Electrolux model EWF1495 (don’t know the equivalent model in Europe/UK), may be a realistic alternative washer. It has buttons which depress when pressed, it has a program setting for synthetic, and another for delicates. And even better, I believe it allows users to progam/adjust times for any or all wash cycles!! EDIT: On further investigation, it appears that the EWF1495 does NOT allow adjustment of wash times (apart from main wash program settings). Fudge!

Although perhaps not as reliable as the Bosch, the Electrolux washer may be the best viable alternative at this time?

Anyway, I’ve decided to replace my Bosch washer. So it is now up for sale.

[meeshu]

Re: Recommended Washer(s) With More User Friendly Controls?

At this time, I have eliminated AEG, Bosch, and Miele brand washers because they do not have a specific program setting for synthetics.

After further research, the following washer brands have been shortlisted as possible Bosch washer replacements. These brands include a specific program for synthetics.

Asko
Electrolux
LG
Samsung
Whirlpool

My understanding from researching these forums, the ‘web, and talking to various people, the most reliable brands in order of most reliable first are –

Asko (most reliable)
Electrolux
Whirlpool
LG
Samsung (least reliable)

However, I have conflicting information on the reliability of these brands. So can anyone (particularly those who service these washers), confirm/advise on the relative reliability of the above washer brands.

Once I have a clearer idea of which brand(s) to aim for, I’ll then finalise washer model(s) for the ‘final cut’.

[bigsmokepiker]

Re: Recommended Washer(s) With More User Friendly Controls?

The question you have to ask is What do the Synthetic cycles do on each Washer Model & Brand
Cycle for synthetics are generally not that specific or standard
Miele washers for Eg have 2 Recommended cycles for Synthetics
IE Min Iron & or Delicates
LG Have a Cycle That says Synthetics the only difference between that and the Delicate cycle is the number of rinses & wash time
Being the case on most machines there “Synthetic Cycles are Going to Vary.

Dont discount a washer For The Sake it does not Have A Synthetic Programme engraved in the Front of It

If i was asked to recommend a washer ( And i Do countless times a day) Miele (From $1500.00) or AEG (From $1300.00)if the Budget Allows

If you want something under $1000.00
go For LG Washer Only
I say LG because you can Group Whirlpool /Samsung /Etc Together
LG have great service back up There easy To Fix And There Parts Are Dirt Cheap

[meeshu]

Re: Recommended Washer(s) With More User Friendly Controls?

Thanks for your comments.

Having a program option labelled “synthetic” is for convenience. Similarly, having pushbuttons that depress when pressed is a preference.

Ultimately, it is the performance and reliability of the washer which is important.

The Bosch was purchased because of its reputation for good reliability. Plus it was not too expensive.

Miele washers were considered, but they are too expensive (starting from NZ $2000) to purchase.

Many other washer brands were considered, but even those with pushbuttons that depress, and those with ‘synthetic’ program setting labels, were rejected because of reports (here on these forums, and elsewhere) of poor reliability.

Even the suggested LG brand washers are apparently not particularly reliable.

So I am staying with the Bosch for now, until something else turns up (if it turns up).

[Penguin45]

Re: Recommended Washer(s) With More User Friendly Controls?

Meeshu,
Any chance you could post a reasonably close up piccie of the control panel? Bosch manuals are usually excellent and quite detailed.

Penguin45.

[meeshu]

Re: Recommended Washer(s) With More User Friendly Controls?

Photo of control panel as requested!

[nomadPaul]

Meeshu , i realise that your preference is for depressed buttons ( i prefer happy ones 🙂 ) but the buttons on our new Bosch machines are designed for a ‘soft’ touch . There is no need for any heavy pressure on them , just a matter of laying your fingertip on it really. Undue pressure can cause the skip of two or three steps forward that you mentioned .
The delay between the touching of the button and cycle starting is just the electronics of the machine setting itself up .
The length of cycle is because the appliances use a lot less water than your toploader , and so compensate fot the lower water levels by extending the wash time. Apparently its a lot better for the enviroment.

[kwatt]

Re: Recommended Washer(s) With More User Friendly Controls?

Hi Meeshu,

There’s been a move away form the old clunky buttons for a few years now, mainly because it’s cheaper to use electronics and, TBH, that’s about the only way that you can meet the energy requirements. It’s all a compromise, to hit the energy rating, as pointed out, you have got wash longer to use less water and therefore less electricity. Whilst I realise that’s not ideal, most machines are pretty much the same these days unless you buy a big US/AUS toploader which uses untold gallons of water for a wash.

What this looks like is the usual (these days) single PCB type design.

If you use the “Cotton 40C” wash for most normal things you should get on just fine with it although you will obviously have to pay attention to the care labels and detergent.

On the plus side, you’ll doubtless use a lot less detergent than you would have with a toploader and most certainly a lot less water although it is a bit of a culture shock moving from a toploader to a front loader I have to admit.

The Bosch isn’t the best machine IMO but it’s not rubbish by a long way.

Anyway, I thought you guys down there were getting crazy rebates for buying water/energy saving appliances?

K.

[Penguin45]

Re: Recommended Washer(s) With More User Friendly Controls?

I thought that if you pressed one of those buttons, it lit up? If it was appropriate for the programme – if it wasn’t an option, it doesn’t light up.

Penguin45.

[meeshu]

Re: Recommended Washer(s) With More User Friendly Controls?

Thanks for everyones comments.

Regardless of the reasons for incorporating ‘soft touch’ pushbuttons, I still don’t like the ‘feel’ of them!

I like front loader washers because of their low use of water and detergent. Also they are gentler on clothes. That is why I changed from a top loader to a front loader.

I believe Australia has rebates, but here in New Zealand there are no rebates available (at least not that I’m aware of)!? Typical of this ^&&{e5d1b7155a01ef1f3b9c9968eaba33524ee81600d00d4be2b4d93ac2e58cec2d}#$# government here, they only tax you left, right and centre, and don’t give back to the people!!!! 👿

Unfortunately, the range of washer brands and models available here in NZ is limited (smaller population and therefore smaller market). The only “reliable” brands I know of that are available are – Bosch, Miele, Asko (a bit difficult to get), and AEG (very difficult to get).

The small dark window at the top of the pushbuttons do indeed light up when the buttons have been pressed (except for the Start/Pause button window, which lights up when a wash programme has been selected).

Currently, my Bosch washer is on offer to several possible interested parties. We’ll see if it sells. If so, then the only problem now is to find an alternative washer with which I’m happy with (reliable, pushbuttons that depress a little?, optional reduction in wash times, variety of synthetic and delicate wash programmes).

[bigsmokepiker]

Re: Recommended Washer(s) With More User Friendly Controls?

There is indeed Rebates on offer in Certain parts Of Australia for Washers which have the required WELS WATER Rating
Rebate amounts vary across the Country & can be Cash Back by redemption
or by Credit on Water Bill
Your in NZ Youve got Heaps H2O
I dont think the Government will be handing Rebates .

[meeshu]

Re: Recommended Washer(s) With More User Friendly Controls?

kwatt wrote: . .
The Bosch isn’t the best machine IMO but it’s not rubbish by a long way. . .K.

IYO, what are the best washers, please?

bigsmokepiker wrote: . .
Your in NZ Youve got Heaps H2O
I dont think the Government will be handing Rebates

Generally, NZ does have good supply of water. However, some Eastern areas of both islands have marginal supply. Also, electricity supply is becoming marginal in some areas. If any rebates were to be offered, then those marginal areas should be the prime recipients.

At this stage, washers I’ve short-listed for replacing the Bosch are Electrolux EWF1090, and LG WD1018. Main criteria for short-listing are good number of wash programmes offered; good range of spin speeds; control panel layout is uncluttered; controls are easy to see and use, and have good feedback when operated (especially pushbuttons).

[kwatt]

Re: Recommended Washer(s) With More User Friendly Controls?

meeshu wrote:IYO, what are the best washers, please?

Asko or Miele, end of story.

Although most machines now you will find using electronic controls and not pushbuttons as such.

K.

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