Bosch 240volt Energy Star Axxis + Washer (Model #WFR2460UC) Review

What a Disappointment...

"The Bosch Axxis Washing Machine offers a blend of high quality coupled with energy efficiency; however, much of this unit is identical to its predecessor. My previous generation Bosch compact washer was unreliable, and I frequently contacted the company to service it every six to eight months. I maintained this machine on a regular basis and drained the accumulated debris from the hose on the front of the machine about three times per year. The construction of the drum and its capacity seem to be the same dimensions, and soap saturates the clothes by trickling down a hole in the main gasket. If you do not clean this "hole" regularly with bleach expect black mould to grow on its inner walls. The features that differ from my old Bosch washer are its setting controls and an option to mute the cycle completion signal. The Axxis machine offers an LCD, liquid crystal display panel, which gives a detailed description of the cycle phases. It no longer provides an expected completion time and will "bleed" even if you gently clean it to remove settled dust (it's better to use canned air). Finally, the dials are more user friendly with a descriptive "turn-style" knob in contrast to sophisticated number codes which had a corresponding chart to determine what the numbers meant and cycles were. Clothes are cleaned thoroughly in this machine but there are only four manufacturers that fit under a kitchen counter: Bosch, Miele, Maytag, and Whirlpool. In short, the Bosch Axxis Washing Machine is marketed toward people who live in condos. Its [$] price tag is excessive for its functionality and unknown reliability. People frequently ask me, "Why did you buy another Bosch if your first experience was horrible?" Simply put the engineering and construction of a Bosch surpasses the Maytag and Whirlpool machines, because their doors feel as though they will sever from the unit just by opening and closing them. Who would buy a Miele at an introductory price of [$]?!? According to Consumer Reports, Miele was ranked the worst machine in their independent testing, and consumer feedback reported this company had the highest number of service calls for any washing machine sold in retail locations. If you buy a Bosch, buy the extended service agreement [...]; you will redeem your investment."