“Automatic washing machine with EcoSilence Drive™: quiet operation and durability that you can rely on.”
Link to Bosch Serie 4 WAN282X1GB Washing Machine (Bosch)
Sections in this review:
Initial thoughts during unpacking
Setting up
During use
Suggested improvements
Conclusion
Initial thoughts during unpacking
The washing machine came in the usual polystyrene/cardboard packaging. It would be nice for the bottom of the washing machine to be covered on the bottom, but instead it is exposed so is not protected from the elements or even when it’s moved around on a sack truck/trolley for example (which if not positioned well might interfere with the washing machine’s internals if on a high angle, such as when going up steps).
On the bright side, there’s minimal packaging to dispose of, showing thought about the environment. Once unpacked, the washing machine looked smart and modern, with a nice ‘silver inox’ colour to match stainless steel appliances, whether you have glossy or brushed stainless steel appliances – alternatively it would contrast well with other colours.
Inside the drum is the instruction manual, registration guide (make sure to register it online or via phone for an extra year for free) and accessories, including a hose to connect the washing machine to the cold water supply – make sure to use the included water hose and not your old existing one, especially as the washer on your old one might be worn. The washing machine itself had a good, solid quality feel to it and nothing felt or sounded loose.
As a suggestion, before unpacking the washing machine, move it as close to where you want it to be (as it’s easier to move around when packed). If you don’t need your old washing machine, either pay that little bit extra during the purchase process for someone to collect your old washing machine, or someone may even offer to take your washing machine for free if you leave it in your front garden.
As for dimensions, this new washing machine has dimensions of 848 x 598 x 550 mm (H x W x D) which seem to be standard – make sure the depth of it will fit your space (some other washing machines are deeper).
Setting up
The washing machine is very easy to setup. Remove the four transit bolts from the back of the new washing machine – you will need to use a wrench (which is not supplied unfortunately) to do this, then slot the plastic bits into the gaps as shown in the diagram of the instruction manual. Make sure to keep the bolts in a safe place as they’re needed to safely transport the washing machine and prevent damage.
Next, connect the new hose to the back of the washing machine while making sure it’s screwed on properly and tightly (by hand). Once you have disconnected your old washing machine from the water supply (there should be a knob on the pipe you can twist to turn the water to the off position), you have disconnected it from the power source, and you have removed it from its location, place the new washing machine as close to the opening or back wall as possible before connecting the other end of the new hose to the cold water supply (position the pipe in such a way that it won’t kink when the washing machine is pushed back), turning the water knob to the on position and plugging it into the power source.
Push the new washing machine into its intended location – if the floor is not quite level, it may be worth checking this out before pushing the washing machine into its location so that you can adjust the height of the feet first. Switch the power on where it’s plugged in and turn the dial on the front of the washing machine to change through the washing options.
Removing the old washing machine and setting up the new one is easy for someone who hasn’t done it before, just make sure you take your time and prepare everything in advance.
During use
The quality of the dial and buttons felt good. The dial protrudes out a bit and can be accidentally moved if the washing machine is in operation, but the child lock feature might prevent the wash program from being changed of the machine being turned off if the dial is moved, however I am yet to test if the child lock feature prevents adjustments to the wash programme or on/off state if the dial is moved. The LED display is large and clear and importantly, everything was easy to use/control and understand.
For the first use, make sure to run the washing machine without any clothes inside on a normal washing program – we set it to one of the Eco options – which I believe clears the system of anything that might need to be cleared out. We also added the laundry detergent too before running it for the first time.
The port hole opening is a good size, the washing machine has a good capacity (8 kg) for a small family, has a variety of washing functions and times including a quick wash time option (15 minutes for 2 kg – make sure to use this infrequently to extend the life of your washing machine) and eco wash options to save water which we use most (on a related note the washing machine has an ‘activewater’ system with sensors to calculate the right amount of required water), offers the ability to reduce spin speed from a fast top speed of 1400rpm (enabling you to consume less energy while protecting clothes – conversely it has a ‘speedperfect’ feature which will take less time to wash clothes but consume more energy – but in any case the washing machine has a high energy rating of A+++), it has a delay timer (of up to 24 hours), a pause/reload function allowing you to add more clothes to the wash, and a child lock feature which is actually good to prevent inadvertent presses of the buttons if you’re doing something nearby.
The washing machine is also handles wash loads really well, operates quietly with a full load (uses a modern and more reliable motor system), takes a reasonable period of time to wash clothes and is easy to clean, including around the door and detergent tray.
Suggested improvements
Smart functionality could be a gimmick for some but it would be useful for this washing machine to have it so the washing machine can be operated manually or controlled in a more intelligent way – remotely. Being able to tell Alexa to start the washing machine at the start of the morning for example (once loaded the night before) could be a handy feature, too. I’m sure there are some other features unavailable on this washing machine that are available on more expensive models that would come in use, but you get what you pay for as they say.
Conclusion
Bosch is an excellent brand, known for its engineering (durability/reliability) and design. For a small family or even a couple, the Bosch Serie 4 WAN282X1GB washing is easy to use, has a good set of functions, blends in well with its surroundings and does what it’s designed to do, well, at a reasonable price.