Which washing machine is better: Bosch or Siemens?

When buyers ask the question: "Which Siemens or Bosch washing machine should I choose?", they're setting themselves up for a quandary. The fact is, both brands belong to the same corporation, and while they're closely related in origin, they're not the same. These machines differ both externally and internally, and it's tempting to evaluate their merits to answer this difficult question—or at least to try to answer it.

Not a brand, but an assembly

Modern washing machine manufacturers often merge into concerns, holdings, and consortiums. Sometimes this is done deliberately, to "easily survive" in the highly competitive home appliance market, and sometimes larger companies acquire smaller ones, thereby increasing their influence. For us consumers, these corporate issues aren't so important, but we do care about who makes the products we buy and how.

The brands Bosch and Siemens have long belonged to the same concern. He also oversees production worldwide, so in general, the quality of Bosch and Siemens machines is roughly equal. But if we delve into the details, we'll discover an interesting fact: Bosch and Siemens washing machines are assembled in different countries:

• in Germany;
• in Poland;
• in Russia;
• in China;
• in Slovenia, etc.

Assembly is carried out using the same technology and the same parts. But here's the funny thing: models assembled in Germany break down much less often and last much longer. This applies to both Bosch washing machines and Siemens washing machines. In second place are appliances from China (previously Poland), which are also very well assembled.

Chinese technology has long had a poor reputation, but the situation is now changing for the better. Bosch and Siemens equipment is assembled with great care and strictly controlled at Chinese factories.

In third place are appliances from Poland and Slovenia. While they break down frequently, overall, everything is within acceptable standards. Finally, Russian assembly quality is considered the worst. Buyers intuitively avoid Bosch and Siemens machines assembled in Russia. Washing machines from Bosch and Siemens factories in Russia are often shipped to stores:

• with torn hatch cuffs;
• without clamps that should hold the hatch cuff;
• without transport bolts;
• with damaged Aquastop hoses, etc.

Of course, stores won't engage in negative advertising. They simply send defective machines back to the factory. It's profitable for them to sell cheap Russian machines manufactured under German brands, so we once again emphasize to buyers: buy German-made machines, or at least Chinese-made ones. Don't trust machines made at Russian Bosch and Siemens factories, at least until they improve their build quality.

Advantages of German washing machines

Experts unanimously claim that Siemens and Bosch appliances aren't what they used to be. They say that any machine from either brand used to last 15-20 years, while now it only lasts 5-7 years. We wouldn't just compare appliances made 20 years ago with modern ones. Firstly, modern cars have electronic controls, while the old ones were analog. Secondly, the cost of materials was lower before, and the technologies were different.

In particular, the tanks were made not of plastic as they are now, but of stainless steel. And there are many such examples.

A reduction in the overall lifespan of appliances is a common trend that has affected both Bosch and Siemens washing machines. But we've digressed. Let's first discuss the advantages of Bosch washing machines.

1. Bosch washing machines are well protected against problems such as leaks, foaming, imbalances, power surges, and more. In fact, almost all models feature full protection.
2. All Bosch machines, without exception, are equipped with a convenient program selector knob. The knob is sensitive and reliable.
3. The inner surface of the Bosch washing machine drum provides excellent washing results without damaging delicate fabrics.
4. The Bosch brand produces a huge number of budget models of washing machines that are affordable to almost everyone.
5. In the lineBosch washing machines There is non-standard equipment that can be installed in small spaces.

Now let's list the advantages of Siemens washing machines. We'll highlight only those advantages that are not typical, or are typical to a lesser extent, of Bosch washing machines.

1. Many washing machines feature an automatic detergent and conditioner dosing system. This can save up to 25% on laundry detergent.
2. Most modern models have a special system that allows you to add items during the wash cycle. This is very convenient if you need to throw in a forgotten shirt or socks.
3. 80% of Siemens washing machine models are equipped with an automatic laundry weighing system. If you accidentally overload the washing machine drum, the system will notify you.

So, we've looked at the advantages of both brands of washing machines, but which washing machine to choose, Bosch or Siemens, is still unclear. We believe you should choose not by brand, but by model, taking into account, of course, the country of manufacture.

Review of the best models

So, here we are, reviewing washing machines from two brands. With the help of our experts, we selected several models that performed exceptionally well.

Bosch WAT 20441OE. Assembled in Germany, this model features a 9 kg drum and 14 wash modes. The drum can spin at up to 1000 rpm. The Bosch WAT 20441OE boasts an impressive array of features, including 3D AquaSpar, automatic water level adjustment, easy ironing, adding laundry during washing, and more. The machine is protected against leaks, foaming, and imbalance, and also features a child safety lock. The body is standard size. The average price in Russian stores is $766.

Bosch WAY 32742OE. This "purebred German" has a maximum load capacity of 9 kg. The drum can spin at up to 1600 rpm. However, this speed is only suitable for the most stubborn fabrics. The wash program selection is identical to that of the Bosch WAT 20441OE. The following modes are particularly noteworthy: stain removal, super-fast wash, delicates, intensive washSome nice accessories include a drum light and wave-shaped grips. The machine is fully protected. Price: $1,870.

The Bosch WAW32540OE is another washing machine that undoubtedly qualifies as a luxury appliance. Its specifications are almost identical to the Bosch WAY 32742OE. However, this model is slightly quieter due to an upgraded drive mechanism. If you run the Bosch WAW32540OE and Bosch WAY 32742OE at 1600 rpm, the 325 will be quieter. Price: $1,500.

Siemens WM16Y892OE. This German-made front-loading washing machine is quite quiet, producing only 73 dB even when spinning at 1600 rpm. The drum holds 9 kg of dry laundry. The door opens 180 degrees, and the 30 cm hatch provides a 14-program wash cycle for virtually any item. Safety is also excellent, although leak protection is only partial. The machine has standard dimensions. Price: $2,032.

Siemens WM16W640OE. One of the best-quality German washing machines, at least among those available in Russian stores. The build quality is simply impeccable, and the quality of the spare parts is second to none. The machine can hold up to 9 kg of laundry at a time. The spin cycle is adjustable from 400 to 1600 rpm, and you can turn it off completely. It features 14 washing programs and many useful features, such as automatic laundry weighing and easy ironing. This model is fully protected and features state-of-the-art digital controls. The average price is $1,677.

Siemens WM16W540OE. This model is almost identical to the Siemens WM16W640OE; the differences are subtle, but the price is significantly different. The Siemens WM16W540OE is available for $1,530.

As you may have noticed, our review only included premium washing machine models. Mid-range and budget options are simply not produced in Germany, sold only for the domestic market. Deciding which is better, Bosch or Siemens, is virtually impossible. Whether or not to buy such expensive equipment is up to you. In our opinion, it's better to buy three cheaper washing machines over 20 years, around $400, than to spend $1,500 all at once. Of course, you may have a different opinion. Good luck!

   

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