The quality of Bosch washing machines assembled in Russia
Large Bosch appliances assembled in Russia are much cheaper than European equipment. The price difference can sometimes reach 50%. Rumor has it that the quality of Russian-assembled Bosch washing machines is slightly different, and not for the better. Let's find out if this is true.
Consolidated point of view of experts
Is it worth buying Bosch washing machines assembled in Russia? Judging by expert reviews, yes. The St. Petersburg plant produces high-quality automatic machines that are comparable to their German counterparts.
Professionals are confident that Russian assembly is not a flaw. There's a simple explanation for this: well-established quality control. The St. Petersburg plant doesn't manufacture parts and components, but rather assembles large assemblies into a single unit. It's quite difficult to make a mistake when performing this process.
Experts see no significant differences, other than cost, between equipment assembled in Germany and Russia.
You can read online that Bosch washing machines assembled in Russia are rated lower than similar equipment manufactured in other countries. There is no evidence to support this claim.
When deciding whether to buy a "Russian" Bosch washing machine, consider whether it's worth paying twice as much for a European equivalent. A washing machine with a manufacturing defect is possible in either case. Even if domestically assembled machines have minor flaws that slightly shorten their service life, this is more than compensated for by the "attractive" price of the equipment.
Russian factories do not manufacture Bosch machine parts or components. The factory only assembles the main components supplied by the manufacturer. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the quality of components. Bosch washing machines assembled in Russia deserve the attention of buyers. They are just as reliable and durable as their German counterparts.
User reviews
Julia, Moscow
I'd like to leave a review of the Russian-assembled BOSCH Maxx 7 VarioPerfect washing machine. After moving into our own apartment with my husband and two children, we immediately began looking for a washing machine. We wanted a high-quality, affordable model with a spacious drum and good features. We decided on a Bosch machine because my parents have been using one of this brand's washing machines for seven years now and are very happy with it.
Since we have small children, a quick wash program was essential. Clothes usually just need a quick refresh, not two hours of tumble swirling. The BOSCH Maxx 7 VarioPerfect has a 15-minute cleaning program, which is what really sold me on the model.
The machine runs very quietly. I even run it at night after the kids are asleep. The control panel has a user-friendly display. I like that it shows how much time remains until the end of the cycle and what stage of the wash cycle the machine is in. The detergent drawer is easy to remove for cleaning.
We've been using the BOSCH Maxx 7 VarioPerfect, assembled in Russia, for 5 years now, and during that time there haven't been a single breakdown or leak.
We bought our "home helper" at Eldorado. I'm very happy with our washing machine. Among the advantages, I'd highlight:
- spacious drum for 7 kg of laundry;
- reasonable price;
- quiet operation;
- simple and clear interface;
- economy;
- a large number of programs and additional options;
- high quality washing.
Despite the fact that it was assembled in Russia, there were no problems with the washing machine, and I hope there won’t be any.
Vera, Novosibirsk
Six months ago, I needed a washing machine urgently and on a tight budget. I had my eye on an interesting Indesit model, but my husband was adamantly against it, insisting on a German brand. Moreover, money was tight, and I only had enough for the most basic Bosch machine.
That's how we got the BOSCH WLG20061OE. When I bought it, I was concerned about its St. Petersburg assembly, but the sales assistant reassured me that the quality of the appliance was no different from European ones. After six months of use, I can say: this is indeed the case; we're completely satisfied with the washing machine, it doesn't act up or freeze up.
The BOSCH WLG20061OE's design is very simple, but that's not important to me. I admire how narrow it is—it's only 45 cm deep—yet it's spacious. It fits in my tiny bathroom and doesn't get in the way.
The washing machine is easy to operate. The control panel features a program selector, a Start/Pause button, and two additional function buttons. So even a child can start a cycle.
A brief description of each program's settings is provided on the control panel, which is very convenient. I read the instructions only once and never touched them again, as everything was clear. The "Cotton" cycle can be run at temperatures from 40°C to 90°C, and a prewash is also available.
Our family primarily uses the mixed load or super-quick cycles. They differ only in the water temperature and, consequently, the cycle time. Both programs feature a "Drain" option and a "Rinse and Spin" option.
I like the baby wash cycle. I think the settings are perfect. It has the perfect water temperature and cycle length. The manufacturer also includes an option to run an extra rinse and skip the spin cycle. The Russian-assembled BOSCH WLG20061OE machine perfectly removes even the most difficult stains.
To be honest, the first few days after buying it, I regretted buying the cheapest washing machine. I wished it had more features and extras. But now I can say that the preset modes and options are enough to clean all types of fabrics, regardless of soiling levels. The lack of a display isn't a dealbreaker either—after a month, I already remember how long each program lasts. Now I'm even glad I didn't overpay for extra, often unnecessary, bells and whistles.
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There's nothing worse than a Russian-made Bosch! If I'd known it wasn't Polish, I never would have bought it! Two years later, and now they're throwing it away! They've ruined such a brand!
I agree! They're sabotaging it. 3.5 years later, and it's a total loss. Or repairs cost an extra $100. The bearing and shock absorbers failed due to a faulty seal that let water through! Kudos to Russian assembly!
We bought a Bosch WLL24267 OE washing machine in December 2020, assembled in Russia in St. Petersburg. From the very first use, the stench from the rubber door was unbearable with every wash. We had to open everything to ventilate, otherwise we were suffocated by the stench of fumes from the seal. Water always remained in the seal after washing, and we had to wipe it off with a cloth. It didn't clean the clothes, and the wash quality was terrible. Such a well-known brand, and such terrible quality! Even the salespeople themselves tried to discourage me from buying a Bosch washing machine, but I didn't listen, and now I'm kicking myself. What should I do with it? Throw it away! I would never have bought a Russian-assembled one, but I didn't have European or German ones.
Where can I buy a spare part - a hopper with a powder receiver for a BOSCH washing machine model WLG 20160BY/04?
We bought a Bosch Series 6, assembled in Russia. The program selector immediately started malfunctioning. After two years, it stopped heating the water. We're completely disappointed with our build.