Bosch WAT28660GB review
Review: June 2016 | ||
![]() Rating: In a nutshell: The Bosch WAT28660GB i-DOS washing machine is a high-end appliance that has a lot to recommend it. We like its simple control panel with large LED display, and its 8kg wash capacity. The range of programmes is good, with a choice between quick wash times and ultra-efficiency. The i-DOS liquid detergent dispenser helps to save money and the environment, and the machine is super-quiet in use. Last, but not least, it comes with a 10-year warranty on its EcoSilence drive. |
Design
The Bosch WAT28660GB is a Series 6 washing machine with i-DOS capability. Priced near the top end of Bosch's 2016 washing machine range, this is a very capable machine. Build quality is first rate, and the machine looks smart, with its large LED touch display.
Its a very easy machine to operate, with a large easy-turn rotary dial to select the programme, and touch control buttons for Start/reload, temperature selection, spin speed reduction, reduced ironing option, prewash, EcoPerfect, SpeedPerfect, i-DOS 1, i-DOS 2 and 24 hour start delay.
The LED display shows programme status indication, temperature selection, spin speed, load recommendation, consumption indication, remaining time and 24 hour end time delay.
The machine features a child lock and a self-cleaning detergent drawer for added convenience.
Washing and performance
The Bosch WAT28660 GB isn't quite the largest washer from Bosch, but with a big 65 litre drum and a respectable 8kg wash capacity, it ought to be big enough for the vast majority of families.
The WAT28660GB hits the very highest efficiency rating - beating the EU's maximum A+++ rating by a further 30%. In part that's due to Bosch's EcoSilence drive, but also due to rather long wash times. If you have time to wait, or are able to use the 24-hour time delay to wash overnight, you can choose the EcoPerfect setting for maximum efficiency. If you'd prefer to get your laundry done quickly, then the SpeedPerfect option can shorten wash times quite considerably. The machine's EcoBar Plus function allows you to select from five possible levels of energy and water consumption.
The machine has a good selection of wash programmes, including Super Quick 15/30 minute washes, if you're really in a hurry.
One of the special features of this model is its i-DOS system. This is Bosch's own system for automatic precision dosing using liquid detergents, according to the wash size and programme.
The EcoSilence drive, which gives this machine such a high energy efficiency, also makes it one of the quietest washing machines on the market. It doesn't quite reach the super-silent performance of the Bosch WAW28660GB, but it comes very close. If you're used to a more conventional washing machine, you'll be amazed at how quiet this model is when washing.
The maximum spin speed of 1400rpm is fast enough to get your laundry reasonably dry, and earns the machine a "B" class for spin.
Reliability
Bosch has a good reputation for reliability, and the EcoSilence drive used in the WAT 28660 GB comes with a 10-year warranty. The machine feels very solidly-built, and we'd expect it to give many years of service.
Conclusion - a top performing appliance
We can't find anything we don't like about the Bosch WAT28660GB, apart from its high price. To put this into perspective, it costs about the same as the cheapest Miele washing machine, but offers significantly better performance - at least in terms of energy efficiency, quietness, and the inclusion of the i-DOS detergent dispenser. Bosch appliances have a good reputation for reliability, and the 10-year warranty on the drive should make this machine long-lasting.
We think it offers good value even at a price of around £650, and we have no hesitation in recommending it.
Bosch WAT28660GB features include:
- Capacity: 8 kg
- Maximum spin speed: 1400 rpm
- Spin class: B
- Energy efficiency class: A+++ -30%
- Energy consumption :137 kWh per year, based on 220 standard washing cycles
- i-DOS: automatic dosing of liquid detergent and softener
- Touch control buttons: Start/reload, temperature selection, spin speed reduction, reduced ironing option, prewash, EcoPerfect, SpeedPerfect, i-DOS 1, i-DOS 2 and 24 hour start delay
- Special programmes: Outdoor, Shirts, Mixed Load, Automatic, Automatic Gentle, Allergy+, Super Quick 15/30, Wool, Delicates/silk
- VarioPerfect: speed or energy efficiency
- Programme time: 60 °C cotton programme 210 minutes
- EcoSilence drive with 10 year warranty
- Child lock
- Drum volume: 65 litres
- Noise level (washing): 49dB
- Noise level (spinning): 74dB
- Dimensions (H X W X D): 84.8 x 59.8 x 59 cm
- Slide-under installation
User questions
Sorry - questions and comments on this page are now closed.
I cannot remove the pump cover even after turning the cover anti clockwise.
Asked
by John worley
from UK
on 4th Jun 2018
I am following the instructions to remove the pump cover by turning it
anti clockwise and I can hear something jangling around inside but I
cannot turn the pump cover more that horizontal and I cannot pull it
out in order to clean the interior and check the impeller. How do I
get the pump cover to release?
I have drained off the excess
water using the auxiliary drain hose.
I cannot remove the pump cover even after turning the cover anti clockwise.
Asked
by John worley
from UK
on 2nd Jun 2018
I am following the instructions to remove the pump cover by turning it
anti clockwise and I can hear something jangling around inside but I
cannot turn the pump cover more that horizontal and I cannot pull it
out in order to clean the interior and check the impeller. How do I
get the pump cover to release?
I have drained off the excess
water using the auxiliary drain hose.
Can I use powder as an alternative to liquid soap?
Asked by Jenny
from Mapp
on 24th Sep 2017
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