susans

I saw the pics of your house, absolutely gorgeous!!! Just wondering what kind of washer and dryer you have? I'm looking for a front loader like that.
thanks

They're by BOSCH.
I'll try to find the exact model.
Good for the environment and was the highest in terms of energy savings.
Does good laundry too.

It's the Axxis+ WFR2460

The dryer is the BOSCH Axxis WTA3510

Susan - how did you find the capacity of the Bosch machine to stack up against other brands? I'm just curious b/c I'm all for efficient and environmental machines, but we looked at the Bosch dishwasher for our new kitchen and were not impressed at all.

The Bosch dishwasher, while getting high ratings on Consumers for it's quietness mostly, actually has a very small capacity on the inside. We learned through research that it's b/c Bosch shrinks the inner basin, in oder to add extra padding (insulation), which is why it is quieter. So, to us that wasn't worth the money.

And, we had numerous, numerous salespeople say that Bosch was very difficult to deal with for service, if for some reason, something breaks.

In terms capacity, the machine definately doesn't hold the same amount of clothes as your standard top loader. I'd say it probably holds about 3/4 of the standard machine. We can fit a kig sized duvet in it, but we knew that it was smaller.

We ended up going with Bosch because it was the most energy efficient of all the machines that we looked at. So even if we had to do double the amount of washing, those 2 smaller loads are still using a lot less water and less energy than 1 large load using a standard machine. The downside really is that it takes more TIME. The wash time is longer than the standard wash (about 35 minutes) but I'd say that that's the only downfall I've experienced so far. BUT, the DRY TIME is about 20 minutes less, so it seems to balance itself out in that respect. Overall it still takes about an hour to wash and dry one load.

I also think that where the savings come in is that because of the water sensors and the spin cycle
1. the machine will only dispense enough water to wash what you put in it. So if you want to wash a single shirt it dispenses like a cup of water. We tested this by throwing in a sock.
2. The clothes are so well wrung out at the end of the wash that drying time is reduced as well.
(Michelle pointed this out with her Maytag)

I'm finding that I'm also using A LOT less detergent. About 1/4-1/2 of what I'd normally use.
There are suds sensors that turn on an extra rinse cycle if you use too much detergent and everytime I used the recommended amount that extra cycle would come on. I'm only using about 1/4-1/8 of a cup per load now and the clothes are coming out super clean.

It's new so I haven't had to deal with anyone coming out to fix it just yet.
There are definately pros and cons to this machine as there are to all brands. This one suited our needs but that doesn't necessarily mean that it's the best choice for everyone.

Does Bosch make a top loader?
We are in the market for a washer and dryer.

Thanks for your perspective on the washer/dryer, Susan. We (thank God) haven't had to replace the ones that were here when we bought the house yet, but I am already starting my research for 'someday'.

And I just have to say - with all the sensors and gadgets and bells and whistles - water, suds, etc. - aren't you just amazed at what technology has done for the simple task of washing your clothes? It's amazing!

I don't think they even do a top loader.

Technology is an amazing thing. I totally wanted one of those cool touch pad ones that they have a Best Buy.
I'm such a girl. I'll take anything as long as it looks good lucky for me DH is a good consumer and did all the research for me. That would probably be my other complaint...the Bosch doesn't look NEARLY as cool as some of the new ones out there. For all it's bells and whistles, it's pretty plain looking LOL

Okay, then that's one less we need to consider.

Right now our first choice is the Neptune.
Anyone have experiences with it??

Thanks Michele. I have heard great things about it. When we get ready to buy, you'll hear from me.