April 7th, 2023 | 7 min. read
Learn how to find the perfect laundry products with our Compact Laundry Buying Guide
The Bosch compact washer and heat pump dryer are finally available after three years of availability issues.
But was it worth the wait? That depends on what you value.
Should you buy a Bosch compact washer and dryer, or is Miele's revolutionary 110-volt heat pump dryer still the best option?
In this article, you will learn the pros and cons of Bosch compact laundry. We'll also look at Bosch's reliability and compare their most popular compact laundry set to Miele's.
Let's get started.
Bosch 500 Series Compact Washer and Heat Pump Dryer
Bosch Compact Laundry Set
First, look at Bosch's 220-volt heat pump dryer, the WTW87NH1UC.
Bosch WTW87NH1UC Heat Pump Dryer
Dimensions: 23.5" W, 33.25" H, 25" D | Capacity: 4.0 Cubic Feet | Number of Cycles: 14 Cycles | Wi-Fi: Yes | Reliability: 4.2%
The Bosch 500 Series compact laundry set, featuring the WTW87NH1UC heat pump dryer, is a great option if you're looking for a powerful and efficient dryer.
With its 220-volt heat pump technology, this dryer offers a faster drying cycle than many other models, including Miele's dryer.
This model has an array of features, including 14 drying programs. The accompanying washer also offers 14 programs, as well as ten additional options for personalization. We'll look at the washer more closely next.
Concerning drying capabilities, the WTW87NH1UC excels in efficiency thanks to its heat pump technology.
This dryer can dry clothes quickly and effectively while using less energy than traditional dryers, making it eco-friendly.
A Breakdown of Bosch's Compact Dryer Features
Capacity
The WTW87NH1UC has a capacity of 4.0 cubic feet.
Dryer Cycles
Below are the cycles and approximate times for each cycle:
- Normal Dry - The standard cycle for drying everyday items like cotton, linens, and jeans for 60-70 minutes.
- Heavy Duty Dry - This cycle is for work clothes or sports gear set to 90-100 minutes (about one and a half hours).
- Delicate Dry -This cycle is for lingerie, silk, and wool set for 40-50 minutes.
- Towels Dry - This cycle is for drying towels and other bulky items set for 90-100 minutes.
- Sanitize Dry - Sanitize is for high heat to kill bacteria and germs on items like bedding and towels set for 100-110 minutes (about 2 hours).
- Allergy Dry - Allergy dry reduces the risk of releasing allergens into the air set for 90-100 minutes.
- SpeedPerfect - SpeedPerfect dries clothes up to 40% faster than the normal cycle. The SpeedPerfect process works by increasing the intensity of the heat and the airflow inside the dryer. This results in faster drying times achieved by using higher temperatures and more frequent clothes tumbling.
- EcoDry - This option reduces energy usage during operation.
- Low Heat - This option is for delicate items.
- Anti-Crease - Tumble only cycle to prevent wrinkles.
Energy Efficiency
I usually don't comment about efficiency, but Bosch is incredibly efficient at only 134 kWh. Miele is a bit better at 119 kWh. Beko is 176 kWh for their heat pump dryer.
Full-size non-heat pump dryers range from 607 to 691 kWh. Your dryer is the second most energy-consuming appliance.
With electric bills at an all-time high, your savings will be significant compared to the operating costs of a standard dryer.
Self-Cleaning Air Exchanger
You must clean every other heat pump dryer by vacuuming the lint. Bosch is the only self-cleaning heat pump dryer on the market.
Noise
Bosch's compact dryer operates at a 52-decibel (dB) level. It is not quiet for a dishwasher but is the most silent dryer you can purchase.
Reliability
Bosch compact dryers are one of the most reliable and have a 4.2% service rate, based on over 33,000 service calls logged last year.
Now that we've looked at the best features of Bosch's heat pump dryer let's look at the washer.
Bosch WAW285H1UC Compact Washer
Dimensions: 23.5" W, 33.25" H, 25" D | Capacity: 2.2 Cubic Feet | Number of Cycles: 14 Cycles, 10 Options | Spin Speed: 1400 RPM | Wi-Fi: Yes | Automatic Dispenser: No | Reliability: 2.5%
The Bosch compact washer model WAW285H1UC offers a range of features.
One of its best features is the ability to select the precise water temperature for each wash cycle, with options ranging from 60° to 140°.
This feature ensures that your laundry is cleaned thoroughly and effectively, regardless of the type of fabric or level of dirt.
In addition to its temperature control capabilities, the WAW285H1UC also features advanced stain removal technology.
By selecting the appropriate cycle based on the type of stain, the machine can effectively remove even tough stains like red wine, grass, and grease.
This ensures that your clothes always look their best, no matter how dirty they were before going into the wash.
A Breakdown of Bosch's Compact Washer Features
Capacity
The Bosch compact washer WAW285H1UC has 2.2 cubic feet of usable capacity.
Washer Cycles
- Normal Wash - The standard cycle for washing everyday items like cotton, linens, and jeans set for 1 hour and 25 minutes.
- Heavy Duty Wash - This cycle is for heavily soiled items like work clothes or sports gear set for 2 hours and 50 minutes.
- Delicates Wash - This cycle is for delicate items like lingerie, silk, and wool set for 45 minutes.
- Towels Wash - This cycle is for washing towels and other bulky items set for 2 hours and 10 minutes.
- Sanitize Wash - This cycle uses high heat to kill bacteria and germs on items like bedding and towels. The cycle is 2 hours and 10 minutes long.
- Allergy Wash - This cycle uses higher temperatures and extra rinses to remove allergens from clothing set for 2 hours and 10 minutes.
- SpeedPerfect - This option allows you to wash clothes up to 40% faster than the normal cycle.
- EcoSilence - This option reduces the noise level during operation.
- Extra Rinse - This option adds a rinse cycle to remove all detergent from clothing.
Energy Efficiency and Water Consumption
Bosch's compact washers and dryers are one of the most energy-efficient. The Bosch WAW285H1UC uses 84 kWh of electricity and 2,379 gallons of water annually.
The average washer uses 16,000 gallons of water annually and over 1,000 kWh. That said, the average washer is much bigger at 4.5-5 cubic, but Bosch still uses much less.
Noise
Bosch is only 47 dB during the wash and 73 dB for the spin cycle. Forty-seven decibels is just above the quietness threshold for dishwashers in your kitchen. For a washer, 47 dB is incredibly quiet.
Reliability
Bosch is the most reliable compact washer sold with a repair rate of 2.5% within the first year, less than half for front load washers.
The Bottom Line: Our Review of Bosch Compact Laundry
The washer model WAW285H1UC allows for precise temperature control, advanced stain removal technology, and speedy wash cycles, with 14 wash programs and ten additional options.
The dryer model WTW87NH1UC is incredibly efficient, with a low energy consumption of only 134 kWh, and features a self-cleaning air exchanger while operating at a low noise level of 52 decibels.
In terms of reliability, Bosch is among the most reliable for compact laundry, based on over 33,000 service calls logged last year.
With these top features in mind, let's compare Bosch's compact laundry to Miele's most popular compact laundry set.
How Does Bosch's 500 Series Compact Laundry Set Compare to Miele's?
Miele Compact Washer WXR 860 WCS and Compact Dryer TXR 860WP (Right)
Miele has similar cycles to Bosch.
Their heat pump is 110 volts. However, the drying time is not longer than Bosch because the washer spins at 1600 RPM, the fastest in the industry.
Bosch is next at 1400 RPM.
Where Miele's Compact Washer Is Better
CapDosing
The washer has a separate dispenser for caplets. Bosch does not.
Honeycomb Drum
Miele's drum is perforated, so the clothes glide on a sheet of water for a gentler wash.
Bosch, like every other manufacturer, is a solid steel drum.
Miele's Compact Dryer
The drying time is similar even though Miele is 110 volts and Bosch is 220 volts.
Miele does have the ability to add custom fragrances.
Where Bosch's Compact Dryer Is Better
Reliability
Miele's compact dryer reliability is 9.6%, but Bosch's is the best at 4.2.%
Self-Cleaning Filter
The Bosch heat pump is self-cleaning, so you do not have to worry about vacuuming.
Heat Pump Dryer 101
How a Heat Pump Works
Heat pump dryers use a compressor instead of heating elements to dry your clothes. Air is recycled through the machine.
The process involves four main steps:
- Air Circulation - The dryer pulls in air from the surrounding area and circulates it through the dryer drum.
- Heat Exchange - The air passes over a heat exchanger heated to a high temperature, causing the clothes' moisture to evaporate.
- Condensation - The hot and humid air then passes over a heat exchanger, where it is cooled down. The moisture is condensed into water and drained.
- Reheating - The cool air is then reheated using the heat exchanger and circulated back into the dryer drum to continue drying.
Heat Pump vs. Traditional Dryers
Traditional dryers have been around forever and are incredibly inefficient.
A traditional dryer pulls air from the outside, then heats it with elements. Then the excess heat vents to the outside.
For non-vented dryers, the heat projects back into the room.
The heat pump dryer recycles the hot air, using less energy than traditional drying.
The refrigerant used in the system absorbs the heat and pushes it through to the heat exchanger, storing the air for reuse.
Heat pump dryers have several benefits over traditional dryers, especially energy efficiency.
Your clothes will wear better because heat pumps dry at lower temperatures.
Heat Pump Dryer Drawbacks
- Additional Time - With lower temperatures, you have extra drying time. The drying times of the Bosch are not overly excessive. Bosch Dryer, when tested, is only a few minutes more than a regular dryer.
- More Expensive - A heat pump will cost $200-400 more than a regular dryer. However, you will see significant savings.
- More Cleaning - You have to vacuum the filter in front of the air exchanger (except in the Bosch)
- More parts to repair - Instead of inefficient yet reliable heating elements, you add a compressor and heat exchanger.
- Not Proven in Larger Dryers (yet) - Bosch is a compact dryer, so it is unaffected.
Read More: What Are the Benefits of Ventless and Heat Pump Dryers?
The Bottom Line: Our Review of the Bosch 500 Series Compact Washer and Dryer
Overall, the Bosch WAW285H1UC Washer and WTW87NH1UC Heat Pump Dryer set is an excellent choice if you want reliable and efficient laundry machines.
The washer model WAW285H1UC offers a variety of wash programs and advanced technology for optimal stain removal, while the dryer model WTW87NH1UC operates quietly and has low energy consumption.
Regarding reliability, Bosch is the most reliable compact washer and dryer you can buy.
However, Miele may be a better option for those looking for more advanced features.
Lastly, it's always important to consider the availability of service in your area before making a final decision.
Additional Resources
Download the Yale Compact Laundry Buying Guide with specs, features, and buying tips for every major brand. Well over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.
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A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.
