Bosch or LG washing machine: washing quality, operating features and price
Content:
The South Korean concern LG and the German group of companies Bosch are considered one of the leaders in the production of household appliances. Therefore, it is not surprising that buyers often face the question: which washing machine is better than Bosch or LG?
A comparative analysis of the units will allow us to determine the technical characteristics and correlate them with the needs of the buyer. However, experts believe that you should not rely only on analysis; you need to read reviews from owners of washing machines of these brands in order to understand how household appliances behave in practice.
LG machine
LG washing machines have been on the market for several decades. For many, they are synonymous with reliability, ease of use and affordability.
The first thing that comes to mind when reviewing washing machines from a South Korean manufacturer is the humane price tag.At the same time, in terms of technical equipment, the units are in no way inferior to more expensive competitors. So what's the deal?
This fact can be explained simply. Almost all of the group's industrial facilities are located in countries where labor is cheaper or taxation is more lenient. Thus, LG factories are present in China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia and even Russia.
In our country, the Ldzhi plant is located in the Moscow region. They produce both budget and top-end models, which are in greatest demand in our country. This approach allows us to significantly reduce transportation costs, since a large share of the Korean concern’s sales falls on the Russian market.
The country of assembly does not affect the technical characteristics of the machine, since the same standards are applied throughout production.
Features and functionality
The first thing worth noting about the LG automatic machine is the inverter motor. A direct drive motor lasts longer than its belt driven counterpart. The Korean manufacturer gives it a 10-year warranty.
If a conventional motor first drives a belt that spins a drum, then in the case of a direct drive, unnecessary operations are eliminated, because the motor is connected directly to the tank. Thanks to this, unnecessary vibration is eliminated, which means additional load on the parts.
Engineers also equipped the new models with a foam control function and an auto-balancing system. The washing machine itself weighs the laundry and, based on these data, selects the consumption rate of water, washing powder and electricity.
Users can independently adjust the parameters: water heating temperature, spin speed, number of rinses.
True Steam Feature
This function involves the use of hot steam during the washing process.The True Steam function promotes better dissolution of dry powder and the destruction of all types of allergens. New washing machines have a separate “Refresh” mode. With the help of the same steam, stale clothes get rid of the characteristic smell, creases and folds.
Turbo Wash function
The quick wash function saves water and energy. The cycle is reduced by almost 50%, while the quality remains the same. This occurs by changing the water supply to the drum. It is supplied under high pressure, which leads to faster breakdown of any contaminants.
Mobile diagnostic function
Electronic control of the machine involves the use of a mobile application. Using a smartphone, you can run a self-diagnosis, as a result of which an error code will appear on the display of the SMA and the phone.
What is 6 Motion from LG?
6 Motion technology or “6 movements of care” has been around for more than 8 years. This patented washing method is used by all new models of washing machines from the South Korean manufacturer.
The use of this technology became possible after equipping the SMA with a Direct Drive motor.
LG's 6 Motion technology features 6 machine drum rotation modes, which creates an effective way to wash fabrics of different textures.
Main modes:
- Base - normal rotation.
- Scrub (reverse) – pouring water through a vortex jet, with the help of which all detergents quickly dissolve.
- Filtration (saturation) – spraying water with simultaneous rotation of the drum, as a result of which the laundry is evenly moistened.
- Swing – delicate washing in which the laundry practically does not come into contact with the walls of the tank.
- Rolling – washing mode for heavy soiling.
- Stepping (smoothing) – uniform distribution of linen along the walls with minimal creases, which makes further ironing easier.
6 Motion washing technology can be applied to any type of laundry: children's, wool, synthetic and natural, delicate fabrics and down filled.
In addition, the Smart Diagnosis system is built into the SMA with 6 Motion technology. When the equipment fails, it generates a signal, which, if the mobile application is installed, is transmitted to the LG technical service center. Therefore, the master comes to the call, already having an idea of the possible problem. If it is insignificant, then the owner may receive instructions on his phone to fix the problem on his own.
Additional functions
Among the functionality of LG washing machines there is a “Health Care” program intended for people with hypersensitive skin. It is distinguished by the presence of several procedures for rinsing and washing off detergents.
The “Silent Wash” function will allow you to use the automatic machine even at night or during the baby’s nap. This quietness is due to the brushless design of the unit.
Moreover, LG washing machines have a special “Woolmark” logo. This is an international certificate confirming the high quality of washing wool and silk items.
Bosch machine
The first Bosch washing machine was released back in 1914. Today, automatic machines from the German manufacturer are produced in more than 40 factories located in Eastern Europe, Turkey, China, Russia and Germany. All products undergo strict quality control, regardless of the country of production and assembly.
Features of Bosch washing machines
The first thing that should be mentioned is that the company produces both vertical and front loading machines.Horizontal analogues are usually cheaper, less noisy and easier to operate.
Advice! Top loading washing machines are more compact and suitable for installation in small spaces.
Capacity and dimensions
Capacity is one of the main criteria for washing machines. When buying SMA, you should focus on the approximate amount of laundry and the number of people living in the house. On average, a unit with a “loading capacity” of 5 kg is sufficient for 3-4 people.
The greater the capacity, the fewer washes will be needed, which means the savings are obvious. Therefore, Bosch machines with a spacious drum are the best choice for families, and compact models with vertical loading are for owners of small apartments.
Full-size machines with a width of 55 cm are equipped with a drum with a capacity of 6-9 kg. Standard models have a width of 45-55 cm and a capacity of 5-6.5 kg, compact models - 35-44 cm and 3.5-5 kg, respectively.
As for the height, for the front ones it does not exceed 85 cm, and for the vertical ones – 90 cm.
SMA class and spin speed
The German manufacturer’s model range includes both models with a speed of 900-1000 rpm, and over 1000. The higher the speed, the drier the laundry at the end, but you need to understand that different types of fabric require different spin speeds. As a rule, this indicator is already included in the algorithm, so when choosing a washing program taking into account the type of fabric, the spin speed is automatically set.
According to generally accepted standards, energy consumption classes are marked with letters from A to G, where A is considered the best indicator. All latest models of Bosch washing machines have an energy consumption class of A+, A++ or A+++.
Technologies used
Bosch washing machines are, according to the manufacturer, the optimal balance of quality and price.
German technology boasts the following technologies:
- Active Water – a system for monitoring the weight of laundry and adjusting washing parameters to it;
- Vario Perfect – high quality washing in economical and standard modes;
- Aqua Spar – cascade soaking of laundry through a drum cuff;
- control of foam formation and elimination of imbalance (uniform distribution of laundry throughout the drum);
- child lock;
- Allergy Plus – washing mode with additional rinsing (for children and people with hypersensitive skin);
- 3D-Aqua Spar – triple water supply to the drum;
- Aqua Stop – shut off water in case of leakage;
- saving individual washing programs;
- Active Oxygen – antibacterial treatment of linen.
If we talk about design features, the latest models are equipped with a contactless Eco Silence Drive motor, as well as two types of drums:
- Vario Soft – a drum with concave and convex protrusions;
- Wave Drum – “bubble” surface for a more gentle wash.
Bosch washing machines stand out among competitors with the richest functionality.
What is the difference?
If we talk about the main differences, then it makes sense to compare the units according to such criteria as appearance, reliability, washing quality, functionality and price.
Appearance
The model lines of both manufacturers have their own designs and color schemes, so it is quite difficult to compare on this basis. However, judging by surveys, the majority considers cars from LG more elegant and interesting.
Washing quality
In this case, the palm is also given to the South Korean manufacturer. And this despite the fact that the functionality of the Germans is more diverse. However, as practice has shown, although Bosch’s washing time is shorter, German SMAs cope worse with heavy soiling.
Reliability
Even though Bosch and LG washing machines are some of the most reliable on the market, they also have their weaknesses. For the Koreans it is a drain pump, for the Germans it is a hatch lock.
The lineup
Here Bosch has clear advantages, since its line includes both built-in appliances and top-loading models. Korean units cannot boast of this.
Functional
From the point of view of the main programs, the score is equal. As for additional functions, the Germans have Aqua Spar and Active Oxygen, while LG has the “Refresh” and “Steam Wash” programs.
Competitors also differ in terms of drum capacity. For Bosch it ranges from 3.5 to 9 kg, for LG it ranges from 4 to 17 kg.
Price list
The cost of both Bosch and LG washing machines varies at approximately the same level - from 15 to 100 thousand rubles. And yet the most expensive model from Bosch - WKD 28541 costs 135 thousand rubles. LG has LSWD 100, the price of which is almost 260 thousand rubles.
The easiest way to understand the differences is by looking at the comparative analysis presented in the table:
Bosch | LG |
Direct drive motor | Motor with direct drive, less often with asynchronous |
Capacity up to 9 kg | Capacity up to 17 kg |
Front loading only | Front and vertical loading |
Basic class A+ | Basic class A+ |
Spin class B | Spin class B |
Low noise level | Low noise level |
Built-in models | Does not produce built-in SMAs |
Electronic control system | Electronic control system, controllable via mobile app |
Additional functions | Additional functions |
Drying clothes (on some models) | Drying clothes (on some models) |
In fact, washing machines of both brands are distinguished by additional functionality and the presence of built-in and vertical models from Bosch.
Pros and cons of LG
Summarizing all of the above, we can note the following advantages of LG machines:
- stylish design;
- ergonomics;
- direct drive motor;
- noiselessness;
- 6 Motion technology;
- electronic intelligent wash optimization;
- remote control from your phone (latest models);
- self-diagnosis;
- hot steam washing function and antimicrobial treatment;
- economical energy consumption.
Among the disadvantages, it is worth mentioning problems with the drain hose (if used incorrectly) and expensive spare parts.
Pros and cons of Bosch
The main advantages of German technology include:
- rich model range;
- low energy consumption class;
- multi-stage protection against leaks;
- control of foaming and imbalance;
- function of weighing laundry and selecting a washing program;
- 3D Aqua Spar function;
- possibility of additional loading during the washing process (for some models);
- antibacterial treatment of linen.
The most problematic part from Bosch is the hatch lock. This is what most often fails. Also, some users complain about glitches in the control system. Vertical machines are characterized by a higher noise level during spinning.
What is better to choose
The choice of washing machine should be based on the number of people it will serve, its functionality, washing quality, service life and cost.
The German company has a more impressive lineup, and therefore more choice.There are both compact top-loading SMAs and built-in appliances. Moreover, if you compare the average washing time for Bosch, it is shorter. But the functionality is more impressive.
On the other hand, the Korean concern produces models that are more interesting in appearance with good technical characteristics. They are better suited for large families, because the maximum capacity of the SMA is 17 kg. It also surpasses LG in terms of washing quality, better able to cope with heavy soiling.
When buying a washing machine for your family, you should take a closer look at the LG brand. If we are talking about saving space and being built into the design, then Bosch will be the best choice.