Bosch, Neff, Siemens - all the same outfit, and all have their weak point, notably those in regular use, such as flimsy plastic door handles on which thee fixing points held in place by self-tapping screws fracture, door hinges, catches, interlocks etc. They share many identical parts. EG:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bosch-Neff-Sie...2a1f79c5a5
You might wonder, as I do, why there is such a huge proliferation of models - after all, they're not very innovative, sexy or stylish things - just domestic white goods - a big box with a rotating drum, with blocks of concrete to stabilise it, plus water feed and drain pumps, seals, pipes within, a timer. Not exactly putting rockets into space.
You can tell which parts fail just by looking at the spares availability.
Elements in cold fill washing machines (which most are these days) have to work harder than in hot fill.
A common problem on machines of most makes is the blocking up of the spray bar in the fabric conditioner tray, which becomes evident when the conditioner doesn't disappear.
There's no point in designing any item in which the cheaper parts will long outlast the most expensive part and I dare say that there's scope for reducing the life expectancy of many parts in domestic appliances. What's the point in having anything that outlasts the life of say the motor or drum - the two most expensive parts, which effectively write-off the machine if/when they fail?
I dare say that many domestic appliances seen at the recycling centres aren't broken, but simply discarded due to 'remodelling' kitchens/ utility rooms.
As with German cars and motorbikes, part of the price paid is the 'brand premium' - the extra amount they can charged for the perceived quality of German products, and often it is just a perception - not borne out in reality. The one thing that Bosch, Neff, Siemens, do have is excellent back-up service. We have a Siemens washing machine on which they were rash enough to offer a ten-yr warranty. Fine - we've already had as much back in breakdown costs as we paid for it! Well trained engineers who carry all the parts on their vans that fail often - what's not to like?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bosch-Neff-Sie...2a1f79c5a5
You might wonder, as I do, why there is such a huge proliferation of models - after all, they're not very innovative, sexy or stylish things - just domestic white goods - a big box with a rotating drum, with blocks of concrete to stabilise it, plus water feed and drain pumps, seals, pipes within, a timer. Not exactly putting rockets into space.
You can tell which parts fail just by looking at the spares availability.
Elements in cold fill washing machines (which most are these days) have to work harder than in hot fill.
A common problem on machines of most makes is the blocking up of the spray bar in the fabric conditioner tray, which becomes evident when the conditioner doesn't disappear.
There's no point in designing any item in which the cheaper parts will long outlast the most expensive part and I dare say that there's scope for reducing the life expectancy of many parts in domestic appliances. What's the point in having anything that outlasts the life of say the motor or drum - the two most expensive parts, which effectively write-off the machine if/when they fail?
I dare say that many domestic appliances seen at the recycling centres aren't broken, but simply discarded due to 'remodelling' kitchens/ utility rooms.
As with German cars and motorbikes, part of the price paid is the 'brand premium' - the extra amount they can charged for the perceived quality of German products, and often it is just a perception - not borne out in reality. The one thing that Bosch, Neff, Siemens, do have is excellent back-up service. We have a Siemens washing machine on which they were rash enough to offer a ten-yr warranty. Fine - we've already had as much back in breakdown costs as we paid for it! Well trained engineers who carry all the parts on their vans that fail often - what's not to like?
Regards, David.
BVWS Member.
G-QRP Club Member 1339.
'I'm in my own little world, but I'm happy, and they know me here'
BVWS Member.
G-QRP Club Member 1339.
'I'm in my own little world, but I'm happy, and they know me here'
