Unfortunate you had issues with the Duets. My family members love theirs and they are on my new home appliance list for this winter. The Bosch are my next runner up when it comes to laundry. They make a nice unit with very little service calls. I would not recommend the optional risers/drawers if they are not located on a concrete slab (i.e. basement). The cycle times are a little longer. Though other manufacturers are shortening theres to satisfy Americans, the wash performance is degraded. Front loaders need 50 minutes or more to adequately wash. Good Luck.

Here is a link that might be useful: Appliance Advice

I have the Nexxt 500 plus set and I am very happy with it.
It is quiet and does a good job at cleaning. I don't have any problems with noise or vibration during a high spin speed cycle, but my washer is installed above the concrete slab.

Regarding the cycle times, the washer usually needs longer than the dryer. A regular wash cycle without additional options takes about an hour. Most loads are dry within 30 to 40 minutes on the regular or very dry setting. I like the time difference. It gives you enough time to unload the dryer,fold the laundry and put it away before the next load gets done.

The only thing that I don't like about the w/d set is that it is hard to keep the doors open to load and unload. They would swing open 180 degrees and sta that way, but my laundry area is just slightly wider than the w/d. The washer sits less than half an inch away from the wall. The door will not stay open in that position and I end up holding it open with my knee while I load/unload it. It's not a big deal, but a minor annoyance due to our setup.

I am sorry that you had severe problems with the Duet. I think it is a very nice washer and not too different from the Bosch. I hope you won't have any problems with your next washer whichever one you choose.

Thanks so much for your input. I am still debating but closely leaning toward the Bosch (I have their dishwasher and love it) 500 Nexxt Plus which adds a few items the 500 did not have. Overall, I'm somewhat excited about these as I've heard so many nice things about them.

The sales lady (who by the way has been sensational to work with), told me the Duets and Nexxt units are their top sellers and are hard to keep them in stock.

So I need to call them by Friday to let them know my decision...which I think will be to exchange them out for the Bosch units.

Matt
Spfld, IL.

Go with the Bosch--if you don't you will always wish you had.

I've had the 500's for about 16 months now... My doors can open the full 180 and they do stay open. The wash cycle typically runs just over one hour. My install is on the second floor, center of the house, on tiling... no vibration issues.

I like the soap DOOR instead of the drawer... I leave this open when done washing. along with leaving the door ajar. I love the sanitary cycle, and the extra rinse. I wish the buzzers to signal the end of cycle on the washer and the dryer were louder since you don't hear these running to start with, you don't hear them stop running either.

I hope you have better success with whatever machine you end up with.

For those of you who have the Bosch units, how do you run the monthly washer cleaning cycle? The Duet I have has a "clean washer" cycle but I cannot find one such cycle on the Bosch units.

I looked on the control panel on the new Nexxt 500 plus units and thought the refresh cycle would do the job but after reading the documentation that is not the case.

Anyone who has these units can you let me know how you're cleaning the drum once a month?

Matt
Spfld, IL.

I don't run a cleaning cycle, per se... what I do is always wash a sanitary load last on laundry day (typically Saturday's) and then I leave the soap door open and the door ajar after wiping the door and gasket. I have no odor problem. I do not use softner (other than vinegar), once a month or so I do use baking soda in all my loads, and I alternate between liquid and powder soap (always HE). So far no problems with odor, so I believe it's working...

I know the odor is well documented on the whirlpool and sears models, but I don't recall seeing it for others????

I'd go with the Bosch... they appear to be very well made and clean extremely well.

Good luck!

I have had a Bosch 3200 (500 series) for 3yrs and it has been O.K....but it has had a few problems such as a door seal issue and some other internal issue which were fixed in a timely manner, but I have not been overly satisfied with it. It never struck me as "man, this is a great machine!" and didn't seem to wash too well either. Could be me, could be it, dunno. It has suffered its final failure however, the motor went out, and when it goes so do 2 other things. I've been on the run around with the non mfr warranty and my local Bosch approved servicer getting it fixed (lack of parts/skill availablity in Seattle). Two months and an angry wife will have me not buying a Bosch again (been stung by other bosch stuff in the meantime also). I am looking into the new Duets w/Steam. I was doing research when I read this and had to put in my two cents. THAT SAID...I still believe that Bosch is up there in the running, but not for me....

My NEXT 500 plus W/D was delivered this week and will be installed on MONDAY. My DH built a small platform and a top with sides. On each side (we had extra room) he cut a hole and dropped in a small plastic container (like you put cereal in) for my used fabric sheets and lint. I just pull them out and throw out the contents when full. I really have to wonder where he comes up with this stuff!!!! Kinda Cute though!!!
I have to admit I like the idea of the top and sides. I can't even begin to imagine what is beside and behind my washer/dryer in the home we are moving from. I guess he got tired of me yelling OH S______ I just lost another sock or underwear behind my machines!!!!!!!!!!!!