I had a bosch washer when I lived in Europe. At that time I had babies in (cloth!) diapers - so it got alot of use. After 12 years of constant use it was still going strong when we sold the house. I never had a problem with it . It was a front loader. Best machine I ever had and stuff came out CLEAN.

Yep, that’s the thing. They are yogis living at an ashram with very small, simple onsite housing. They are set on the cloth diaper route, for which I salute them. They don’t even want a dryer. But they can’t survive without a washer. The ashram has a laundry a couple of miles away, but I don’t want them toting diapers and trying to raise a child and work full time. (Doting Auntie ;-)

So right, roc. Maybe it’s time for Sugar Auntie to bite the bullet and get the kids a new one. I will go bargain hunting.

Lizzie. Read Rocs write up about choosing a washer. Excellent info. Sorry I can't post the link but perhaps Roc will.

Thanks, mama. An old set of Miele just popped up.. A Novotronic T1526
Novotronic W 1926. I assume that washer would have a heater? Maybe I should post another thread on that.

Wait. Any Bosch or Miele is going to require 220 for the washer, right? They don’t have it, and they are renting.

Would you buy a 10 year old Bosch? no

Would you buy a 10 year old Miele? yes

A Bosch washer at 10 years is most likely past it's prime and repairs will start to occur more frequently.

Miele washers & dryers typically last about 20 years (5 loads a week). My Miele w1918 washer is approaching 22 years. Sometimes it bangs against the cabinet before spinning (worn shocks). I'm going to replace the shocks myself for $40 and see what happens.