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Bosch Vision 500 Series WFVC5440UC

Approximate retail price:

$1000

Summary: This Bosch Front-loader washing machine has
• 2011 Energy Star qualification
• Auto temp. control
• Auto detergent dispenser
• Auto fabric softener dispenser
• End of cycle signal
• Rotary dial
• Push button
• Stainless-steel tub
• Stackable
• Manufacturer recommends low-sudsing detergent.
• Comes with a 1 year warranty.

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Specs
Type Front-loading washers With a door located on the front of the washer, one needs to stoop in order to load it. Front-loaders get clothes clean by tumbling them into water. Clothes are lifted to the top of the tub, then dropped into the water below. This design reduces water and energy use and makes front-loaders gentler on clothing and more adept at handling unbalanced loads. Be aware that front-loading washers give best results when used with high-efficiency detergent, which produces fewer suds than regular detergent. They're typically 27 to 29 inches wide. Conventional top-loading washers With the opening on the top of the washer, top-loaders are somewhat easier to load than a front-loading washer. Most top-loaders allow you to fill the tub with enough water to cover the clothing. Because they need room to move the laundry around the agitator to ensure thorough cleaning, these machines have a smaller load capacity than front-loaders. They're typically 27 to 29 inches wide. Unconventional top-loading washers These look much like conventional top-loaders on the exterior, but these machines typically replace the usual vertical agitator post with other wash mechanisms, such as disks or plates that lift and move clothing around the tub. They generally use less water, and thus less energy, than conventional top-loaders and often have a larger capacity. They provide best results when used with high-efficiency detergent, which produces fewer suds than regular detergent. They're typically 27 to 29 inches wide. Type	Front-loader
Energy star The federal Energy Star program, administered by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, identifies a wide range of home appliances that use 10-50% less energy and water than standard models. These appliances can help you use less energy at home and save money on your utility bills. Energy star	Yes
Stackable Some washers with front controls can be installed with a suitable dryer stacked on top, to save space. A special kit is sometimes required to mount the dryer on top of the washer. Stackable	Yes
Dimensions (in.) The exterior measurements of the washer with the door or lid closed, in inches (height x width x depth). Be sure to allow a few extra inches of clearance in the rear for hoses and connections. Dimensions (in.)	37 x 27 x 30
Warranty The length of time the washer is covered by its manufacturer for defects or repairs. Warranty	1 year
Requires HE detergent Manufacturer requires High-Efficiency (HE) detergent. HE detergents are formulated to produce fewer suds, and dissolve more efficiently to improve washing and rinsing performance. Requires HE detergent	Yes

Features
Auto temp. control This feature automatically mixes hot and cold water to reach the chosen wash temperature (which differs on various makes of washers). It's a good way to compensate for normal variations in tap-water temperature and prevents problems caused by water that's too cold, which keeps detergent from working properly. Auto temp. control	Yes
Auto detergent dispenser Automatic Detergent dispenser releases the detergent at the proper point in the cycle. Auto detergent dispenser	Yes
Auto bleach dispenser Automatic Bleach dispenser releases the bleach at the proper point in the cycle, giving the detergent additives sufficient time to work. Auto bleach dispenser	Yes
Auto fabric softener dispenser Automatic Fabric Softener dispenser releases the fabric softener at the proper point in the cycle. Auto fabric softener dispenser	Yes
Extra rinse cycle This feature can be useful for those with a sensitivity to detergent and others who find one rinse insufficient. Extra rinse cycle	Yes
End of cycle signal Sounds a bell or chime when the wash is done. Useful when the washer is in the basement or garage, or otherwise out of sight. On some models you can turn off the signal or adjust the volume. End of cycle signal	Yes
Stainless-steel tub Tubs constructed of stainless steel are likely to be more durable than plastic or porcelain, and they allow for higher spin speeds. Plastic is the next most durable choice. Stainless-steel tub	Yes

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