Today we’re comparing two of the biggest and most popular washing machine brands on the market — Bosch vs LG.
Bosch vs. LG – WHAT’S THE BETTER WASHING MACHINE?
Both the Bosch and the LG are top-of-the-line washing machines that easily handle large family loads with a breeze . Both of them really impressed us in our testing, are pretty loaded with features and are built like tanks. But if we had to give our money to one of them, it’d be the LG FHB1209Z2M. Don’t get me wrong, the build quality on both is excellent, but it just edged out the Bosch in efficiency during our tests – it only used 0.06 KWh of power per kilo of clothes per cycle as opposed to the Bosch’s 0.07. Plus it uses less water too, coming in at 7.5 litres per kilo of clothes per cycle compared to the Bosch’s 9 litres.
LG FHB1209Z2M
- Capacity: 9 kg
- Technology: 6 Motion DD
- Energy Rating: 5 Star
- Spin Speed: 1200 RPM
- Dimensions: Standard Front Load
Bosch WGA1420TIN
- Capacity: 9 kg
- Technology: AI Active Water Plus
- Energy Rating: 5 Star
- Spin Speed: 1200 RPM
- Dimensions: Standard Front Load
These two machines are basically the same when it comes to offering all the bells and whistles and delivering top-notch washing performance.
Now lets take a close look at how both these machines stack up against each other. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover so lets get right to it.
Bosch vs. LG Models
So right out of the gate, let’s talk about models.
Bosch has three main capacity options for their front-loading washing machines. They don’t have model numbers for each variant, instead they differentiate by capacity.
LG has similar capacity range but with smart connectivity features in some models, so you have more technology options within the same capacity range.
Here are all the current models in order from smallest to largest:
Bosch:
Bosch 7 kg (WAJ24209IN)
Bosch 8 kg (WAJ28260IN)
Bosch 9 kg (WGA1420TIN)
Bosch 10.5/6 kg (WNA2E4UCIN)
LG:
LG 7 kg (FHB1207Z2M)
LG 8 kg (FHB1208Z4M)
LG 9 kg (FHB1209Z2M)
LG 9/5 kg (FHD0905SWM)
Bosch vs. LG Design
Alright now let’s get into design – the Bosch vs. LG is worlds apart in this department.
Bosch Washing Machine Design
The Bosch washing machine is essentially a high-end European-built appliance with thoughtful touches – like those anti-vibration side panels on there. Its sleek front panel features either a seamless digital display or an LED touch display, accompanied by soft touch buttons all around the control area, making it a breeze to get at the washing functions you need.
Under the hood theres a unique drum design, which Bosch call the SoftCare Drum – featuring a pretty little droplet pattern that treats your clothes like the delicate things they are while still getting the dirt out.
How do you actually control the Bosch?
As for the controls on the Bosch, theyre actually pretty intuitive. You’ve got a digital display right on the front panel, which makes it easy to scroll through programs and make changes as needed.
You can also dial it back to manual mode – temperature selection, spin speed reduction, and those time delay features are all part of the deal.
LG Washing Machine Design
The design of the LG washing machine takes a different tack on all this. Theyve got the control panel right out front, with an LED display and that distinctive jog dial that LG like to think of as their signature element.
Its a real easy things to get around – the jog dial lets you pick out your programme with ease and navigate the various wash options with no fuss. As a nice touch, the control panel design does vary a bit between different models, but the basic layout is always easy to follow.
How do you control the LG then?
LG machines are controlled via an LED display with a neat touch panel, a jog dial for programme selection, or even via Wi-Fi using their app on select models – or sometimes even your smartphone, depending on what model you get.
How It Cleans The Clothes
When it comes to getting the clothes clean, youd think the Bosch and the LG would be pretty similar but – youd be wrong.
At its core, both machines do the same thing – chuck in your dirty clothes, let it go through some wash cycles with water and detergent, and then spin the water out to leave you fresh and clean.
The main difference lies in the type of motor tech they use. Bosch goes with a mix of EcoSilence Drive motor and AI-powered water management, while LG bets on Direct Drive technology and 6 Motion DD.
Bosch: EcoSilence Drive Technology
The Bosch motor is basically a quiet, efficient beast thanks to the EcoSilence Drive. This uses a brushless motor with a copper winding to reduce friction & get long life out of the thing.
How does it work?
When you chuck some clothes into a Bosch machine, the first thing they interact with is the AI powered Active Water Plus – this clever bit of kit actually helps figure out how much water is needed based on how big the load is, what kind of fabrics you’re washing, and how dirty they are.
Loads that are on the smaller side and delicate fabrics get just the right amount of water, while the Bosch anti-stain genius goes to work on stains with specific wash actions and temperature adjustments.
LG: Direct Drive Technology
On the complete flip side to all the other brands out there LG goes and does its own thing with that innovative Direct Drive technology
Direct Drive is a pretty straightforward concept it means that the motor is connected directly to the drum – no belts or pulleys in sight – and that’s all in a bid to get rid of all the mechanical parts that can just wear themselves out.
Lg in particular throws a big Direct Drive motor into the mix along with its 6 Motion DD technology. The Direct Drive gives you that longevity and quiet running you’re after, while the 6 Motion DD gets to work on six distinct drum movements all specifically targeted at different fabric types.
How does it work?
The genius bit about the Direct Drive tech is that it just hooks the motor straight to the drum, no belt or pulley system to mess with.
The 6 Motion DD meanwhile whips up all sorts of different washing motions – tumbling, stepping, scrubbing, swinging, rolling plus some filtration magic – the full list is quite the mouthful.
If you want to know more about Direct Drive then check out our motor technology FAQ.
Which technology is better?
It’s hard to say which one is better but there are pros and cons for each.
Bosch vs. LG Accessories
Both Bosch and LG come with fairly basic parts and limited accessories. They focus their efforts on a great performing washing machine and leave out the rest. Below is a brief list of the parts and accessories that are included by each of these models:
Bosch: What’s in the Box?
- Power cord
- Inlet hose
- Drain hose
- User manual
- Transit bolts
LG: What’s in the Box?
- Power cord
- Inlet hose
- Drain hose
- User manual
- Rat-bite proof cover
All components listed above are easy to install and simple to set up.
- For the Bosch, the anti-vibration side panels come pre-installed, while the self-cleaning detergent drawer requires no additional maintenance accessories.
- On the LG, they include anti-rat bite protection as standard, but most models have foam detection built-in to prevent over-sudsing issues. Most Direct Drive motors we’ve tested last 10+ years before needing service. We would expect the same of LG’s.
Bosch vs. LG Features
Okay, we’ve nailed the specs, get into the cool features. Let’s dive in.
Depending on the type of laundry, both the Bosch and the LG have multiple wash programs for each machine.
Bosch washing machine modes:
- Cotton Mode: You can wash normally soiled cotton clothes at various temperatures from 30° to 90°. Nice if you need temperature options for different cotton loads.
- Quick Mode: The Bosch will finish washing in 15 or 30 minutes. Great for lightly soiled clothes when you’re in a rush.
- Steam Mode: In steam mode, the machine removes bacteria and allergens with high temperature steam (99.9% germ removal).
- Specialty Modes: Specialty modes are for jeans/dark wash, sportswear, shirts, wool and delicates/silk. Each mode adjusts water temperature, spin speed and wash action for specific fabric types.
The modes on the LG washing machine are as follows:
- Cotton Mode: When you put it in cotton mode, the LG handles standard cotton loads, but also has an extra Cotton Large option for the bigger loads. And to be honest, it adjusts things on the fly, so you don’t have to worry about messing with settings.
- Quick 30 Mode: This mode is a real lifesaver – it’ll whiz you through a full wash cycle in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a small lightly soiled load of clothes.
- Allergy Care Mode: Put it in allergy care mode and the machine gets to work, blasting out all sorts of common allergens, like dust mites, pollen and cat hair, with its special steam action and lots of careful wash trickery.
- 6 Motion DD: The 6 Motion technology inside this machine can change it’s drum movement 6 different ways – tumble, step, scrub, swing, roll & even filter – to get the best out of different types of fabric and how dirty they are.
App Control
Both Bosch and LG have the ability to connect to smartphone-based apps, though implementation varies.
From the app you can:
- Turn the machine on/off
- Check wash progress
- Send notifications to your phone
- Configure wash settings
- Monitor energy usage
- Schedule delayed starts
- Download new wash programs (LG ThinQ models)
- Run diagnostics
Small details and features of each app do vary, but basically the app lets you control each washing machine directly from your smartphone, even if you’re not nearby.
Some notes while using the app…
When we researched connectivity options for each respective brand, we did notice that Bosch focuses more on manual control interfaces. Most Bosch models don’t include Wi-Fi connectivity as standard.
We found that LG washing machines with ThinQ technology connect easily to the app. It’s simple to set up (takes 5-7 minutes) and easy to adjust settings on the machine, as needed.
Water Quality Management
You’ll find that both washing machines come with some pretty clever tech that lets them adapt to the water conditions at hand.
The Bosch has its own “AI Active Water Plus” system, and this is basically the main event when it comes to water management. As it goes about its business, it takes into account the load size, what kind of fabric you’re washing, and how grubby the clothes are – and then uses that info to decide just how much water is needed for a job well done. And the beauty of it is that this happens automatically with every wash.
The LG takes a different approach with its LoadSense technology. What this does is constantly monitor the load as it’s washing and then adjusts the water level accordingly – so you get a top-notch wash without wasting a drop.
When theyre in automatic mode, both the Bosch and the LG are capable of upping or downing the water and wash time as needed so the clothes get that perfect clean.
Special Care Features
One thing really stands out when you look at how these two brands go about taking care of your soft stuff.
Bosch machines come with some pretty useful features when it comes to keeping your clothes looking their best – anti-tangle to stop all that nasty tangling (and it’ll reduce it by up to 50%), an anti-wrinkle feature that really knocks creases on their head, and SoftCare paddles for a cleaning that’s as gentle as it is effective.
Here are the special care features on popular Bosch washing machines:
- Bosch WGA1420TIN: – it’s got anti-stain, anti-wrinkle & anti-tangle to keep your clothes looking like new. No more pesky stains, wrinkles or tangles to deal with
- Bosch WAJ28260IN: While not the best in all categories but it does offer a pretty effective anti-tangle system that works up to 50% better as well as a decent anti-wrinkle function too.
- Bosch WAJ24209IN: The Bosch WAJ24209IN comes equipped with a special SoftCare drum & paddles which help reduce wear and tear on your clothes.
LG machines on the other hand are really stepping up the fabric care game with their 6 Motion DD system which ensures your clothes get the best care possible, and their crease care system to reduce that pesky ironing time. & lets not forget special programmes for delicate items.
Here are some of the special care features on some of LG’s most popular models:
- LG FHB1209Z2M: – this one packs a bit of a punch with its 6 Motion DD system & crease care to cut down on ironing, plus special programs for delicate items.
- LG FHB1208Z4M: The LG FHB1208Z4M offers up some pretty sweet features too, including LoadSense which ensures a better spin, auto balance so your clothes don’t come out all bunched up, and even foam sensing to prevent all that annoying soap suds
- LG FHB1207Z2M: The LG FHB1207Z2M’s got a few neat tricks up its sleeve including allergen reduction & hygiene steam to give you that extra bit of peace of mind when it comes to your washing.
Again – all of these features can vary depending on the specific model you go for, but at the end of the day both Bosch & LG have a strong focus on protecting your clothes & making your life easier.
Bosch vs. LG Performance
To get a real handle on how well the Bosch and LG washing machines perform we dove in and took a close look at their technical specs and efficiency ratings.
When we’re trying to figure out which washing machines are the most reliable, it helps to look at the manufacturer’s specs – they give us a standard benchmark to work with.
We’ve actually looked at a bunch of different brands, including Samsung, Whirlpool and IFB – it’s interesting to see how the way families use their washing machines varies from season to season and how this affects how well the machines eat up power.
Energy consumption and water use are measured in kWh per kg per cycle and L per kg per cycle respectively – the lower the number the better.
How loud is each model?
Bosch
42-68 dB
LG
45-65 dB
Above dB levels are based on standard industry measurements during wash and spin cycles. Measurements taken at standard distance from the machine and includes normal operational noise which varies by cycle type.
That Whole Vibration Control Thing
One point to think about when weighing up the noise output is actually vibration management – though that sounds a bit boring. We’re talking about the systems that are in place to stop the thing shaking about when you’re spinning things at top speed. A great example of how vibration control impacts overall performance is to look at these two machines side by side.
Even though both brands claim to be pretty similar in terms of noise output, we noticed that the LG Direct Drive tech reduces vibration more effectively as a result. And then there’s the Bosch anti-vibration side panels which use three suspension systems to achieve a similar stability – though they go about it a different way.
Curious to know how these machines stack up against some other high end washing machines on the market? Well here are a few efficiency comparisons from similar sized models that might be worth a look:
- The Samsung 9kg models tend to use between 0.065-0.075 kWh/kg/cycle.
- Whirlpool 9kg machines use between 0.070-0.080 kWh/kg/cycle.
- IFB 9kg machines manage around the same average as Samsung at 0.065-0.075 kWh/kg/cycle.
Setup & Usability
Getting started with both the Bosch and LG washing machines is a painless process. Both models come with clear instructions, just connect hoses and get started.
Setting up the Bosch
Once you install the Bosch washing machine you simply remove transit bolts, level the machine, and connect water supply. Next, select your program and it will begin washing immediately.
After the initial setup is complete you can customize your washing as you’d like. You can:
- Change programs/adjust settings (14-15 programs available)
- Turn on/off special features
- Set temperature levels
- Adjust spin speed
- Set delay timer
Bosch vs. LG Maintenance
The maintenance of each of these washing machines really boils down to one thing… regular care. Regular maintenance is the most critical aspect of each washing machine and without proper upkeep, the performance will notably suffer.
To properly maintain the Bosch…
- Run the drum descale program once every month.
- Clean the self-cleaning detergent drawer once every 3 months.
To properly maintain the LG…
- Follow the tub clean reminder prompts for optimal hygiene. We estimate you will need to run tub clean monthly, depending on use.
Regular maintenance for both the Bosch as well as the LG includes checking door seals, cleaning filters, and ensuring proper drainage.
Bosch vs. LG: What’s the better value?
So you’re trying to figure out whether you should go all out with a Bosch or an LG – and whether either one is worth every penny. Well, as you might have predicted, it all depends on what you’re really after.
Now, if you’re a big family, then you’ll likely want a machine that can handle the load. In that case, take a look at the 9 kg models from either brand. At this level, the two are pretty evenly matched, so you’ll basically be choosing between the two on grounds of efficiency and features.
Top picks from LG for big families would include:
- LG FHB1209Z2M (9 kg) – no surprises here, but it’s a good place to start.
- The LG FHB1208Z4M (8 kg with Wi-Fi) is another contender – so long as Wi-Fi is on your must-have list.
- The LG FHB1207Z2M (7 kg) tends to be a bit smaller, but still worth considering if you need something to fit a smaller space.
- Or, if you’re after a washer-dryer combo, then the LG FHD0905SWM (9/5 kg) is definitely worth a look.
But if you need a ton of different wash cycles and have a hankering for some German engineering, then you might want to take a closer look at the Bosch range. They’re really pushing the boundaries when it comes to versatility and their prices are pretty competitive with the LG, as well as some of the other premium brands out there.
Should you buy the Bosch or LG?
So in summary… should you buy the Bosch or the LG?
Bosch may be best if:
- You want German engineering: If you like precision engineering and build quality, the Bosch washing machine is a good choice. While the efficiency wasn’t as good as the LG (according to our tests), it wasn’t bad at all.
- You need more wash programs: If you want a machine with 14-15 programs for different fabrics and stain levels, the Bosch is a good option too. It has many washing options, great anti stain technology and 12 year motor warranty.
LG may be the best if:
- You want the best efficiency: In our tests, the LG 9kg model outperformed the Bosch. And it’s even better with 16% less water and great wash quality.
- You want smart features: LG has models with Wi-Fi and app control through ThinQ. If you want remote monitoring, downloadable programs or smart diagnostics, you might like the connectivity options LG has.
