Nata0830
Premium price, no support: Bosch 800 dryer motor failed at 16 months
I needed a compact washer and dryer and wanted the most reliable option, especially a ventless dryer. After a lot of research, I chose the Bosch 800 Series dryer at about $2,000, nearly double the competition. I based that on strong expert reviews and Bosch's reputation for reliability. I skipped the extended warranty, since it seemed unnecessary for a premium appliance. Sixteen months later, the dryer stopped working. The service visit costs $199, plus $25 per 15 minutes of diagnosis, which would have come to nearly $350. The technician found the motor had failed. The motor is the heart of the machine and, according to public information, is designed to last around 10 years. This is not normal wear and tear, so I assumed it would be covered. The repair quote was almost $1,000, half the price of a new dryer. The technician even said it might not be worth repairing, because you never know what else turns up once the machine is opened. He kindly waived his visit fee and suggested I contact Bosch customer service. That took two weeks and a lot of back and forth. Their answer was a "goodwill" offer to cover 50% of the part, which came to $115 off a $1,000 bill. A $2,000 appliance should not fail at 16 months, and a company that markets premium reliability should stand behind its products. I won't buy Bosch again, and I'd think twice before recommending it.


