Bosch vs Smeg Washing Machines

Bosch brings the larger range to this pairing, from the 9kg WAN28259GB Series 4 at £479 to the 10kg WGB256A2GB Series 8 at £999. Smeg has a smaller, design-led range: the 8kg WNP84SECUK at £499, the 9kg WNP96SLAAUK with steam and Autodose at £599 and the 9kg WNP96SLAAUK1 at £599, which spins at 1600rpm. Bosch's 10kg Series 6 WGG254ZSGB at £599 matches the price of the 9kg Smeg with steam and Autodose.

Bosch's technology is built around its Series structure. The Series 8 offers i-DOS with Detergent Scan and Home Connect app control, while the Series 6 adds Iron Assist, ActiveWater Plus and Speed Perfect quick cycles. Smeg's distinctive features are Autodose, which stores liquid detergent in a built-in tank and doses it for each wash, and steam programmes that refresh garments between washes. The WNP96SLAAUK1 offers a 1600rpm spin for faster drying, a speed none of the Bosch models in this comparison reaches.

Bosch suits buyers who want a 10kg drum, app control and an upgrade path to i-DOS, and it suits families who need the larger capacity. Smeg suits buyers who value steam care and hands-free detergent dosing, and who already own other Smeg kitchen appliances. The 9kg steam model is rated C for noise at 78dB, while the 8kg WNP84SECUK is rated A at 72dB, so the smaller machine is the better pick for a quiet utility room. Buyers who need a 9kg drum can compare the Smeg directly with the WGG244ZCGB Series 6 at £599, since both cost the same.

Bottom line: choose Bosch if you want i-DOS dosing, Home Connect and a 10kg drum, and choose Smeg if steam care and Autodose matter more than capacity, particularly with the 1600rpm WNP96SLAAUK1 at £599.