Big news from Germany

[askomiele]

To all our beloved ones who wanted the summum of the washers but couldn't do it becaus of electrical problems!!! Here they are the 110 volt MIELE's so now there is NO excuse to buy one (except offcourse the right of freedom of speeche ;-p )

http://www.miele.com/usa/laundry/washers/product.asp?model=403&series=102&subcat=21&cat=4

 

[launderess]

Interesting, But No Thanks

Almost 2K (USD)(quick Internet search turned up several vendors with model in stock), for a washing machine that holds only a little more than the previous standard machines (5.5kg instead of 5kg), and again lots of pre-set programs that really mean nothing and or are simple variations on a theme.

Max wash temp is 158F, and washer must be plumbed to hot and cold water (one can use a "Y" connector if necessary). Washer is not Energy Star rated at this time, no big deal a moi, but could upset other Americans.

Oh yes, no matching 110v dryer. Again no big deal a moi, but many people looking for small units for an apartment or such may want a matching W&D set. Considering how poor results can be with 110v dryers, this could be no big loss. However given the extra umph in air power Miele has with it's larger 110v dryers, a 110v dryer with increased air flow through the drum may have made a difference in drying results versus normal offerings.

Manual makes for an interesting read:

http://www.ajmadison.com/ajmadison/itemdocs/W3033-OperatingInstructions.pdf

 

[launderess]

Oh There Is This As Well

Don't know about other vendors, but AJ Madison's website shows Miele charging for every single thing such as detergent measuring cup, liquid detergent dispenser, etc. IIRC those came free at some point, least I don't remember paying for mine. I'm sorry, but if one pays nearly $2000 for a washer, the least they can do is throw in a nice detergent cup.

L.

 

[lederstiefel1]

Miele

Well, that is a normal German Miele washing-machine, just adjusted to the US standards (hot & cold water inlet / 110-120 V / 60 Hz). These machines cost here in Germany about 1,500.- € wich is almost 2,000.- $, so nothing unusual!

But Miele offers big machines too! I've seen them in N.Y. together with Peter from the forum here!

Ralf

 

[lavamat78800]

BTW, the BIG Mieles will never be sold over here in Germany!

 

[foraloysius]

I think there is a price difference. The cheapest Miele overhere in the Netherlands is Euro 769.-. Only the TOL models are in the Euro 1500.- region.

Perhaps this is a bit of a dumbed down machine, but for people who don't have 220 Volts service it sure is an interesting machine. If only Miele would introduce an European sized gas dryer on the American market...

 

[askomiele]

Lavamat 78800 why won't they introduce the big mieles in europe? Bosch is doing it with their nexxt, Lg with their bigger machines and speedqueen offers their machines under the IPSO brand.

 

[launderess]

Correction

Meant to say Miele's larger uber-sized dryers that run on 220v, not 110v.

Still not totally impressed with the Miele 120v unit, but to each his/her own. As others say, it may prove just the thing for someone who always wished to own a Miele, but did not have access to a 220v connection.

By the way, what is up with the "only load the washer 3/4 full", in the Cottons/Normal cycle as per the manual. Noticed the same thing for all new Miele washers sold in the US, including the uber sized washers. If the washer is rated to hold 5.5kg it should clean 5.5kg.

My Miele is rated to hold 5kg, and if one can fit 5kg worth of say thick towels into the unit, it will do the job perfectly. My rule of thumb for cottons and such is to load the machine full, but leave at least a fist worth of room at the top of the drum. That way when went the load will compact down, and things are fine.

L.

 

[lederstiefel1]

Correction

Well, ok, that is really not nice from MIELE, not to sell the big machines here in Germany.....but I do not care - if a MIELE than only an old wringer-washer anyway...lol!

The 3/4 filling of the drum should be a 5,5 kg load! It means just that the drum, when laundry is pressed together, must have that 1/4 free (about a hand or six inches) or you must not press the laundry together and then fill the drum completely.

As our neighbour and landlady said to my mother when we got the first washing-machine in 1967:

"Less is always more, Mrs. E., so never fill the machine to the top, washing must be able to tumble freely!"

She worked in a laboratory of ENKA, where they tested fibres and the effect of machines and chemicals on them.

Ralf