Mega Miele?
- Thread starter sudsmaster
- Start date
I saw the new "mega Miele" today, and frankly I wasn't impressed. WAYYYY too plasticky for my taste. I didn't like that the drum was tilted so far, it looks almost like a Neptune drum, perhaps tilted more so. I also didn't like that it had a bleach dispenser and that the drum vanes were solid. I vow NEVER to buy a modern residential front loader with solid vanes, they need to be perforated in order to help justify how little water they use. I also saw a regular Miele there, not sure what the model was, but there was no LED display for the time... Anyway, I liked that machine a LOT better, it had the perforated drum vanes, the 220 volt power, no bleach dispenser and a completely horizontal drum! Hopfully sometime this summer I'll be purchasing a Miele W1215!
sudsmaster
Well-known member
Tilting at Mieles
I am very surprised that the new Miele 4840 has a tilted drum. This is after years of Miele criticizing other mfg's (namely Maytag) for daring to build a washer with a tilted drum. Miele has always maintained that for proper "fall height" a drum needs to be perfectly level.
I've never completely bought that argument, and now, that Miele has come out with a tilted drum washer, I suppose they don't buy it completely, either.
I understand the 4840 has a 8 degree tilt. For comparison, the solid door Neptune have a 15 degree tilt. The HE3 has a 13 degree tilt. The LG, an 11 degree tilt. Don't know about others, but the GE Adora and the Duet Sport washers have zero tilt.
I am very surprised that the new Miele 4840 has a tilted drum. This is after years of Miele criticizing other mfg's (namely Maytag) for daring to build a washer with a tilted drum. Miele has always maintained that for proper "fall height" a drum needs to be perfectly level.
I've never completely bought that argument, and now, that Miele has come out with a tilted drum washer, I suppose they don't buy it completely, either.
I understand the 4840 has a 8 degree tilt. For comparison, the solid door Neptune have a 15 degree tilt. The HE3 has a 13 degree tilt. The LG, an 11 degree tilt. Don't know about others, but the GE Adora and the Duet Sport washers have zero tilt.
launderess
Well-known member
Miele realised what many already have who make large front loaders, after a certian drum size units require some sort of titled angle to the drum for easier access. Of course this can be eliminated if the washer will be placed high enough on a concrete slab or other type of platform. IIRC Milnor and a few other commercial front loaders have slight tilts to their drums.
As for things Miele stated they would "never" do: well one can add straight 120v power and allowing LCB to the list. Miele really is pulling all the stops out on this to capture "Middle America" with these new models.
This next bit can be taken with a grain of salt if one wishes, but spoke to several commercial laundry people who had inquired about the new larger Miele units for use in a "light" commercial setting. To a man all were discouraged with the common theme that the units were not up to the task. Historically Miele laundry appliances have been built to withstand European laundry habits of on average several wash loads per day, many with water temps of over 180F. Do ntt think the fiberglass outer tubs will withstand multiple wash loads per day at max temp in sucession.
Personally think Miele will end up like other German luxry brand names such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and such: there will be a top tier line for those that have the lolly and wish the "real thing", and a lower tier for those who just wish to own the brand.
As for things Miele stated they would "never" do: well one can add straight 120v power and allowing LCB to the list. Miele really is pulling all the stops out on this to capture "Middle America" with these new models.
This next bit can be taken with a grain of salt if one wishes, but spoke to several commercial laundry people who had inquired about the new larger Miele units for use in a "light" commercial setting. To a man all were discouraged with the common theme that the units were not up to the task. Historically Miele laundry appliances have been built to withstand European laundry habits of on average several wash loads per day, many with water temps of over 180F. Do ntt think the fiberglass outer tubs will withstand multiple wash loads per day at max temp in sucession.
Personally think Miele will end up like other German luxry brand names such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and such: there will be a top tier line for those that have the lolly and wish the "real thing", and a lower tier for those who just wish to own the brand.
oxydolfan1
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- Sep 28, 2006
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I do wish that Electrolux/Frigidaire would invest in the Westinghouse brand as their upper-tier name, and bring back a new slant-front Westinghouse Laundromat to compete with the big LG machines!
So many styling cues could be incorporated from the original design, and frankly, I think the whole front-loader selection could use something of a freshening....LG has its identity, a large, solid Westinghouse machine would have its own.
So many styling cues could be incorporated from the original design, and frankly, I think the whole front-loader selection could use something of a freshening....LG has its identity, a large, solid Westinghouse machine would have its own.
vintagesearch
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- Nov 7, 2006
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the new mega miele...
Looks like a great machine and the "honeycomb" tub is a nice new idea never saw that before however 4.0 cu ft in that front loader hmmm, the HE TL oasis and cabrio are bigger with 4.5 cu ft also i think some kenmore elite frontloaders have 4.5 cu ft tubs. but still very nice machine still like them better than the whirlpool FL.
Looks like a great machine and the "honeycomb" tub is a nice new idea never saw that before however 4.0 cu ft in that front loader hmmm, the HE TL oasis and cabrio are bigger with 4.5 cu ft also i think some kenmore elite frontloaders have 4.5 cu ft tubs. but still very nice machine still like them better than the whirlpool FL.
sudsmaster
Well-known member
"Do ntt think the fiberglass outer tubs will withstand
With a wimpy 110 volt heater element, I don't think there is much chance of anyone attempting multiple loads per day at max temp with a 4 cu ft Miele anyway. With a water heater set to 120F, it would probably take more than two hours for the poor thing to reach 170F and complete a wash cycle.
Then again, I can't think of many residential design front loaders that do commercial duty in the USA - with the possible exception of the Maytag Neptune, which has appeared in some numbers in laundromats across the nation, with mixed results. But then there are few residential design front loaders that can reasonably be expected to last 20 years.
With a wimpy 110 volt heater element, I don't think there is much chance of anyone attempting multiple loads per day at max temp with a 4 cu ft Miele anyway. With a water heater set to 120F, it would probably take more than two hours for the poor thing to reach 170F and complete a wash cycle.
Then again, I can't think of many residential design front loaders that do commercial duty in the USA - with the possible exception of the Maytag Neptune, which has appeared in some numbers in laundromats across the nation, with mixed results. But then there are few residential design front loaders that can reasonably be expected to last 20 years.
launderess
Well-known member
Well there are the Speed Queen "Homestyle" line of washers, which were sold for years as "light commercial" washers before their redesign for home use.
FWIW many dry cleaners and laundries have used the Miele residential line washers, especially for doing silk items.
As for a 110v powered Miele reaching 170F, my vintage Miele W1070 is currently running on 120v/20amp power (using one leg of 3000 watts heater ='s 1500 watts) and can take 120F water to 170F or even 180F in about 40minutes or less. Will heat that same water to 200F with a bit more time without any problems. Am willing to bet my vintage machine uses more water for the wash cycles that this newer large sized machine.
L.
FWIW many dry cleaners and laundries have used the Miele residential line washers, especially for doing silk items.
As for a 110v powered Miele reaching 170F, my vintage Miele W1070 is currently running on 120v/20amp power (using one leg of 3000 watts heater ='s 1500 watts) and can take 120F water to 170F or even 180F in about 40minutes or less. Will heat that same water to 200F with a bit more time without any problems. Am willing to bet my vintage machine uses more water for the wash cycles that this newer large sized machine.
L.
irishwashguy
Well-known member
I am quite shocked that they have "comprimised" a
Before I bought my Miele W/D, I read the thing about the tilted drum how it would force the load to the back, and some would not get as clean, clothes would get 'trapped' in the front. Although Miele would like to capture the American market, I hope that they have not comprimised and made it less than its pretisessors. I love mine, I think that it is bullet proof, I love the heating element, I am not a big fan of plastic, that is where I wonder if they have gone to far. I know that the drain hose on my washer is in fact ,plastic. All of the steaming hot water drains out of it.I will have to play with it when I go to Seattle, and I can give everyone the run down on it. If anyone is in Seattle, there is a Luwa distributing in Tukwilla (206-574-0770).Make an appontment, and they will let you do a few loads for free in it.There are a few other places in the country that there are showrooms at the distributer that they also do the same thing, it could and would be a fun field trip. They make good stuff, I hope that they have not sold out and gone the way of everything else, down the drain.
Before I bought my Miele W/D, I read the thing about the tilted drum how it would force the load to the back, and some would not get as clean, clothes would get 'trapped' in the front. Although Miele would like to capture the American market, I hope that they have not comprimised and made it less than its pretisessors. I love mine, I think that it is bullet proof, I love the heating element, I am not a big fan of plastic, that is where I wonder if they have gone to far. I know that the drain hose on my washer is in fact ,plastic. All of the steaming hot water drains out of it.I will have to play with it when I go to Seattle, and I can give everyone the run down on it. If anyone is in Seattle, there is a Luwa distributing in Tukwilla (206-574-0770).Make an appontment, and they will let you do a few loads for free in it.There are a few other places in the country that there are showrooms at the distributer that they also do the same thing, it could and would be a fun field trip. They make good stuff, I hope that they have not sold out and gone the way of everything else, down the drain.
Plastic wash tubs and high temeratures
Though not so fond of them myself, I do not think there will be any problems to expect with the combination of boil washes and plastic outer tubs.
I mean that other manufacturers in Europe have been using them along with (pretended) 95°C programes for over a decade without problems.
There is just one nasty thing about them. In case of bearing failture, the whole machine is generally not worth to repair, due to the costs.
Though not so fond of them myself, I do not think there will be any problems to expect with the combination of boil washes and plastic outer tubs.
I mean that other manufacturers in Europe have been using them along with (pretended) 95°C programes for over a decade without problems.
There is just one nasty thing about them. In case of bearing failture, the whole machine is generally not worth to repair, due to the costs.
askomiele
Well-known member
And there are more odors in a plastic tub than in a stainless steel one... after some nosework..
brisnat81
Well-known member
Fibreglass isnt plastic - and there is still plenty of metal
Hi Guys,
I've been talking to Miele in Australia and they advise the following:
At some stage (probably 2008) we will get these giants over here.
The door may be plastic, but they guarentee if you lay it on the ground you can jump on it without it breaking.
The Fibreglass drum (Remember what boats are made of) uses the same type of cast iron cross brace for the bearings as the SS tub machines, Suspension mounts are metal and it still has the cast iron counterweights on the front. Further these are integrally moulded into the fibreglass using a new Miele patented process.
These machines still come with the 20yr life expectancy, based on the 2 hours x 5 loads x 50 weeks x 20 years.
Considering that these machines now weigh 50 odd KG more than the old ones, if there wasnt some weight cutting component you'd need a crane to shift it. its hard enough getting the 100kg Miele's up and down stairs, the 150kg model must be terrible.
Just another perspective, it may be company hype, but it would be unlike them to stake their reputation on a crappy product.
Regards
Nathan
Hi Guys,
I've been talking to Miele in Australia and they advise the following:
At some stage (probably 2008) we will get these giants over here.
The door may be plastic, but they guarentee if you lay it on the ground you can jump on it without it breaking.
The Fibreglass drum (Remember what boats are made of) uses the same type of cast iron cross brace for the bearings as the SS tub machines, Suspension mounts are metal and it still has the cast iron counterweights on the front. Further these are integrally moulded into the fibreglass using a new Miele patented process.
These machines still come with the 20yr life expectancy, based on the 2 hours x 5 loads x 50 weeks x 20 years.
Considering that these machines now weigh 50 odd KG more than the old ones, if there wasnt some weight cutting component you'd need a crane to shift it. its hard enough getting the 100kg Miele's up and down stairs, the 150kg model must be terrible.
Just another perspective, it may be company hype, but it would be unlike them to stake their reputation on a crappy product.
Regards
Nathan
sudsmaster
Well-known member
Additionally, there are coffee makers made of plastic, polycarbonate, as in Bodum's vacuum coffee maker marketed in the USA by Starbucks. Since the temp of that routinely reaches 200F, can't see how being plastic automatically rules out a part from sub-boiling high temp service. CVPC plastics are approved for use with hot water lines. And, as noted, virtually all washer hoses are at the very least lined with a rubber or synthetic rubber (plastic) substance.
The bearing situation is regrettable, but I recall one chap over on THS who successfully replaced the bearings on his Frigmore despite the fact that it has a plastic outer tub.
Personally I would vastly prefer a stainless outer tub, but I can understand where cost and other considerations dictate plastic. The least durable material to use for an outer tub probably would be porcelain enamel steel - which is notorious for eventual rust-through.
The bearing situation is regrettable, but I recall one chap over on THS who successfully replaced the bearings on his Frigmore despite the fact that it has a plastic outer tub.
Personally I would vastly prefer a stainless outer tub, but I can understand where cost and other considerations dictate plastic. The least durable material to use for an outer tub probably would be porcelain enamel steel - which is notorious for eventual rust-through.
launderess
Well-known member
Manuals and Operating Guides
Are now up on the Miele USA site.
L.
Are now up on the Miele USA site.
L.
sudsmaster
Well-known member
I notice that Miele recommends that the 4840 drum only be loaded 3/4 full, as a normal procedure. Does this mean that the machine is really more like a 3.0 cu ft unit, as opposed to the claimed 4.0 cu ft?
As I recall, the more traditional Miele models simply recommend leaving space the size of a fist at the top of the drum; not 1/4 of the total volume.
As I recall, the more traditional Miele models simply recommend leaving space the size of a fist at the top of the drum; not 1/4 of the total volume.
launderess
Well-known member
Noticed that as well, not sure why and have been meaning to get an answer from Miele.
It tis rather odd that a uber-capacity washing machine would require only 3/4 full loads,whereas previous Miele washing machines would advise one could load the machine fully long as one did not exceed weight limits/left some room at the top.
Since most laundry compacts down when wet, that means a 3/4 full load of towels could end up being just 1/2 or less. In real terms that probably is not much more than the large 6kg units can handle.
L.
It tis rather odd that a uber-capacity washing machine would require only 3/4 full loads,whereas previous Miele washing machines would advise one could load the machine fully long as one did not exceed weight limits/left some room at the top.
Since most laundry compacts down when wet, that means a 3/4 full load of towels could end up being just 1/2 or less. In real terms that probably is not much more than the large 6kg units can handle.
L.
askomiele
Well-known member
Just load as full as you want, they should handle more than 3/4. I never read the manuals that close. My whites are stuffed loads and no miele has ever stopped working because of that, just load and wash!
launderess
Well-known member
No, don't think that can be the answer. For one thing the tub on the new uber-Miele washers is titled, therefore what one would consider a normal load for regular Miele washers may count as "over loading". While it may not make a difference, should something go wrong Miele won't be responsible if one does not follow directions.
L.
L.
sudsmaster
Well-known member
Perhaps it is Miele's long held bias against tilted tubs showing.
Who would know for sure? Perhaps Miele, if one could ask.
Who would know for sure? Perhaps Miele, if one could ask.
nmaineman36
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The Miele's are nice. I went to check them out today and I will have to say WOW! They are gorgeous and built well. They have a feel like a Lexus and they have a price tag to go with that feel. The washer went for $1799 and the dryer went for $1100 USD. The washer had a claim of 4 cu ft and there was nothing on the dryer saying how much the drum was. Both have the Honeycomb drum. The washer to me looks smaller than what they claim. The dryer is deep and there looks like it would have alot of room to dry a good sized load.
The washer did surprise me when I pulled out the dispenser drawer and saw it had a compartment for bleach. The washer rums on 120 volts and the dryer was 240 volts and there is no gas dryer at all available...or so I was told.
I would love to get them but my other half said that it wont happen until the Maytag Neptunes die...and my washer..made by Samsung...is starting to get kinda squeeky during the spin cycle. I will be lucky to get another year out of the washer. Because once it goes I will get those Mieles.
The washer did surprise me when I pulled out the dispenser drawer and saw it had a compartment for bleach. The washer rums on 120 volts and the dryer was 240 volts and there is no gas dryer at all available...or so I was told.
I would love to get them but my other half said that it wont happen until the Maytag Neptunes die...and my washer..made by Samsung...is starting to get kinda squeeky during the spin cycle. I will be lucky to get another year out of the washer. Because once it goes I will get those Mieles.
sudsmaster
Well-known member
Thanks for the first-person report, Maineman.
Re your Samtag: the squeak in spin could be bearings or something more simple, like shocks/springs or maybe even the door boot. If this is a belted model, then that could be it as well. Of course if getting a Miele is contingent upon the Samtag experiencing a definite collapse, then perhaps you don't want to delve too deeply into what's wrong.
Re your Samtag: the squeak in spin could be bearings or something more simple, like shocks/springs or maybe even the door boot. If this is a belted model, then that could be it as well. Of course if getting a Miele is contingent upon the Samtag experiencing a definite collapse, then perhaps you don't want to delve too deeply into what's wrong.
Actually the commercial Little Giant series already had a model with a glass door.
oxydolfan1
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Purty. Muy techno....
Nmaineman.....don't worry about the Samsung giving up the ghost.
You wouldn't be the first person to accidentally add five boxes of Royal Strawberry gelatin to your detergent dispenser and then hit Sanitize....
Nuff said.....
Nmaineman.....don't worry about the Samsung giving up the ghost.
You wouldn't be the first person to accidentally add five boxes of Royal Strawberry gelatin to your detergent dispenser and then hit Sanitize....
Nuff said.....
New Press Release
Miele has a new press release available on its new homepage!
Alex
http://www.miele.com/pressroom/news87.html
Miele has a new press release available on its new homepage!
Alex
http://www.miele.com/pressroom/news87.html
sudsmaster
Well-known member
In search of Mega
I paid a late afternoon visit to my local Miele/Speed Queen dealer today.
Unfortunately, on both machines, he came up empty. He had the older SQ front loader (ugly!) and a few small Mieles, but said it wouldn't be until some time in February that they'd get in their mega Mieles.
He did have display the black Maytag Epic, and said that Whirlpool was planning on making Jenn-Aire the premium washer brand. I'll believe that when I see it, since I don't think many people associate Jenn-Aire with washers.
He also had the fiendishly expensive all-stainless Kitchenaid behemoth pair. You know, close to $4,000 for just the washer. They looked nice, built like tanks, with trick control panels, but inside they just looked like ordinary Duets to me.
So, I went home empty handed. Not that I was planning on buying anything anyway.
I paid a late afternoon visit to my local Miele/Speed Queen dealer today.
Unfortunately, on both machines, he came up empty. He had the older SQ front loader (ugly!) and a few small Mieles, but said it wouldn't be until some time in February that they'd get in their mega Mieles.
He did have display the black Maytag Epic, and said that Whirlpool was planning on making Jenn-Aire the premium washer brand. I'll believe that when I see it, since I don't think many people associate Jenn-Aire with washers.
He also had the fiendishly expensive all-stainless Kitchenaid behemoth pair. You know, close to $4,000 for just the washer. They looked nice, built like tanks, with trick control panels, but inside they just looked like ordinary Duets to me.
So, I went home empty handed. Not that I was planning on buying anything anyway.
sudsmaster
Well-known member
Finally got to see the new Miele 4840 yesterday. It is a nice machine. Is $1800 worth of nice? Don't know. They had it plugged in so I got to play with the controls. The Mastercare feature was nice, probably worth the extra $200. I didn't see any obvious flaws in the workmanship, and the honeycomb drum looked great. Interestingly, the matching dryer drum has a honeycomb pattern emossed into it as well, but the salesman just kind of laughed when I pointed that out. We agreed it was probably just to match the washer drum pattern. They had a stack of brochures inside the washer, but the installation/operator's manuals were nowhere to be found.
I was a little puzzled that the dryer brochure shows only one way to vent the dryer, out the lower left rear... which would not work for my laundry closet (a dryer placed there must vent out the left side, or straight down from the bottom of the dryer).
I wasn't a real fan of the control system, which hides any information about actual water temps (other than "hot, warm, cold, etc) or spin speed rpms (Other than "max, medium" etc). But I suppose most consumers would prefer a simplified interface.
I was a little puzzled that the dryer brochure shows only one way to vent the dryer, out the lower left rear... which would not work for my laundry closet (a dryer placed there must vent out the left side, or straight down from the bottom of the dryer).
I wasn't a real fan of the control system, which hides any information about actual water temps (other than "hot, warm, cold, etc) or spin speed rpms (Other than "max, medium" etc). But I suppose most consumers would prefer a simplified interface.
irishwashguy
Well-known member
You become acostomed to it after a while
Although, i have not been able to play with it, knowing what the settings means also helps. When I bought my washer, i had intended on getting the Novatronic
Although, i have not been able to play with it, knowing what the settings means also helps. When I bought my washer, i had intended on getting the Novatronic
brisnat81
Well-known member
Honeycomb in Dryer
They claim allows for a cushion of air between the drum and the clothes. Thus in theory the clothes dont rub along the drum, they glide on air.
As to how it works, I'm not 100% sure. If it's just marketing, then its no different to the honeycomb drum in the washer.
They claim allows for a cushion of air between the drum and the clothes. Thus in theory the clothes dont rub along the drum, they glide on air.
As to how it works, I'm not 100% sure. If it's just marketing, then its no different to the honeycomb drum in the washer.
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