Miele Washing Machines

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German appliance manufacturer Miele entered the U.S. appliance market in 1984. The company produces dishwashers, cooktops, ovens, refrigerators, washers and dryers, as well as small appliances, such as coffee makers and vacuums. Eleven washing machines are offered with two at super large capacity, six at large capacity and three at standard capacity. All washers are ENERGY STAR certified, ensuring savings in electricity and water use. Miele operates 10 factories in Germany and its U.S. headquarters is in Princeton, New Jersey.

Miele's History

Miele has been producing clothes washing machines since 1901 when a washer with a wooden tub and agitator was introduced. The company, however, was founded two years earlier as a manufacturer of cream separators and, later, butter churns. Over the years, other products were added to the manufacturing lines, including automobile, bicycles and motorcycles. The company focus is now on household and commercial appliances. Miele remains a family-owned and family-run company with the fourth generation of Mieles now managing the firm. It's guided by the motto: "Always Better." The German company has introduced a number of innovations to laundering machines, including the world's first microchip-controlled washers and tumble dryers, as well as the first washing machine with a program for hand-washable woolens.

Special Features Of Miele Washing Machines

In keeping with its reputation for innovation, Miele has developed new technologies and applied these to its washing machines. The Honeycomb Care system, the Custom Wash program and the PC Update provide increased convenience for users. Miele's trademarked Honeycomb Care washing drum, forged from stainless steel with a unique convex pattern that resembles a honeycomb, enhances cleaning performance, reduces fabric and uses less water. The custom wash program permits users to create their own wash programs by setting temperature, spin speed and other options, such as heavy soil, extended, soak, sensitive or buzzer. Another Miele innovation is found in the concept of updatable appliances. A special feature of some Miele washing machines is the PC Update function which--with the use of a laptop computer--permits Miele technicians to alter a machine's programming parameters. For example, a technician could program a washer to reduce its water intake, electricity consumption or even adapt it to a new type of detergent.

Maintenance Of Miele Washing Machines

Miele suggests running a maintenance cycle approximately once a month to ensure the machine remains free of odors and soil build-up. Should the machine need descaling--due to the use of hard water--Miele suggests users purchase special descaling agents from the company. Normal care includes washing out the detergent drawer, checking and cleaning the water-inlet filters every six months and cleaning the drain pump and lint trap.

Energy Efficiency

All Miele washing machines made for the North American market qualify for the ENERGY STAR Program—meaning they're at least 50 percent more efficient than minimum federal government standards. The ENERGY STAR label on its washing machines reflect the following benefits: 35 to 50 percent less water used per load and better water extraction (meaning less dryer time) resulting in further energy savings.

Consumer Experiences

The Miele customer service section of its USA website provides information on dealer locations, showrooms and events, product dimensions, voltage information and problem solving. The company offers lifetime service for all its appliances. Potential consumers may review Miele customer testimonials on the company's USA website. Miele has earned many design and innovation prizes, including the coveted Reader's Digest "Most Trusted Brand" award every year the survey has been conducted.

Miele Warranty

A one-year warranty is provided for residential products purchased and installed in the United States. In force for one year from the date of purchase, the warranty covers defects in material and workmanship. The warranty on properly installed and registered (by an authorized Miele installer) residential washing machines and dryers is extended for an additional four years.