miele washing machine

jackyann

Hello all, not sure if this is the best board, but I trust the wisdom and experience of OSers!
When we retired and did our sums, one of the 'lines' was 'replace washing machine' and we think that time may have come (going to speak with repairer tomorrow, but we know the feeling!)
We set aside enough for a Miele, having had extremely good experience since our first (bought by in-laws!) and having washed for all our kids and their rugby teams over many years.

I think I will stick with Miele but would listen to other experiences with interest. We use eco-friendly detergents and no fabric softener.

I'd also like to seek opinions on a washer / dryer. We don't have a tumble dryer, or a washing line. We have a very good airing cupboard (heated by solar thermal panels) and that dries all of our washing with ease. We have an airer that we can put outside or in the bathroom if we have a lot of washing.

However, this machine is likely to see us out! I can foresee a time when we can't cart the washing up to the airing cupboard, and there is no room, realistically, for a tumble dryer. However, buying a washer/ dryer now seems rather daft.

All ideas and opinions welcome - thank you!

Slinky

The general opinion I've seen is that a washer drier is more problematic than seperate appliances. Steer clear until you have to resort to this option.

Gers

Have to agree about not buying a combined washer dryer, especially if you have good drying facilities. Everyone I know who has one tells me of problems and high running costs.

My Miele washing machine was a great buy, expensive but really worth it. The only tiny minor thing is that door is hinged on the right hand side rather than the ‘usual’ left hand side. It makes no difference.

[Deleted User]

we had a washer/drier in the last house, hated it. I have a miele washer, love it. If I move, I am taking it with me

System

A condenser dryer can be put pretty much anywhere in the house, it doesn't have to be near a window or a vent. I would go for one of these if at all possible, rather than a combined washer-dryer, as I have heard the latter often go wrong and need repairing.

ivyleaf

A friend of mine has a Miele washer/dryer and was so excited when she bought it (because it meant she had space for a dishwasher), but she has been very disappointed with its drying performance.

We have a Siemens Varioperfect washing machine (same as Bosch) and matching dryer atm. The washer does a very good job but doesn't have a Rinse Hold option, nor a Spin Only option.

Bogof_Babe

I have a washer/dryer in my little flat (second home) because there isn't room for both. It's only an Indesit, but apart from needing new knobs (replaced under my D&G insurance plan) I've not had any trouble... touch wood!

The only drawback is that if you have more than one load, say lights and darks, you have to wait for the first one to dry before you can wash the second one, and also the shortest proper programme is 70 minutes so it's half a day gone. There's a 35 minute wash & dry cycle, but I rarely use that as my mixed loads tend to include things that I don't want to tumble dry on hot.

At home we have Bosch for both, and I'm very happy with them. Miele is meant to be the best, but having used them on a cruise ship they seem to take forever to dry a load.

Nicki

My last washing machine was a Miele after a succession of cheaper ones which all lasted about 18months (I have 3 kids so my machines get a lot of use). The Miele at the time came with a 10 year guarantee. It's now coming up to 8 years old and we've had to have a few free repairs under the guarantee over that period but it's still going strong and was well worth the extra money IMO. I have a separate standalone tumblr drier and wouldn't ever have a combined washer drier as my washing machine is used too often to be also tied up drying.

jk0

I have a Miele washer/dryer that is now 12 years old. No repairs so far, and it is used almost every night. I also have these in ten rentals and have about one repair per year.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

I'd get the Miele. I've had good service from my Bosch Washing Machine, dishwasher and fridge, but I opted for a separate Indesit condenser drier on the grounds of it not being used all the time (and it was much, much cheaper). If it gives up earlier in its lifespan whilst the WM continues as before, I'm not put in the situation of losing both facilities at once.

Miele is about only brand I'd consider upgrading to for WM or DW, as I've been in houses where one was bought as a wedding present in the 1970s and is still going. But I'd still stick to a cheapy condenser tumble drier because I wouldn't get the same amount of use out of it.

jackyann

Thank you all very much!
Very interesting and sensible posts, and I will take notice of them all.