To whom it may concern,
I have comprised suggestions for improved features I think would be beneficial to Miele Washers and Dryers. I currently own a W4842 and T9822. My suggestions are based on my experience with these machines only. While these are the best machines I've ever owned, I still see room for improvement. In the spirit of "Immer Besser", I hope the customer feedback I'm offering is valued. I would also ask this be forwarded to the appropriate Miele associates for proper consideration and review.

Washer Suggestions:

1) Heavy Soil/Prewash
The Heavy soil option needs to be called what it is, Prewash. That's simple, everyone understands what it is and when it is to be used.

2) MasterCare
programs I would like to see added:
Pillows, Darks, Brights,

3) Program Complete
The end of program reminder alerts way too frequently after a load is complete. This needs to be drastically reduced (every 15 or 30 min max) or made user adjustable. I would like to be notified when the program is complete but being reminded every 90 seconds is a bit much.

4) Unravel Laundry After Spin
As in other Miele washers, when the program is complete, the drum should tumble a few times, back and forth, to unravel the clothing from the wall of the drum. Despite the claim of clothing not sticking to the honeycomb drum, I find this is often not the case. I also think it should continue to do this until the load is removed to prevent wrinkles much in the way the dryer does. This should exist in ever Miele washer.

5) Comforters Need More Water
Wash water level is inadequate using the "Comforters" MasterCare program despite the venting process. Wash water level should be equal to that of high rinse water levels. Personally I think this should be one of very few programs that go heavy on water to ensure thorough saturation and proper cleaning of these larger articles.

6) Push Back Flap Can Cause Damage
The pushback flap that is part of the drum boot (top) can actually cause damage to clothing. While it is my understanding this is intended to force items back into the drum, keeping them away from the door area in efforts to protect items, it might actually be causing more damage. In the event a user overloads the machine, laundry can be rubbed violently against the rubber device during spin resulting in torn clothing and rubber shavings everywhere. True this could be dismissed as misuse of the washer, but it could also be prevented. If the push back flap could be designed with an internal accelerometer it could detect when it experiencing abnormal contact with laundry, it could abort the spin and advise the user the machine is overloaded. It could also be used to detect this during the wash, prompting the user to remove items from the load before a spin ever starts.

Dryer Suggestions:

1) Add Display Screen
Offer a model that has the display screen like the W4842 and add MasterCare programs for drying. Customization and user interface is seriously lacking without it.

2) Enhanced Time Dry Options
Dryers need Timed dry programs where duration can be selected in 5 min increments. Temperature should also be selectable, normal, med, low, delicate, air fluff. Moister based program are great but are not the best option for everything. The 45min time dry option will scorch items that didn�t need to be dried that long but were forgotten about. This to me is the biggest oversight of this dryers design.

3) Lint Screen Not Perfected Yet
The lint screen still needs work. Unacceptable amounts of lint are allowed to pass around the filter frame and collect around the outside edges. The fine mesh filter is doing little good if lint can pass around the screen altogether.

4) Washer/Dryer Communications
Communication between the washer and dryer should be established either through a direct link or the Remote Vision LAN system . The dryer should know what's headed it way. If a load of delicates just finished washing the dryer should suggest the delicates program for drying, obviously leaving the final decision to the user but having the correct drying parameter in place and ready to go for the user to accept.

I offer these suggestions in hopes that the few that can, may be considered for future PC updates ,and those that can�t be considered for implementation on future models. I have great admiration for the pursuit of perfection Miele strives for. Hopefully this can offer at minimum, assistance in that pursuit.

My biggest peeve, is the Heavy Soil labeling. Miele, on past US models, called it Pre Wash...as that's what it is! A Pre Wash. Like the REST of the world, please call it Pre Wash on US models. So annoying!

At the end of a cycle, it would be a GREAT feature to have the load tumbled a bit, to unravel & unstick clothes. Good idea!!

I don't think it's just Comforters that need more water during the wash cycle (although Comforters do need more water). I think most cycles need more water during the wash cycle. Miele needs to add a Water+ feature for washes, like they offer Water+ for Rinse levels. If owners choose to keep a crazy, low water level for wash cycles, they can. If they choose to use a proper & higher water level for wash cycles, they could simply add Water+ for wash cycle and Water+ for Rinses. Make it easier!!

Since the manual says Liquid Detergent must be used for the Express and Comforters Cycle, the display screen on the machine should say so! I know, I know...we should all read the manual cover to cover, but a lot of us do not.

The dryer, IMO, does not need too much improving, but a display screen would be nice...but it's mainly cosmetic.

BUT...more timed dry options is MANDATORY! I cannot count how many times I've wanted a 5, 10 or 15 min dry cycle. Only offering 45 mins is insane!

Like ALL other high end dryers, letting us choose Low, Med, High and Hot for the dry temps would be really great!

Overall, my W4842 and T9802 units are AMAZING, but these simple changes could make a great product, near perfect!!

Thanks. Let us know if Miele intends to keep their products Immer Besser.

Wenn mann Immer Besser sagt, muss mann Immer Besser meinen!!! Miele....Sie koennen die Maschinen fast perfeckt machen!!

• Larger, more animated display giving us more information on the load type, advice, etc.
• Include a database of detergents, which can be updated frequently via Remote Vision, and recommend a dose according to load weight and the type of detergent programmed for that cycle.
• Include a water softener like they do in Miele dishwashers that will provide the machine with the ideal ratio of soft and hard water
• Profile Wash option would be appreciated.
• Why not build all Miele W48XX machines as 240v and include an adapter for 110v? If the machine detects 110v, it will switch into a low power heater mode and offer reduced temperature options. If utilizing 240v, it will offer higher temperature settings and possibly a profile wash.
• Add a turbidity sensor like in Miele dishwashers in order to determine if additional rinses are needed.

The other item I wish to mention is that Miele dishwashers are leaps and bounds ahead of their washing machines in terms of technology. There are some good technologies on the dishwasher side that can benefit their washing machines.

and my understanding is that "Sanitize" is a profile wash.

On my machine if you choose "Sanitize" you get a cool prewash that drains and spins and then a main wash that starts off warm, heats up to 158 F, and washes for an extended period of time.

It's a great setting... I use it all the time for whites, dishtowels etc.

Don't the W48XX machines have the same cycle?

Interesting about this. Just a few years ago when Miele offered only 220v machines, the "profile wash" capability was one of their bigger selling points. Since the larger 110v machines have come out, I'm not hearing anything about it anymore.

Some of these things that are missing on the W48XX I have on my current 9 year old Frigidaire FL. I like some of these features and am not sure I'd be happy to live without them.

Add to that, Miele’s washer/dryer set up (backwards to my drain left/dryer vent right).

Ugh ...

Some of the suggestions on here are very good, although I don't think the accelerometer will ever make it. 240V probably neither, as Miele already tried that and see where it got them today - 110V washers only.

From an European standpoint, I can tell you what's already been realized over here.

- Heavy Soil: as you said, everyone calls it Pre Wash. Why not Miele US? K.I.S.S. principle, maybe?
- MasterCare: oy, Miele offers an abundance of extra cycles here. But too many cycles can be confusing. How do you wash a dark denim shirt? Dark Garments, Denim or Shirts cycle? Aha!
- Fluffing: what? I'm surprised Miele does not have this in the US! We even have Steam Care to steam our wrinkles after the spin cycle.
- Comforters water level: I think I'll agree. American FLs tend to be super-stingy in general. Much more than Euro washers.
- More water overall: the water-police is out to get'cha! ;-)
- Larger, animated screen: I don't think this would be Miele-ish. Korean products excel at gadgets, animations and jingles.. but where's the quality and commitment to perfect laundry care with LG and Samsung?
- Turbidity sensor: many manufacturers offer these but Miele was never one of them. Too bad.
- Water softener: I've never seen that on a washing machine.
- Detergent (amount) recommendation: better Miele washer have done this for years. Never models even put powder or liquid in automatically; according to the cycle, soil level and load weight. Would be very useful for many under-loading, over-dosing Americans.

- Display on the dryer: Yes. Can not understand why it's missing on the US machines!
- Timed drying: Yes, via the display...
- Lint filter: Euro Miele dryers all have two lint filters: in the door and the door frame. This is not possible with a glass door, though. A compromise made for the American consumer.
- Washer/Dryer communication: nope, but you can remote control Miele appliances via a touch screen monitor or your iPhone. It's called Miele @ Home.
- Temp selection: that's a Euro thing. Our dryers never offered a High to Low range. It's selected via the cycle. Bosch Vision dryers are just the same - no Hi, Med, Med-Hi, Lo choices.

Finally, here's something for you to dream about. The Miele Supertronic Series. The washer has the same control as the LaPerla dishwasher, automatically adds detergents, has ten customizable favorite cycles, generates steam and injects it into and around the drum to release wrinkles...

More details: the British Supertronic. It is missing some of the German Supertronic's options, though - like larger capacity and steam.

The first three videos and the Steam Care cycle.

Alex

Here's a question for you Miele owners/fans ... would you have any thoughts as to whether the Bosch Vision 800 is a good option (instead of Miele). I'm trying to work with my existing venting (drain left/dryer vent right). I'm willing to have the Miele doors open into each other if there are no other excellent options available.

This posting has me micro inspecting the features of both and the Bosch does seem to have some that are a little better than Miele (although I'm sure Miele has a few up on Bosch too).

For example:
Bosch Vision is 4.4 cf (compared to Miele 4.0 cf) - Bosh dryer is slighly larger too and has 3 way venting unlike Miele.

Bosch Vision max temp is 180 F (compared to Miele 158 F) - Bosch Xxtra Sanitary Cycle heats water to 170 F (NSF Certified kills 99.9% of most common household bacteria) - Miele doesn't say anything about being NSF certified.

Bosch max spin is 1200 RPM as compared to Miele W4840 1300 RPM. Would 100 RPM make a difference? According to the Bosch manual many loads do not use full RPM anyway (looks like only 4 do)?

Bosch has a comforter setting - says more water is used and less spin speed to avoid stretching. Not sure if "more" is enough?

A few more Bosch features (not on Miele that I can see):
•AVS Anti-Vibration System for near silent, smooth operation
•Virtually silent: 52 dBA
•AquaStop® leak protection system prevents major water damage

I am checking with Bosch as to the rinse temperature. I'm sure I read someone say it was warm - makes no sense to me. I would think it would be cold.

I am also checking on the dryer having any reverse tumble - although I'm guessing "no".

Also checking if the Bosch gently tumbles clothes (fluffs) after the final spin. My current 9 year old machine does that and I can't imagine not having that.

The Bosch dryer has an anti crease function that will tumble clothes intermittently for 3 hours if not removed. Miele will do this for 1 hour. Not sure 3 is necessary but ...

The Bosch dryer also has "DynamicAirâ„¢" - gently dries clothes using moderate heat and high air volume in a one piece stainless steel drum. It appears to have many more openings for air than the Miele - not sure if this is an advantage or not.

The Bosch dryer also has a spin speed optimized drying time that coordinates the remaining time displayed for the dryer to the spin speed at which the laundry was previously spun in the washing machine.

This is it ... I’m going to decide in the next week. Thanks all for your help!

@whirlpool_trainee: You said "Larger, animated screen: I don't think this would be Miele-ish". There is no reason why you can't have a commitment to quality AND utilize some nice technology. The two are not mutually exclusive. Also, the fact that we've never seen a water softener in a washing machine doesn't mean it isn't a good idea. Miele uses the technology to great effect in their dishwashers, and washers can benefit as well.

I would think this change would allow more people to purchase the machines as it adds flexibility.

I wouldn't even question buying them if they would fit properly in my laundry.

It's not only Miele that uses water softeners in dishwashers. Every single dishwasher manufacturer in Europe uses them. Again, not saying it can't be done or that it wouldn't be a good/interesting idea - I'm just saying that I don't see it happening any time soon.

@ livebetter: Bosch makes some good appliances and very efficient ones, too. Even in green Europe, they are continuously bringing out appliances that are a little more efficient than all the others.

Technically, the fill and drain hoses on the Miele washer are no problem as they should really be long enough to reach behind the dryer. The dryer, however, can be a problem because you will obviously have to add extra venting to connect the dryer's vent to the opening in the wall. This should add two more elbows, which can be problematic if there is already a long vent run to the outside.

The Bosch washer is .24 cu.ft. larger, which means roughly one lbs. more capacity.

Bosch calls it AquaStop - Miele Waterproof. Same technology.

Unfortunately, there are very few videos of the Vision online. This one shows Miele's venting process on the Comforters cycle. How much more or less water the Bosch uses - I don't know.

Regarding the max temperature: well, my washer can go up to 203F and I never use it. 140F is the highest temp I use, so 158 would be hot enough for me. Both washers will heat the water whenever needed - except for Miele's "Normal" cycle, I think.

Both washers have cold-only rinses.

The Bosch dryer does not reverse tumble.

100 rpm won't make much of a difference. "Spin Speed Optimized Drying Time" just gives you a better initial estimation of the time left to dry the load and that "DynamicAir" technology... Miele also has a very powerful blower but it's just not given a special name.

Miele probalby makes the better washer/dryer but those doors and the venting...

HTH, Alex

I guess I'm hoping someone will "quantify" for me the difference (maybe asking too much).

If Miele is a "10" would Bosch be a 9.5 or more like a 7? I could probably be happy with a 9.5 but I'll live with the doors opening to each other if nothing comes close.

I know at one time @Larsi was very happy with his Electrolux. I wonder what rating he would give that compared to Miele's "10"?

I'm really picky about my laundry and I don't want to be disappointed.

Darn Miele and their inflexible set up :)

Although, you know not long after I take delivery, Miele will announce a new version for 2011 with all the features I need. I emailed them and asked about the backward set up and asked if there was anything coming that might alleviate the problem - non committal on their part.

I like to remove my things and shake them out before I put in the dryer so I'll just empty into a laundry basket and shake them from there while I put into the dryer.

I'll be getting the pedestals so I can keep the basket on the open drawer. I'm sure it will be a minor inconvenience for superior operation.

I'm not about the bells and whistles ... I'm all about the best possible clean (clean, soft clothes).

The Bosch sounded like it could be a really close second but ... I'm unsure .... so I will probably commit to the Mieles.

I purchased a Miele S7 a few months ago (even though I have a Beam central vac) and I really like it. It is a wonderfully built machine. I’ve seen the Miele’s and nothing does compare to their build quality. If they clean as well as you all say … well … how can I go wrong.

Thanks so much - I’ll keep you posted on what I end up with and how I like it.

In this thread Larsi said:

"The Electrolux build quality, cleanliness of clothes, materials used, push to open doors, plastic windows (Miele uses glass)...just feel so inferior to the Miele."

"The cycles that are offered on my Wave Touch are great... EVERYTHING is fresher, softer and cleaner than in the Miele. Surprised actually."

I still think the Electrolux units are a lot better than most crap on the market today, but NOTHING compares to Miele. It's kind of like when I got my first Lexus Hybrid...I was on Cloud 9 for about a month, and then I missed the engineering perfection of my BMW. So yes, I was excited with my Electrolux when I first got them, but it was a pure novelty. I posted when I got rid of them & went back to Miele...and I posted my reasons and feelings.

Wow...you really do like to stick it to people, huh? Being German (and used to dealing with stereotypes)...I can say that you eastern Europeans are a tough bunch, and quite "in your face"!!! ;)

:)

From a brand perspective what I like about Miele is it doesn't feel like a toy. More science than marketing. The original list mostly requests further cycle customization. That seems reasonable (and potentially differentiating) but graphics, trademarks and talking w/d sets seem gimmicky to me.

For years I only used Tide he powder (before I got my first Miele). My first American frontloader was a Frigidaire (that my Aunt & Uncle still use today, amazingly!). Tide he powder worked fine in my old Frigidaire...but at that time I did not inspect the stainless wash drum for powdery residue, leave the door open for the machine to air out, neurotically clean the soap tray...and the Internet DID NOT exist (so no Garden Web). LOL

So, I know what you mean about the Tide/Persil debate! When (or if) I do not use German Ariel liquid detergent or my beloved and trusted Persil Color Gel...I think Tide he liquid does a great job!! Actually our Senior Miele Tech told me that him and his wife use Tide he liquid for almost all their laundry, and Persil Color Gel for special things....but said he thinks Tide he liquid is just as good (and Miele has tested Tide extensively, since it is the #1 used detergent for the US and Canadian market). I still think Persil works better at some stains and work out clothes...but a big draw for me is the smell of Persil. It is SO clean, fresh, German and old fashioned!!