Miele washing machines: Build quality
This independent review examines the ethos of the washing machine manufacturer Miele, and why they are a lot more expensive than most other washing machines such as Hoover, Hotpoint, Whirlpool and many others.
Reading this review, you could be forgiven for thinking I wrote it specifically to promote Miele. My enthusiasm however is totally genuine and not solicited by Miele in any way.
If you don't want to read the Miele build quality overview, you can go directly to some actual Miele washing machine reviews - Miele W 3740 review | Miele W864 review
Summary
What kind of washing machine would you end up with, if quality and reliability was the main influence on its design and production? You end up with a washing machine that combines the build quality and reliability of products from decades ago, with the sophistication, and energy efficiency of modern technology. The company motto at Miele is, "forever better". They are one of the minority of washing machine manufacturers that decided to build the best product they were capable of, even though to achieve this standard, their product would be amongst the most expensive in the business and the majority of people would be put off by the price. That's what I respect about companies like Miele.
About Miele washing machines
I'd known for years about Miele's reputation for producing some of the quietest, and most reliable washing machines available. I'd not recommended Miele washers to my customers though. I suppose I'd always been put off by the extra cost, and concerns about getting a Miele washing machine repaired if it does go wrong. However, after finally doing some proper research into the declining quality of new washing machines currently on sale, I stared to realise, that in the UK at least, Miele probably make the best washing machine you can buy.
OK, so Miele washing machines seem very expensive. To be fair though, there is a good argument that in the long run, a Miele washing machine is actually cheaper to own than the cheapest washing machine. There's an old saying that springs to mind, "buy cheap, buy twice". If something costs twice as much to buy, but lasts more than twice as long, it's actually cheaper isn't it? It's just the up-front costs that are higher.
Will a Miele washing machine last over twice as long as a cheap one? Well, I can't say for certain, but it should do, (Miele themselves expect their washing machines to last 20 years) and it'll be a lot quieter, more sophisticated and more reliable too.
What's wrong with cheaper washing machines?
The trouble with many washing machines these days, is that their design and reliability seems to be dictated almost entirely by costs. The majority of washing machine manufacturers are fighting out a long running price war, which will probably end up with them all being taken over by large global companies until there are just one or two companies making washing machines worldwide. Already, many apparently competing washing machines are actually owned by the same companies. ( Who owns who? Who really makes your washing machine )
In an ideal world, companies making a product should make it as well as they possibly can, and then sell it at what it costs, plus the profit margin. Unfortunately though, this results in a product costing a lot more than the average person is prepared to pay. So manufacturers usually do it the other way round. They find out or guess what most people will pay and build the product to sell at that price. This usually results in a lot of corners being cut, then as competition increases, these products can become lower and lower in quality until they become rubbish - but most people still buy them because they won't pay for a "proper" one. People usually get what they pay for. Frankly, if you've had nothing but trouble for many years with your washing machines and think they are rubbish, it's possibly because you won't pay up for a good one. To be fair though, most people just don't think of it like this, or aren't even aware that high quality washing machines are available. ( If you're thinking, "what does he mean, I paid a lot of money for my last washing machine?" Read this - If I buy a more expensive washing machine do I actually get a better one? )
The manufacturers who have decided to compete in the most competitive price range, must keep their washing machines strictly within this price range at all costs. As manufacturing costs constantly increase, they daren't pass on the costs to customers. Manufacturing costs constantly have to be cut to maintain the final selling price and stay in the competition. To be fair, many cost savings are achieved with improved manufacturing techniques and other methods, but there's only so far you can go without having to start compromising quality.
Continued on next column ...
Best Retailer
John Lewis are a great place to buy a washing machine from. They give at least 2 years guarantee on all washing machines and other appliances - and even 3 years on their own brand (plus 5 year guarantees on TV's).
Free standard delivery on all orders over £30
They've also been voted top of the customer satisfaction polls by Which? consumer association. John Lewis - the best? (external link to my Blog).
Miele washing machines section at John Lewis | Miele washer Dryers section at John Lewis
