Which Miele?

[simonfoy]

OK, just moved house and our trusty tricity bendix has finally given up.

So now we need a new washer and I beleive miele are one of the best I have about £500 to spend so which model, why and where from is my question. I am a bit confused with all the ones on offer.

We do about 6 washer a week if that helps

Thanks simon

[karatedragon]

The Premiere 520 with a 1200 spin comes in at the bottom at about £479 from www.buyersandsellersonline.co.uk. This comes with a 2 year guarantee.

Although this is the lowest model it certainly isn't low on build quality. Andy writes about build quality versus features on his main site. With Miele I believe the same build is echoed from this model up the range. (correct me if im wrong Andy). As you go up the range more features such as faster spin, washer dryer, Navitronic controls and an LCD+ display come in the equation. My neighbour has the W520 and is extremely pleased with it. This sparked me to get my Miele washer dryer.

A W1514 with a 1400 spin comes in at £549 on the mentioned website and carries a 2 year guarantee.

I know you say you have £500 to spend but the W3240 is priced at £689 on the site. Presently this comes with a 10 year guarantee so that works out at £68.90 per year or 18.9p per day for 10 years with parts and labour guaranteed. I think the reckoned life of these machines is 20 years so you can see the money here.

Hope this helps.

[simonfoy]

Which is the better model the 520 at £499 in Curry's or the 1512 at £452.93. (instore price £591)

Thanks again

Simon

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Which is the better model the 520 at £499 in Curry's or the 1512 at £452.93. (instore price £591)

According to the sales specs, they have the same features - Energy efficiency A+ 5kg Microhole Drum, Maximum Spin Speed 1200 rpm.

The Premiere 520 is the classic Miele, the design they've used for some years, while the Miele W1512 is the latest style. I would expect the W1512 to supercede the 520 but they are still both simultaneously available. It may be a cautious (and wise) strategy by Miele to keep both styles available (for now). Most people would probably go for the latest style but if they dislike it they may prefer the classic version. As far as I know there aren’t any major differences inside.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Andy writes about build quality versus features on his main site. With Miele I believe the same build is echoed from this model up the range. (correct me if im wrong Andy). As you go up the range more features such as faster spin, washer dryer, Navitronic controls and an LCD+ display come in the equation.

Spot on although it also applies to all makes of washing machine, which is why you can end up spending £500 on a souped-up but rubbish washing machine. This is all covered at length here - If I buy a more expensive washing machine, do I get a better washing machine?

[karatedragon]

call me a luddite but I simply cannot begin to like the new style Miele machines. I much prefer the classic Miele look.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

call me a luddite but I simply cannot begin to like the new style Miele machines. I much prefer the classic Miele look.

That's why I think Miele are wise to keep both styles available. It's a big jump. I don't mind the new look personally, but it doesn't look as classy, or even as clearly-well-made as the classic design. However, the classic design was pretty old fashioned. Again I didn't mind that as it reminds me of the old days when washing machines were very well made generally. I think they did need to update the Miele appearance though, maybe just not quite so drastically.

[simonfoy]

Thank you both for your invaluable help.

I am going to go for the 1512. Because its cheaper and I quite like the look of it. I just hope its worth the £452 in Curry's. Also they charge £20 for delivery but I got a discount code for free delivery so I just pay £452 and get it delivered straight to my door. They indoor price for this model is £591 so I am saving quite a bit.

Thanks again and please tell me I am doing the right thing. Boy £450 odd quid does seem a lot for a washer when there are cheaper ones around But like I keep telling the missus buy cheap buy twice.

HNY

[uumode]

There is a difference between the 520 and the newer 1512

Which? tested both of them in a massive 71 machine group test. The 1512 is slightly faster in short wash cycle with 10 mins shaved off, and 4 minutes shaved off the easy care cycle

The 520 rated poor in rinsing performance leaving more residues of detergent, 1512 and all other Mieles tested were rated acceptable in this area. However, the 520 was quieter rating good, the 1512 rated acceptable.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Boy £450 odd quid does seem a lot for a washer when there are cheaper ones around But like I keep telling the missus buy cheap buy twice.

But it’s just an illusion. The truth is that £450 is not a lot for a washing machine at all, it just seems that way when compared (as you say) to some of the others. These "cheaper" washing machines are often throwaway when they go wrong out of guarantee. The new Hotpoint Aqualtis even has a sealed tub so you can't strip it down. I recently paid £99 just for a shaver, and some companies are selling washing machines for just double that.

In the early 1970s, a basic Hoover washing machine was £95. According to a couple of online inflation calculators the equivalent of £95 after inflation is around £900. Some of Miele's washing machines are around this price. Most companies have chosen the mass market route, rather than see the price of their machines go up (fearing competitor will gain their sales) they are obsessed with prices. Miele on the other hand are may I say arrogant enough to have the attitude that they will continue to build high quality washing machines, and while they will try to keep costs down as much as possible – they will not compromise the quality of their machines to gain mass sales. With them you take it or leave it

(Remember: I'm not trying to say Miele are perfect, and that they can't go faulty. I only say they are a high quality product, and real class compared with much of the junk that's half its price)

[karatedragon]

Boy £450 odd quid does seem a lot for a washer when there are cheaper ones around But like I keep telling the missus buy cheap buy twice.

HNY

LOL haha! Us Miele Washer Dryer freaks have paid in excess of £850 to £1000 for our machines!!!

We must be mad. Totally Mad!!!

[karatedragon]

. I only say they are a high quality product, and real class compared with much of the junk that's half its price)

You are so right Mr Washerhelp. We cant wait to get our new Miele oven, ceramic hob and dishwasher. Shame we cant get a fridge as Mieles fridges are too wide for the gap we have.

[uumode]

There is a difference between the 520 and the newer 1512

Which? tested both of them in a massive 71 machine group test. The 1512 is slightly faster in short wash cycle with 10 mins shaved off, and 4 minutes shaved off the easy care cycle

The 520 rated poor in rinsing performance leaving more residues of detergent, 1512 and all other Mieles tested were rated acceptable in this area. However, the 520 was quieter rating good, the 1512 rated acceptable.

oh, just noticed the other main difference, the newer models are more ergonomic to load/unload, the porthole is higher up as the drum is mounted higher up in the body, has a wider door, and opens wider

[uumode]

You are so right Mr Washerhelp. We cant wait to get our new Miele oven, ceramic hob and dishwasher. Shame we cant get a fridge as Mieles fridges are too wide for the gap we have.

You don't have a Miele vacuum cleaner?

I did have one, but the extension wand broke. Apart from that I guess it was pretty reliable, until I accidently 'drowned it' then accidently 'killed it' by taking it apart to dry it out - which destroyed all the seal, and although it was working the dust was pumping out of the sides. (this was a HEPA enabled). Replaced it with an Electrolux HEPA only because Miele's are too large and heavy.

I had an exclusive model (for a period), as it wasn't available yet on the market, and I bought it direct from the Miele head office...and the main marketing manager demo'ed it to me.. now that's service! - that was over 10 years ago.