W4449 Versus W3844 Wps And Eco Balls

[Sandra.Crow]

So, I have finally got the money together (£800 to £1100) and think it is the right time to ask the more important question as I have got the message that it should be Miele. Which one should it be?

I have been looking at the new style W4449 as I like all new technology - I get attracted to LEDs and it has a big door. The W3844 WPS seems a more traditional option with possibly more of a robust constitution - in my experience traditional/older styles are better made than anything that is modern/wizzy, not that this knowledge makes me shy away from new technology but just accepting of shorter lives and disposability.

Then the question became, as I use the eco friendly green Eco Balls (and I must say they are very good - just throw them in the wash with nothing else), I don't use the detergent dispenser anymore and only wash on warm or cold washes, which model - W4449 and W3844 WPS - should it be? 13 spin levels (W4449) compared to 6 on the W3844 WPS sounds excessive but I am sure to use some of the features. The question is - is there any information on whether these green eco balls work well or badly with Miele and more specifically with these models.

The real question is length of life - if I buy the modern technology rather than the tradtional one, an I buying something that will not last as long or need more repairs?

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Hello. The eco balls have been discussed here - Eco / Wash Balls? I believe that using only or mostly low temperature washes with just eco balls is a recipe for trouble. There's a good chance that a washing machine will eventually suffer from a build up of slime, grease and bacteria because high temperatures and bleaching agents are needed to control them - Washing machine smells - causes of grease, slime and black mould inside washing machines

Both the Miele styles are built to last at least 20 years. The main difference is in style rather than the parts inside.

The W 4449 is the better machine, it has the silent professional motor and other extra features. However, the W 3844 WPS is a great washing machine and should be considered if it's a fair bit cheaper. The "normal" Miele motor fitted to most models is already particularly quiet so unless you have a particular requirement for the quietest washing machine possible you should be satisfied with the standard motor.

The main thing to consider is that the W 4449 is not ideal for fitting under a worktop due to the design of the control panel.