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• Low consumption reduces electricity and water costs significantly

• Now with load capacities of 6, 7 or 8 kg

In installations where large quantities of laundry need to be washed clean in confined spaces, Miele's Little Giants have been living up to expectations for over 40 years. In April, existing washing machines and tumble dryers will be replaced by two radically new model series: As before, the machines still require no more than half a square metre of space, but now boast an increased load capacity. At the same time, electricity and water consumption has been reduced, and operation is now even simpler thanks to a new touch display.

Even at first glance, the high-quality stainless-steel fascia immediately betrays the fact that these are not domestic machines. The technology behind the scenes, above all, is designed to cope with significantly higher levels of strain and use, as is typically the case in hotels and restaurants. What's more, the machines are now available in three sizes: Washing machines and tumble dryers from the 'Performance' series offer a load capacity of up to 7 kg. Clients opting for the 'Performance Plus' series can decide between load capacities of 6, 7 or 8 kg. Naturally, all models feature the enhanced Miele honeycomb drum.

Short washing and drying times

This represents an increase in load capacity of up to 25% - without any negative impact on cycle times. Consequently, the shortest cycle takes only 49 minutes. Despite a larger load, water consumption has been reduced by up to 22%; electricity savings peak at 28%. Work has continued on reducing drying times: The fastest programme on vented models is now down to only 37 minutes. The heat-pump dryer requires less than 60 minutes, or just two-thirds of the previous cycle duration.

On the washer front, the above improvements are the result of interaction between a variety of components. Textiles are, for instance, more intensively wetted than previously thanks to additional perforations in the drum rear panel. This effect is further intensified by a special wash rhythm in which a slow rotational speed allows copious amounts of water to shower down onto the load. Once the drum revs up, water and soil is powerfully rinsed out. This results in maximum cleanliness combined with the best possible care of fabrics.

Upping the drum speed – but still running smooth

Subsequent drying is curtailed through the particularly effective dewatering of textiles during spinning, now even reaching a g-factor of 704. That is one-third higher than on the previous generation – and sets a new benchmark in the marketplace. A 3D sensor ensures smooth running properties despite an increased spin speed. This device brings the drum to a fast stop when a load imbalance is detected, before changing the direction of rotation. This redistributes laundry before speed is ramped up again. Despite a clear increase in spin speed, the machine runs just as smoothly, an aspect which, in combination with high-quality components such as heater elements made from corrosion-proof material, makes for product longevity: The new Little Giants successfully passed endurance tests equating to 30,000 hours of operation.

Proven programme packages such as 'Hotels' (geared to bed and table linen and kitchen laundry) as well as programmes for bulky textiles and cycles to tackle stubborn greasy soils are integrated in the new controls. These machines are operated via a new, easy-to-use text display, available in up to 32 languages and including a delay-start facility. Workaday life is further simplified by a door which is particularly easy to open, without having to press a separate button to release the door lock. The dryer excels in terms of the simplicity with which filters are cleaned. Another practical feature: A sensor-controlled level-fill indicator for detergent.

Excellent user convenience is offered by machines from the 'Performance Plus' series, which are equipped ex works with WLAN and offer connectivity with the MielePro@mobile app. In a large hotel, this provides a good overview of washing machines and tumble dryers, even at a distance. Further intelligent settings allow the effortless connection of payment and dispenser systems and peak-load management, and simplify a range of tasks in workaday life.

Company profile: Miele is the world's leading manufacturer of premium domestic appliances including cooking, baking and steam-cooking appliances, refrigeration products, coffee makers, dishwashers and laundry and floor care products. This line-up is augmented by dishwashers, washer-extractors and tumble dryers for commercial use as well as washer-disinfectors and sterilisers for use in medical and laboratory applications (Professional Business Unit). The Miele company, founded in 1899, has eight production plants in Germany as well as one plant each in Austria, the Czech Republic, China and Romania. These are joined by the two plants belonging to Miele's Italian medical technology subsidiary Steelco. 2017/18 turnover amounted to approx. EUR 4.1 bn, with sales outside Germany accounting for 70%. Miele is represented with its own sales subsidiaries and via importers in almost 100 countries. Throughout the world, the family-run enterprise, now in its fourth generation, employs a workforce of around 20,100, whereof 11,200 are employed in Germany. The company headquarters are located in Gütersloh/Westphalia, Germany.

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