• Connectivity-ready for Miele MOVE

• Full-touch colour display for simple operation in more than 30 languages

They are the specialists for dealing with mops and cleaning cloths: The New Benchmark Machines, connected laundry machines from Miele, offer considerably more space for cleaning textiles than ever before. The washing machines from this model series have iron grey fronts and, depending on the model, are available with load capacities of between 9 kg and 20 kg - with matching right-sized dryers. All machines offer the ideal prerequisites for greater efficiency in contract cleaning.

In all standard programmes and in programmes with thermal disinfection, the load capacity compared with the previous generation has been increased: Now the biggest machines are able to accommodate up to 167 mops or 625 cloths, each weighing 16 g. With unchanged cycle times, this alone is sufficient to save electricity, water, detergent and disinfectant.

The heart and soul of these machines are controls which adapt programmes to individual needs. Depending on the application, the full touch colour display can, say, be set to offer a full complement of programmes and parameters or, alternatively, to be incredibly simple – in more than 30 languages. Colour-coded frames simplify the selection of programmes: red, for example, for the red cloths used for cleaning bathroom facilities which must therefore always be disinfected. The smooth, easy-to-clean display even responds to gloved hands.

The 'Extras' menu option allows programmes to be modified before use. This includes for instance the residual moisture value for mops and cloths. Miele's patented pre-spin process remains an integral part of wash programmes for mops and cleaning cloths. Starting the wash process with a spin has the effect of removing coarse soil and dirty water up front, allowing a greater volume of fresh water to enter the machine in the main wash. At the end of a programme, load items come out ready to use, already impregnated with detergent and disinfectant.

Connectivity and simpler operation

All new Benchmark machines are pre-prepared for connection to the Miele MOVE portal (cf. Press release No. 110/2023). Contract cleaners and facility managers can use this app on a PC, smartphone or tablet to, for example, view operating data and see when machines are finished. What's more, Miele Service is easily accessible.

Compared with the current model generation, operating washing machines and dryers is now considerably simpler. The washing machine door is closed at the touch of a finger. It then locks automatically at the start of a programme and opens again once the cycle is complete. Imbalance monitoring ensures uniform and consistent residual moisture levels, reduces the strain on the suspension system and drum bearings and thereby makes a valuable contribution towards extending the service life of washing machines. Integrated automatic load control adjusts water intake. This is reflected in alterations to running times and consumption when washing less than full loads.

Dryers with useful extras

If cleaning textiles are not needed immediately and are put into storage, a dryer provides sterling services. The biggest model with electric heating is designed for a load of 44 kg. New, too: Where necessary, a function can be activated on all dryers which prevents light-weight items such as cleaning cloths from clinging to the door by special controls which adjust air circulation.

On some dryers, a percentage of process air from the dryer is returned to the drum. The air paths inside the unit are dynamically regulated by smart controls to suit current operating conditions. This results in lower energy consumption and the gentler care of mops and cleaning cloths. Cycle times are reduced approximately by a further 4%.

All models stand up to the continuous use common in commercial environments: In long-term endurance tests, the washing machines and dryers are subjected to 30,000 and 40,000 programme cycles respectively. Only choice high-quality materials are used in the production of these machines which are all manufactured in Germany at Miele's Lehrte plant.

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. Their product portfolio also includes dishwashers, washing machines and tumble dryers for commercial use as well as washer-disinfectors and sterilisers for use in medical and laboratory applications. Founded in 1899, the company has eight production plants in Germany, one each in Austria, the Czech Republic, China, Romania and Poland as well as two production plants belonging to its Italian medical technology subsidiary Steelco. Sales in the 2022 business year amounted to around € 5.43 bn. Miele is represented with its own sales subsidiaries and via importers in almost 100 countries/regions. Throughout the world, the family-run enterprise, now in its fourth generation, employs a workforce of around 23,300, of which approx. 11,900 employees work in Germany. The company has its headquarters in Gütersloh in Westphalia.