• Washing machines with 12 to 20 kg load capacities

• Full-touch colour display and dryers for up to 44 kg of laundry

• Intelligent appliance controls for more efficiency

They are allrounders but, where necessary, absolute specialists: The New Benchmark Machines, connectivity-enabled laundry machines from Miele, replaced the successful models from the Benchmark generation. Besides the smaller entry-line category (cf. Press release No. 045/2023), there are also washing machines which, depending on the model, have load capacities of between 12 and 20 kg, as well as dryers with matching load sizes. All models provide the wherewithal for greater efficiency in care and nursing homes.

Washing machines and dryers will continue to be available in the two familiar and proven model series. The flagship models, Performance Plus, are recognisable at a glance by their stainless-steel fronts and sport more than 90 wash programmes which have been grouped together in packages for specific target groups, including special-purpose programmes for bedding, towelling, kitchen linen, workwear, sportswear and shirts. 38 programmes are available on the Performance series with their iron grey fronts.

The full-touch colour display allows full control to modify most programmes to suit individual needs. The user interface can be set to show all details and options or be reduced to basics, depending on the needs of the installation and the application. The controls cater for more than 30 languages. Regularly used washing and drying programmes can, for example, be given a coloured frame to virtually prevent any human errors during operation. The smooth, easy-to-clean display even responds to gloved hands.

All models are connectivity-enabled via the digital Miele MOVE portal. This allows laundry operators and trained members of staff to, say, browse operating data, provides fast access to Miele Service and notifies users when a machine is ready for unloading (cf. Press release no. 043/2023). Other useful features include connections to dispensing systems and other external systems such as peak load management. This promotes intelligent energy management and ensures that machines not needed are switched off at times of peak electricity demand – for example during the midday period when all hands are on deck in the kitchen.

Door locked at the touch of a fingertip

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 reductions in running times and consumption when washing less than full loads.

Short washing and drying cycles

The shortest cycle on Performance Plus washing machines with load capacities of 12 kg and above uses a mere 5.9 l of water per kilogramme of laundry and is finished in only 42 minutes. Residual moisture is only 44%, saving valuable resources in the subsequent drying process – for example in the largest dryer with electric heating with a load capacity of 44 kg.

New, too, is the way a percentage of process air in the dryer is returned to the drum by AirRecycling Flex, a further Miele development on the previous AirRecycling Plus drying system. The air paths inside the unit are dynamically regulated by smart controls to suit current operating conditions. This ensures perfect drying results combined with reduced energy consumption, shorter drying cycles and the gentler treatment of fabrics. Cycle times are reduced approximately by a further 4%.

Optimised cycles also boost the durability of all models. As on previous generations, The New Benchmark makes exclusive use of high-quality materials which are able to live up to the constant high levels of strain in commercial laundries. These washing machines passed endurance tests to ensure 30,000 and 40,000 hours of operation for washing machines and dryers respectively.

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.