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• Low consumption reduces electricity and water costs significantly

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

Nobody likes to have to hang around long in a launderette. Laundry machines are in operation for hours on end, must be robust and easy to maintain – and, not least, fast. Just like Little Giants from Miele which have been proving their worth where domestic appliances are simply overstretched for more than 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 commercial machines. Using the new text touch display, models from the Performance Plus series are easy to use, offering an interface in 32 languages and including a delay-start feature. Where required, programme selection can be limited to virtually eliminate operating errors.

The new Little Giants feature Miele's enhanced honeycomb drum, now available with load capacities of 6, 7 and 8 kg. 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%. The shortest cycle on vented dryers lasts only 42 minutes; the heat-pump dryer requires 67 minutes.

Top-class cleanliness combined with maximum fabric care

On the washer front, the above improvements are the results 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.

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. This combines with high-quality components such as heater elements made from corrosion-proof material, making for product longevity: The new Little Giants successfully passed endurance tests equating to 30,000 hours of operation.

Proven programme packages and new 'Pre-ironing' function

Tried-and-tested programme packages such as 'Home textiles' (for bed linen and curtains), 'Sportswear' or 'Outdoor', special programmes for shirts, denim and dark laundry as well as the new 'Pre-ironing' function are contained in the controls. 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.

Thanks to their connectivity, the new Little Giants are a future-proof investment. Furthermore, these models facilitate the convenient connection of payment and dispensing systems.

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.