• Top marks for ease of use and environmental properties

• Lowest operating costs at higher end of range

• Tested to last 20 years and sets standards in recyclability

With four top places in succession, Miele washing machines continue their winning streak with Stiftung Warentest. In the most recent edition of the 'test' magazine, Miele's model WWD 320 WPS with an A rating for energy efficiency and an overall mark of 1.6 sits atop the podium. In total, 16 frontloaders with load capacities of between 7 kg and 9 kg and energy efficiency ratings of between A and D were put through their paces. The results are documented in the November 2021 issue of the consumer watchdog's magazine, published on October 21. 

In all categories, the Miele machine was given a 'Very good' or a 'Good' by the editorial team. In terms of ease of use (1.7) and environmental properties (1.8), the Miele machine came out 'best in test'. A further test criterion is operating costs over a period of 10 years. Here, too, the Miele model with running costs of € 885 fared particularly well – and lies € 80 and € 200 below those of the two next best contestants with a 'Good' rating respectively. Furthermore, the Miele washing machine was the only model among the top five to achieve the best A rating for energy efficiency.

The same model came out with flying colours in the endurance test (1.0). In this aspect of the test, Stiftung Warentest simulates 10 years of use based on 3.5 cycles per week. As expected, this does not pose a problem for the Gütersloh-based family company as it is the only manufacturer in its branch known to test its products to last 20 years, based on average domestic use, calculated by Miele to be 10,000 operating hours or five washes per week. With respect to sustainability, the Miele model is capable of even more: Thanks to a metal content of around 80%, the WWD 320 WPS is unbeatably recyclable. For example, not only is the inner drum made from stainless steel, the outer drum is, too. The bearing cross and the counterweights are manufactured using cast iron in Miele's own foundry located in Gütersloh. This makes the washing machine not only particularly robust but also facilitates recycling. The metals used are almost 100% recyclable.

Further features beyond the scope of the test include Miele's innovative PowerWash technology, allowing very small loads to be washed clean using a minimum of energy (A-rated wash performance). In combination with QuickPowerWash, this is even done in less than one hour. CapDosing allows special-purpose detergents, fabric conditioner and additives to be dispensed from practical capsules. The AddLoad function allows forgotten items of laundry to be added or even taken out right through until almost the end of the programme. The pre-ironing option reduces the need for finishing by up to 50% (depending on the material). Naturally, the WWD 320 WPS also sports the legendary Miele honeycomb drum for the ultimate in gentle laundry care. The test winner is technically identical to models WCD 330 WPS, WED 335 WPS and WSD 323 WPS.

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, air purifiers, washing machines and tumble dryers for commercial use as well as washer-disinfectors and sterilisers for use in medical and laboratory applications (Miele Professional). 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 2020 business year amounted to around € 4.5 bn (thereof 29.5% in Germany). 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 20,900, of which approx. 11,050 employees work in Germany. The company has its headquarters in Gütersloh in Westphalia.