Miele W 1611

My machine has been diagnosed terminal as of today (Dec 2025) making this machine at least 17 years old. It is STILL washing beautifully and I am STILL using it (in spite of the awful noise on the final spin). In 16 YEARS she has moved house 2 times, has dealt with the washing of 3 teenage boys (all of whom played Saturday sport) and 4 animals… Read more ·  1

(covers for dog and cat beds and animal blankies) plus ourselves. I think until my husband and I retired to the country it did at least 3-4 loads every day, day in, day out. And I have had it serviced a few times, most of our issues have been caused by the boys loading it with too much washing powder - these days, we only use Miele powder, and using the express cycle too often. It is slower for sure, but it is better for the machine to use the longer cycles. I use all of the wash cycles as well and the machine handled everything from woollens and delicates to filthy farm gear with aplomb. The new machine should see us out. Of course it is another Miele. Can’t recommend highly enough.

Excellent workhorse of a machine which died today of a motor burnout! I bought this machine in 2009 and it has been a steady workhorse throughout for our family of 4. Only in the last 6 months did the automatic program start to go, as it sometimes failed to adjust the water amount for the load and it sometimes came out sopping wet. No problem, as… Read more

I would then wash either express or on short cotton program. Every 6 months or so I did a deep clean, washing empty on 95 and I would drain and clean the internal & external bits. I had the shock dampers replaced about 8 years ago by a local repairer who knew Miele machines, so that helped extend its life. The only major con I found is the rubber door seal went mouldy, as there was always water in there and I could never get this properly clean. Other than that I am stoked the machine worked well for exactly 16 years.

I don't want to jinx my machine but – My Miele (more than a decade old) has been 100%. I never understood why people got excited about whitegoods but after owning this one I understand. Cleans superbly and is efficient with ample setting choices. I only ever wash on the shorter cycle to save water and at 30-40 degrees. And, to be honest, I haven't done a second of regular maintenance.… Read more

Admittedly, it hasn't had to do a monstrous amount of work but it has been brilliant. Agree with the above report that the load capacity is a bit too small but that is the only thing I could criticise. And even then, that's a choice you make when you buy. The size is clearly evident.

Indestructible – I have had this machine since 2009 and it has never skipped a beat. (We haven to yet had a need to move the machine since original install - but we have kept the tools to make sure the drum is secure during transit). Used at least weekly for all manner of household washing (not very soiled) at times 3 or 4 times in any given day. We are very… Read more ·  1

satisfied with its features and functionality and the machine washes very well. At times we need to use the full cycle as the short / express cycles may not produce fully clean clothes. But this depends on how dirty the clothes are.

Moved 3 times in 6 years and it’s never failed! – I purchased machine used in 2013 from a couple moving overseas who owned it for a short period. I knew I was getting older when I got excited about this purchase. It has not let me down once! Partners to roommates always commented on ease of use and it’s ability to clean clothes. I don’t overfill machine, I clean the filter regularly and also… Read more ·  1

keep machine door open when not in use to prevent mould. I regularly use washing machine and sometimes after camping/adventure the machine would be on most of day catching up with laundry. I love the express cycle, never any residue from undisolved detergent. Been the most reliable white good since I’ve moved out of the house(over 20 years ago).

OK - while it lasted – Update - Miele’s customer service team were great and we figured out a good way forward! We bought Miele products for our renovations in 2009 because of their famous longevity and customer support. The washing machine worked well, until it started having troubles - and it has been a nightmare since. The door release broke about 5 years ago, and… Read more

the $180 we paid for support gave us a technician who took 3 minutes to tell us it would be almost as expensive to fix as buying a new machine. So we battled on by manually releasing the door, until now the whole unit is cooked.

Not as good as advertised! – Have purchased this in September 2009 believing that it would last at least 20yrs as marketed to us. The machine was not overworked, we only use it 2-5 times in a week and was happy with the wash until it stopped working today, showing a technical fault F53. It's not worth it, we should have just bought a higher-end model from a different brand that could have lasted the same time for a cheaper price :(

I’ve never liked this machine – Since we bought this washing machine that was sold to us for water conservation after we’d moved to a house with tank water, I just didn’t like it. Firstly it’s very small, I can only just fit a king size sheet in, secondly the cotton cycle takes almost 2 hrs and with no preset timer, I just don’t have that time before leaving home. Thankfully the… Read more

economy cycle that’s 30 mins washes most things ok. I’ve been waiting years for it to break down so I can replace it, the plastic door hinge broke some 4 years ago and is hanging on barely. Recently the detergent drawer and cover for drawer have broken catches therefore I can’t close it properly and can’t open it properly. I’ve investigated replacements and at $250 for both have decided to buy a new washing machine. The last six months it has moved across the floor during spin cycles so I can now justify a new machine, needless to say I’ve not bought a Miele. We’ve had it 11 years , well short of the 20 suggested it would last

What a load of over priced rubbish! – My Late wife purchased our Miele W 1611 in 2013. Last Friday machine self destructed, flooding the laundry floor. Have since been quoted approximately $1300 to repair by local Miele service agent! This machine is barely x7 years old, my wife was advised by Miele sales staff that it would potentially provide up to x20 years trouble free service.… Read more

It has been a huge disappointment & a waste of money. Would of been better off with a cheaper product, considering the limited amount of use this machine has provided! This is a terrible product with an inherent design flaw, i.e. the inner drum becomes unbalanced & causes the machine to self destruct. Why has Miele been able to get away with "pedaling" a substandard product like this to the consumer! Most dissatisfied.

Starting to have problems – I thought this machine would last forever, sounds like maybe I am having the same problems as Frank. Inner drum, terrible noise and throwing an error message. Not finishing or spinning.

Thank goodness this machine has been discontinued! – I absolutely hate this machine! We have had nothing but trouble with it breaking down since day one from leaking to constant stopping midcycle to clothes coming out as though they have not been washed at all. It was much more expensive than my previous Bosch and I have never been so disappointed. I am so glad it has finally broken down to the… Read more

point where the cost to repair is more than a new machine. The computer mechanism in the machine is rubbish, always breaking down and expensive to replace. The spin cycle doesn't work half of the time. The door seal rotted away right from the beginning, the legs broke off as the machine jumped around constantly despite being under a bench and a plumber stabilising it. It has put me off so much that I will never buy Miele again.

I love my Miele W 1611 – I have never had a problem with this machine and would wash 3 loads of washing on most days and some days more. It washes beautiful on all cycles, I can adjust water temperatures and spin cycles and in over 8 years that I have had the pleasure of owning it have never needed a service call. I would recommend a Miele to anyone.  Show details

IT'S BEEN PERFECT FOR ME – I have found this machine to be all that I would wish in a machine. It is gentle on my clothes (so gentle in fact, that a tissue gets "washed" and not "disintergrated" on most settings) and washes really well. Would I recommend it - yes, highly. Would I buy it again - absolutely. I'm really surprised at the negative feedback.  Show details

So disappointed – I had my machine for 7 yrs I only brought it because it guaranteed it was tested to last 20 yrs so I paid the 1500 expecting longer than 7 yrs went to do a wash the other day and the computer has gone the technician said he could find no physical reason for it and cost to replace it 900 could pay 500 for a cheaper and get longer  Show details

Poor design and engineering with respect to the door hinge – I purchased this Miele W 1611 washing machine in 2010. I inspected the door hinge today (January 2017) and found loads of cracks in the plastic, which - more fool me - probably explains why it always felt a little sloppy... now almost hanging off. This means that although the part of the hinge that is connected to the washing machine looks like… Read more

a sturdy-looking piece of metal; the crucial part of the door hinge is made from nothing more than some brittle-looking plastic, all held together with a metal pin. Needless to say, I am utterly appalled with the poor design and engineering! I really thought I was buying the best of the best, but obviously not. I intend never to buy anything else from Miele ever again, period.

Was advised it would last 20 years. I gave it away to a friend after 18 months – This machine has a design fault. Miele are aware of it, but will not recall it as it is not a safety issue. They try to keep the noise down and minimise the impact on their brand and business. But that doesn't help you. You are left with an expensive dud. Don't ever buy Miele unless you are 100% sure. Bought a Panasonic for half the price. Has been perfect.  Show details

Very disappointing – Purchased this machine in 2011. After 5 years of infrequent use in a two person household the machine cuts out when it is about to commence a spin cycle, - displaying "F53 fault". We advised Miele Australian of the fault and after several weeks they were able to send out a technician at a $165 call-out fee. The extent of the service involved… Read more

turning on the machine and advising that we would need to spend $670 on a replacement part.

Very disappointing for a ~$1,500 machine. We have replaced with another name brand for a third of the price.

Meile w1611 – I have had this machine since 2009 and have only had a couple of times where I have been mad. First it had a lot if work done when we over bubbling with Suds, and it had a mental. Second yesterday it stopped at 36 mins left and nothing I was trying would fix it. Then I undid the filter drained the water unplugged it and then plugged it back in. So… Read more

far so good. This machine gets worked hard as I have to wash for a family of 5. Hope to have it a bit longer.

Very disappointing – Purchased about 5 years ago as technician advised it would last for 20 years. Eighteen months ago drain stopped working, took 6 weeks to get a technician cost $750 to repair, Miele gave us 40% refund. Now it has broken down again with Waterproof fault and needs technician. Very disappointed with this product that was so strongly recommended to me, overpriced for such a product.

Bullet proof! – We couldn't be happier with our Miele! We were a little sceptical of the price for what the machine does but now, we have seen how much better this machine is than anything we have used in the past, we can see our money we'll spent. With 2 kids the W1611 seems to be constantly working. We have had it for 3 years now so I feel comfortable in writing this review. Efficent,reliable & quiet

Best money can buy – I'm an appliance repair technician. I need to say it is a rarity that I need to attend one of these machines. Or any other Miele product for that matter. The reality is, there is no such thing as a bullet proof machine. Things do go wrong. But when I am asked by clients, what should I buy? My answer is always Miele if you have the $. When I am… Read more ·  1

constantly attending machines that are only just out of warranty and I have to tell clients there machine is not worth repairing. And you're asked, how can that be? It's just over 2 years old. It's very hard to explain. And no other brand will contribute anything towards the repair of an out of warranty machine but Miele. And Miele do to maintain good customer satisfaction, not because they have to. My advise us always take out the extended warranty option. It's a small price for free repair / replacement. And peace of mind. Reliable & Energy efficient.

Excellent performer – We have had this for two years now in a family of five. Excellent results all around, the whites are white and the colours stay coloured. Unlike the previous LG, which made everything brownish over time. This Miele is on par with another excellent performer we've had earlier, Asko, which had top-class wash results. We're very happy with the… Read more

purchase, and look forward to having this in the family for two or three decades... Excellent wash results I'd love to have rinse&spin program (i.e. 5-10 mins of cycle, then a quick spin).

very happy with purchase – Purchased three years ago and have been very happy with the results. We did have a top loader previously which perhaps accounts for some of the good impression. None the less, the miele has been a great machine. Hope we get lucky and it lasts the full 20 years without issue which is what attracted me in the first place. cleans well, no wear and tear on clothes, frugal with water/power only that water pools in lip after wash

20 YEAR LIFESPAN??? ONLY IF YOU HAVE LOTS OF MONEY – We have a w911 matched with a Miele condensing dryer. The dryer circuit board failed after 4 years of very minimal use- Miele wanted $400 for a new circuit board - we took it to the dump. Forward a few years now the washer has blown a circuit board -Miele want $600 + labour- needless to say the washer is now going to the dump too. I think Miele… Read more

make more from spare parts than from the sale of the machine. My advice is to buy a Bosch - I phoned a large washer repair company they seemed to think they have less trouble with them compared to other makes. I would not recommend Miele unless you have too much money and want to donate a portion of it to Miele. looks nice its quiet (really quiet now it's dead) Very expensive spare parts prices

Suppose to have a 20 year Lifespan – After having the machine for just over a year the circuit board had blown, not impressed at all, it suppose to have a 20 year lifespan. We are still waiting on the part and it has been over 2 weeks. It has been a huge inconvenience thinking you are purchasing a quality machine, that will last. Thank goodness it happened during the warranty.… Read more

Doesn't leave lint on the clothes like top loader's tend to do, use less water, various programmes, easy to use Expensive for what it is, Does not live up to it's name, very heavy

Money well spent – We purchased this front loader with its dryer combo on promotion after much research and overwhelming feedback from a electric appliance nut/friend. Yes they're expensive but so far this washer has delivered. Thankfully we haven't had to have any parts replaced (touch wood) although I would expect to have to pay heavily to do so for a European… Read more

brand with such a high reputation.

IT washes well, lets you know if you've used too much detergent and is really easy use. The only downsides for me are the lack of a delayed start button as another user mentioned and the detergent drawer gathers mouldy build up quite regularly requiring constant cleaning, more so than other machines I've used. Energy efficient, washes well with numerous wash cycle/timing options Expensive, no delay wash button, detergent drawer doesn't self-clean well

Definitely not worth the money – Very disappointed. For the cost we expected a quality product but within a few months of purchase we noticed our Miele W1611 was not as quiet as expected, around the time of the warranty expiring the machine very occasionally wouldn't switch on and then, shortly after, wouldn't switch on at all. At the same time, one of the rubber pipes also… Read more

cracked and began leaking. The electronic pad and rubber pipe needed replacing and the quote for repairs totaled $841. Add the repairs to the initial cost of $1699 makes it a $2540 machine. That's a lot of money for a washing machine for a family of 4. Miele offered to pay 40% of the repair cost but we don't believe it's worth us paying another $500 towards a machine that we expected more from. The electronic pad should last longer than 2 years and who's to say, if we paid for the repairs, it won't happen again in another 2 years.

Too expensive, not worth paying up to 3 times the price of other machines.

Excellent – I have only recently purchased this front loader. It is only a basic model but it provides more options than I will ever need. It seems to do the job very well. It has many wash options and for each setting you can adjust temperature and spin speed yourself if required. Miele seem to provide good customer service (got it delivered and installed… Read more

the next day after purchase) and in their literature they indicate that the life expectancy of their washing machines is up to 20 years. It washes a lot better than my old F&P top loader, it has good water and energy efficiency. Clothes seem to be cleaner and less creased and I didn't notice any lint in the folds of clothes as I used to in the old one. Quiet, efficient, prompt delivery Expensive

Nearly 5 years old and still smiling – Fantastic machine - I purchased this machine partially with the extended warranty payout from an Ariston 'Lemon'. Best thing I ever did. I stayed with a front loader for water and power saving reasons and could not be happier with it even tells you if you have put too much detergent in it - lol. Fairly quiet - it is heavy but that is a plus in… Read more

front loaders as it doesn't jump around the laundry like my previous machine did. This was my 2nd Miele appliance - I now have 3. Reliability - energy and water efficient

Bad – Had this machine for less than 1 (one) year and had to have water inlet valve replaced at less than 6 months(warranty job thank goodness) but was without washing machine for 10 days while waiting for repairman and then for the part. Now 11 months old and a coin has gotten in with the washing(I know you should take them all out of the pockets… Read more

but I challenge anyone to get all of them every time). Coin ended up on its edge between the inner and outer drums(really good design for the machine to allow this) and the machine is now virtually a write off. Miele wants to wipe their hands of the whole deal and doesn't want to admit design fault. Still ongoing.

Purchase at your peril! Washes well Miele Service