Miele washing machine user review
The Miele W3740 consistently draws praise from owners for its very low noise level, build quality, and straightforward operation. The one quirk worth knowing about before purchasing: the door cannot be opened without the machine being switched on, even after a cycle has completed. This is a minor operational point rather than a fault.
Miele W3740: What Owners Report
Exceptionally quiet operation
The Miele W3740 is consistently described by owners as very quiet – significantly quieter than budget or mid-range machines. Miele’s direct drive motor and heavy-gauge construction both contribute to reduced vibration and noise. At its quietest, the machine running in another room can be difficult to detect at all.
Sturdy, quality construction
Owners consistently note that every part of the machine – controls, door, drum, housing – feels solid and well-made compared to mainstream alternatives. The external finish is described as functional rather than design-led, which suits some buyers and not others.
Straightforward to use
The W3740’s control layout is clear and straightforward despite the range of programme options. New owners typically find the machine easy to use from the first wash without needing to consult the manual for basic operation.
Door only opens when switched on – one quirk to know about
The W3740 door cannot be opened without the machine being switched on at the main power button. After a cycle completes, the door remains locked until the machine is powered on to release it. This is by design rather than a fault, but it can catch new owners by surprise and differs from most mainstream machines where the door releases automatically after the cycle ends.
The Value Case for a Premium Machine
The most common objection to Miele washing machines is the purchase price. The counter-argument made consistently by owners who have switched from cheaper machines is one of total cost over time rather than upfront cost.
The budget machine calculation
A budget washer-dryer at around £350 that fails after four years costs approximately £87 per year. If replaced with a similar machine, the cycle repeats. Over 20 years, four or five machines are purchased, four or five machines are manufactured and disposed of, and the total expenditure significantly exceeds a single quality machine.
The Miele calculation
A Miele washing machine at approximately double the price of a budget machine, lasting five times as long, costs significantly less per year of use. A machine designed and built to last 20 years or more amortises its purchase cost over a much longer period than a machine expected to last four to seven years.
Manufacturing and disposing of multiple cheap appliances over the same period produces significantly more waste than a single quality machine. The energy and materials involved in manufacturing five budget machines over 20 years substantially exceeds that of one Miele. For households where environmental impact is a purchasing consideration, machine longevity is a relevant factor alongside running efficiency.
More Miele Guides
Related Guides
Miele Washing MachinesBuild quality, warranty, and why Miele remains the benchmark for premium washing machines in the UK.
Downsides to Miele Washing MachinesThe practical limitations and considerations alongside the well-known quality advantages.
Miele Extended Warranty Small PrintThe 10,000 operating hour clause in Miele’s extended warranty – what it means and who it affects.
Why Don’t Washing Machines Last?How 50 years of price competition has reduced build quality across the mainstream market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t the door open on my Miele washing machine?
On the Miele W3740 and some other Miele models, the door release requires the machine to be switched on at the main power button. The door does not release automatically at the end of a cycle. Switch the machine on and the door should release. This is a design feature rather than a fault.
Is a Miele washing machine worth the extra cost?
Over the lifetime of the machine, yes for most households. A Miele is designed and built to last significantly longer than mainstream alternatives – often 15 to 20 years or more with normal domestic use. When the purchase cost is divided across a longer service life, the annual cost of ownership compares favourably to replacing a cheaper machine every four to seven years. The quieter operation, fewer repairs, and better build quality are additional factors most owners value.
6 Comments
Grouped into 5 comment threads.
1 reply We've had an Asea washing machine for 25 years. We have four children and lots of dogs ... so loads of washing. We have never had a better washing machine than the Asea. It cannot be compared with the cheaper washing machines which broke down with such frequency that it drove me to distraction! A local mechanic has been out to the machine several times in all that time. The Asea has been amazingly reliable and does a superb wash. I could not recommend a washing machine more highly. Kate
0 replies I've had feedback on a different Miele model W 4144 Hi Andy, I've had my Miele for almost a month now and although it looks enormous I am just so delighted with it. I like the display where I can see exactly how much time is left and the fact that it really is quiet. I have tried three programmes so far and have washed from cashmere to towels - all the washing comes out smelling washed rather than needing to spend a long time on the line to freshen it. I am also impressed with the instruction book that came with the machine which explained that if you are constantly washing stuff at low temperatures then it is a good idea to run a 70 degree cycle without washing to clear out the pipes to prevent sludge gathering. In view of this problem which has plagued me a bit I have also changed from liquid to tablet detergent. So to sum it up: - I bought the machine because you confirmed my own thoughts - I like the 10 year guarantee as this gives me peace of mind - I like the huge opening - but I love the 'shh, I really am working' nature. Thanks a lot, once again. June Related Link: The maintenance wash June mentioned is covered in detail here - Washing machine smells - causes of grease, slime and black mould inside washing machines
I’ve had feedback on a different Miele model W 4144
Hi Andy,
I’ve had my Miele for almost a month now and although it looks enormous I am just so delighted with it. I like the display where I can see exactly how much time is left and the fact that it really is quiet. I have tried three programmes so far and have washed from cashmere to towels – all the washing comes out smelling washed rather than needing to spend a long time on the line to freshen it.
I am also impressed with the instruction book that came with the machine which explained that if you are constantly washing stuff at low temperatures then it is a good idea to run a 70 degree cycle without washing to clear out the pipes to prevent sludge gathering. In view of this problem which has plagued me a bit I have also changed from liquid to tablet detergent.
So to sum it up:
– I bought the machine because you confirmed my own thoughts
– I like the 10 year guarantee as this gives me peace of mind
– I like the huge opening
– but I love the ‘shh, I really am working’ nature.
Thanks a lot, once again.
June
Related Link: The maintenance wash June mentioned is covered in detail here – Washing machine smells – causes of grease, slime and black mould inside washing machines
0 replies You know your machines Andy, of that, there is no doubt. Our Asea Cylindra 11000 was 1988 so just shy of the 20 year rule. However, I did fit a new motor in July 2001, as the old one had one worn key on the commutator (bad luck). The new one supplied from a well known firm in Clevedon - Huh ! it was a noisier clone, and not in the class of the German Siemens unit failed at 6.5 years. Spares of original quality are paramount for the 20 year rule. Just as well that Miele are just 30 miles away in Abingdon - hopefully their motors, If I ever need to change one, will be original quality. Good luck with your business, if your customers listen to you, they should be jolly happy.
You know your machines Andy, of that, there is no doubt.
Our Asea Cylindra 11000 was 1988 so just shy of the 20 year rule. However, I did fit a new motor in July 2001, as the old one had one worn key on the commutator (bad luck). The new one supplied from a well known firm in Clevedon – Huh ! it was a noisier clone, and not in the class of the German Siemens unit failed at 6.5 years. Spares of original quality are paramount for the 20 year rule.
Just as well that Miele are just 30 miles away in Abingdon – hopefully their motors, If I ever need to change one, will be original quality.
Good luck with your business, if your customers listen to you, they should be jolly happy.
0 replies Many thanks Duncan. I agree that the old Asko Asea washing machines were also incredibly well made and in the same class as Miele. I was an Asko dealer in the 1990s and they were amazing. Unfortunately they were taken over by Antonio Merloni in 2000 and have pulled out of the UK. Fortunately Miele are still going strong and still making probably the best washing machines available in the UK.
Many thanks Duncan. I agree that the old Asko Asea washing machines were also incredibly well made and in the same class as Miele. I was an Asko dealer in the 1990s and they were amazing.
Unfortunately they were taken over by Antonio Merloni in 2000 and have pulled out of the UK. Fortunately Miele are still going strong and still making probably the best washing machines available in the UK.
0 replies Hi Andy. Yep, I read your review on the Miele W3740. Your mind works like mine. I'd been looking for a good machine for three days, this site, that site, lots of spiel...But .... and then I found your site. Look no further - You are spot on, the W3740 is a good machine. Your review is vastly superior to the Which Report - which was very poor, and did not say anything really. Their points system needs to be re- considered for quality and reliability and IMHO noise / intrusive vibration issues. The important stuff is fuzszy and hearsay on their reviews. We had to have a new machine promptly as a replacement for our Asea Cylindra 11000, a very tough act to follow. The Asea needs a new motor end bearing and brushes. I will fix the Asea, and then it goes to My daughter's - to replace a 3 year old ...H........a very popular make that is falling apart and sounds like a bag of nails, hops about like a donkey, and the door of her machine is also falling off. The Miele may well satisfy our demands for quality, I'm pretty sure of that. Will it satisfy our emotions like the Asea ? I hope so. The two box Asko / Asea system is very engaging, I think the Miele will live up to first impressions - like the Asea, when you turn it on - you hear the water gently sploshing in the drum - not a continous noisy drone as with so many other machines. The pump out motor is also lush and quiet - These are the differences that we have paid for, they are so apparent, and you get what it says in the brochure with these ! Thanks Andy - your reviews are the best, we are indebted to you.
Hi Andy.
Yep, I read your review on the Miele W3740. Your mind works like mine. I’d been looking for a good machine for three days, this site, that site, lots of spiel…But …. and then I found your site. Look no further – You are spot on, the W3740 is a good machine.
Your review is vastly superior to the Which Report – which was very poor, and did not say anything really. Their points system needs to be re- considered for quality and reliability and IMHO noise / intrusive vibration issues. The important stuff is fuzszy and hearsay on their reviews.
We had to have a new machine promptly as a replacement for our Asea Cylindra 11000, a very tough act to follow. The Asea needs a new motor end bearing and brushes. I will fix the Asea, and then it goes to My daughter’s – to replace a 3 year old …H……..a very popular make that is falling apart and sounds like a bag of nails, hops about like a donkey, and the door of her machine is also falling off.
The Miele may well satisfy our demands for quality, I’m pretty sure of that. Will it satisfy our emotions like the Asea ? I hope so. The two box Asko / Asea system is very engaging, I think the Miele will live up to first impressions – like the Asea, when you turn it on – you hear the water gently sploshing in the drum – not a continous noisy drone as with so many other machines. The pump out motor is also lush and quiet – These are the differences that we have paid for, they are so apparent, and you get what it says in the brochure with these !
Thanks Andy – your reviews are the best, we are indebted to you.
We’ve had an Asea washing machine for 25 years. We have four children and lots of dogs … so loads of washing. We have never had a better washing machine than the Asea. It cannot be compared with the cheaper washing machines which broke down with such frequency that it drove me to distraction! A local mechanic has been out to the machine several times in all that time. The Asea has been amazingly reliable and does a superb wash.
I could not recommend a washing machine more highly.
Kate
Likely replying to Kate
Hello Kate: Yes Asko Asea are in the same league as Miele.