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meluky

Miele appliances -advice needed

8 years ago
I saw another thread on here where users were disappointed with the quality and customer service of Miele. I am considering purchasing Miele. I was deciding between Miele and Wolf/Subzero but then decided on Miele since the ovens seem to have more functionality.

Has anyone here had a good experience with Miele? I am a bit concerned with some of the latest reviews from 2018 that still show significant issues with Miele.

Comments (36)

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    I would never advise a client to buy appliances from all one maker. IMO Bosch makes the best DWs but the rest is really up to how you cook not because they all match or even because you get a good deal Any good appliance store will give you a better price if you are buying everything from them. Sit down and figure out what you really need for the way prepare food. IMO SZ is over priced and overratedbut if you love the fridge get it. Wolf is the same overpriced overrated. It takes time to buy appliances for how you cook but rewards everyday with function

  • 8 years ago
    @Patricia, thanks. I thought Miele had one of the best dishwashers too? From a price perspective, SZ/Wolf are about the same price as Miele. If you don’t buy one brand, won’t it look mismatched in the kitchen? Since you are saying they are overpriced for the fridge, what other brand would you recommend?
  • 8 years ago

    HI melucky

    I bought a Miele fridge about 16 months ago and so far so good. In terms of costumer service, they did not deliver when they were suppose to (a date mix-up) and PROFOUNDLY apologized and gave me an extended warranty for free! They quickly took care of the problem and I WAS EXTREMELY IMPRESSED with their customer service.

    I purchased a Wolf oven at the same time. again, so far so good! They were suppose to send an appliance cleaner and forgot. When I called, they used a courier and sent me it the next day!!!

    Overall,then, I am happy with my appliances but I have only had them a short time.

    In both cases, costumer service has been excellent. Also, received follow up calls to ensure I was happy. I live in Canada so not sure if that makes a difference.

    I too was concerned about mixing the two types and it was a complete non-factor.

    Both are the same type/colour of stainless steel and looks totally fine. I

    Hopes this helps!

  • 8 years ago

    almost forgot .... if you go to design dilemma with the below title....

    RENO DONE BUT....1.5 yrs with no powder room

    you will see my kitchen...not a great shot of the two appliances but thought I would mention it anyway!

  • 8 years ago

    i have a Miele dishwasher, coffee machine and speed oven, the store that sold them services them if needed (which it hasn't been in over a year).

    Of course there are some dissenting opinions, but most here would consider Miele the best dishwasher. Having both a Miele and Thermador (which is essentially a bosch) in the same kitchen, I'd agree the Miele is a little better but there isn't all the much difference and both are very good.

    All of Miele's appliances are top notch (albeit expensive) except for gas burners which are just okay.

  • 8 years ago
    @stefanie, thanks saw the pictures. You are right, can’t tell that they are different brands at all. Your kitchen looks good. I decided on white cabinets as well with hardwood floors. The steel next to the white cabinets look nice.
  • 8 years ago

    We have a Miele dishwasher - and I love, love, love it. Had a Bosch in a previous house, prefer the Miele. I thought their service was amazing. They called multiple times to set up the install, the installer vacuumed up after himself (and taught me something I didn't know about my own Miele vacuum), and then they called later to make sure I was satisfied. Granted, I have not had to have it serviced - knock on wood - so perhaps that's an issue? But we have a service/dealer in the area, that may contribute to satisfaction or lack thereof for those in other places.

    meluky thanked wiscokid
  • 8 years ago
    @DrB477, thanks for the comment. I had always heard of Miele’s quality so was surprised to see all the negative comments in the post I read. Of course, the tendency is to only comment on things where you have a problem/issue so many comments you read online will reflect that. I took that into account but wanted to hear about some satisfied users as well. Miele is pricey so want to make sure I am purchasing something that I won’t have to replace right away.
  • 8 years ago

    meluky, if you can get the extended warranty on the Miele, do so. I have had a lot of issues with my Miele columns and DW (you've probably read about them) and I was super frustrated with their (lack of) customer service. I am in Canada and literally within a hour's drive in rush hour from their center, so close proximity isn't a guarantee of better customer service. OTOH, I LOVE my Miele induction cooktop. Would buy it again in a nanosecond. I don't have their ovens.

    meluky thanked sherri1058
  • 8 years ago

    @wiscokid, thanks. glad to see your experience has been positive so far. How can I tell if there is a dealer/service in the area? One thing a contractor told me is that since Miele has gotten more business, they subcontracted their service techs to other companies. So that maybe part of the issue as well. I didn't ask further, but I assumed that Miele must have had their own technicians, but then at some point subcontracted this role out.

  • 8 years ago

    @sherri, I am looking at purchasing their wireless remote option that gives you a 5 year warranty. But, I'd hate to spend all the money on Miele and then on year 6 run into issues with them. If I have to replace Miele appliances after 5 years, then I might as well get the cheaper appliances from a big box store and then just do an entire replacement when they break. That is something that my husband and I have been discussing - does it make sense to spend all this money up front, or spend less money with other appliances, knowing we can replace after 5 years because we haven't invested so much money into it.

  • 8 years ago

    Mixing appliances is not an issue. No one notices.

    Before the remodel I had 17 year old DCS range, Thermador vent hood, Thermador 3-in-1 oven/micro/warming drawer, Kitchenaid fridge, Miele DW and ULine beverage fridge.

    After the remodel I have Wolf range, Modernaire vent, SZ column fridge and freezer, Wolf MW, Miele CSO, DW and coffee machine and ULine beverage fridge.

    I've also had Miele washer and dryer for 8 years.

    I'm in the LA area so we have a large Miele showroom and very good service overall. I did have to wait a few days for service when my Miele washer had a problem, but once they show up they have everything needed to fix any issues.

    I don't think of appliances as disposable items, so I would buy the best quality product that fits in my budget. Also, changing appliances isn't always as easy as pulling one out and replacing with another, as sizing of the appliances can change slightly over the years.

    meluky thanked chispa
  • 8 years ago

    @chispa, thanks. I didn't think about sizing differences over the years. Since I am also getting new cabinets, I don't want to rip anything out for a long time.

  • 8 years ago
    We did a big kitchen Reno 2 years ago and put in Miele DW, fridge column, induction cooktop and oven plus SZ freezer drawers. The fridge came with an LED light bulb burnt out and they promptly sent a replacement. The DW needed servicing for a broken piece on the door closure about a month ago and aside from charging us $200 something for the call (out of warranty) the service was good. While he was there he took apart our oven door which had somehow gotten gunk between the glass for no charge. I’m pleased with all of the appliances...had a Bosch DW in the prior house and the Miele is better.
    meluky thanked HKO HKO
  • PRO
    8 years ago

    We've had great experiences with both companies!

    meluky thanked Lion Windows and Doors
  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Hi,

    Being in the appliance industry for over 30 years, I have a lot of experience with most brands on the market-from the low end to the high end. Miele, being the oldest appliance company in the world, has a fantastic reputation, from product use, to how long the products last, right through to their outstanding service should a problem arise. We have been proud Miele owners for over 30 years, and I would highly recommend any of their cooking products, their laundry products, and especially their dishwashers, which are by far, the best in the business. You will also not make a bad choice on any of the Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances. The Miele and Sub-Zero/ Wolf appliance families have the best reputations in the appliance industry!!

  • 8 years ago
    @RiverBend, thanks. Glad to hear you’ve had such a good experience over the last 30 years. I was a bit worried when I saw all the negative posts during my search. I know people tend to be more vocal when they have had issues/problems so the posts here have given me more reassurance that Miele is a good brand especially with their customer service when a problem does arise.
  • PRO
    8 years ago

    I also find the Dealer you buy from matters. Here at Riverbend we facilitate your service calls. Other places give you an 800 number and send you on your way. With an investment such a Miele, make sure the dealer values your business and will cater to you.

  • 8 years ago

    I don’t have any Miele because my budget was tight. I think Bosch has the best value for a dishwasher, but I didn’t have any issues with my all Bosch kitchen I owned for 10 years. They still looked brand new. My experience with Wolf/Sub Zero customer service has been outstanding. Parts always arrive next day. Plus, since my appliances were used, it’s nice that they still make parts for them. I ended up with Bertazzoni double ovens and a Thermador CSO and I’m also thrilled with their performance. I think you can have issues with any brand, and there does seem to be lemon models that are problematic, but I haven’t had 1 service call yet. (Keep fingers crossed).

  • 8 years ago

    Actually, Gaggenau is the oldest and I believe the most widely distributed appliance brand. And RiverBend & Company is correct that the dealer should cater to you. I got much better service from Miele once my appliance store got involved. Although I appreciated their help, I was also annoyed that I needed to involve them at all!

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Take your stuff that you like to put in your dishwasher to the store and see how it fits. I discovered by doing this it eliminated many dishwashers for me.

    2nd, if you purchase Miele (or any brand) check out how fast you can get parts and service for it. I know my local family owned stores have their own service departments and their own service techs. Don't be afraid to talk to their service departments about their experience with certain brands. My partners mother has a Miele oven and she lives not in a very populated place and between the service and ordering the parts, she was without an oven for a month and the tech was subcontracted.

    I have had Sub-Zero and GE Monogram refrigerators (different houses). I was happy with both of them but like the GE interior configuration a bit better.

    Keep in mind that the more bells and whistles you go with the more chance of problems.

  • 8 years ago

    I have had Sub-Zero and GE Monogram refrigerators (different houses). I was happy with both of them but like the GE interior configuration a bit better.


    Whoa, I've had both too but GE Monogram I would consider a toy compared to a Sub-Zero. I had a monogram side by side that would make 3-5 foot icicles and freeze and tube so that freezer and refrigerator would get warm , obviously due to a design flaw but GE wouldn't cover and it took me months and $$$$ to fix. I hated that GE monogram.

  • 8 years ago
    Love my Miele dishwasher - and the free 10 warranty that came with it (special deal at the time).
    Sure, buy all your appliances from one brand, IF you care most how they LOOK.
    IF you care about functionality and reliability, do your research and buy the best brand for the specific appliance.
  • 8 years ago
    Also, what’s the benefit of having them all match nicely if the oven is poorly made and will have to be replaced in 5 years, and the fridge will give out 6 months later and have to be replaced then. They won’t be matching after that!
  • 8 years ago

    I have Miele ovens and induction cooktop. All work well and in 4 years, one oven heating element burnt out. Service was fairly efficient.

  • 8 years ago
    @drdeb1234, true- if your appliances need to be replaced you may end up with different brands. I checked the functionality of the various appliances - looks like Miele combi-steam has a lot more functionality than the wolf combi-steam. The subzero fridge/freezer seems to be slightly better but not a significant difference. Miele has this wireless troubleshooting capability which I like. Miele DW seems to be good. Range cooktop seems to be equal among all the brands I looked at. So given this, I may end up sticking with all Miele. They have a promotion going on now which will allow me to save a little bit than buying all different brands. Still deciding but given the negligible differences between brands and the Miele promotion which will lower the price slightly, I may end up with Miele for all appliances
  • 8 years ago

    I'd go with a brand that you can get serviced in a timely, courteous and professional way!

    In our area (half an hour west of the capital of Canada) one has to wait at least a week, usually a month, for a Miele tech to service one's Miele appliances. Despite them having a fancy showroom downtown, etc.

    I will NEVER buy Miele because of this, it's pathetic.

    Whatever you choose, make sure it has a good warranty!

  • 8 years ago

    I survived 4 months without a kitchen during my recent remodel ... I think I can survive waiting 1 - 3 weeks to get ONE appliance fixed. My Miele washer broke about 2 years ago and I did have to wait just over a week to get an appointment. A bit annoying, but not a reason to discount a whole brand.

    Even the local appliance repair company that services other/many higher end brands takes a few days to come out and they then have to order parts, wait for those and make a second appointment. Miele had the parts available during that first appointment.

  • 8 years ago

    I've seen where you can purchase 5 year extended warranties for Miele appliances, but I've also seen several postings from people who received free 10-year extended warranties... Are those periodically offered by Miele, or are appliance dealers including them? Are they generally available for any type of Miele appliance or just W/D & dishwashers?

  • 8 years ago

    If the store where you purchase the appliance from has their own-in house service department, it doesn't hurt to ask if they can throw in any type of an extended warranty at no additional cost. Quite often, the retailer can't budge on the price unless the manufacturer has an authorized "deal" but they do have the ability to do this.

  • 8 years ago

    10yr Miele warranties are available in Miele Canada not the US.

  • 8 years ago

    The free 10 year warranty was offered at the time on all Miele appliances I believe. I have seen that offer periodically (but not recently? Not sure when the last time was). It was a huge selling point for me!

    And I am in Canada.

  • 8 years ago
    I don’t think Miele offers the 10 year warranty (at least in the US). They offer a 5 year warranty if you purchase their remote vision capability. Otherwise the warranty is pretty low - only one year I think and 2 years if you get their appliance installed by one of their service techs.
  • 8 years ago

    we have Miele induction cooktop and DW. Very Pleased with both and would purchase again. have had zero issues, so service has not been an issue. we are out of warranty (over 5 yrs.) . fingers crossed!!

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I loved my 30-inch Miele Masterchef double wall ovens for the 13 years or so that I used them. They were the top of the line. I have a few quibbles about the reliability of the temperature (isn't always what the displays claims it is), and about the amount of time it takes for the ovens to reach the temperature indicated (like: FOREVER!), but I have learned to work around that. I have had techs out to check on the temperature problems and have heard two different diagnoses of the issues, and the issues have not been satisfactorily fixed. Also, the rotisserie add-on was poorly designed and the probe melted early on. Never mind: I still loved my Masterchef ovens.

    However, the exterior glass of the door on the bottom oven cracked into tiny, jewel-like bits, leaving a blank space bordered by a few tiny, jagged shark's-teeth-looking leftovers at the edges. Miele is inflexible on the price for a replacement part: $750. For a piece of replacement glass -- or for the full door. Either one. I have been unable to find an alternative, so I have to decide whether to spend $750, plus tax and shipping and labor costs, to replace the outer door on a 13/14-year-old oven.

    Miele, for me, was great... Until it wasn't.

    (Are you listening or reading, Miele? Because if I buy new, it will be Wolf!)