Did you order the color booklet describing each model? If not I would order that from Miele because it lists the features of each model and highlights a new feature as you move up the model line. Briefly: Advanta is entry level has 6 programs and uses 5 different temperature settings. It has convection passive drying. It also has standard 12 place setting racks. Inspira - is like the Advanta except it has fan assisted convection drying and uses push buttons instead of a dial like the Advanta does. Diamante - Similar to the models above except that it has 14 place setting racks and is quieter. Optima - is quieter than all of the previous, has height adjustable middle basket that can also be tilted, has the premium flexible racks holding 14 place setting. Instead of having fixed water temperatures it uses a sensor to examine the soil level and adjust the hotness of the water to the soil level. It has a built in water softener that mixes soft water with regular water to adjust it to the correct hardness allowing you to use less detergent. Has a china crystal cycle that uses low temperature and short times to wash dedicates. You can select between detergent types(gels, tabs, powders) so that you can get the best results from each. It is quieter than the above mentioned models and has a 24 hour delay start feature. Excella has everything the Optima has plus touch controls that use a display screen so that you use a menu to select cycles and options. Uses the display to communicate via sentences and phrases rather than lights. Can use slightly less water than models above depending on program cycle. Has about 19 program cycles, including special ones that are designed to wash cheese and pasta starchy items. Other programs use low temperatures and take less time and still clean well. Allows you to add extras to programs(extra dry time, extra rinse, a "soak" which is a long heated prewash etc) You can remove the middle rack and wash tall items only in the bottom. Has sectioned cup racks - you can lower half or all of it. Has a split cutlery tray which allows you to remove a portion of it or slide portions around. Good if you have tall items in the middle rack. In addition to the soil sensor that the Optima has it has a load size sensor that detects the size of the load you are washing and adjusts the water fill level to match the size - saving some water. It is quieter than the above mentioned models. LaPerla has everything that the Excella has plus; It uses a flat screen interface and screen - no buttons, and is rated as quieter than the above machines. All the models can be connected to cold water and don't require an incoming water temp of 120F to work, which allows them to use lower temperatures Lower than 120F. All of the models except the LaPerla can be purchased with hidden controls. The Optima is in the middle of the line and a good place to start. Look at it, and work your way up or down, keeping in mind that steps up give you quieter operation, slightly faster cycles, and slightly less water usage. Be aware that Miele is due to release their new models sometime this year so everything I just said may not apply to them. If you don't have the printed booklet it is worth ordering and it's free.

Its my understanding that they are KitchenAid Ensemble clones.

I believe I read on this forum that some Miele models are actually just re-badged Liebherr's. Not sure if this is one of the models though? others may know... I will say, I do love my Liebherr! Almost three years now, and no issues. So quiet, I don't know if it's running sometimes. Keeps produce fresh extremely long, and also makes neat little clear ice cubes :)

In my NYC apartment, I have a 36” Blue Star range and a Miele speed oven. It’s an older model but it is the equivalent of the current model 6200. I love the oven and use it for 90% of my oven needs since the BS takes so long to preheat. It is a real oven and holds a 9 x 13 pan.. Advantium is fine as long as it is the 240v but can’t be installed undercounter according to what I have read here. in my country house, where we are living now full-time these days, we are redoing the kitchen and will get the Miele 6200 speed oven as our microwave. We will also get a Miele combi steam oven and a regular oven as well. The CSO won’t get you all the way there as a MW, so I think the Miele speed oven is the way to go.