Thank you, Jerrod! The only place I could find the wash times for a W1 was a youtube video where the time for a normal wash was almost 3 hours--but I guess they must have been adding a wash delay.

I currently have a very old top-loader (must date back to the 90s, at least) and am concerned about the longer wash times for front-loaders.

Christy

You get used to the times. You start the machine, then do whatever you need to do, then come back. Miele has a phone app that will tell you when the load has completed. In my case, I really save on my water and sewer bill.

The youtube video was probably taken in Europe. The cycle times for the European models are generally longer than the times in the USA. One reason is that the machines must heat cold water since most places don't have central water heaters. The other reason is that people in Europe expect to have longer times, although that is changing.

I really hope others that have the USA W1 will post their estimated times. After the machine is set up the first run will be to calibrate the machine to your environment. This run is done at 140F. The manual for the W1 860 model doesn't exactly say what happens during this run, but I think it might have something to do with the machine trying to determine how long it takes to do this run so that it can set the time estimates for the rest of the cycles since 140F is the highest temp most regular cycles will reach. Sanitize and Tub Clean reach higher temps.

My machine was delivered in January when the temperatures were below freezing, plus the machine sat on the delivery truck all day before it got to my house so the machine was cold. After delivery, it was set up calibrated, but my laundry is in an unheated space in my house so the machine basically ran while it was ice cold. Because it was cold, I would like others to give their time estimates because it is possible that my time estimates are longer than most.

When I start a load the machine runs for about 8 minutes then it adjusts the time downward after it knows how hot the water inside is and how many clothes are in the drum.

Here are some of the times on my machine. I usually wash with hot water and the cycle times will drop considerably because of my stable supply of hot water the machine doesn't have to warm up.

The cycle times for me are quick and the times between the washer & dryer are almost synchronized, so I'm usually taking the clothes out of the dryer around the same time the wash has finished. This is very convenient.

All wash cycles will vary depending on the temperature you pick, the soil level and any extras (extra rinse, soak, prewash).

FWIW, Single Wash (which can accommodate up to 2lbs) is great on all of these cycles and finishes sometimes under 30 minutes.

NORMAL

Normal Soil

Cold = 1:20

85F = 1:16

105F = 1:16

120F = 1:16

140F = 1:29

SANITIZE

Normal Soil

170F = 2:27 (This usually will reduce to way under 2 hours mid cycle)

DRESS SHIRTS

Normal Soil

Cold = 0:50

85F = 0:43

105F = 0:43

120F = 0:46

140F = 0:56

EXTRA WHITE

Normal Soil

140F = 1:50

QUICKINTENSE

105F = 0:49

140F = 0:59

Thank you for the responses! Looks like 1 hour+ is pretty standard. I often forget about the wash until it's been done for awhile anyways so when it comes to wash times I'm mostly concerned about those mornings when I realize my kids have no clean pants...

However, I may not need to make this decision at all! The reason we were looking for a washer in the first place is because our 1995 Maytag Dependable Care washer (which the previous owners of our house left behind) was leaking. The shut-off valves were ancient so we couldn't turn off the water to check things out. Finally had the plumber come out to change the valves and he discovered the lines to the washer were leaking. He replaced those too and (so far, fingers crossed!) it seems we're back in business.

I am still eyeing a new washer, though. We stayed at an Airbnb that had a new front loader and the clothes seemed to come out so much cleaner than at home. I didn't look at the brand, but it was definitely not Miele. So there's the conundrum. Do we keep an old and (so far) reliable machine which we can likely fix ourselves but which doesn't wash as well, or do we spring for a new machine which, if something does fail, requires incredibly expensive repairs. Hence the reason I was looking at Mieles -- the reliable reputation.

If you eventually decide to purchase a Miele I would download the user manuals of the different models so you can see what each one offers. Just because the web site says it will do XXX, functions seem to be model specific. The upper tier of models offers more options than the lower models. For example; The base model does not offer an extra rinse option. The standard number of rinses is 2, unlike some Whirlpool models that only offer one. Selecting an extra rinse will give you 3 rinses after the wash.

If you need to make quick runs then you need a model that offers the Express cycle, which is a wash and 2 rinses in 30 minutes, or 20 minutes if light soil.

I have experience with top and front loaders and for me, the front loader is able to clean better than a top loader not to mention the amount of water a top loader uses. Top loaders with a wash plate perform wost than washers with agitators. The best clean and rinse I have gotten has come from the front loaders I used.

Wishing you the best....

I'm looking at Miele washing machines and was wondering about their cycle times with "short extra" activated to give shorter washing time.

***quote***

Normal soil 140F = 1:29

***end quote***

Is that with or without 'short cycle' or which ever button is used to reduce the cycle time?

If without the button, how much long is that cycle with the button at 140F?

Can anything in the normal cycle or one of the cottons cycle go above 140F?

Normal cycle drops to 0:46 minutes with the SingleWash button activated at 140F. (SingleWash is anything under 2.2lbs). You will need the 860 model to have the SingleWash feature which personally I think is well worth it (It has two pumps to recirculate the water and wash liquid)

TwinDos W1's and the units with intense cycle will require more maintenance. The recirculation feature adds to cleaning/maintenance steps possibly. Maybe Miele's clean cycle addresses the pipes and spray outlet during clean cycle. Electrolux does not at all. Also storing liquid laundry soap under a washer drum spells disaster to me. Less is more.

On the WWF 060 the normal cycle at 140 degrees and extra rinse is 1:46. I have the extra water in rinse set throughout. You cannot go above 140 degrees in Normal cycle.

I was so unclear on the W1 Classic's heater. Some web sites stated in specs "no heater". Still not sure, although it does have a sanitize cycle?

I will say this. I love quiet. My Electrolux 617 was not quiet ever. The Miele is a dream washer, smooth, quiet, starts heating water instantly and better rinses with spins in between them. And the 1600rpm spin...omg. I dry stuff faster than ever. I have lurked here for years and never joined. The information some of you share is so helpful to me. Although it took me a long time to purchase a Miele washer. Thank you all. Good luck Thomas in your decision.

The cycles I use most often are extra white, darks and quick intense with the 860. Also use Handwash or Delicates as appropriate. Never use Normal or Express.

You probably can't have to both ways - hot temps and time with best cycle. You are really buying this washer to get clothes clean and have them last a long time

Never had any issues with DOS cartridges underneath leaking.

Here are the cycle times for my new WXI860 (US)...

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6310483/miele-us-w1-excellence-wxi860-estimated-cycle-times-w-options