Workerbee, you might get more responses on this thread if you post it to the laundry room forum.

Heated or not heated prewash ? that's the question ;) The misundersanding is all inside the word "COLD" that is ambiguously used by Miele Chech all the tempeature settings in the W48XX : No heat = tap cold - cold fill only IMHO (but not only mine) prewash has to have a drain before the main wash (that will be carried with fresh water), otherwise it would be just a extended main wash. COLD = 30°C = 85°F ("almost warm" were less misunderstanding) Warm = 40°C = 105°F Very warm = 50°C = 120°F Hot = 60°C = 140°F Sanitize = 70°C = 160°F So the heater in the prewash engages or doesn't depending on the target temp AND on hot water line actual temp.

I would agree with your logic regarding the difference in our numbers on the 'High' spin of 900 vs 1200. Too much difference between 900 and 1400, and yes 900 doesn't seem all that high. Hopefully the tech will have answer. Interesting point on the "Kill-A-Watt" box. Will give it some thought. Your observation and report on the 'Comforters' cycle is impressive! I've observed it only twice and didn't recall the step-by-step sequence. I'm sure it will come with time. I washed a queen-sized mattress pad, not a comforter. How large of a comforter do you wash? I don't recall the dimensions, but Miele had given them for comforters. I thought it to be the size of a double bed, not queen which is what we have. I had the same issue with the machine starting, adding a small amount of water, then advancing to 'pause.' This happened about 4-5 times before the cycle eventually started without stopping. The point you brought out about the 'part that stays in the center isn't exposed to as much g-force' really makes sense. Something I hadn't previously given any thought to. At the end of my cycle, I did put it through a spin/drain just as you do. From here on out, I will first rearrange the mattress pad...thanks! :) We have observed the spring loaded door at the back of the main wash compartment. I believe dispenser drawer pops out during the water intake. Is this a normal action? At times the door can be pushed back in, at others not. Does your dispenser drawer react in this same manner by popping out about 1/8"? I've read other good reviews about the Sears laundry powder. I know powder is recommended over liquid. I myself find liquid too sticky. Is your non-chlorine bleach a powder? I also use Oxi-Clean with favorable results, sometimes adding it to the prewash...or heavily soiled I believe it's called. Previously you had asked if I got cycle descriptions from Miele. The answer is no. I asked if there was anything documented in which would describe each cycle. Same answer, 'no.' What I was told as far as amounts of water, cycles which lend more to cottons will use less water as they can take more agressive tumbling action, and those which would fall under a category of more delicate or light fabric would use more water, as water provides more cushioning for the clothing. We now have an appointment for the Miele tech to come out on Friday and check out our machine. Want to make sure the pause issues we've been having are checked out. Also, 'door blocked' fault has come up 3 times in the first 10 days so want that checked out as well. I am told the cool down cycle time can be incresed as well. Sometimes I find the clothing to be ever so slightly damp, and thought added a little longer cooldown could rectify that issue. Buying a new washer or dryer is sooo time consuming. I've literally spent hours observing these cycles (& calling customer service)...and Miele was our third set after returning both Whirlpool Duet and Electrolux! ;) Will let you know what we find out. Again, thanks for taking the time to enlighten us! :) AN ADDED NOTE: We are interested in observing an actual demonstration on the washer/dryer. I've contacted one of the showrooms and was told they do conduct them. I feel any tips or information learned is well worth it. Our Garmin tells us it's about 67 miles from home...a nice drive on a sunny spring day.

"Miele stands for highest product quality. Miele - "that means durability, reliability, security and peace of mind. As part of this philosophy, Miele avows itself to Germany as its center of production. Ninety percent of the total value creation is generated here. "Made in Germany" is a promise of quality and Miele strives to fulfill the high requirements of our customers and provide them with appliances of the highest quality and tested durability to make their lives more comfortable." http://www.mieleusa.com/about_miele/about_miele.asp?nav=1&snav=3&tnav=3&oT=200&benefit=95 "Key components are not simply purchased on the open market, they are developed and produced by Miele. An important prerequisite for exceptional quality down to the very last detail." http://www.miele.ca/s7/#/Journey/Reliability It sounds like maybe not all but most are produced by Miele.