Buying a new home is a hugely exciting time.
Yet the joy of receiving the keys is almost immediately followed by a frantic search to fill it with the staple household appliances that were sacrificed during the move.
This was certainly the case for me as the previous homeowners took each and every item, even those nailed, plumped and fitted into the space.
I went on a mission to secure the most advanced devices on the market in a bid to make tedious chores a breeze and in that hunt, I stumbled across Miele.
The German manufacturer is synonymous with premium household appliances. You only need to tell a curious visitor the brand name and you’ll be met with impressed oohs and aahs – such is the testament of its remarkable craftsmanship and cutting-edge white goods.
When shopping at Miele, you can expect a certain level of quality and exceptional performance as well as sleek design – a homebody’s holy trinity that is demonstrated by the new and improved G7000 dishwashers.
But when it comes to household appliances, is there such a thing as too technologically advanced? Should a dishwasher simply clean your dishes without the need for a companion app or an education into what exactly is a PowerDisk? This is what I will explore in my review of the Miele G7191 Integrated Dishwasher.
Specs
- Dishwasher type: Integrated
- Size of the space needed: H87 x W60 x D55cm
- Number of programs: 10
- Quick cycle length: 58 minutes
- Features: AutoOpen drying, integrated PowerDisk and compatible app
- Noise level: 43dB
- Cable length (m): 1.7
- Energy rating: B
- Place settings: 14
Set-up
After splashing out for such a premium dishwasher, we understand the reluctance to spend an additional £100 on installation. This was my experience and, as there had been a dishwasher in my kitchen previously, I thought an easy switcharoo wouldn’t require the expertise of a professional. I was probably not correct.
But, with my Plumbers Handy Saw in hand, I got to work expanding the hole in the cabinet at the back of the sink to slot the Miele’s oversized plug into place. This was challenging, but after wiping my brow and admiring my newly muscular biceps, I plugged it in, secured the pipes and was ready to load up. Adding the door to make it integrated is an entirely different ball game but the machine comes with detailed instructions that are possible to follow if you speak German. The rest of us will need the help of handy YouTube tutorials. You will need rinse aid and dishwasher salts for the first cycle.
Features
This is not like any dishwasher I have ever used. The Miele G7191 is the most high-tech appliance that I have come across and that is immediately apparent as soon as it comes to life.
Companion app
As part of the set-up process, you must connect the Miele G7191 with the brand’s app. If you have multiple of its appliances, they can all be controlled on the same dashboard. With the Miele app, you can switch it on, choose a rinse cycle, find out how much energy and water it used in the last run and see when/if you need a top-up of salt and or rinse aid. You can also schedule a program, but best of all, you get a notification when the cycle is over and your dishes have cooled for a burn-free unload experience. So far, so techy, so good.
Programs
Among the 10 programs are ones that you’ll recognise from other models aka Intensive, Eco and Express. These are all long at around three hours with the latter up to an hour (for an express, it’s not really a quick rinse). Skip Eco and instead opt for QuickPowerWash, a more efficient alternative that uses less energy and water.
What stands out is the AutoDos that distributes the correct amount of detergent based on the number of plates and cups inside. This is made possible with PowerDisk. Unique to Miele and not something that was not familiar to me before this dishwasher, a PowerDisk contains washing-up liquid with an exclusive formula that provides effective and optimal cleaning. The results are fantastic but it is worth noting that this can cost up to £11 and only lasts for around 20 cycles or a month or so, which makes it more expensive than traditional tablets. However, the investment is optional and there is still a drawer for your regular Finish or Fairy should you prefer. There is also the newly unveiled PowerDisk ECO which uses plant-based ingredients and is biodegradable.
AutoOpen
This very clever function has had my seal of approval. When the cycle is finished, the machine automatically opens the door to encourage the hot air and excess water to evaporate so you can wave goodbye to condensation and thus the need to give your crockery an extra wipe before you put it away. It is made possible through a tab that slides out and then pops in again when you open the door fully. It’s strangely satisfying to watch.
Basket
There is more flexibility with the height and holders in the upper drawer of the Miele G7191. The adjustable position ensures you can slot in the likes of wine glasses or larger reusable water bottles without them reaching the top, or lower the cup rack for smaller items. My gripe is that the cutlery tray is standard and a basket is just so much more convenient for loading and unloading. Purchasing that additionally will set you back £40 if you want it direct from Miele.
Verdict
Miele G7191 SCVi 125 Integrated Dishwasher
Miele’s G7191 Integrated Dishwasher is one of the most advanced white goods on the market. Paired with the companion app, you have complete control over the schedule of your wash, meaning you can optimise it if you are on variable electricity tariffs to save on your bills.
You can switch it on, select the program and check the status of its health (e.g. the need for rinse aid or salt) directly from your phone, giving you the power to time it when you arrive home and a notification tells you when it’s done. I found this to be handy on a few occasions but more often than not, I control the dishwasher directly from the LED screen which details duration, tells you to refill the accoutrements and has buttons to switch between the programs. Call me old fashioned but it’s far easier.
Innovative features like AutoOpen remove the faff of wiping down each cup as you unload as it gives your crockery a chance to dry and cool down came much appreciated - but most of the bells and whistles I don’t really make the most of, like the 10 different washing programs. Instead, I use the same few cycles each time. This includes AutoDos which adjusts the detergent to the contents, which is clever but also requires an investment into the pricey PowerDisks that are exclusive to Miele. The dishwasher is impressively quiet. For state-of-the-art washing, this is a state-of-the-art washing machine. For those who want to load and unload without the bells and whistles, you can find yourself a dumber model at a fraction of the cost.
Buy now £1569.00, John Lewis
