Asko vs. Miele Washing Machines: What’s Best?
Updated: Dec. 04, 2023
The great washing machine debate: Asko vs. Miele. Here's what to know about the two brands and which might be best for your home.
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Two brands have fought for the best washing machine title for decades: Asko and Miele. Both appliance companies create high-value, energy-saving, sleek and feature-packed machines that can make laundry time a breeze—but which one is best for you?
As a former New York City doorman and porter turned online shopping editor, I’ve seen the Asko vs. Miele showdown multiple times. While there’s no outright winner, this guide can help you find out which brand has the best option for your home.
I’ll break down the machines’ features, pros and cons and where you can find some of my favorite Asko and Miele washer models.
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What’s the difference between Asko and Miele?
Want to know if an Asko or Miele washing machine is the best fit for your laundry room? Here are the important differences between the two:
Asko has larger maximum load sizes. The company has models that hold up to 26.5 pounds of clothes, compared to Miele’s 17.6 pounds. There are 15 to 24 available washing cycles, depending on which model you buy, so you can easily choose the best washing machine temperature for your clothes. Miele’s machines only have 12-13 programs.
Miele washing machines go up to 1,600 rotations-per-minute (RPM), whereas Asko maxes out at 1,400 RPM. Miele’s faster spinning speeds can heat water while using less electricity and can wick moisture off clothes before they hit the dryer. They can also be synced with the Miele Home app and controlled from any room in the house (Asko has no such app as of this writing).
Finally, most Miele machines are more affordable than Asko’s—though both brands start at around $1,500. Both are Energy Star-certified, meaning they exceed the industry standard for energy efficiency. In other words, you’ll save money on your power bill and help out the environment.
All About Asko
Asko Appliances started in 1950 when Swedish farmer Karl-Erik Andersson invented a washing machine for his mother that was more energy-efficient and easier to use than the machines of his day. The company was originally named Junga Verkstäder and became Asko in the 1990s after multiple acquisitions and mergers.
Asko is based out of Sweden and is owned by the Hisense Group, a Chinese appliance and electronic manufacturing company that also owns Hitachi and Toshiba. The company’s primary focus is laundry and kitchen appliances such as dishwashers and washer/dryer sets, though they also produce accessories like laundry room hanging racks.
Asko is still committed to producing environmentally friendly and energy-efficient appliances that transform the way we do everyday tasks like washing clothes and dishes. They were one of the first to put shock absorbers on their machines, which not only reduces noise levels but also increases the washer’s durability and longevity.
Their latest innovation is the Steel Seal door. This replaced the traditional rubber bellow you see on most washing machines and reduces the amount of dirt and bacteria in your washer.
Their washing machines have been tested to last more than 10,000 hours or nearly 20 years.
The one major downside to Asko appliances is the price tag. The machines start at around $1,500 and can reach up to $2,700 before taxes and shipping and handling. Each machine comes with a two-year warranty (the industry standard is 12 months), though you can apply for an additional three years of coverage within 90 days of purchase.
You can find Asko appliances at online retailers such as Aj Madison, Appliances Connection and Build. There’s a store locator on the Asko website if you want to look at one before purchasing. You won’t find them at large retail chains like Lowe’s or The Home Depot.
Some of Our Favorite Asko Washing Machines
Asko Classic Series
The Asko Classic Series is the company’s base model, but it’s still one of the most impressive washing machines on the market. It comes with 15 wash cycles, has an anti-crease system, a simple interface, four durable shock absorbers and a 17.6-pound loading capacity.
Asko Logic Series
The Asko Logic Series comes in a sleek-looking titanium color (there’s also a white option available). Its functionality is just as, if not more impressive than its style, with 22 washing cycles, including an allergy-friendly cycle and anti-crease system. It has an hourglass-shaped drum that leaves your clothes in the center of the washer while removing dirt and debris for minimal wear and tear during washes.
Asko Style Series
The Asko Style Series is the company’s best model, with 24 washing cycles, an auto-dosing detergent system, balance control and a 26.5 loading capacity that can tackle your full laundry baskets and hampers. The machine also comes with Asko’s special Pro Wash technology, which dissolves detergent in the water before it is pumped into the drum for a more thorough and even wash.
All About Miele
Miele was founded by Carl Miele and Reinhard Zinkann in Germany in 1899 with the original mission of producing cream separators for dairy farmers. The company has created many products over the past 120 years, including bicycles, but today focuses on kitchen and laundry appliances, vacuums, cleaning products and more. It is still based in Germany and is run by direct descendants of its two founders.
Their first washing machine was produced in 1903 and replaced the lever found on machines with a flywheel to make spinning water and clothes easier. They were one of the first companies to have special washing cycles for different types of fabrics and detergents.
Miele helped revolutionize washing machines with its patented honeycomb drum, which creates a thin film of water between your clothes and the drum to prevent fabrics and other items you can put in your washing machine from pilling or breaking apart.
Many companies have imitated this design with perforated holes or bumps on their drums, which also prevents foreign objects like those quarters you forgot were in your pocket from ending up in the drain pump.
Their washing machines have been tested to last around 20 years.
Miele’s high-end washing machines come with a high price tag, with machines starting around $1,500 and reaching more than $2,000 before taxes and shipping and handling.
On top of that, you only get a two-year warranty with your purchase. While this is better than the industry standard of 12 months, we typically like to see a longer coverage period for more expensive items.
Miele washing machines can be found online and in-store at Lowe’s and other appliance retailers like AppliancesConnection and Aj Madison, or you can use their store locator to find a retailer near you.
Some of Our Favorite Miele Washing Machines
Miele WCS
The Miele WCS features the company’s patented honeycomb design to help prolong your fabrics’ longevity, automatic load adaptation to adjust the amount of water and electricity used and a soft seam option to reduce wrinkles during washes. The drum spins at 1,600 rotations-per-minute (RPM) to reduce drying times and like other Miele appliances, can be controlled via the Miele Home app.
Miele WCS TDos
The Miele WCS TDos takes the guesswork out of laundry time with its automatic detergent dispensing system. You simply load the two reservoirs with your favorite cleaning product, and the machine dispenses just the right amount with just the click of a button, reducing the amount of detergent you use for each wash.
Miele WCS TDos & IntenseWash
The Miele WCS TDos & IntenseWash can clean clothes in under 50 minutes with its Intense Wash Cycle. This washing cycle recycles water and detergent through the drum, unlike other machines that drain undissolved detergent after each wash, to give you more bang for your buck.
FAQ
What is the life expectancy of an Asko washing machine?
Asko washing machines have been tested to last for 10,000 hours, which is about 20 years, per the company’s website.
What is the life expectancy of a Miele washing machine?
Miele’s website states its washing machines have a life expectancy of 20 years.
Asko vs. Miele: The Bottom Line
Asko and Miele washing machines are an investment, but we believe they’re purchases that will pay for themselves with the energy savings and convenience both companies provide. If you’re looking for a “winner” between the two, it’s going to depend on what you’re looking for.
Who should purchase an Asko washing machine:
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Large families looking for a washing machine with larger load sizes
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Anyone who needs a wide selection of special washing cycles
Who should purchase a Miele washing machine:
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Busy people who like to control appliances via a smartphone app
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Smaller households who don’t need a large loading size
Where to Shop
Order an Asko washing machine from retailers like Aj Madison, Appliances Connection, or Build.
Interested in a Miele washer? Purchase yours at Lowes, Appliances Connection or Aj Madison.
Originally Published: September 20, 2023
