Miele W1 WWG120 Washing Machine Review: Is the 9kg, 1600rpm Model Worth It?

Editor’s note: This review was originally written in 2018, when I received the Miele W1 WWG120 washing machine from AO.com. It reflects my experience of using that particular model at the time. Prices, energy labels and availability may have changed since then.

Having a large family means our washing machine gets a serious workout. As soon as one load is washed and dried, another seems to appear in the laundry basket. With three boys in the house, finding a machine that can keep up with family life is pretty important.

I was lucky enough to receive the Miele W1 WWG120 washing machine from AO.com to review, and its arrival couldn’t have been better timed. We’d just returned from Spain, which meant a mountain of holiday washing was waiting for me. The machine tackled 11 loads in its first few days, so it certainly didn’t get an easy introduction to our household!

First Impressions and Build Quality

Miele has always been one of those appliance brands I’d associated with quality, so I was excited to see whether the washing machine lived up to its reputation.

My first impressions were good. The enamelled front looked smart and was designed to be easy to clean, while the controls felt sturdy and well made. Even closing the door gave a reassuringly solid click.

I also liked the honeycomb drum and the straightforward control dial. The whole machine felt thoughtfully designed, which is what you’d hope for from an appliance costing £949 at the time of my review.

Another little bonus was that it matched my Miele T1 TDB130WP heat pump tumble dryer. It might not affect how well the washing gets done, but I do like things to look coordinated in the kitchen!

Is the 9kg Drum Big Enough for a Family?

The Miele W1 WWG120 has a 9kg drum, which is a useful size when you’re dealing with children’s clothes, towels, bedding and all the other washing that comes with family life.

We’d owned larger machines before, so I did wonder whether I’d notice the difference. However, the 9kg capacity still gave us plenty of room for our everyday loads.

Of course, drum size isn’t the only thing that matters. Being able to choose the right programme and get everything washed properly makes just as much difference.

Wash Programmes and Settings

One of my favourite things about this washing machine was the amount of control it gave me.

There were programmes for everyday cottons, sports clothing and quicker washes, alongside options for more delicate items. Once I’d selected a programme, I could adjust certain settings to suit what I was washing.

For example, I often preferred washing cottons at 30°C rather than using a hotter setting. I could also choose the shorter programme option when I didn’t need the full wash time.

The memory setting was another feature I appreciated. Once I’d chosen my preferred settings, the machine could remember them for future washes. When you’re constantly loading and unloading the washing machine, not having to make the same adjustments every time is surprisingly handy.

What About CapDosing?

The WWG120 also included Miele’s CapDosing system, which uses special detergent capsules for particular types of laundry, including wool and delicate fabrics.

It’s a clever idea, especially if you regularly wash clothing that needs a little extra care. However, I liked that I wasn’t tied to using the capsules. Ordinary washing powder and liquid could still be used, which made more sense for our everyday family washing.

The capsules were an additional expense, so having that choice was important to me.

Noise Levels and the 1600rpm Spin

One thing that impressed me was how quietly the machine ran.

After the initial setup and calibration, I found it much quieter than I expected, even during the final spin. There was also an extra-quiet option, which could be particularly useful in an open-plan home.

The 1600rpm spin speed was another highlight. Clothes came out noticeably less wet than I’d been used to with some previous machines.

That made a difference when it came to drying, whether I was using the tumble dryer or hanging things up. Anything that helps move the washing mountain along a little faster gets a thumbs-up from me!

What I Liked and What to Consider

There was plenty I liked about the Miele W1 WWG120. The controls were easy to adjust, the 9kg drum suited our family washing, and the machine felt solidly built. I particularly appreciated the quiet operation, memory settings and powerful final spin.

The main consideration was the price. At £949 in 2018, it was a substantial purchase. The optional detergent capsules could also add to the running costs if you chose to use them regularly.

The machine carried an A+++ energy rating when I reviewed it. That was part of the energy-labelling system used at the time and shouldn’t be compared directly with the newer UK appliance labels.

My Verdict on the Miele W1 WWG120

After putting the Miele W1 WWG120 through its paces with our family’s washing, I was impressed.

It felt sturdy, offered plenty of useful programmes and gave me the flexibility to adjust washes rather than simply accepting the default settings. The quiet operation and 1600rpm spin were particular favourites.

For a busy household, those everyday conveniences really do matter.

This is my experience of the WWG120 model I tested in 2018, rather than a review of today’s Miele W1 range. If you’re considering buying one now, I’d recommend checking the exact model number, current specifications and warranty before making a decision.