Miele 8kg 1400rpm Active Honeycomb Washing Machine - White vs 8kg 1400rpm PowerWash Washing Machine - White — Comparison

The Miele WWA120WCS Active Honeycomb is an 8kg washing machine at £799, and the Miele WWB360WCS PowerWash is also 8kg but costs £949. Both spin at 1400rpm, share the same 643mm depth, 850mm height and 596mm width, and carry an A energy grade and a 72dB noise rating, so the £150 gap is the main difference between two closely related machines.

The WWB360WCS adds Miele@home smart connectivity and a QuickPowerWash cycle of 49 minutes. The WWA120WCS offers an Express 20 cycle that runs in 20 minutes, a Water Control System and 12 programmes against 11, but it is not smart. On the listed figures the WWA120WCS uses 43 on energy against 38 for the WWB360WCS, and both use 48 on water. Both have a honeycomb drum, CapDosing and anti-flood protection, and both weigh 80kg.

Buyers of the WWA120WCS say it washes well and is one of the quietest machines they have owned. Some are replacing older Bosch or earlier Miele machines that lasted 17 to 23 years, and one likes the right-hand door opening. The main complaints concern time: one owner's 40 degree wash took 1 hour 14 minutes, another says cycles can take 3.5 hours with the post-wash tumble, and a third wanted a short everyday programme. The machine also sticks out past a standard worktop, so measure before you buy. Buyers of the WWB360WCS are uniformly positive.

Bottom line: choose the Miele WWA120WCS if you want Miele build and quiet running for £150 less and can live with longer cycles, or choose the Miele WWB360WCS if you want Miele@home connectivity and the quicker 49-minute QuickPowerWash cycle and are willing to pay £150 more.