• All-round protection thanks to special-purpose Benchmark programmes

• Ready to connect with smart systems

The commercial laundry machines from Miele are able to reprocess entire sets of the personal protective gear worn by fire-fighters: not only multi-ply jackets and trousers but also helmets, gloves and heavy-duty belts. All models are available under the title 'The New Benchmark Machines' and guarantee increased safety in readiness for the next emergency call – if required even with digital assistance. And there are also right-sized dryers to match the washing machines from this model series, with load capacities of between 9 kg and 20 kg.

Flagship Performance Plus models feature a stainless-steel front. They are easy to operate, making it simple and intuitive to select from 90 washing programmes, for example for washing and disinfection or reprocessing breathing masks. In addition to this, it is also possible to wash helmets of up to 60°C in protective bags, ridding them of soot and other residues from fighting fires. Depending on the machine size, up to 10 helmets can be accommodated in a single cycle. After washing, up to 13 helmets can be transferred to a dryer, depending on the model, for drying at 55°C (at 55 °C in a special programme without drum rotation). Protective gloves and belts are washed clean at 40°C - the latter also in protective bags to prevent buckles from causing damage.

The heart and soul of the machines are new controls which allow programme customisation. Depending on the application, M Touch Pro Plus controls with their full touch colour display for instance can be set to offer a full complement of programmes and parameters or to be incredibly simple – in more than 30 languages. The smooth, easy-to-clean display even responds to gloved hands.

All models are connectivity-enabled and ready to embrace future-proof solutions such as the digital Miele MOVE portal. This allows operating data to be browsed and, if required, provides fast access to Miele Service. Connection to dispensing systems and the option of documentation are also very beneficial.

Door locked at the touch of a fingertip

Operating washing machines and dryers has now become simpler. Take for example the electro-mechanical OneFingerTouch door lock of the washing machines which – thanks to a new door handle design – is now even easier to operate: Slight pressure applied by the tip of a finger is sufficient to close and lock the 415 mm door and start a programme. Once a programme ends, the door can be opened again just as easily. On the dryers, the door handle has been optimised and the size of the door handle recess increased for more ergonomic operation.

A further increase in user convenience comes in the form of the exceptionally smooth running washing machines, even when fully loaded. This is guaranteed by a strong and efficient main drive motor and a new 3D imbalance sensor. This monitors rotation during the ramp-up to full speed and evaluates the data gathered. Spin speeds are constantly and automatically adjusted to ensure that damp and heavy items are ideally distributed throughout the patented Mark 2 honeycomb drum. Integrated automatic load control adjusts water intake to the load in hand, simultaneously aligning cycle times and consumption.

Short washing and drying cycles

The shortest cycle on Performance Plus washing machines uses a mere 5.9 l of water per kilogramme of laundry and is finished in only 42 minutes. Residual moisture is as low as 44%, saving valuable energy in the subsequent drying stage.

In the dryers, the impregnation of the protective clothing is activated so that it is ready for the next use. In these models Miele's AirRecycling Flex system recycles part of the process air, similar to the previous AirRecycling Plus system but with smart controls to adapt dynamically to operating conditions. This ensures perfect drying results combined with low energy consumption, shorter drying cycles and the gentler treatment of fabrics. Cycle times are reduced approximately by a further 4%.

Optimised cycles also boost the durability of all models. As on previous generations, The New Benchmark makes exclusive use of high-quality materials able to live up to the constant high levels of strain in commercial laundries. These washing machines passed endurance tests to ensure 30,000 and 20,000 hours of operation for washing machines and dryers respectively.

Company profile: Miele is recognised as the world's leading supplier of Premium domestic appliances, with an inspiring portfolio for the kitchen, laundry and floor care in the increasingly networked home. The company also offers machines, systems and services for use in hotels, offices, care and medical technology. Since its foundation in 1899, Miele has lived up to its brand promise of "Immer Besser" in terms of quality, innovation, performance and timeless elegance. With its durable and energy-saving appliances, Miele helps its customers to make their everyday lives as sustainable as possible. The company is still owned by the two founding families Miele and Zinkann and has 15 production plants, eight of which are in Germany. Around 22,700 people work for Miele worldwide and the company's most recent turnover was around 5 billion Euro. The company has its headquarters in Gütersloh in Westphalia.