On Longevity and Technology
We've been buying Miele washing machines and tumble dryers because of their longevity and repairability, and indeed, until now all our laundry equipments have given us about 20 years of service, with some minor repairs such as replacing belts and brushes. When our 17-year old washing machine made an awful noise a couple of weeks ago, with the drum being clearly off-centre, we called the Miele service and they sent over a technician (who could, as they said, quite probably repair it or advise us on, and take the order for, a replacement if it turned out to be unrepairable -- it all sounded great and very professional). It meant 5 days without a washing machine, which is uncomfortable with two young-adult daughters still at home, but manageable, so we waited. The technician took a single look at the machine, declared that repairing it would cost more than €1000, and that it would take 2 weeks. He said that he had no idea about a replacement and hence, he couldn't order it for us, and that we should visit a dealer (in these COVID times) to see if they had a suitable machine. That was €75 down the drain.
It turns out that the fashion in washing machines has changed, and what used to be popular 20 years ago (integrating the machines under the laundry or kitchen cupboards) is now so "passé" that there are hardly any machines left with removable tops so they can be integrated. The only Miele washing machine with a removable top costs more than €1600 (OK, it's got WiFi) and is only available on special order (cue at least two weeks of launderette duty, but as we live in the sticks, the closest launderette is a 30 minute drive. Sweet.) Fortunately, the web site of the electronics and electric goods store (interestingly called "HiFi International") in our local shopping centre informs me that they have a Bosch machine in stock, with a removable cover, delivered and installed for only €699. So we now have a Bosch machine. Even if it doesn't last 17 years, I'll have no regrets.
But here's the rub -- our 20+ years old Miele tumble dryer has started to make interesting noises, so we might have to replace it too. The only "evacuation" type dryer I can find is from Miele but, interestingly, it doesn't seem to have a removable top. The companion "heat pump condensation" dryer to our new Bosch also doesn't have a removable top and hence doesn't fit in the space next to its sibling. So now I have to start thinking about redoing the laundry room, which would mean throwing out a set of perfectly functional cupboards.
I hope those "interesting noises" go on for a very, very long time.