Product review (5 stars): Smaller is better.
I am not so sure about the one star reviews. All I can say that our decision to forego the usual XXL US washer/dryer combos and get this machine and a drying rack instead was one of the best decisions we made when we moved into our new house. Back in the old country, we always had Miele washers, my mom had hers for 35 (!) years. The service is great, you always reach a knowledgable person, if there is troubleshooting to do. Miele washers and dishwashers are prime examples of good engineering. There is a lot of intelligence in this machine. It may look similar than your run-off-the-mill washers from the big box store, but it is an entirely different machine. The water and electricity usage is optimized, and the washing programs are well thought through. The machine runs practically noiseless - all you hear is the water splashing. The spin cycle is very high speed, so the laundry comes out damp and can be quickly dried outside or inside on a rack in this dry climate - European style. Of course, for a big family with huge piles of laundry, this size might be a little small. But for us (2 people plus an occasional guest) it is perfect. And you can integrate it easily into your kitchen, if you are in a small house or apartment. No laundry room needed.