The Miele WTD163 is a premium 8kg/5kg washer dryer aimed at households that want excellent cleaning, reliable drying and smart control in a single, space‑saving appliance. With Miele’s reputation for build quality and a design tested for the equivalent of 20 years’ use, it’s clearly positioned as a long‑term investment rather than a budget buy.
Its 8kg wash and 5kg dry capacities are well suited to typical UK families or couples who run several loads a week, and the 1500rpm spin plus A‑rated wash performance show this is built to clean thoroughly as well as gently. Owners rate it highly, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5 from over a hundred reviews, which suggests it lives up to expectations in real homes.
This model also adds Wi‑Fi and the Miele@Home app, so you can choose and tweak programmes from your phone. Energy efficiency is strong on washing alone (A rated), though the combined washer dryer rating is only D, which is common for this type of machine but worth being aware of at this price.
The Miele WTD163 suits medium‑sized households that don’t want to sacrifice performance just because they’re short on space. If you like the idea of a separate washing machine and tumble dryer but only have room for one appliance, this is a strong all‑in‑one alternative.
It’s particularly well matched to busy families and professionals who want to throw on mixed loads without worrying about fabrics. The 8kg wash capacity gives enough space for bedding, towels and family clothes, while the 5kg dry load is ideal for everyday outfits and smaller laundry days.
This is very much a premium choice, so it will appeal most if you’re happy to spend more upfront for long‑term reliability, quieter operation and clever touches like automatic detergent dosing (AutoDos) and app control. If you’re upgrading from a basic washer dryer, you’ll notice the step up in refinement.
If you live alone, rarely use a dryer or are on a tight budget, the WTD163 is likely to be overkill. In that case, a simpler or cheaper model might make more sense, even if it doesn’t feel quite as robust or sophisticated.
The generous 8kg wash and 5kg dry capacities strike a good balance for typical UK homes, handling family loads without the bulk of extra‑large machines. A 1500rpm spin and A‑rated wash and spin performance mean clothes come out thoroughly cleaned and well spun, cutting down drying time.
Miele’s honeycomb drum is a real plus if you care about fabric care. Its textured surface cushions clothes as they tumble, helping delicate items last longer and reducing the risk of snagging. Combined with dedicated programmes for easy‑care fabrics and silk, it’s kinder on your wardrobe than many rivals.
The WTD163 is packed with convenience features. AutoDos automatically dispenses the right amount of detergent, the delay timer and time‑to‑end display make planning loads easier, and there’s a quick wash for when you need things turned around fast. The easy‑iron function and shirt cycle also help cut down time spent at the ironing board.
Smart connectivity is another highlight. With Wi‑Fi and Miele@Home, you can start, stop and monitor cycles from your phone and get help choosing the right programme. Noise levels are low for the category too – just 46dB when washing and 58dB when drying – so it’s far less intrusive in open‑plan homes.
Finally, the machine is tested for the equivalent of 20 years’ use and uses a quiet, brushless inverter motor, which should translate into smooth running for many years if you look after it.
The most obvious drawback is price. This is a high‑end washer dryer and costs significantly more than many combined machines with similar capacities, so you’re paying a premium for build quality, brand and features.
Energy efficiency is mixed. While washing performance is excellent and A‑rated, the overall D rating for combined wash and dry means running longer wash‑and‑dry cycles will use more energy than the very latest high‑efficiency models. That’s typical for washer dryers, but at this price some buyers may expect better.
Drying capacity is limited to 5kg, so you can’t automatically dry a full 8kg wash load in one go. You either need to remove some items before drying or run smaller loads when you want a wash‑to‑dry cycle, which may frustrate if you’re used to a separate, larger tumble dryer.
The two‑year manufacturer warranty is decent, but given the premium positioning and 20‑year tested lifespan, some competitors offer longer guarantees on selected models. There’s also no drum light, which is a small omission but can make it slightly harder to spot missed socks at the back of the drum.
Day to day, the Miele WTD163 feels thoughtfully designed and straightforward to live with. The front‑load layout, clear display and combination of rotary and touch controls make selecting programmes intuitive, even if you don’t want to use the app. The left‑hand door hinge and large viewing window give good access for loading and unloading.
Noise levels are impressively low. At 46dB on wash and 58dB when drying, it’s quiet enough for evening cycles without dominating an open‑plan living area, though the 72dB spin is still audible, as you’d expect at 1500rpm. The inverter motor keeps vibration in check, provided the machine is installed on a stable floor.
The AutoDos system is a welcome quality‑of‑life feature: once set up, it removes the guesswork from detergent dosing and reduces waste. The easy‑iron function and dedicated shirt cycle help minimise creasing, so you spend less time ironing, especially if you remove clothes promptly at the end of the cycle.
Features like the pause function, variable spin, timed drying options and quick wash add flexibility when life gets busy. Smartphone control means you can check how long a cycle has left without heading to the kitchen, which is particularly handy if the machine is tucked away in a utility room.
Physically, it has a standard footprint for a full‑size machine (around 60cm wide and 62.3cm deep), so it should slot into a typical under‑counter space. The 1.5m power cable and cold‑water feed are standard, and aquastop protection provides peace of mind against leaks.
Performance is a clear strong point. The WTD163 offers an 8kg wash capacity and 5kg dry capacity, with A‑rated wash and spin performance and B‑rated drying. The 1500rpm spin extracts more water than many 1200rpm machines, which helps shorten drying times, whether you use the built‑in dryer or hang clothes on an airer.
Miele’s honeycomb drum is designed to protect fabrics by creating a thin film of water between the drum and your clothes, reducing friction. In practice, that means gentler treatment of items like knitwear, shirts and silks. A dedicated silk programme and easy‑care options reinforce its focus on fabric protection, making it reassuring for anyone with a wardrobe full of delicate pieces.
The programme selection is comprehensive without feeling overwhelming. With around 12 wash programmes plus specific drying options such as Cupboard Dry and Iron Dry, it covers everyday cottons, mixed loads, shirts and delicates. Timed drying options add control if you prefer to stop short of fully dry.
Smart features are well implemented. Miele@Home connectivity lets you control and monitor the machine from a smartphone, while the app can recommend suitable programmes for different loads. Combined with AutoDos detergent dispensing, it nudges you towards consistently good results without micro‑managing every setting.
Other useful touches include a delay timer, time‑to‑end display, child lock, aquastop leak protection and a pause function to add missed items early in the cycle. Although there’s no drum light, overall the feature set is richer and more refined than the average washer dryer, reflecting Miele’s experience in the laundry category.
There’s no getting away from the fact that the Miele WTD163 sits at the higher end of the price range for washer dryers. If you only look at capacity and basic specs, there are more affordable models that will wash and dry clothes perfectly well.
Where it justifies the premium is in build quality, refinement and long‑term outlook. The machine is tested for the equivalent of 20 years’ use, uses a robust inverter motor, and offers a more advanced drum design and feature set than many mid‑range rivals. For households that run multiple loads a week, that durability and quietness can make a real difference over time.
Owner feedback is very strong, with a 4.8 out of 5 rating from well over a hundred reviews, suggesting most buyers feel they’ve had good value despite the initial outlay. Factor in the A rating for washing‑only efficiency and the time saved by AutoDos, smart control and easy‑iron functions, and the overall package looks more compelling.
That said, if you’re very price‑sensitive or rarely use a dryer, you may struggle to justify the extra spend. In those situations, a capable mid‑range washer or simpler washer dryer would probably serve you well enough for less money.
The Miele WTD163 is a polished, well‑engineered washer dryer that’s clearly designed for buyers who want to buy once and keep it for many years. It combines excellent wash performance, gentle fabric care and genuinely useful smart features in a quiet, refined package.
Its main compromises are the typical washer dryer trade‑offs: a smaller dry capacity than its wash load, and an overall D energy rating for combined wash‑and‑dry cycles. The premium price and relatively short standard warranty compared with its claimed lifespan may also give some buyers pause.
If you have the budget and want a high‑quality, space‑saving laundry solution for a medium‑sized household, the WTD163 is a standout option that should serve you reliably for a long time. If cost is your overriding concern, or you regularly need to dry very large loads, you might be better off with a cheaper model or separate washer and dryer instead.
