Xiaomi unveiled another washing machine. This time without a dryer, but its smart features remained

Xiaomi has been stuffing smart features into small items for years, from light bulbs to fans to personal scales. In Europe, however, its ecosystem is now expanding into large appliances. Along with the washing machines Mijia Front Load Washer Dryer 8kg and Mijia Top Load Washer 13kg, the manufacturer has also introduced the Mijia Front Load Washer 8kg model to the old continent. This one doesn’t dry clothes; it focuses solely on washing. What remains, however, is the main draw of the entire series: connectivity with the Xiaomi Home app and control directly from your phone.

Control the washing machine from your mobile via Xiaomi Home

The main draw is the connection to the Xiaomi Home app. Through it, you can control the washing machine remotely, start or schedule a program without being at the door. According to Xiaomi, the software also functions as a washing assistant, remembering your settings and recommending suitable programs based on previous use. Thanks to OTA updates, the washing machine is expected to gain new features and washing modes over time, which is still rather an exception for white goods.

Those who want to customize their wash can use the My Time mode, where you manually set the wash duration, temperature, and number of rinse cycles. There’s also a delayed start of up to 24 hours, so you can schedule laundry for the night and have it ready in the morning. If you reach for the washing machine directly instead of your phone, you’ll find a colorful touch panel where the manufacturer displays indicators for individual functions.

Washing, Steam, and Dozens of Programs

The washing itself is handled by Power Wash technology, which Xiaomi describes as a three-phase stain removal process: first, gentle soaking with low friction, then a water jet penetrating deeper into the fibers, and finally, wavy rinsing to reduce detergent residue. The machine can also weigh the load itself and adjust the water quantity and cycle length according to the laundry’s weight.

There are 27 or more washing programs available, 14 of which can be found directly on the panel and another 13 in the app. These include special modes like Baby Care for children’s clothes or a program for underwear. The steam hygiene wash function is interesting, with the manufacturer stating that hot steam removes up to 99.99% of bacteria under laboratory conditions. If you’re in a hurry, the fifteen-minute quick wash can help, which, according to Xiaomi, can handle a smaller load weighing one to two kilograms.

The washing machine is also designed to be energy-efficient. Xiaomi claims that during washing, it achieves 30% lower consumption than the minimum threshold for energy class A according to European regulation 2019/2014, with measurements conducted by the certification company DEKRA. However, the manufacturer itself adds that this is not an official energy label or class, so this data should be taken as indicative.

Slim Body and Practical Details

The drum with a diameter of 525 mm offers ample space even for bulkier items of clothing, and the washing machine’s body itself is relatively slim with a depth of 535 mm, so according to Xiaomi, it can fit into built-in cabinets. Double suspension and four shock absorbers are said to ensure quieter operation. Furthermore, the washing machine received the IF Design Award in February 2024.

Among the practical features worth mentioning are the drum light, which helps you not forget laundry inside, or the option to add clothes even during washing after pressing pause (not applicable if the water level or temperature in the drum is too high). If you leave laundry sitting after the cycle ends, the Refresh & Loosen function will rotate the drum again after 30 minutes to prevent odor from damp clothes. In addition to the steam program, hygiene is also maintained by high-temperature drum self-cleaning, automatic door rinsing, and antibacterial gasket. Xiaomi provides a two-year warranty on all parts and a twelve-year warranty on the inverter motor for the washing machine.

Who is the Mijia Front Load Washer 8kg for?

The Mijia Front Load Washer 8kg targets households that want to integrate their washing machine into the Xiaomi ecosystem and control it from their mobile phone, similar to other smart appliances. Its eight-kilogram capacity covers an average family, and the combination of a steam program, dozens of modes, and the app makes it an interesting choice for anyone already using Xiaomi Home at home.

However, the main compromise is clear from the name. This washing machine cannot dry, so if you need a dryer, you’ll have to opt for a more expensive model or purchase a separate appliance. Also, keep in mind that the figures regarding energy savings, bacteria removal, and quick wash duration come from the manufacturer’s laboratories and measurements, not from independent tests. And without a known Czech price and availability date, it’s difficult to assess how Mijia will fare against established brands like Bosch, LG, or Samsung, which offer their own apps and steam programs in a similar category here.

Would you buy a washing machine that you control from your mobile phone?

Sources: Xiaomi, Gizmochina, Notebookcheck