Advice welcome on use of new Bosch lower dishrack

[passatdoc]

I have a 2001 model SHU33 (entry level integrated door; three cycles) DW which has never had any operating glitches or service issues. Still quiet and still gets everything clean.

Over the past five years, however, I've had issues with tines breaking off at the tips with consequent rust formation. I bought a tine repair kit which contained rubber tips which one can slip over the ends of tines to keep water out (and rust in!). This has worked out satisfactorily, but in the past six months I began to get rust-out of several horizontal members, so I opted to buy a new lower rack from Bosch:

http://www.bosch-home.com/us/store/product/LowerDishwasherRack/00249276

I also bought (for $6) the option "Bosch" gray handle that fits atop the front of the rack, making it easier to pull out of DW. This was a $200 purchase, so if another component over $200-300 fails, I would consider a new Bosch. 500-series here can be had for $600-700, 800-series for $700-800.

(I actually purchased from RepairClinic.com because they stocked the rack handle; Bosch told me to buy one from a dealer.....)

In any event, they no longer make the original rack that I have, the part above will fit but is currently outfitted on their newest machines. Split cutlery basket and folding tines in about 1/3 of the rack.

How does one use the folding tines? Are they supposed to give one the option of stacking more dishes vs creating space for bulking objects? I am going to have to learn how to load all over again, since tine pattern and spacing differ from my current rack. I am somewhat orthopaedically limited in terms of stooping, so the handle in front will be a welcome upgrade. I may need to ask for loading advice from time to time.

The photo shows a contemporary 800-series with a lower rack similar to the one I ordered (delivery next week). Of course, I don't have the third cutlery rack (no one did in 2001).

 

[henene4]

Getting 15 years out of a Bosch made in that area is good already (I usually see them dead after 12ish years)
If I were you and not to tight on money, I would have opted for a new machine. At this age, these machines usually get into their "soomething can happen any time" period. But if you are happy with it, keep it. If something expensive fails on these, it usually the pump (bearings going etc.), and these faults take a bit of time to get catastrophic.

The fold down tines just lay flat. Some have the option to fix them in a slight tilt from the flat position.
This usually is good for stacking pots and bowls. One perfectly flat, the others leaned onto them.
Loading over all follows the same ruel as any Bosch DW: It fits, it's not blocked from spray, it should get clean. Nothing much changed about that.

Oh, and on the 3rd rack: By 2001, only 1 had it: The inventer of it, Miele.

 

[passatdoc]

Thanks Henrik. I realize I will have two mismatched (not the same color) racks, but the lower rack will now be improved and easier to use because of the handle, and possibly the tines will help as well.

I am somewhat fond of the machine by now! It only cost $600 when new, hence $14 per year of use. Had it needed other repairs and now needed a $200 upgrade, I would have said "that's it, no more expenses" and purchased a new 500 or 800 series. However, the only costs incurred by my SHU33 have been Finish tablets and rinse agent!! $200 is my threshold for repair expenses---anything over this and I buy new.

Money is not tight*, but I can't justify throwing out a machine that still works well and wondering if it will just end up in landfill rather than be recycled. If it does die in the next year or two, then yes I will have mostly wasted the $200, but the handle and tine upgrades will partly offset the expense.

*Die Ur-urgroßeltern sind in Ostpreußen geboren. Sie sagten immer, "mann mußt SPAREN". Ich bin nicht so Preußisch wie sie (Gott sei dank), aber noch fleißig und punktlich. Und nur ein Bißchen dickköpfig.

 

[logixx]

I never use the folding tines in the (different) bottom rack on my dishwasher - I just place pots and pans over them. Here are some pics that were on my phone. Sorry for the so-so lighting; the LED flash tends to make pics look blue.

 

[passatdoc]

Update: new lower rack arrived about two weeks ago. Fits fine and I like the new flatware basket. I tend to use the organizer with slots on one half of the basket, and flip down the slots for the other half to accommodate larger items. I am using the basket mostly back to back rather than the long side-to-side layout, because as the front basket fills, I don't want to reach all the way to the back of the rack. I can always return it to side-by-side configuration if desired. The two sets of movable tines are useful if there are lots of dishes and plates. However, in a mixed load with pots and pans thrown in, usually it's easier to keep them folded down. The upper BOL rack does not match the MOL lower rack but that's ok. Another plus is the handle at the front of the rack, so I can pull it out while standing at different angles.

I think this was a worthwhile investment, since I was getting rust spots on dishes (and God knows what inside the pump...). However, if something else pricey breaks down, given the $185 recently invested, I'd have to think long and hard about whether to repair vs. buy a new one. One thing that keeps me attached to this machine is that it may clean better (built 2001) than current new machines because it's allowed to use more water.