Best “Modern” Dishwasher

[hobarthero]

I love my old vintage DW’s but I run my machines so much I don’t want the wear and tear on them that they’re bound to get around my house. My vintage machines will always be in circulation but not permanent use as my daily driver and I’m wondering what make/model modern dishwasher (Something made after 1995 or so) would be best to look for. There’s an abundance of machines around 25 years old or less and I’m sure I can come across just about anything if I know what to look for. I used to have a nice early 2000’s Kenmore that always cleaned great, I gave it to my brother when I bought my new Kitchenaid in 2015 and I always regretted getting rid of it because the expensive SS Kitchenaid just didn’t compare with cleaning ability. As always I look forward to your opinions and expertise.
-Shannon

 

[hobarthero]

Bump

I know I post a lot, my apologies for constant questions. I’m super interested in learning from you all and I tend to jump into things with both feet . My other half would like me to get a new under counter unit installed to replace our existing machine that has been beaten to death. And the newer Kitchenaid is not anything special compared to others I’ve had in the past. Luckily the old Maytag has come in handy during this transition time, but I want to make sure I install a quality “modern” under counter machine. My vintage KA’s are a work in progress still before I can install one of those as I’m still in need of some parts or a donor machine.

 

[steved]

Maytag

I just installed a Maytag for my daughter and she loves it! Got it at Lowes.
See my thread:

https://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?86752_1~1

 

[hobarthero]

Looking for something used.

I appreciate the advice on the Maytag but I’m ideally looking for something used to save some money. Anything 25 years old or newer is fair game for this install.
-Shannon

 

[appnut]

Shannon, a Whirlpool PowerClean and the Kenmore Ultrawash equivalent. These are NOT the tall tub designs, but those produced before 2002 or 2001. Find ads online and post link and we can help you identify these if needbe.

 

[hobarthero]

Whirlpool

Here’s a local option. Looks like it was very well taken care of and minimally used. Comes with the original paperwork so that’s always a good sign for me. Not sure if this is the correct type you’re referring to Bob? Let me know what you think.
-Shannon

 

[appnut]

That's one of them!!!!!!

 

[hobarthero]

Mid level model?

I believe I’ve also seen these with more buttons/ cycle options, so I’m assuming this is a mid level model? Will all the whirlpool units I’m looking for have the silverware rack on the door like this does? If so that’s an obvious giveaway so I know what to look for. Any other visual giveaways I should look for?
-Shannon

 

[appnut]

Mid-level to slightly higher. Not too many more options on the panel by this time in the run. More like racking variations. Yes, in-door silverware basket is the clue. The Kenmore versions had the flatware basked in the bottom rack. These were very sensitive to whether it received a full charge of water for each fill. And with this being local, you may need to either clean out the inlet valve of sediment or replace it.

 

[cam2s]

The standard tub power clean has a flush kick plate where the tall tub point voyagers did not. The sump is swept in the power clean design where it’s flatter on the point voyagers. Whirlpool badged machines usually have the in the door silverware basket where as the Ultra wash machines have a bull nose rack with an in the rack silverware basket. Also the detergent dispensers in the power clean machines where on the right side of the door, the point voyagers have a different style dispenser mounted higher up. Pick 1,2, and 3 are point voyagers and 4 and 5 are are ultra wash badged power cleans. Hopefully you can spot the differences.

 

[egress]

is the point voyager platform good by any means?
we've got a kitchenaid branded one thats kinda sputtering its last life out currently.

 

[cam2s]

While the power clean is a great dishwasher Bosch makes a great dishwasher too. European dishwashers are kinda love them or hate them here. As much as I love my vintage machines the Bosch I had was better. The power scrub cycle was about 2 hours which yes is longer than a vintage machine but it could scour the nastiest dirtiest loads clean and do so in silence. I never had issues with the filters getting dirty or the drying performance either. Just my 2 cents anyways.

 

[appnut]

Cameron, Shannon said he was looking more for vintage so that he could save some money. I just got a new boss last Thursday and Saturday I have scrambled eggs and use the heavy cycle on that Skillet and I've never had a dishwasher since the pot scrubber 1200 take care of scrambled eggs like that. Otherwise I would have suggested Bosch to Shannon also if new would have been fine.

 

[pierreandreply4]

kitchenaid are good as well

 

[rolls_rapide]

Surely that Bosch is approaching 'vintage' status? I'm assuming that is the 'Apexx' series? It looks suspiciously similar to the Bosch 'Exxcel' mid-range over here, so must be well over a decade old by now. The dispenser is of the standard version too.

Modern Bosch have the dispenser high up in the middle of the dishwasher door, with the dispenser cover sliding vertically.

 

[agiflow]

I would say a Whirlpool power clean or a Kenmore ultra wash may be the ticket. Had a portable Whirlpool power clean and it was an excellent cleaning machine.

Very rarely ever used more than normal cycle and I didn't prerinse anything. Wish I would have taken it with me now.

 

[hobarthero]

Bosch Units

I found a couple Bosch units. Both are asking $150. Not sure which is the better model. Black one looks older and says the handle or something comes off if you pull too hard when opening the dishwasher but otherwise it works fine. White one says it’s in perfect working order. Are these better than the Whirlpool or Kenmore options that were suggested?
-Shannon

 

[dustin92]

The Whirlpools listed above are better machines.. Having owned both in the past. The Bosch machines will be quieter, probably more efficient, but have NO heated drying function. You won't consider it an issue until it has to be left with the door open for 24hrs to dry... The Point Voyager system can have electronic issues fyi.. We had a Kenmore that gradually lost function of one button at a time until only 2 cycles worked, no options and eventually the start button stopped responding as well. Currently using a low to mid range Frigidaire and have been relatively happy with the performance.. It's quiet and holds a lot but can be picky with how it's loaded. Older Frigidaire models left a lot to be desired.

 

[chachp]

My preference is the Bosch

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">Personally, I don't care for the silverware in the door.  I think it's a pain to pull the rack in and out to put in silverware but then I don't stack the silverware up in the sink or on the counter and do it at once.  Just a preference.  Some here don't mind it.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">Of the two Bosch pictured, the white one is newer looking.  If you use a Rinse Aid and hi temp rinse you won't have much of an issue with the dishes getting dry.  But again that depends on how you run the dishwasher.  I also would prefer the Bosch because it's quieter.  This is one of those questions where you might get as many opinions as you get responses.  It really depends on your own habits, your budget and how much you care about hearing the dishwasher run.  I am on my third Bosch (in as many houses) and have never had an issue with dishes getting dry but I always use Rinse Aid and a hi temp rinse.  I would think given you have infants in the house you may want a machine with a Sanitary rinse cycle and that would give you the hi temp rinse.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">As far as the Frigidaire is concerned, I have a bad taste because of the all issues they have had for years.  Maybe the newer ones are better but I don't think I would buy one.  </span>