Best US DW available at the moment

[jamiel]

Pshaw. Bad week with the dishwasher down and both cars laid up....anyway.

Have had a 100 series (plastic bottom) Bosch 2 rack for the last 12 or so years in Detroit. Been quite happy with it. White front control....cheap and cheerful

Returned from vacation to an E01 error. This tracks back to either heater or control board fault with pump. Disinclined to have a likely $200 fix on a $650 dishwasher.

Also will likely re-do the kitchen in the next couple years (celebrating our 20th year in the house). Not sure what the decor will be (alas).

Inclined toward another cheap white Bosch unless anyone has a good alternative. They have de-contented them pretty drastically (no longer a time display on the front panel--only 3 LEDs (>2h, <1-2>h, <1h). Consumer Reports still likes them, but NY Times Wirecutter claims they're not what they used to be and is recommending Miele or Maytag. Don't want to pre-suppose what our decor will be by choosing black or stainless (which opens up more options).

We put an 800 series Bosch in with the 3rd rack in Palm Springs...I don't like it any better than the 12 year old cheapo one....

The 100 series is available from Lowes with 2 day delivery--anything more ambitious (Maytag/KA) has a longer lead time.

Combined with both cars being in the shop (keeping me from visiting the stores) I'm struggling with ideas. Would love nothing more than just to sling one in the back of the station wagon and be done with it...

 

[combo52]

Best available dishwashers would definitely be the high-end KitchenAid and any Maytag dishwasher. I would definitely get one with the self cleaning power filter so you don’t have the messy filter that has to be removed and cleaned occasionally.

There have been several reviews over the last two years here on this site where people got these dishwasher not only do they hold a lot more dishes, but they do an outstanding job Eugene in Cleveland got one Mike electric country got one that he loves in Michigan and several other folks my partner, Jason just bought one about six months ago and loves it so far.

If you’re gonna go for a cheap dishwasher, I wouldn’t get an expensive Bosch, in fact, I would get the cheap whirlpool or Amana if you’re just trying to buy time, or of course, why don’t you just fix the one you have for a few years if you’re planning to do a kitchen remodel.

John L

 

[henene4]

The current 100 series should be pretty similar to your old 100 series one.

I personally wouldn't get one with the plastic bottom tub.
Those once were known to have issues with becoming leaky - but that apparently hasn't really been the case recently. They probably all have pump issues sooner than that.

Going higher gives better noise performance mainly.
Unless you go really high end and get a CrystalDry model - that gives you another level of drying performance.


However at lower price points, I don't see why a Maytag wouldn't suit the situation either.
The new Whirlpool wash system has been quite good for most people as well.
Not quite as efficient, but nothing horrendous either (unless you talk 1h cycle - the usage of the WP 1h cycle is just stupid...).

 

[lakewebsterkid]

Honestly, a MOL Whirlpool or BOL KitchenAid would be great for most. The design with removable filter is more reliable and still does great. If you wan TOL, the KA machines with microclean filter have been decent. Though a large number of people will be hard pressed to find differences other than 3rd rack. We love ours and it has never skipped a beat, but does have very small little rust spots I’m not thrilled about.

 

[petek]

I'd just get another 100 (ascenta) and call it a day.. Ours is 6 or so years old now but I did have that pinhole leak in the sump hose whenever it drained. I bought the part and fixed it myself. That was a bit disappointing to have happen. No one else I know with a Bosch has had it happen. my luck. Don't know why people bitch on the plastic bottom, it's never been of concern to me. why would it?

 

[mrboilwash]

Whenever other alternatives exist most Europeans consider anything plastic inferior, cheap and tacky. Be it dishwasher tubs, Tupperware containers or God forbid plastic tumblers (yuck).
Plastic attracts oils and soil and can emit nasties like plasticizers whereas stainless steel and glass are considered clean.
We`ve had plastic interior dish washers too but they vanished from the marked in the 1970s. The cost cutting plastic bottoms we see now again is a step back not everyone is happy to see.
Call it cultural differences. LOL

 

[qsd-dan]

Would love nothing more than just to sling one in the back of the station wagon and be done with it...

Search Facebook Marketplace for a used Whirlpool/Kenmore Ultrawash with a Powerclean module. Cheaper alternative, better washing performance.

 

[dermacie]

When I redid the kitchen in 2019 I got a Bol Kitchenaid to replace a much loved dying Kitchenaid superba from 2000. The Kitchenaid has been great and I recommend.

 

[henene4]

The plastic bottom BSH DWs were introduced some time in the early 2000s I think.
Back then, those DWs easily lasted 10+ years. However, a not to small number of the plastic bottom machines developed leaks around the joint between the stainless steel upper half and the plastic bottom of the machine.
There were first party repair kits for those situations - but they were quite a bit of work, didn't have a 100% success rate and often failed again relatively soon. Add to that only entry level machines had those designs, and repairs of that fault just weren't really feasible.

Given that the rest of the machine often was pretty much in pristine condition when the joint seal failed, ot just wasn't easy to recommend the BOL machines.



Now, the expected life of the wash pumps is something in the range of 8-12 years probably, depending on usage, care, generation, etc.
So you might run into that seal issue - but the likelihood of it actually becoming a problem is smaller.

Funny enough, there was a short window of time where the fully stainless machines had sealing issues between the tub and the sump.
There is a repair kit for that issue as well - with pretty much the same issues as the repair kit for the plastic bottom machines.

Nowadays, if you just want a BSH DW that lasts as long as possible and you are somewhat handy yourself, getting one without CrystalDry/Zeolite and a full stainless tub is the go to.
The wash pump over here is something like 90-110€, the repair can be done in less than an hour from built in to built in again and requires not much more than a simple screw driver.

 

[jamiel]

From my experience with both the low-end Bosch here (condensation dry, 2 racks, plastic bottom) and the 800 series out in Palm Springs (Crystal Dry, 3 racks, full stainless) I find:
--easier to find dishwashers now than in the middle of COVID. Had to settle for higher-end than I necessarily wanted to get delivery in a reasonable time
--investing in the Crystal Dry in a desert climate was silly...if I don't have a problem with condensation drying in Michigan, I'd never have an issue with 5% humidity
--wish I had option of the water softener with the hard water in Palm Springs
--I've got several specific items which fit precisely in the 2 rack which I am very skeptical would fit easily in a 3 rack (which eliminates Costco as a vendor--they only sell 3 rack). Likewise there are several things out in Palm Springs which fall over that would fit with ease in Detroit.
--seen on one website or another....I'm an architect loading the dishwasher---Brian's an artist.
--not having mobility is a PAIN in the ASS at a moment like this (should have at least one car back tomorrow). Had reserved a car Saturday at a local AVIS and they called to say "sorry, no cars" as their inventory isn't instantaneous

As my grandmother would say....oh swearwords.

 

[dtodd]

Pshaw. Bad week with the dishwasher down and both cars laid up....anyway.

Have had a 100 series (plastic bottom) Bosch 2 rack for the last 12 or so years in Detroit. Been quite happy with it. White front control....cheap and cheerful

Returned from vacation to an E01 error. This tracks back to either heater or control board fault with pump. Disinclined to have a likely $200 fix on a $650 dishwasher.

Also will likely re-do the kitchen in the next couple years (celebrating our 20th year in the house). Not sure what the decor will be (alas).

Inclined toward another cheap white Bosch unless anyone has a good alternative. They have de-contented them pretty drastically (no longer a time display on the front panel--only 3 LEDs (>2h, <1-2>h, <1h). Consumer Reports still likes them, but NY Times Wirecutter claims they're not what they used to be and is recommending Miele or Maytag. Don't want to pre-suppose what our decor will be by choosing black or stainless (which opens up more options).

We put an 800 series Bosch in with the 3rd rack in Palm Springs...I don't like it any better than the 12 year old cheapo one....

The 100 series is available from Lowes with 2 day delivery--anything more ambitious (Maytag/KA) has a longer lead time.

Combined with both cars being in the shop (keeping me from visiting the stores) I'm struggling with ideas. Would love nothing more than just to sling one in the back of the station wagon and be done with it...

Pshaw. Bad week with the dishwasher down and both cars laid up....anyway.

Have had a 100 series (plastic bottom) Bosch 2 rack for the last 12 or so years in Detroit. Been quite happy with it. White front control....cheap and cheerful

Returned from vacation to an E01 error. This tracks back to either heater or control board fault with pump. Disinclined to have a likely $200 fix on a $650 dishwasher.

Also will likely re-do the kitchen in the next couple years (celebrating our 20th year in the house). Not sure what the decor will be (alas).

Inclined toward another cheap white Bosch unless anyone has a good alternative. They have de-contented them pretty drastically (no longer a time display on the front panel--only 3 LEDs (>2h, <1-2>h, <1h). Consumer Reports still likes them, but NY Times Wirecutter claims they're not what they used to be and is recommending Miele or Maytag. Don't want to pre-suppose what our decor will be by choosing black or stainless (which opens up more options).

We put an 800 series Bosch in with the 3rd rack in Palm Springs...I don't like it any better than the 12 year old cheapo one....

The 100 series is available from Lowes with 2 day delivery--anything more ambitious (Maytag/KA) has a longer lead time.

Combined with both cars being in the shop (keeping me from visiting the stores) I'm struggling with ideas. Would love nothing more than just to sling one in the back of the station wagon and be done with it...

It seems there was a day when most categories of appliances had a ‘hands down this is the best’ brand. With so many corporate mergers, new options from foreign markets, and government regulations, things have changed up the market a lot. I’ve installed Bosch, Miele, and KitchenAid in different houses and been happy with all. Currently I have a KitchenAid with the deep third rack and have been amazed at how much it holds. A real plus if space is a need. 8 years of near daily use and no problems as of yet.

 

[petek]

I thought all the 500 series up had a salt dispenser? My neighbors does, it's about 5 yrs old now

 

[jamiel]

Nope---believe that it is only in the highest level (Masterpiece?) .

Not to confuse matters, but popped into the local high-end showroom which I recalled having some floor models around....they definitely do---found a new in crate 2022 300 series Ascenta (i.e plastic bottom) for $375...only problem is that it's black. They also had an Asko in stainless for $500.....we're gonna head over there tomorrow with plates/skillets to see what fits.

 

[michaelz08]

My 2¢ here-

The best are either Miele or Whirlpool depending on your preferences and price target.

I feel Whirlpool makes good dishwashers for their price points (excluding the overpriced JennAir units) with great availability of and affordable parts. Plus their self-cleaning filter system is very unique in the market. But get the KitchenAid version, the Maytags have a near useless second blade on the drain pump that has had issues breaking off. Though, even their basic 3 stage filter system is good and on par with Bosch and Miele. Just make sure to get a stainless steel tub machine.

On the high end, Miele makes great quality machines but the lower two racks are very specifically tailored to a “everything has its place” philosophy and don’t fit American items very well. Their third rack is the best in the industry for silverware IMO, aside from the fact it can’t be as quickly removed. (Though, the extra-space third rack in Whirlpool products is better suited to American habits). The Miele’s user interface is also frustrating and their customer support no better than Whirlpool’s, if not worse.

Keep in mind any of the third-rack-for-silverware machines can have their third racks removed if you don’t desire it.

I have a Miele now, but given that A) I have access to the Whirlpool discount program and B) the Miele is quite finicky in item placement, I very well may deviate and get a WP product in my next home. It’s what I recommended to my friend when he wanted a mid-priced unit, and he was further affirmed when his parents 2019 Bosch started leaking last week. Miele’s may last longer without repairs, but the Whirlpool is easier to fix when it does need it. My last home had a mid-priced SS tub Whirlpool from 2015 which I was very happy with.

 

[wishwash]

We too had great luck with Bosch in the past. The racks are way better than any other I've used and pack densely, extremely quiet, and wash well. Not sure how they are these days.

In our last home I bought a new Whirlpool, circa 2020. It was extremely quiet, washed well, and never gave us any issues. I only had two small gripes. I disliked the touch-sensitive controls, and prefer buttons. Secondly, the slots in the silverware basket were tight and didn't fit our larger utensils, and packed things quite tightly. I usually flipped the "lid" open on it so I could pack the silverware loosely. Neither issue would prevent me from buying another one.

Whenever we buy a new home I will be looking at another Whirlpool/Maytag or a Bosch. I'd buy the Bosch if the racks are still stellar. Else, I'd buy the Whirlpool. I know I can find parts for them.

 

[pinkpower4]

I ended up going with the Bosch 300. It’s the next model up, featuring an all-stainless steel interior and some nice rack upgrades. I typically run it on the Max cycle with Sani and Max rinse aid (use Finish rinse aid), and I’ve saved that combo to the "My Favorites" setting. As long as I remember to crack the door open (just pull the top rack out a bit or buy a device that is made for that if the rack slides back in on its own) at the end of the cycle, even the plastic items come out dry. I do use the silverware basket from my older model as I was too cheap to buy another one to go with the one it came with.

Even the basic model has WiFi now, so if you liked your old model because it was simple and just worked, those days are over. You'll more than likely have to struggle through the WiFi setup just to get cycles that should have been on a button, but...I've had no issues after that.

Almost every newer appliance I've owned has been a downgrade, but this one washes dishes well! Really. I am impressed! Thought I might be making a mistake by not getting that Crystal Dry, but my dishes are dry when I do as described above. I was fortunate to find some of the last Finish powder. When I go through that, I'm not sure what I'll use. Maybe the Great Value powder. I don't plan on using those pod things. I don't trust that they will dissolve.

The 500 has a few more nice upgrades, and the door pops open at the end of the cycle.

From what I understand, once you transfer your custom cycle to the machine, you can disconnect the appliance from WiFi. I haven’t done that yet since I like getting the cycle-end notifications. But I wonder about what privacy I give up for that??? That said, I do unplug the dishwasher when I’m not using it, since I only run it every few days.

Interestingly, the in-store price at Lowes and Home Depot stores were actually lower than what I saw online—at least when I bought mine. I got a stainless steel unit on sale and just swapped out the door for a black one (less than $50 from Bosch) to match my other appliances. Even with that, it still came out cheaper than the online price.

My other choice was a KitchenAid 600 series. The Bosch doesn't have an exposed heating element, and that was the edge for me. No more melted plastics. The KitchenAid had much nicer racks though.

 

[jamiel]

Can you tell me more about replacing the door? Honestly that's the only thing keeping me from grabbing that 2022 Ascenta at the scratch/dent place...our work triangle in the kitchen is small, the cabinets and stove are white/white glass and I fear that a black d/w panel will just darken everything and look like a black hole.

 

[pinkpower4]

Bosch site can be a bit tricky to navigate, but I found the "outer door" I needed on Bosch's site--it's been a year ago, so some things may have changed. Instead of putting my model number in, I chose the same model in the color choice I was looking for.

I am having difficulty getting the site to display the box I am supposed to type the number into even after trying two browsers.

Maybe this link will get you started in the right direction.

I had to click around to find the section I needed (the one with the outer door). You can also get this parts from some of the online repair part places. Again, remember to type in the same model BUT in the color choice you are looking for. You can find may be able to find that model number on places like Home Depot or Lowes if still model is still sold.

To get free shipping from Bosch (who I ordered from), I just ordered some cleaner or something else I could use/needed anyway.