Dishwasher advice - looking for a reliable model

[omnivac7000]

Hello everyone!
Previously, I asked about a reliable dishwasher and I got some great advice. Thanks again!
Next, I'm looking for a reliable dishwasher that will actually wash my dishes.
I currently have a Maytag from 2018 (?) and it's terrible and takes a long time to run.
This Maytag is even worse than the 16 year old Kitchenaide that came with my house.
I never thought I would wish to have the Kitchenaide back!

I also realize that detergents have changed and they are eliminating (or trying to eliminate) surfactants (sp?) from dish washing detergents; so the soap may be a factor as well.

So, please educate me on what models are available, reliable and can actually wash dishes!
Thank you,

P.S. this is probably a stretch goal; but, for some reason, I would love to have a dishwasher with a glass door. I saw it in Robert Seger's house (on youtube of course) and it was unbearably cool!
It probably cleans great too...

 

[panthera]

Bosch and Miele

Are two brands I know from Germany which work well.
There are several factors involved in dishes getting clean, regardless of dishwasher.
Have you checked these?
1) The warmer the water going into the machine, the better the pre-wash results. Make sure the water at the sink is as hot as it ever gets before turning the dishwasher on.
2) Highest end phosphate-free dishwasher detergents have finally reached the point that they clean. If you are using all-in-one packs, then be sure to use a powder or gel for the pre-wash and rinse-aid for the final rinse. Manufacturers rely on that rinse-aid to remove the last of the food residue, today.
3) Are the filters in place and clean? Really, definitely properly in place?
4) Check that the unit is actually draining between cycles.
5) Loading patterns are much more important today than when dishwashers actually used enough water. Take a look at your manufacturer's youtube videos and literature on loading.
6) The most aggressive cycle is the one which will do the best job. It's frustrating to have to run the dratted thing for hours and hours and hours when a bottom-of-the-line GE Potscruber from 1980 will do a perfect job of cleaning in less than an hour, but there it is.

And that, actually, is your best answer: A vintage dishwasher. Made back when they actually used enough water to get dishes clean. GE Potscrubbers, KitchenAids, Maytags - anything before the late 1990s will clean better and faster.

 

[omnivac7000]

I've heard great things about Miele; Bosch not so much

#1 I'll try that
#2 I use the finish powerball quantum 3 in one packs; I assume they're good?
#3 I'm not sure where the filters are on the maytag. I'll look it up
#4 I have no idea if it's draining; I'll check it next time
#5 I'm actually the only one who knows how to load a dishwasher! That's a point of contention in my house! lulz
#6 I always use the strongest cycle. I'll check the manual to make sure.

Thanks for the vintage models! I'll check them out.
I haven't had any luck finding them yet...

 

[petek]

Decision was easy for me. The Bosch Ascenta, their lowest priced machine. It is also the highest rated dishwasher in Consumer Reports out of 100 different brands and models tested. The rest of the recommended machines were all Bosch or THermadors (owned by Bosch)

 

[keith]

How clean is the filter?

How clean is the filter? I usually pop mine out every month and clean it. Instructions on the owners manual. My whirlpool (essentially the same as your Maytag) cleans excellent no matter what I throw at it.

 

[egress]

if you're using detergent pods, they may be the reason your dishwasher is failing to perform as expected. they often contain an excess of detergent that can hamper cleaning performance if your water is soft, and additionally it means there is no detergent during the pre-wash. if you are using the heavy duty/pots and pans cycle on your maytag, give cascade powder a try, fill both the main wash and pre wash cups about 1/2 to 3/4 full and run it. when we switched off pods with our point voyager kitchenaid it improved drastically and went from a machine that could barely tackle a blender jug to one that we can just stick scraped dishes in and expect glistening glassware and glorious plates at the end.
Here's two videos on the subject I suggest everyone watches:



happy dishwashing!

 

[imperial70]

Only one I would recommend is the only one I have owned for over 30 years and never had to have any repairs.... Whirlpool!

 

[omnivac7000]

I tried the cascade powder.
It seems to work better than the Finish Quantum tabs!
Thanks for the advice.
I'll try cleaning out the filter tomorrow...
I still want a GE potscrubber; I've had no luck finding any vintage appliances...

 

[appnut]

I've had a Bosch since last May. Let's put it tis way, I never knew dishes could be even cleaner than my 1986 GE GSD1200 PotScrubber, which was better than my two previous Kenmore Elite (KitchenAids) from 2006 & 2015. It has variable speed pump. And justs according to the degree of soil. I usually use Finish 3-in-1 tabs for most loads. For the extremely dirty I wll use a Finish Quantum. My usual settings are Auto wash with the offered dry cycle (in my case it's CrystalDry), I also hve it set for intense dry and more times than not Sani Rinse option. This dishwasher has taken care of items even the Potscrubber culdn't tackle. Mainly stainless still fry pans with scrambled cheesy eggs and my crock pot liner after stew, osup, and pot roast. Those loads I usedd the quantum tabs. Even I was shocked and amazed. The Sani Rinse option usually results in the strongest spray levels predominantly through the prewashes and main wash, especially when it sesnses soils. Have found very ittle in my filter since May.

I originally wanted the new KitchenAid with Flex Rack 3rd rack, but only options available were entry level models and I don't like entry level choices for any of my appliances. So, I chose the Bosch.

 

[omnivac7000]

Thanks!
Did you get the Bosch Ascenta as mentioned previously?
Which one did you get exactly?

 

[appnut]

I actually got one of the 800 series models with CrystalDry. After the last 14 years of not being able to have a functioning heated dry when sani rinse was selected due to energy star guidelines, I wanted to try the CrystalDry feture. It's beyond my wildest expectations. With sani rinse option and CrystalDry, the results reminds me of coffee mugs fully dry like when they were dried (baked) in a 1960s/1970s KitchenAid. If the 800 series is out of budget range, investigate the 500 series models with Auto Open dry option which automatically opens the dishwasher door to flash dry.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

Glad to see you got the PC based KA:

That machine will not let you down! I have the 2001 WP Gold version. Dishwashers with the WP PC module simply out perform any other domestic DW made. I can throw anything at mine and it comes out clean.
WK78

 

[lakewebsterkid]

Dishwasher

I just replaced the Samsung Dishsprinkler in our house with a KUDS25. It is leaps and bounds better than a majority of dishwashers I have used. Is it better than the Bosch? It depends. Cleaning and Rinsing, yes. Noise, capacity, energy and water use? Hell no.

I would search for a decent KA with the Power Clean module.