My New Dishwasher :)

[mich]

Well... It was time. I was so tired of standing over the sink, and *gasp* washing dishes by hand, that I marched into Lowes this afternoon, and got a Bosch Ascenta. After Four Whole Hours...

 

I finally got it installed. Apparently, the Bosch uses a different water inlet connection, than our previous Kenmore.. so, it was pretty hard to install. 

 

Anyhow, initial impressions. The Racks seem really cruddy. 

 

I really am not trying to be critical of Bosch, but these racks don't hold anything. Well, they do hold dishes, but, they simply hold nowhere near an american model of the same price range. 

 

The Upside however is, this thing is really, really, really silent. I mean, really quiet. I thought our Ultrawash was quiet, but this is a whole other level of quiet. I really like that. Not that I had to shout in the Kitchen before, but, I really do like the quietness. 

 

I also.. really like this whole flow-through heater thing. I mean, our hot water heater, is really, really far away.. and despite how much priming I do.. there's always residual water in the line that's really cold.. and nothing would get it to, burning your face steaming hot. 

 

This Bosch solves that problem quickly. I mean, the water steam, from opening the door really does hurt. And, I'm simply in love with that. 

 

I really don't think we will save anything noticeable on the water or electricity bill. I mean, the old Whirlpool Ultrawash, was pretty damn efficient with water to begin with. But.. I do really like the fact that the water gets to a higher degree of "hotness" if that's a word. 

 

Anyhow.. I promised Pics to Dustin. So here they are  

 

It's still running the first load.. I'll upload more pics, when it's actually done washing. Hopefully, Soon, lol

 

 

 

[retropia]

Looks good! It's nice to have the warranty you get with a new dishwasher, just in case. Keep us posted how you like it after you've used it for awhile.

 

[mich]

One thing a little odd..

Is it has that "new car" or leather cleaner scent. I actually don't mind the scent at all, I think it's kinda pleasant, I just don't understand why it's there. Is it the stainless steel tub, or is it a component in the machine that gives off the scent?  

 

[DADoES]

 
<blockquote>... or is it a component in the machine that gives off the scent?</blockquote> Rack coating, maybe?

 

[frigilux]

First of all, congratulations on your new purchase! It's always fun to get a new appliance and learn about its features and how to maximize loading efficiency.

My sister and brother-in-law just moved to a condo they purchased and they need a new dishwasher. I'd like to recommend either a Bosch (have heard good things; they're reliable; and they score well in tests at Consumer Reports) or a GE (down a couple of models from the one I have). Their kitchen is open to the living space, so they need a near-silent machine. Let us know how your Bosch cleans, too!

Capacity: I was surprised at the smaller interior of the GE compared to the LG it replaced, which had huge capacity. I've read a number of times in consumer reviews that the Bosch didn't hold as many dishes as their previous machine.

 

[rolls_rapide]

The smell you're getting could be from the sound insulation matting situated around the tub, between the tub and outer cabinet, and between the door inner and door outer. Usually (in Europe at least), the mats seem to be composed of greenish fibres with stray coloured cotton threads pressed into them. Superior machines have more of this matting. Cheap machines have either a minimum amount, or none at all. The smell could be from fire-retardant chemicals in the matting.

Also, stainless steel machines usually have bitumen panels stuck to the outer surfaces of the tub to prevent tinny rattling sounds. This is the basic sound insulation.

 

[mich]

Well...

I guess Finish is now "safe" enough for use in my dishwasher, and now I can begin working on the stash.

Didn't encounter any of that horrible etching effect in the Bosch. And was quite pleased actually with the performance of some power-ball tabs. One wonders if I'll be able to continue using them, safely in my soft water.

Was also quite pleased with the performance of Phosphate Free Cascade Complete action-pacs.. so I guess, I know of two decent available detergents I can purchase.

One will have to try seeing how the Phosphate Laden Cascade Stash, preforms in the next coming week.

Also - that scent, of leather cleaner has somewhat dissipated after four cycles. One thinks the Enzyme Detergents had quite an effect of some, on the smell. It's still there though, although, the rack coating would make a lot of sense.

I called Bosch earlier this morning, and was told while Cascade may be a great product, it's very much unrecommended by Bosch. I was also told using Cascade or Finish Gel.. may void the stainless steel tub warranty of the appliance.

From my first impressions.. It does seem like the water pressure is much stronger than the Ultra Wash, but I'd say the cleaning is about on-par, or very similar. If you currently have a working Power-Clean, or Ultra-wash, I wouldn't recommend "upgrading" to a Bosch, as it's really not worth the money, cleaning performance wise.

The Flow Through Heater, is just perfect. If your dishwasher is located far away from the hot water heater, I'd upgrade just for the fact of having Hot Water.

I also.. really consider the Bosch, to be really good for what's considered "eco" or "environmentally friendly" I mean, your not losing cleaning power here, it actually does use enough water to get the job Done.

I can't wait to post pics, of some actual Bob Loads, and some pics of the tub itself

 

[henene4]

Just load it up!

I try to tell my Ma over and over to fill it just up. Really. I tried it ones: I had a small serving bowl, loaded it, loaded a same sized one behind, added a plastic box over it, than a nother box, a small mixing bowl, than a big serving bowl, and than a big mixingbowl over it. All soiled with mouse aux chocolate. It just filled up the back row of our 18" Bosch, including the cuttlery-basket. Than I added plates in the front and a serving plate just between these 2 rows. I added a burned on pan on the top rack, leaned over 2 rows of cups. Just 2h later, everything was clean. These things may seem small (as do Mieles), but once you figgured out what to place where, you just feel like fitting your whole kitchen inside it. At least that is with me...

 

[jerrod6]

<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-small;">I wonder what their problem is with Cascade or Finish Gel.  They mentioned voided the Stainless Steel warranty.   Never mind gels don't seem to clean as well as tabs but is it because these gels may contain chlorine bleach?</span>

 

[mich]

Would anyone know...

If I can somehow turn off the pre-wash cycles on my Bosch? I'd like to try Bubble Bandit.. But, I don't want to use the machines dispenser cup (because, I've heard so many complaints about it not dissolving well)

This Bosch seems to do about two pre-washes before, it goes into the main wash, and dispenses detergent. I'd love to know if there was a way to skip both of them, or one of them.

 

[washer111]

Don't worry about getting rid of the pre-wash phase of the wash - since the performance may very well suffer.

 

I wouldn't be concerned about using the dispenser, just make sure that the water flow up to the dispenser (and down to) is not blocked by some object, so the detergent gets out. Also make sure nothing stops the cup opening. 

 

You'll probably find a lot of the complaints with any machine are caused by user stupidity more than the machine's own shortcomings, although they can influence the tolerance to low grey-matter count folk. 

 

[whirlcool]

Is this one of those dishwashers with the "Cold Wash" button so you can use DW detergents that have enzymes in them?

Look at your warranty. Does it say anything about using Cascade or Finish Liquid gels in the machine? Is it mentioned in the users guide? If it isn't it's most likely the opinion of the person you talked to at Bosch rather than company warranty policy.

 

[iheartmaytag]

Sounds to me like the people of Finish paid them more to endorse their detergent than the people of Cascade.

 

For the record my Stainless steel Kitchenaid came with a sample of Cascade, and a sticker on the door recommending Cascade for best results.

 

Can't see where they could get by voiding a warranty over a detergent usage.  Me thinks P&G would file suit just as fast as the people of Penzoil did when Ford Motor company said they would void coverage if you used their oil.  I ran that Mercury 460 145,000 miles on Penz with no problems.

 

[mich]

I called Cascade..

And was told, they had never heard of the Gel causing damage of any sort.. although the lady said, overtime, with continued use of a Chlorinated product, if your dishwashers door seal is made of rubber, it may deteriorate or wear out a little faster than normal. 

 

If I do have any damage, I can file a claim with the company, and they'll reimburse me, which is quite comforting. 

 

I understand Finish is probably paying Bosch big bucks, but still.. I somewhat wonder if theres any truth to there "No Gel" claim. 

 

[jerrod6]

They may be being paid money but I asked because my Miele FL purchased in 2003 explicitly said not to use chlorine bleach in it.  I believe the concern was over the outer drum being solid stainless steel, and the corrosive effect chlorine bleach can have on stainless steel over time.  So till this day I don't use chlorine bleach in it and I am none the worse for not - I mean everything gets clean and stains are removed. 

 

 

 

 

 

[rolls_rapide]

Finish Gel is absolutely fine. The Bosch customer care 'adviser' is talking hooey. Stainless steel will gleam. Be aware that glass corrosion (milky, opaque, scratches) may occur more readily. Items with surface decor may fade more quickly. Aluminium cookware though, will look grey and dreadful.

My 2003 Bosch and my parents' 2013 Bosch both state that detergents can be in any format (powder, liquid and tablets); that they can be phosphate based or phosphate free; that chlorine bleaching systems or oxygen bleaching systems can be used.

Also, they say that stubborn tea stains are best removed with a detergent containing chlorine.

Finish Powerball tablets will be using an oxygen based bleach, a manganese based bleaching accelerator, and a zinc based glass protector, alongside other components.

 

[mich]

I almost forgot.

Allen. My Bosch doesn't have any "cold wash" or "reduced temperature" options. It does do, two pre-rinses with completely non-heated water, before going into the main wash stage, which heats the water up to 160*. I personally haven't noticed the dishes looking any less clean, from the reduced Enzyme activity, in fact, I think the dishes actually look a little bit cleaner.

 

I'm still experimenting with the use of those Powerball Tabs. So Far, No Damage whatsoever. I'll definitely keep an eye on that though, and post if the results change. They do seem to do a somewhat noticeable better job cleaning, than the Phosphate Free Cascade Complete pacs. I still need to try them up against phosphate laden Cascade, and compare. 

 

I personally don't mind, not using Chlorine or Bleach based Detergent. Honestly, I had mostly gotten into that habit, because it kept the tub on my last machine, cleaner (*plastic tub*). It is however, very nice to know, that your manuals do state it's safe. 

 

It really doesn't state much in my manual, just to consider using Powder Detergent, instead of Tablets, and tablespoon for most loads. When I called Bosch and asked for their recommendation for Soft Water, they said use Finish Quantum tabs, and turn up the rinse aid, instead of down.. so, probably not the best advice  

 

I did do one load with Great Value dishwasher Powder, and the tub simply sparkled. I'd even say, it looked cleaner than the one I did with the Cascade Platinum tabs. And, it's so much more economical. Of Course, I did have rinse aid, in, which, probably helps quite a bit. 

 

I still need to pull out that Cascade Complete with Phosphate in it. I bet, it'll do wonderfully  

 

 

 

 

 

[gelaundry4ever]

I hate washing dishes by hand!

I don't know about you, but I hate washing dishes by hand! I'd take a dishwasher anyday! I am a full time college student and Idon't have the time nor patience to do dishes by hand! I wish my dorm had a kitchen! And yes! a dishwasher! I need a dishwasher! That's it! I dn't care how disgusting the dishes look! All I need is a dishwasher wih cascade detergent and rinse aid with powerful jets! That's it! I'd go for the Cascade Complete citrus breeze and the cascade spot and film protection rinse agent with fast drying power! Who hates washing dishes by hand with a passion? I don't have time for this!

 

[gelaundry4ever]

excuse th spelling.

Excuse the spelling. Stupid laptop! Anyway... You get the point.