3-in-1 Tablets
I've mentioned before, but I'll say again: The multi-action tablets, for the most part are very useful, contain some extra ingredients to make things easier for you, such as Rinse Aid. However, the "Salt" function is more of a gimmick...
Trouble is, you actually HAVE TO fill the salt tank, since the tablet can't do it. Putting salt in the tablet may help to soften the water slightly in the absense of phosphates, but actually reduces the "lather" of the detergent, meaning it needs to have more soap in it.
For water that is already soft, you get a big foam bath.
This is why, if I buy tablets, I'll usually *just* get the cheapest in say, the Finish product line (Classic), rather than waste money on more expensive versions. Over here, the difference between "Max-in-1" and "All-in-1" is the Salt function, I think.
But I digress: It sounds like you've made the right dishwasher choice! The Automatic cycle sounds a tad long, but its adjustable, which is nice. Does the time include Air-Dry at the end? I'm also curious as to the maximum amount of rinsing and water usage this machine can add on the Automatic Cycle (For a super, duper, amazing Bob-Load of local greasy, sloppy, encrusted plates, pots and pans).
Thats part of the great thing of this forum, we are researchers: Ensuring our buy is the best, and we can say if it truly was or wasn't. Thanks for enlightenting the community! (Pardon my spelling)