Some reason you're not considering having the KA repaired under the circumstances of considerable satisfaction with it?

KA (since mid 1980s) and Maytag (since 2006) are owned by Whirlpool. Current Whirlpool, Maytag, and KA dishwashers are largely clones of each other, with varying feature sets and aesthetics between the brands. Some Kenmore models are sourced from Whirlpool.

They don't need to be laid out in any order in the tray. They get clean anyway. It's easy to unload if all the different types are at least near each other. If you use the racks as designed Miele has a good capacity rating. Here's a good model

I suggest anything that has a KitchenAid model number beginning with KDTM. I have Kenmore Elite comparable. Has tue self-cleaning filter, extended dry cycle options that can 1.5 hours and a little fan runs for an hour beyond that. Cleans well using the Auto Sensor ProClean cycle.

Try and fix your Old KA!! If you were OK with the noise level of your old KA, and happy with the way it cleaned, you will never be happy with anything currently available. My previous KA had a garborator and washed Really hot. Barely picked off the bones, never rinsed and always squeaky clean without using rinse aid. No filter to clean. my sister in law still has same model and I have told her to never let it go. Since the KA I have had a new Bosh and now a Miele 2 rack with cutlery basket. Both require dishes pre wiped as there is no garborator, rinse aid is a must as they don't have heating elements and the cycles are super long. But they are quieter. Bosh or Miele? Buy whichever brand will give you the best warranty. We got an everything included 5 year warranty as a promo on the Miele As for getting a new KA. I don't know. Replaced my old KA bottom freezer fridge with pretty much the same model. But it feels so cheap commpared to the Old KA even though it is the same layout. Rollers and baskets rattle and I can not get the door to look level. Very disappointed but few refrigerators are the right dimensions so I am stuck. Yes all the North American models are all the same company and it it looks like they are all poor quality.

Capacity depends on dish type. I went from a GE with large tine spacings and had trouble getting more than 8 seats of plates/bowls in. I went Miele with small tine spacings and was surprised 12 sets now fits easily. The key is that I have relatively thin Corelle brand plates. If you have thick plates and bowls, I would think other brands would be a better option. I like the basket too, and Miele Classic series comes with one. No issues in 3+ yrs of Miele ownership, so can't recommend an extended warranty.

Miele cleans very well. Even the worst cheese deposits are vanquished.

Laundryvet

Here's a link to a video review of the Maytag MDB8959SFZ on YouTube.

Here's a better Miele price.Futura Classic Plus If you call they may be able to find you a reduced price unit. Ask.

Thank you all so much for your comments! We have given all of your advice some serious thought. We went to our local appliance store this morning, and we made a decision. There were so many dishwashers that appealed to us, but what it really came down to was which one best fit our dishes. We took our dinner plates as well as bowls that we use very frequently. The bowls have never fit all that well in our current dishwasher. We tried them in the Miele, Bosch, Maytag, Kitchenaid, and Whirlpool. We found that, hands down, the Bosch dishwasher fit our plates, cups, and most importantly bowls, the best. We are also excited about the 3rd rack. We have hard water where we live, so we decided to get the Benchmark series which will use salt to soften the water. Again, thank you for all the help!

I like be my Bosch - I'm sure you will be happy with yours!

1. Always use rinse aid. Bosch recommends Jet Dri.

2. Our Bosch has an extra long cycle (info on it hidden in manual) so dishes dry well.