Dishwashing shopping questions

User

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

My DW want list:

1) Easy to clean filter

2) 3rd rack on top for big utensils

3) Separate rinse cycle, or short cycle

4) Controls on top

5) A real handle on the front

6) Quiet

and maybe

7) Top or bottom rack wash cycle

I've looked at a lot of brands, and except for Samsung, I'm not particular. I read reviews and if a machine has many complaints about the same thing, I cross it off my list.

Today, we looked at Sears (one of 4 stores that sell appliances in the nearest town) and none of the display DWs met all my requirements. However, the salesman told us about a Sears Elite (made by LG) that was new this year and it did have it all. I looked at the specs and the wash cycle is 3 hours, which seems to be common on a lot of DWs.

Because it is new, I couldn't find any reviews online and the reviews I found of comparably priced LGs had a common complaint of pump going out within 6 months and washer and dishes smelling like sewage or rotten food.

When I asked the salesman about the 3 hour wash cycle, he said it was because dishwashers today filter and reuse the same water throughout the cycle. I guess that would explain the smell. But is that true?

Is the top or bottom rack wash cycle worth the extra cost?

Our kitchen and living room are open and a 3 hour wash cycle is probably more than I can stand unless it's whisper quiet. And then I wonder about the electric cost. How can it be energy efficient if it takes 3 hours?

Featured Answer

dadoes

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

"Hey Barn: When I asked the salesman about the 3 hour wash cycle, he said it was because dishwashers today filter and reuse the same water throughout the cycle. I guess that would explain the smell. But is that true?"

Absolutely not. It's amazing how often the "salesmen" are misinformed about the merchandise they sell.

Filters are often present but they filter the water *during* the individual wash or rinse periods. A drain follows each separate wash or rinse performed through the course of a complete cycle, with a fresh fill for each. It's a simple matter of listening to the machine while it runs and noting when water can be heard draining, typically through the kitchen sink plumbing, and the machine refilling.

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Comments (13)

cpartist
8 years ago
Look at either Bosch or Miele dishwashers. They both get the best reviews of any brands.
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Rita / Bring Back Sophie 4 Real
8 years ago
Get a Bosch. It's whisper quiet and washes dishes very well.
Mrs. S
8 years ago
Love our mid range Bosch. 3rd shelf very handy, and so quiet you don’t notice that it’s on standing right next to it.
User
Original Author
8 years ago
I looked at a Bosch and liked it. It didn't have the 3rd rack though. But this discussion made me back off from Bosch.
Toronto Veterinarian
8 years ago
I've got a mid-range Bosch (500 series) and I love how quiet it is and wonderfully it cleans. That thread you linked to is 10 years old! A lifetime in technology and appliances. Bosch does have dishwashers with a 3-D handle (rather than a recessed handle), but you should know the 3rd rack (which I love) doesn't really accommodate large utensils - it's too low. But I put all my regular flatware and small utensils (like vegetable peelers) there, and the big utensils (like spatulas and tongs) go in one of the other racks.
Mrs. S
8 years ago
If what you looked at was an entry level Bosch, then consider spending a couple hundred more, and look at the midrange one Toronto Vet and I are speaking of. Ours has a 3rd rack. Mine has a handle on front to hang kitchen towels from. It has the touch-controls on the top edge, hidden from sight when the door is closed. You can order your dishwasher in several configurations.

Another thing I like about Bosch is that it does NOT have a big 'ol BOSCH plaque/emblem anywhere visible. I don't care to brand my kitchen. I just want my appliances to be functional and efficient.

I'm not saying other brands aren't good, just that I'm super happy with this one. It cleans dishes well.
fauguy
8 years ago
https://www.mieleusa.com/domestic/dishwashers-2510.htm?mat=10410140&name=G_6665_SCVi_SF_AM
Kim Q
8 years ago
My monogram dw has the third rack and is really quiet.
ifoco
8 years ago
Kimberly, How Long have you had your monogram dw?

Yesterday I drove to Las Vegas to Monark Appliances. It's a very nice store with a large product offering. I looked at dw (and other things) to see if I could find something more accomodating to my style of dishes (hand made and heavier) than the Bosch which is quiet and cleans well but does not really load well for us.

At first blush, the GE looked as if it would work better for me but I've heard so many negatives on this forum I wonder how well it performs in cleaning, reliability as well as quiet.

Thanks In advance

Inga
llewand
8 years ago
Bosch all the way. Ultra quiet and cleans like you can't believe.
cpartist
8 years ago
I chose the Miele.
tdothouse
8 years ago
I have Miele as well. Very well made, even compared to the Bosch I saw in local stores.