That was the big draw of the Crystal for me, I worry about all of these dishwashers' ability to fully dry dishes (especially plastic) and the Auto Open really seemed like the one feature that would make the most difference...

Last year I got the top of the line paneled Miele with auto open feature and knock to open. Knock to open feels more like a party trick, but the auto open feature makes a huge difference in having fully dry dishes. My previous Miele DW did not have auto open, so I was able to compare the difference.

another vote for auto open, that's really encouraging

Having had a Miele DW for 8 years and then replacing it was a new paneled Miele during the remodel, here are the things I learned from experience. Use the Miele salt additive and the Miele DW tabs. The new machine seems to be performing much better by using the Miele branded detergent. The interior also seems to be staying cleaner by using the salt to combat our hard water.

Bosch SHVM63W53N 300 Series ($800) highly-rated and recommended by Consumer Reports. Owners like it too. No Bosch 800 Series or extremely expensive Miele product on CR recommended dishwasher list.