I do the same way sushipup1 does. Very efficient.

Same here. I designated basic zones or sections for teaspoons, soup spoons, salad forks and dinner forks when we started using our first Miele DW (we’re on our second one now), and it didn’t take long for it become automatic to place things in the tray in their designated zone. I adjust and move stuff around as necessary.

The cutlery tray is the best thing to come to dishwashers in the last, um, 30 years. It uses space much more efficiently, it cleans better, and it makes unloading so much faster. It doesn't take long to get used to it, and once you do you won't ever go back.

And yes, good call on the adjustable Miele rack. We always have a couple of larger cooking utensils that find a home in the 3D tray.

OVER THINKING!

"inset cabinetry" creating an issue?

IMO the old style cutlery holders in a DW were much easier to use and took up no more space than these . I have never wanted different ones and I do not sort either before washing since spoons nested do not get clean. I just lift mine out take it to the cutlery drawer and unload.

Ditto on that! Hate those OVER organizer things : ) Any type!

I'd watch a few videos on how best to load your particular DW. I definitely picked up some good tips. I purchased a Miele with a third rack in 2006 and when we remodeled went with two Thermadors with the top rack. They also came with regular standup cutlery baskets which I stashed away in the top of a cupboard. Personally I feel like everything gets cleaner on the third rack and even though hands might be clean, I think it is more sanitary to grab the cutlery by the handle when unloading. When we have large crowds like we did over the holidays, we throw the cutlery into a small plastic tub in the sink and load it last. Takes a couple of seconds to separate by type and makes it easier when unloading.

I have a Bosch DW with the 3rd row cutlery rack. Also have inset cabinetry (but I'm not sure what the issue would be with that). I only use the top rack for large utensils, never for the flatware. I agree with Patricia, I place all the flatware in the cutlery basket. Even though I am super organized, I would never sort the flatware--I see no purpose in using time for that task.

Why is there a depth delima for inset cabinets? You should have at least 24" from front of cabinet to back for depth. Most should fit with the panel installed.

For example a KitchenAid dishwasher is listed For panel-ready models, dishwasher
depth is 24" (60 cm) not including the
3/4 " (1.9 cm) custom door panel.

I see that. Bosch/Thermador and Monogram at less than 24" with panel. Assuming you are purchasing a factory cab but can measure an example.

I have a Miele with the tray And really like it. It frees up space on the bottom rack and my 10 year old shiny stainless still looks brand new. Everything gets cleaned well as well.

it is easy to get used to, kind of like dealing cards. The middle of the rack has a adjustable area that works for small items like bowls or pushes up for narrow ones. One again saving space. The Miele is the first dishwasher that I have EVER had that actually works.