Submitted by chasonreddit t3_11myaa7 in BuyItForLife
I have now put 4 dishwashers into my 15 year old house. Mostly the pumps crap out. A new pump installed is $350, a new dishwasher $450. So I'm going to go high end for the next one.
Under counter standard 30" dishwasher that will get the dishes clean without pre washing them and will last. Major points for a filter system that will prevent broken glass from getting to the pump (that's how I lost two).
That seems to be the answer, but I'm just fishing for input. There's a nice Bosch at Home Depot for about a grand (US)
I got the 100 series for much less. I had to go to a local appliance store since all the big box stores has a ridiculously long lead time for the lower end Bosch models. I’m happy with it, but it’s still new
What do you gain over the 100 by upgrading to the higher model numbers? Is it worth the trade off, in your opinion, for the money saved to have gone with an entry level unit?
I think the higher end models are quieter, but nit sure what else makes them worth it. I can hear mine running, but don’t need to raise my voice to hold conversation. We have the money and could’ve easily gone higher end, but couldn’t find a compelling reason to. At the ~600 price point the Bosch was the clear winner over the whirlpool or GE model.
I went bosh when the one that came with my house crapped out thinking I'll spend a little bit more and buy a good one in the last a long time. Then just after the warranty wore off my tween leaning her ass on the slight lip sticking out from the door had just enough weight on it that the door opened shifted her weight forward knocked her off her feet and all of her weight come landing down on the door which was now open. Broke the hinges and cracked the board in the front panel. Made up my mind that buy it for life isnt going to happen until after kids move out.
> buy it for life isnt going to happen until after kids move out.
That's probably a good assumption.
Go to an appliance store. Better service, repairs, install and appliances
I bought a Bosch 800 last year. Still new. Man is that thing quiet. Luckily it has an LED that shines a red light on the floor to let you know it's running, otherwise you wouldn't know. Does a good job of cleaning the dishes as long as they aren't packed in like sardines. It was about $1,000 and so far feels worth it. I really like the three rack design. They little one on top is where I do the forks, spoons, etc. I chucked the tray that is normally used for that under the sink.
Thanks. I think the 800 is the one I saw, I'll double check.
Second this one. It was the third one for me and it's the charm. Cleans the shit out of everything no matter how full, dries the plastic, and can hold 3 meals worth of dishes if you stack it right. Also has a fine mesh over the filter that will keep your glass out and wipes clean. Can't go wrong here.
3 rack models are the way to go. I think the one I have is 500 and has that feature.
The Benchmark Bosch I have projects the time remaining and other status info in the ground, it's pretty cool
We had a Bosch that lasted about 30 years.
But I'd be concerned about how glass keeps getting broken. I can only recall that happening once, when I knocked over a wine glass. Correction: it happened a second time when I mistakenly put a long-stemmed glass in and pushed the rack in.
yep, that's pretty much how it happens for me. My wife likes some very thin glassware. Yes I should hand wash it, but often we have parties and someone else is loading the dishwasher.
Ridel glassware is not BIFL. We have had good luck with the cheap wine glasses from IKEA. Bought a truck load of them for our wedding 16 years ago and I’m not sure I remember seeing any of the break. And the were ~$1 each.
I hear you brother. I used to buy wine glasses by the dozen because I'm a clutz. The Ridel were a christmas gift from a co-worker. The wife is also into Waterford which is much sturdier but I would be dead if I put it in a dishwasher.
Is that because the jets in there are just that powerful?
The jets in the various models in various people's homes I've used have all been gentle enough so they don't blast wine glasses over (and I normally take care when loading so they don't topple over easily). Only small plastic cat bowls get turned over by the jets.
So how are the glasses getting broken in there?
OP has said they have thin glasses that others load into the dishwasher, I assume ineptly.
Ah, gotcha. So not really a dishwasher thing, more of a mishandling thing.
Right? OP probably needs to look at use—most BIFL products are still going to die within average lifetime when they’re treated like crap.
Miele. It's like having a panzer in your kitchen.
But less diesel exhaust and violent support of fascism.
>I have now put 4 dishwashers into my 15 year old house .... a new dishwasher $450
I think this is your problem. Good ones are double that.
I have a Bosch and it's great
Bosch in whatever flavor you like. I have a 300 series, with the physical buttons and classic red text display. Love it, it's incredibly easy to clean compared to others I looked at. Top tray thingy is super useful too. My buddy has a 500 series, more sleek look and little light indicator is kinda neat. Neighbor has the 800 series with the fancy auto door popper. That'd be pretty handy but wasn't worth the extra cost for me. The parts website for them is amazing, you can directly order anything.
No matter what machine you have if you are using detergent pods, I would almost bet money you are not optimally washing your dishes. Watch this video and learn everything about how dishwashers actually work and why you're likely doing it wrong - but the TLDW is to squirt/sprinkle some detergent in the door instead of a pod alone. I started doing this after watching that video and the difference is astounding. I pulled out the manual from my Bosch and they even say to do this.
The door popper seems a little ridiculous but opening the door right at the end of the cycle really does cut down on the amount of condensation/towel drying needed! I love my 300 series, but if we weren't limited to the compact models, I would've definitely shelled out the extra for that feature alone.
I cannot recommend that video highly enough!
thank you, good information. I think Bosch is the no brainer here, I'm just going to pick the model. The 300 series has the 3rd tray? that's a nice feature.
Last time I bought a major appliance in my area I literally had to take the last one in the state because I needed it now (refrigerator). But availability is still limited.
Yep, far as I can tell all of the current Bosch washers have that tray. Nice place to lay larger utensils, I use it more than I thought I would. You can also just take it out if you want more room in the second rack below.
I've been happy with Miele. Lots of people seem to like Bosch too.
5th dishwasher in 16 years? An issue not many people talk about is your water quality. If your water is hard (higher mineral content) then it is absolutely murder on your appliances. We have a Bosch and I recommend them but ours is struggling after three years in the hard water. Depending on your area you might want to look into getting a water softener (filter) which could help reduce home costs for everything in the long run. Hard water also causes other issues like scum in the bathroom and messes up plumbing. Sometimes the issue isn’t your dishwasher.
FYI, Bosch makes dishwashers with water softeners built in like the SHX78B75UC.
This is also a common feature on many Miele's as well.
Not sure why I've seen it only on German-made dishwashers.
Thank you for the info, but water isn't my problem. I'm front range Colorado. They bottle our water to sell across the country. I have to add minerals to my hot tub to keep it in the appropriate range.
Not bad quality as in “unsafe to drink,” but bad as in “lots of dissolved minerals.” Running off the mountains down to the front range allows the water to pick up lots of minerals that make it taste good, but those minerals can wreak havoc on the moving parts of a dishwasher. I’ve had mineral deposit issues causing lots of scaling in my house, so I recently installed a Nuvo H20 citric acid water conditioner. Hopefully my faucet heads will stop crusting over.
If you make the investment in a new dishwasher, investing in a water conditioner might be a good choice as well.
You may have missed this bit:
> I have to add minerals to my hot tub to keep it in the appropriate range.
I don't know why, but too soft on a hot tub is as bad as too hard. When they installed it the tech tested and said "shit" and tossed another small batch of goop. Then he said "we get that a lot around here".
It's pretty soft. Colorado has a lot of different watersheds. We are St. Vrain with a little water from Thompson. But we are rarely above 60 ppm dissolved solids. It's a good thought, but I don't think my problem.
Yeah, it depends A lot on local treatment as well.
If there is glass in the pump the pump probably wasn’t broken as the pump impeller is driven by a magnetic field through the plastic so there’s isn’t much to break, I’ve pulled broken glass out from our dishwasher twice and it’s still working fine, if you’re even remotely handy it’s not hard to fix most dishwasher problems yourself.
Miele if you can afford it. Bosch if you can't.
I have a Miele (discontinued Futura Crystal, which we bought when it closeout priced) and I really like it. It was $1500 including taxes. I never thought I would spend that much money on the dishwasher. They had two lower end models (which would’ve been about $900 and a $1200 after tax iirc) but my husband ended up loving all of the movable pieces of the model we have. If you don’t need all that then the basic starter Miele will last you for long time; especially if you don’t plan on moving anytime soon.
I highly doubt $450 will get you a BIFL dishwasher, but I have found some great appliances for a good 50% off from stores that are changing our floor models. The dishwasher we had at our old house was a high end Kitchen Aid I bought for about $400 and the only reason it was discontinued was that Kitchen Aid added a 3rd row to that model. We had it for a year before we had to sell that house and it was flawless (I would’ve bought it again but didn’t care for the 3rd rack design of the newer model in 2020).
Also fwiw on the Bosch the all slanted dish slots drive me crazy….I am pretty sure I am in the minority on that on but those slanted dish slots are what kept me from even considering Bosch.
I also switched to almost Corelle dishes because it is soo much easier to load than heavy stoneware.
Good luck finding something that works for you.
Thanks, I'll check that brand.
> I highly doubt $450 will get you a BIFL dishwasher
I can absolutely say that it will not. I paid $800 for my current kitchen-aid. It still went tits up on me.
Miele all the way. Bosch/Siemens is designed to to last only about 10years
We’ve had a Bosch for 10 years and here’s what we found:
The good -
The bad -
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Bosch or Mieli. Our Bosch 300 is around 10 years. No real problems except for the cheap plastic top cover breaking around year 7, I replaced myself.
thank you.
I got a Bosch. Happy with it since it's silent, but I'd check with consumer reports and get the model number. Keep in mind your local quality of water and how often you operate it will dictate how long it will last.
Also if your changing the dishwasher, I'd make sure to keep the old connection to the current dishwasher (even hooked to the internal plumbing) since some of the new kits don't play well with older plumbing.
Bosch is the answer. Ours is going on 11 years old. Things has been perfect except for wear and tear damage done to it.
Bosch. I'm in a place that the dishwasher must be 15 years old and runs like a champ
I bought a used Kenmore Elite several years ago for $75 off Craigslist. It was manufactured in 2003. It has a stainless steel tub. And performs perfectly every time. It runs so quietly nothing that can be heard from it.
The one I had before that was a portable Whirlpool that could be built in. So I did have it built in when I bought my house after having it in a rental. I bought it in 1990 and replaced it when I bought then Kenmore that was still working prefectly.
Two dishwashers since 1990. They don't make them like the used has never been more true.
> They don't make them like the used has never been more true.
Boy howdy! It's almost a joke at this point. Two of them have crapped out and leaked and I've had to have hardwood floors refinished. A good dishwasher is much cheaper.
Adding to the not making them like they used to, I bought a Whirlpool Gold large capacity electric dryer in 2001 that is still doing its job just like it was designed to do. I had to replace the thermostat once in all those years.
My advice, always look to the past when needing a large appliance. Sturdier and much, much cheaper. Better to have $100 investment crap out than a $1000 one.
An interesting thought. It would take some work to find an older unit that is well maintained. And it has to be stainless (I have a wife) but I think the concept is sound.
It's not as hard as you think to find a good, reliable older one. People think they need to "upgrade" by getting the latest model in a popular brand. Brand counts but longevity and reliability have to go along with it.
As for a stainless exterior, personally I avoid it because it shows every little thing. But that's just me.
Browse on Facebook Market Place and Craigslist in yor region for dishwashers. There are plenty to choose from.
No, they do make them like that, it's just that consumer expectations regarding price have become unrealistic.
Like, how much did that Kenmore Elite sell for brand new in 2003? Plug that into an inflation calculator and I think you'd be surprised at high the price ends up being.
That wasn't my point at all. The point was; a person can buy an excellent, older, used appliance that was built to last, for a minimal investment.
We got this one last year: Bosch - 100 Series 24" Front Control Tall Tub Built-In Dishwasher with Hybrid Stainless-Steel Tub
My neighbor tried to buy a Bosch 800 recently from a local appliance place. The wait was at least 8 months. She ended up with GE. Whatever you do, don't buy a LG. Absolute crap. And I no longer trust Home Depot to hire competent installers.
Bosch or Kitchen Aid, nothing else. Do not buy from a box store (home depot) they use cheaper components. Buy from a local commercial appliance store. Same model, different model number and cast iron internals + 5 year warranty.
I had a samsung that I struggled with for 3 years and we recently replaced it with a bosch 500 series. I also put the bosch 300 series in my rental houses and I have never had a complaint or issue.
We got a Bosch dishwasher and absolutely love it. It's super quiet too.
I recently went through the same thing. Wanted to buy something better than the $400 in stock units at the box store. Did some research and ended up buying a Bosch 100 series. It fit my price range and I have been very happy with it and how quiet it is. I also enjoy that it does not have a heating element to dry the dishes, so now I can put plastics anywhere without worrying about damage to plastic storage containers.
I bought a Bosch. It did not make me happy.
Have kids. They'll last 18-20 years or so.
Bosch for life…
We had been through 3 dishwashers in 30 years, all mid-price GE to match other appliances. Last time we got a high-end Kitchen Aid from a local appliance dealer who will not sell anything that does not have parts available. This new one is SO SO SO SO quiet! Cleans well too. Service from the dealer was our selling point after talking to local insurance and real estate folks. We got Speed Queen washer dryer from the same folks after 2nd set of HE ones died. Paid $2300 and expect never to buy more. We were so sick of redistributing wet laundry during spin cycles at least 3 times per load. And we did not overload, either!
I’m still using builder installed whirlpool that crapped out at less than 1 year and got a new pump and circuit boat under warranty. It’s been going strong ever since (4 years now) but I’m planning on getting a Miele next if another break happens.
Unpopular opinion: I've worked in the food industry, and I much rather handwash my dishes, because it's just faster. I don't feel like placing dishes in a washer is faster then handwashing. I think people are just obsessive and slow when it comes to washing their dishes. I rather make space for a nice large sink and an air drying rack, then to make space for a dish washer and plumbing. I don't even technically need to put dishes away once they're on the drying rack, they just stay on the rack until I need the drying space. I also just hate the fact that I need to wait on a dishwasher to fill up (and then work) until I'm able to reuse the dishes.
No actually I'm with you. It's totally a matter of work flow. This house accumulates a couple dishes/hour just kind of continuously. So it's less a dishwasher than a dirty dish storage unit to keep them off the counter.
If I'm cooking, I'm very wash as you go. Shit just piled up on the counter though drives me nuts and not everyone is ready to wash their own.
This happened to us with a 4 year old well reviewed KitchenAid model. Went with Miele after comparing to Bosch.
Something to consider….depending on where you live you could have very “hard water” which is really tough on your appliances. It certainly ain’t cheap but getting a good water filtration system for the whole house makes all your appliances last a very very long time, regardless of brand.
Are there bosch's with a food disposal in it?
I do not know. I did not see any. After all of the good advice on this ended up with a high end LG that does have one. It was marked down $250 plus free install, so went for it.
Find one that is old and "inefficient". We moved and ended up with a 90's era kitchen aid and it is so much better than our new fancy one. The new one from the old house is living in the garage, I really should sell it.
> old and "inefficient
That is really a key. I have totally given up on the green options. Heavy wash baby. I want them clean.
Blueporch t1_jbkb0h2 wrote
Usually people answer Bosch to this question