Need a new dishwasher, suggestions?

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

Since I'm sure many folks here are home owners, I figured this would be a good place to ask. Our housekeeper informed us this morning that the dishwasher is dead, she's correct, the control unit appears to be at fault as it's no longer advancing through the cycles. This is not surprising as it's 10 years old, and supplied by the original builder.

That being said I would like to get a model that will last 20 years this time. Having worked for Bosch/Siemens I know they are out of the picture, we heard a lot of horror stories internally. And stainless steel is out due to the dog, (nose prints). So, does anyone here have any recent positive experiences?

tsinger873 · 10-12-2007, 07:18 AM

Get married!

frogger · 10-12-2007, 07:19 AM

I know people that like Miele, but that's a pricey brand. I personally dislike GE. Beyond that, I dunno.

Evans, Marv · 10-12-2007, 07:21 AM

Since I never have had the time or money to do extensive tests of things I might buy, I've always been a fan of Consumer Reports. At least you can get some good info from them.

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsinger873

Get married!

I am, apparently she has a defect that prevents her from being able to wash dishes.

Mule · 10-12-2007, 07:28 AM

My pick:

TerryH · TerryH's Garage

Have to LOL! at "nose prints" deal killer.

Consumer Reports August 2007
36 units tested

1. Kenmore 13742 Best Buy
2. Kenmore 13782
3. Asko 3531XLHD
4. Kenmore 13732 Best Buy
5. Kenmore Elite 13762
6. Kitchenaid
7. Kenmore
8. Kitchenaid
9. Bosch
10. Asko

Maybe they own Sears Roebuck stock...

Les Paul · Les Paul's Garage

We've had our house for 20 years. It was 17 years old when we got it and still had the original Hobart. It lasted several more years and since we had 2 small kids we got the highest rated model there was. I don't even recall what it was. It lasted about 10 years and was never that great. Now we have a Kenmore and it is the best dishwasher we've ever had. It was less than 400.

RickM · RickM's Garage

If I were to buy a dishwasher today it would be Miele (except for the Incognito).

BTW: Good question to ask as research on this type of product is important. Here's the type of review I like to take into consideration: http://www.epinions.com/content_94182018692

and: http://www.consumersearch.com/www/kitchen/dishwasher-reviews/

Dottore · 10-12-2007, 07:42 AM

Miele, Asko, Fischer Paykal. All excellent machines.

RickM · RickM's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dottore

Miele, Asko, Fischer Paykal. All excellent machines.

Agreed. Miele would also be my choice for an in-wall oven.

syncroid · 10-12-2007, 07:50 AM

We just installed a two drawer Fischer Paykal dish washer when we remodeled our kitchen. Its very quiet, uses very little water, and does a really good job. I give it a two thumbs up!

TerryH · TerryH's Garage

Miele G2020C dishwasher came in a so-so 21st with CR. Miele doesn't even appear on any of the other kitchen appliances. Must be a CR thing or not enough feedback for that brand.

Dottore · 10-12-2007, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerryH

Miele G2020C dishwasher came in a so-so 21st with CR. Miele doesn't even appear on any of the other kitchen appliances. Must be a CR thing or not enough feedback for that brand.

Miele is German - and the 911 of diswashers.

bpoteat · 08:53 AM

I know this is just one point of reference, but I have a Kenmore from Sears and it is absolute crap. I admit it was one of the less expensive models, but I still expected it to work more than a year or two. It works but the dryer cycle quit when we were just out of warranty & it would cost half as much as it's worth just to get someone out to fix it. So, now we just hand dry the sopping wet things.

As a matter of fact, I bought all new appliances for my new house a few years ago - all kenmore - and the clothes dryer is the only thing that hasn't had major problems. Fridge (water filter leaked all over the floor), Washing Machine (see below), Oven (stove-top eyes don't always work), Dishwasher (see above). I take it back - the garbage disposal thing is great, and my wife has seriously tested its limitations. "Baby, please don't put peach pits in the garbage disposal."

When the washing machine went out the first week we had it - completely stopped working - I called Sears and they had a guy come look at it. He said the part would take a couple of weeks to get. Are you kidding? What year is this. I told them to just come get it and give me my money back. Suddenly, the part was available overnight.

Moneyguy1 · 10-12-2007, 09:41 AM

Most appliances are throwaways. For the few hundreds a dishwasher costs, why agonize over which brand to buy?

No matter what brand you purchase, you still do not know if you are going to get a treasure or a lemon.

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moneyguy1

Most appliances are throwaways. For the few hundreds a dishwasher costs, why agonize over which brand to buy?

No matter what brand you purchase, you still do not know if you are going to get a treasure or a lemon.

I attract lemons in general, appliances especially. Just trying to get some success stories.

RickM · RickM's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moneyguy1

Most appliances are throwaways. For the few hundreds a dishwasher costs, why agonize over which brand to buy?

No matter what brand you purchase, you still do not know if you are going to get a treasure or a lemon.

True, but why not have a disposable appliance that's at least quiet and cleans the dishes before it breaks?

jhelgesen · 10-12-2007, 10:17 AM

Frigidaire has a few models that aren't bad. Get one with a gray interior, saves on staining. Spend 3-400 and you'll be safe. The FIA units is pretty decent.

Get a model with 3 spray arms and not the tower through the middle of the unit.

Stainless does not make it clean any different.

The new dual drawer units don't clean worth a hoot, we had lab tests to prove it.

ALL of the internals are the same, the more you spend, the more sound insulation and buttons you get.

(former dishwasher designer)

pwd72s · 10-12-2007, 03:18 PM

We just got a kitchenaid when the old one (Maytag) broke while Ron & John were hanging about. Cindy didn't shop brand...just went to the local appliance store, asked how soon they could install.

I don't have a clue how long it will last, but I will say it's a LOT quieter than the old Maytag. No complaints from Cindy on the cleaning abilty. If she's happy, I'm happy.