Bosch SHE55M02UC Dishwasher 3

We did considerable research when choosing a replacement for our 8-year old Kenmore, a dishwasher for which we had nothing but praise until the control module died. Our choices were narrowed to the Electrolux and Bosch based primarily on operating noise and energy efficiency. After seeing both models in the store, and with strong encouragement from three families, we chose the Bosch. After 1 week of use it was clear neither my wife nor I actually LIKED the Bosch - we were just a bit timid about sharing our dislike with one another given how much we spent. Our assessments were the same - quiet, cleans dishes well, but the dishwasher racks seemed completely unsuitable for our dishes. It seems rather silly that one should feel the need to buy new dishes to accommodate a dishwasher.

PROS: very quiet, lots of fold-down tines, cleans very well with only a modest amount of cleaning powder, and safely handles plastic ware given the lack of a heated drying cycle.

CONS: the peculiar rack designs, especially the top rack and the silverware holders, keep the load sizes down. We estimate 3 Bosch loads are the equivalent of 2 loads in the old Kenmore.

The top rack is split 50% for bowls and saucers, 50% for everything else. There is no convenient place for the cooking utensils such as cooking spoons and spatulas, so plan on putting them in odd spots. There are fold-up shelves along the right hand side of the upper rack, but using them is done at the expense of 1/2 of the space for mugs and glasses (unless you drink solely from shot glasses).

The bottom rack is 65% plates, 25% flexible enough to handle whatever fits, and 10% for the silverware basket. The silverware basket holds considerably less than the size might suggest primarily due to the 12 internal compartments; the low height of the sides preclude anything longer than a table knife. The beveled corners of the bottom rack prevent washing our 14" x 20" HDPE cutting board in this washer - it just doesn't fit no matter how we try.

All this makes for a VERY expensive dishwasher neither of us love. The next time we research dishwashers, we're bringing the dishes with us.

Update:

After 3 months, our love for this dishwasher has yet to grow. The door has slowly developed a hitch, a resistance to fully opening, which is becoming progressively more annoying. We are still amazed that a company with a superb reputation for design and quality would result in such a disappointment.