This is an early review as I've only owned my Bosch 300 Scoop Handle dishwasher for eight days. I'll gladly update after some time passes.
First up, READ THE MANUAL!!! It has information that is very important to your dishwasher. Especially the section on setting personal selections for cycles and options. That is a game changer that personalizes every load being run.
I did my research for right at a year when I started having issues with my former two year old dishwasher. I could not make my mind up between three models, all different brands. After asking a variety of coworkers what brand they have and what they recommend, I jumped on the Bosch wagon. In the last eight days, I've experienced dishwashing at its best. And I hope that continues for years to come.
The model is amazingly quiet! I'm blown away. Having moved frequently in life, I've owned some doozies of models from least expensive to top of the line. The noise factor on all of my other machines was insane -- until I had my Bosch installed. Virtually silent! Almost eerie. My past dishwashers made tons of clicking noises, wash level switches, stop and starts from washing to draining and in between, but this model Bosch is smooth as butter when running. At least, from what I can hear, which is difficult to pick up on unless I place my ear against the unit.
Thank goodness for the InfoLight, which displays a red light on the floor to indicate the unit is running. Otherwise I'd never know when it's taking care of the dirty work. A super feature!
As for the third rack, it wasn't a high priority when purchasing. I could have gone either way with that -- or so I thought. Now that I've gotten used to it and how handy all those little items I don't have to stack any longer and risk not cleaning properly, I could not live without this rack! In my research and opinion, Bosch has done the best job in third rack placement. The angled third rack creates a user friendly space for the middle (or "top" rack). It allows tall items to be loaded to the sides and smaller toward the center on the middle rack. A lot of competitors third racking system is simply a flat rack, leaving no room for versatility. Good job, Bosch! (Bosch also features three different styles of third racking so make sure to research all three for what fits you best.)
The bottom rack I have yet to fully master. Tho I like the configuration and options supplied, I'm still trying to figure out exactly how to fit my plates and cookware in the bottom. It will come soon enough, keeping in mind it's only been eight days, but so far it's been a "light challenge!" Of course that varies person to person and depending on what you place in the bottom rack. Again, I love the rack's options and placement options. (A "light challenge" never hurt anyone!)
I have very soft water and prefer to change my detergent amounts according to the load soils and size, so I use liquid detergent. I was hesitant prior to purchase if I could use liquid and/or gels, as everything I read diverted detergent use to pods or packs. Those are great for heavy soils and loads, but I don't always use a full amount of detergent. Thankfully, liquid detergent works great and washes from the cup each load. My previous dishwasher would never rinse the detergent cup and I would have to rewash a ton of loads. (Annoying!) I also love the placement of the detergent cup in the Bosch.
Drying agent -- yes I use on a medium level dispense and this is the easiest dishwasher to fill with agent I've EVER owned! Amazingly easy.
After eight days of use, I've yet to have to rinse the filter in the bottom of the unit. I've checked it a couple of times but not had to clean it.
There's also one more feature I absolutely love on this dishwasher -- the ease of the door closing and locking. Wow! A simple touch to close and lock vs. struggling with pushing in fear of breaking a locking mechanism.
And finally, the drying system. That was my biggest hangup with a Bosch purchase. But to my surprise, my nerves were quickly calmed when I ran my first load and saw every piece dry and clean! Impressive! And the ability to place plastics all over the interior frees up loading conundrums. That's one loading issue that quickly flew to the wayside! No more melted or warped pieces. Awesome!
The range of cycles and options is plenty for me. I'm an avid cook at home and during the holidays a dishwasher runs nonstop in our home. As a matter of fact, this machine probably has cycles I'll never use but are always good for having just in case. It's just right in number of options and cycles, in my opinion and needs.
My friends & coworkers were right -- I've fallen in love with this model Bosch in record time! Now the test of longevity and reliability lies ahead.
Thank you, Bosch, for a quality and sound product to have in my home! Keep up the great work.