I've had two Mieles of 2 generations, one with SS front and one with panel. I feel the panel is easier to clean though the SS wasn't bad. Depends on what you want for your kitchen. Panel makes it look less "dishwashery" and more like another cabinet.

Also had excellent experience with this brand and these DWs. Choice of model (those changed recently) depend on what features you want/need. They all clean well and are very quiet. So it's a matter of features & price in the end.

My last Miele was an Optima, which was in the top-middle and, I felt, an excellent choice. I liked the Express (45 minute) cycle, the china/crystal cycle, the split cutlery tray (amust-have) and a flexible center basket. That model didn't have interior lighting which I'd probably go for if I was buying today -- newer models have that though at a premium.

Best is to go look at these and see the features of the various models side by side and get an explanation. Then hone into the website and pick through the various features. The website is a bit impenetrable to start but once you've seen the basics and have a model or two to compare it starts to make much more sense.

Lots of Miele owners here who can comment once you've narrowed it down. Good luck!

Okay, I think I like the Dimension G 5505 SCi. I like that it takes a custom panel, it doesn't have a bar/handle that sticks out and the control panel is on the outside. I like being able to see what options I selected while it's running and I'm hoping it counts down the time remaining like my old dishwasher. Not sure if it does that, but the picture shows a time and "duration". It's okay if it's obvious that there is a dishwasher there, just thought the wood would blend a little better with the cabs than stainless. That side of the kitchen is cab, range, cab, sink, dishwasher, cab. So thought would be one less interruption.

So are all Miele models equally good? I mean for getting dishes clean and being durable. I understand there are different features, etc. I can't find any reviews on the model I am interested in. Anyone out there care to comment?

I meant to add the link too. Here it is if anyone is interested.

Here is a link that might be useful: Miele Dimension G 5505 SCi

rococogurl, thanks for the info. I don't see the Optima listed on the Miele sight. I guess they have changed the models. I do get comfort from the fact that you've had 2! That says a lot!

What do you mean by "the split cutlery tray"? I'm sorry, if I'm being dense. Maybe they've changed the lingo. They list a 3D cutlery tray that is adjustable for larger items in the top basket.

I am very excited about a new dishwasher. If you only knew what I've been living with! The Miele's look fabulous!

The Dimension you linked above has the adjustable cutlery tray. What I meant by "split" is that one section can be taken out if you have something extra tall in the basket below. But the cutlery tray itself is the must-have. That model also has the china/crystal mode and a tweak that lets you clean something heavy duty on the bottom with crystal in the middle (nice!). Also has Express, which is the quick cycle I liked a lot (though others have said they don't use it).

The one you linked is integrated but not fully. Meaning, controls are on the outside and the cabinet panel fits on below them. So the dw can be seen -- that also gives you the countdown. And handle doesn't stick out and isn't huge. Downside is you see there's a dw there and some with little ones don't want buttons outside to tempt them.

Fully integrated models have controls on the inside top of the door, completely hidden. Kiddos cannot see/push them as easily (if that's an issue) and the panel covers the entire dishwasher door. Usually folks match the handle to the rest of the cabinets. So it looks like a cabinet vs like a DW. Downside of this style is the DW is so quiet the fully integrated can be mistakenly opened while running even though a red light does show below the counter when it's on.

antss made some good comments on the duplicate thread in kitchens -- explaining the overall differences between top and bottom of the line machines.

Another thing is that these are engineered to use rinse aid in addition to detergent -- you may be aware of this.

Perhaps some posters with this model can comment more specifically.

I have the Miele Optima with the exposed panel. We really like the look and had no desire to hide it.
I mean if your gonna buy a miele, why hide it(cept from kids)?
That would be like buying a Mazerati putting a car cover over it and never taking it off.
Like you, I like to know "What's going on".

Kitchens are sposed to have dishwashers,watch House Hunters sometime, and listen to the complaints when there's not a DW in the kitchen, --so why pretend there isn't one just to be "Trendie"

I think you made an xlnt selection!
Enjoy it (even thou you can see it) (LOL)

Gary

I believe the G5505SCSS comes with a Stainless door panel below the controls that can be removed later so that it can be paneled... This would be nice for you because you haven't started your renovation and not having a panel below the controls will probably require that you hold the door down with your foot in order to keep the springs from slamming the door shut. You may want to check with Miele to be sure but I know that this was the case with previous generation Mieles. If it turns out that Miele cannot confirm this you should purchase the G5505SCI but then also purchase an GDU60/65 stainless door panel to use in the interim. FYI the Dimension does replace last years Optima II. I have the model above the Optima from two generations back (The Excella I) and I LOVE it. I think the "Wash-Arm Sensors" are fantastic and should be installed on all Mieles but unfortunately you can now only get them in the top of the line Diamond. If I were buying again I would probably spring for the Diamond just so that I could keep that one feature. :)�

That's a lotta dough for wash arm sensors, hilferty.
Usually my wife tells me when I need to wash arms or arm pits as the case may be.

What's the big deal about the wash arm sensors?

Now I must admit, We almost exclusively use the short wash, I have the DW connected to a whole house water softener, and dishes come out great, regardless of type of soap and of course we add no salt to the DW?

So at least for me, that would be a total waste of money.

Gary

Interesting thought Hilferty77 about the door being properly weighted down. I hadn't thought of that. Since DH and I are building our cabinets, we could make a panel right away if needed.

DH looked at the dishwasher last night to see about getting it out with the whole tile situation. The shut off valve is frozen stuck. So now we need a plumber to replace that. When we do the reno, we are rearranging the sink, dishwasher, everything. I really don't want to spend money on fixing this only to rip it out soon anyway. So I may have to (gulp) hand wash for a while (the inhumanity!).

dodge59- Can't wait to get my Maserati and show it off! Ha ha.

@ Gary lol You sound like my wife. :)

@ Jen I've heard of installers using a grinder to cut off the legs in situations like yours. I'm a big DIYer but you might want to consider paying for professional installation.