With your situation, I would not consider another European model (Frigidare is European, you knew that, right? It's a division of Electrolux)-IMO, they tend to be a little more temperamental than US models.

I wold consider a Whirlpool model, or one of the Kenmore's thats made by Whirlpool (some Kenmore DW's are Bosch units, some Whirlpool).

Thank you... no, I did not know Frigidaire was European.

I will look at Whirlpool - we love our WP refrigerator.

the one Bosch-produced kenmore Elite is going away. Why it's on close-out. I've had my Kenmore Elite model #13789 since last May and love it.

While the Frigidaire brand name may be owned by a foreign corporation, Frigidaire dishwashers are American designed and are manufactured in N. America -- always have been.

Bosch is a German brand, but as far as I know, all of their dishwashers sold over here are made in a Texas factory, although they may be designed by German engineers. Because they're American manufactured, they are a standard 24" wide.

That being said, I've been a Miele user for years. I don't think you'll find a better designed or sturdier-built machine on the market. Unfortunately, they are at the top end of the pricing spectrum. Also, because they're built to metric specifications, they're a fraction of an inch narrower (23-5/8") than American-built machines. They'll fit into a standard 24" opening, but you may have a tiny gap along the sides. The same may be true of Asko, another European brand.

I've heard good things about the Kenmore Elite machines from Sears, although I've no first-hand experience. They're supposed to deliver good cleaning results and operate quietly. You might want to check them out if price is an important consideration. My understanding is that for the price, they deliver exceptionally good value.

Finally, be sure you're using an enzyme based detergent and not a detergent formulation containing chlorine. You'll get much better cleaning results. Read the list of active ingredients on the box. If you see the word chlorine, switch to another brand or formulation. In some cases detergent makers don't always indicate that a particular formula is enzyme based, but if you see the word chlorine -- it's not. Chlorine and enzymes are not compatible. Some brands like Cascade are available as both chlorine or enzyme based formulations, so you have to read the list of ingredients. If the product contains chlorine, then it must say so on the box -- and you want to skip that type. If chlorine is absent, the formulation is almost certainly one containing enzymes.

You are correct, frigidaire dishwashers and Americna "type" machines.

Bosch makes dishwashers in New Bern, NC...they come with decor strips to fit a 24" hole(they actually measure 23 9/16"

Miele is truly one of the best machines you can buy...everything else james said is right on the money, I'd also add that be sure to use a Rinse Aid, like Jet-Dry or another of that ilk.

One of ther question what is the water quality like in your area. Miele makes some machines with water softeners built in that can help if you have hard watter issues in your area

Being hard on a machine is probably the best reason to get a good one and not a lower end model in my book. We have a pair of Bosch -- our came with the Thermador nameplate, but they're Bosch. They are the second -- not the very top of the line. That was both my favorite and the rec of the factory rep. We run at least one a day and often both once a day -- sometimes one more than once. They are quiet, clean well, and we got them both for the price of a single Meile. We've been very happy with them.

I did have a top of the line KA (top of the Whirlpool lines) in our last house and was very happy with it. It was not as quiet as the Bosch and it seemed to get louder over time. I still looked at KA first for this kitchen, but I didn't like the changes to the racking in the newer models.

My KD has an Asko and loves it. She heartily recommended them, but the racking didn't seem like it would hold as many glasses and bowls as we often use.

Thanks so much for all the info! So, I will also look at Bosch, and I've never seen Miele in a store here, but I'll check the one appliance store I haven't yet seen.... maybe they carry it.

As far as water, it's not hard water... I'm checking the d/w powder, and it's Electrasol Advanced with chlorine, so I'll change that out a.s.a.p.... and I do currently use jet-dry. So, looks like I can try a diff. detergent and then look at washers again...

Went to Lowe's on Saturday and liked the Bosch....

Anyway, thanks again! I love the help here on this forum.
Mel

Get a box of Cascade Complete or the Cascade Action Pacs and you will see a BIG difference over the Electrasol powder I think.

The Bosch would be a great machine but if the kids load it and dont get the food off good you will be cleaning the filter more I would think. Also try the new Jet Dry Turbo. For me it dries better than the regular,although I have read where some folks tried it and couldn't tell a difference but I can.