i posted this in another thread too: Available 1st Quarter 2011 Architect� Series II KUDE60SX � 43 dBA** Performance � EQ Wash System � Targeted Wash Zones � Hard Water Softener � 6 Cycles (ProWash�, Heavy Duty, Normal, One Hour Wash, Light/China, Rinse Only) � 7 Options (ProScrub,� Sani-Rinse, Hi-Temp Scrub, ProDry,� Top Rack Wash, 4 Hour Delay, Control Lock) � Dedicated Drying System with ProDry� Option � Optimum Wash Sensor � AquaSense� Fill System � Whisper Quiet� 43 Sound Insulation System Craftsmanship & Design � Fully Integrated with Display Console � Architect� Series II Handle � Tall Tub with Stainless Steel Interior � 16 Place Setting Capacity � Light-Touch Controls with Audio Feedback � LED Status Display � Culinary Tool Rack � Flood Protection Technology � ENERGY STAR� Qualified � CEE Tier 2 Qualified Upper and Lower Racks � DuraKote� Nylon-Coated Racks � Cushion-Tip� Tines Upper Rack � Adjustable with SatinGlide� Max System and Premium Adjusters � Robust Handle with Stainless Steel Insert � 2 Fold-Down Rows with Two-Position Tines � 6 Sure-Hold� Light Items Clips � 2 Fold-Down Plastic Cup Shelves with Integrated Stemware Holders Lower Rack � 2 Fold-Down Rows with Two- and Three-Position Tines � Culinary Caddy� Utensil Basket � Exclusive Silverware Basket Design with Four Sliding Covers Color � Stainless Steel (SS)

We have had a KA DW for 8 years now. Model KUDSQ1KKSS0 (Superba model, not top of the line, but up there). We were never super happy with it. Early on it didn't clean well and I noticed that several of the holes in the sprayer arm were clogged with food particles. Turned out the grinder motor had died. Extended warranty covered it. A while back the pump also died. I was able to replace that myself at least. The top shelf also seems flimsy on the slides. It often would lean forward and roll out by itself when the door was open. It always wobbled on its slides. We also have problems with glasses coming out with grit quite often. And the four corners we don't load, since we always have issues there. Heavy wash cycle usually does a better job, and I try to use the sanitize cycle at least once a week. Been using the Finish tabs for the last four or five years. I generally use the energy saving dry cycle, which doesn't leave the dishes that dry, but I just let them air dry and it doesn't bother me. I'm surprised that drying is a big issue for many people. Last time when it stopped working, maybe eighteen months ago, had a repairman out to replace the circuit board. He said he does a lot of repairs on kitchenaid dishwashers. It is always the grinder motor, the pump, and then the door springs (which he replaced while he was here). I was suprised to hear that--even though I had experienced issues with mine, I had mostly read good experiences from others. (But I do have a 2002 model). A couple of months ago, the plastic parts on the top rack broke. These are the pieces that hold the rack up and adjust it from the lower height to the upper height. So I'm in the market for a new DW--I'm holding my upper rack together with tie wraps for now. I'm looking at the Bosch or Miele for now. I guess 8 1/2 years is pretty good for this dishwasher. New ones will be more efficient. Just want to get one that works well.

"Recent reviews" of Bosch DWs have always had "some issues" with quality and so also "some recent reviews" of Kitchenaid DW also have "some issues" with quality. Google "kitchenaid + dishwasher + fire" and "kitchenaid + dishwasher + clamp" and see what you get. Then google "Bosch + dishwasher + fire" and compare. The take-away? Several people somewhere are very angry about the poor quality of the products they received (some mad a Bosch, some at KA). Most Bosch and KA DW owners are just fine. So this factor is probably not going to be helpful to your deciding between the KA and Bosch. Those prices look pretty good, especially for the KA. If you can wait until Labor Day weekend, prices might be better. Or not. If memory serves, the KA has a "quickwash" cycle which runs in about 1 hour with most normal cycles taking 2.5 hours. I don't have any direct experience with SHE65 model you are looking at --- I prefer front mounted controls and got and SHE55 model last summer. The Bosch quickwash function takes about 30 minutes and its standard cycles take roughly 1.5 hours. According to Consumer Reports lab tests, both the KA and Bosch do an excellent job at cleaning. In reliablity surveys, Bosch DWs are reportedly a bit more reliable than KA DWs. The KA has an optional heated dry (with a heating element). The BOsch has a higher heat rinse cycle (165F vs 150F for the KA). Supposedly, the Bosch holds 16 dinner place settings while the KA "only" does 15. Best advice on choosing between these DWs that I've seen here at GW: take some of your dishes to the store and see how they load.

The high and low burners on those gas ranges are exactly what you need to look at for stir fry and soups. More heat good for stir fry. Low simmer good for well, simmering. Induction definitely uses more electricity than gas! But it may not use much more than your current electric, since it's an older model. (For those in cheap energy locales, in parts of CA, the price of electricity jumps dramatically once you pass a certain threshold.) If you use air conditioning much, induction might balance out--it'll heat up the kitchen much less. But it's impossible to know for sure. If there are only 2 of you, I'd recommend the DD. You'll rarely need to use the bottom one. Save water and electricity. And they are pleasant to use after the first few months during which you can't figure them out.