Diamante and Optima are very popular here.
Filter is so easy it's no issue at all; I wouldn't pay extra for an indicator for that.
I would get a model with Express, the fastest cycle.
The SaniWash should handle the baby dishes.
It takes some time to focus in on the differences between the models and what the wash programs are and comes down to features wanted/needed.
Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: DWs

The Inspira, lowest level, has about everything you need. What about a water softener? If you have hard water and no whole-house unit, you'll want that. But the Inspira has 6 cycles, including one best for the wine glasses and another for sterilizing, an express wash, but in all truth, most people will use one setting 95++% of the time.

Mieles are pretty much the same box throughout the range. All have the same filters, and all have a cutlery tray.

You need to get the one that has the features you need/want/ are willing to pay for.

As you move up the range the rack's adjustability gets finer, more insulation is added (so they are quieter) and a water softener is added mid-range up. There are more and varied wash programs as you move up range too. ALL have sani-wash.

Just about all will meet your requirements above the INSPIRA level - even the water softener. The OPTIMA is the the "sweet spot" in the line for performance/cost/quietness.

I have the Diamante, and it has the modes that you are looking for: Pots/Pans, Normal, Sani Wash, China Chrystal, and Express. The Optima has the same exact was modes, but cost about $300 more. Only difference is it's rated to be a little quieter and has the split cutlery rack. Because it wasn't that important to have the split (half-removable) cutlery rack, I went with the Diamante. It goes for about $1400. The Inspira doesn't have the China Crystal mode, and also loses the delay start feature.

I bought my Inspira a couple of months ago, and it's been great. As others mention, I only use 2 cycles (Express and Normal) 95% of the time. No, make that 100% of the time.

Not to denigrate the Optima or Diamante, but I can't imagine spending hundreds more for slightly more quietness or features. But then, much of my glassware has Pokemon characters silkscreened on it, so my standards are low.

NEVER
buy a MIELE dishwasher. They are the
most costly units and ours has broken down THREE times in FIVE years, due to a
faulty water intake valve. It broke down
the last time a day before Thanksgiving and it cost $500 to repair it (parts
and labor). Miele refuses to cover the
costs of our repairs. This is the worst
appliance purchase we have ever made -- Do not make the same mistake

And, to be certain, reviving a 4.5 year old thread is the best way to deal with it.

Does it matter how old a thread is? Why does houzz.com not just delete all threads older than a year, or 2 years, or whatever you randomly think is to old. This Miele product line is still defective today -- just look on other review web sites -- and potential buyers deserve to know that.

Why don't people start their own new thread if what they are looking for isn't on the first two pages ?

Or look at the posting date of the last entry ???

Human nature, and to each his own I guess.

I don't think Mieles are defective , but there does seem to be something about the crappy water in Cali / West Coast that they don't like. In twenty years of dealing with them in the Southeastern U.S. I can recall one time a unit needed a valve and it was stuck right outa the box. Doesn't seem our friends in Canada have an epidemic either.

You should probably have just bought a new, different DW this time. $1500 in repair cost over five yrs is nuts. You've already bought another nice bosch, or asko or ge monogram or kitchen aid - ALL of which have unhappy customers too with dirty dishes, burned or flooded kitchens, or sound that drives them crazy.

Old threads are often found via search by Google or whichever, direct link so the topic index pages are not initially seen.

I replaced my Miele with an Asko. Couldn't be happier. Too many repairs in only 7-8 years of use. The Asko is better built and serviced by Subzero/Wolf now.

I would never buy a different dishwasher. My Miele is 12 years old and I just had to buy a $100 part. There's never been a repair or an issue that couldn't be handled on the phone. It's impeccable.

But the dates of the first and last posts are pretty clearly on screen !

Chef - Asko makes a good machine but don't hold your breath on the Wolf / SZ tie in as a big feature since that's likely to get severed once SZ's dishwasher factory in Wisconsin is up and running in the near future.

Thanks for your negativity xedos.. The Asko is world above the Miele in every way! After having both I would never go back to Miele. I do have Miele for laundry and it's great but the Miele dishwasher can't hold a candle to Asko. Sorry if you don't agree.

I don't agree and that should be ok with everyone. To each her own.

I'm also not sure where you get off with your negativity comment ?

Folks should know that SZ isn't always going to be there to hold their hand for Asko should they choose to buy one. You simply touted the SZ safety net as plus like everything is all sunshine and roses- and that's simply not the case.

Really good dishwasher, Asko, like I said, but the issue of long term support has the writing on the wall and folks need to be aware of it to make an intelligent and informed decision.

Glad you like yours.

Xedos my negativity comment came as a result of a previous post about my Viking range which works like a charm and you bashed it. It seems you're always bashing someone here. Nothing more. We all have opinions and I feel that is the purpose of Garden web is to provide our own experiences to help the person asking the question.

For the sake of comprehensiveness it should be noted that Viking had Asko make a DW with their label on it for a while.