Also, some people in here with the previous La Perla model say they use the Sensor Wash most of the time, since it automatically adjusts the wash time based on how dirty the load is. It does this by using a turbidity sensor. The Diamond has this sensor wash, the Dimension Plus does not.

Fragrance from the grapefruit tab remains in the tub. Haven't found any transfer to glassware whatsoever. Method also makes a no-fragrance tab. Interesting that you don't get horrible detergent smell from the glasses by using powder. I hate the powders -- can't stand the smell (though the gel is worse). Tabs are a huge improvement for me. Like it or not, the rinse aid does matter as these machines are designed for its use. (Germans seem to have a thing for surfactants). As someone said on one of the threads, if you want a Miele, and dry dishes, it's necessary to accept rinse aid. Fortunately, it's adjustable. You might have a conversation with tech support on this issue. Perhaps the newest machines are more flexible on this. Everyone's water is different. In your house in may be fine to add extra heat and use Cascade. With my soft water I wouldn't dare. However, at one point they programmed the final rinse to be hotter than normal to improve the drying. With a cold-water hook up, which I have, and the onboard heater, a hotter rinse might not affect the cycle time. Occasionally get filming -- iridescent looking streaks on a glass. So I find it useful to an empty cycle on sanitize to clean out any residual soap every few weeks.

Ikea uses metal boxes. My guess is that it is the lower grade of Tandembox from Blum since Ikea uses Blumotion for drawer runners. Tandemboxes come in lacqured metal or stainless steel. Tandemboxes can be used with their Orgaline of drawer inserts that look very much like Ikea drawer inserts. I am not sure if Blum makes the ones that Ikea uses or not. But... If you wanted to change the standard dovetail hardwood drawers with Tandembox from Blum, a typical custom cabinet maker considers that an upgrade and charges quite a bit for the Tandemboxes. So what you are getting with the Ikea is an upgrade from the standard drawers. HOWEVER, you do get the MDF boxes which is considered "less" durable than plywood. (I am just quoting the industry saying.) So Ikea boxes/drawers are a mixed bag in terms of "perceived" quality... Having said that, I really like the Tandembox drawers and I only looked at custom cabinet makers that offered that option. I think it is a HUGE functional improvement from the standard dovetail boxes because the accessories are so well designed and easy to use. I would say to go for it with the Ikea boxes with custom fronts. Let us know how it turns out. (I considered that option seriously for us. I actually picked the custom route for myself.) http://www.blum.com/pdf/BUS/3063_tbx_fb/3063_tbx_fb.pdf

I have a 9X9 galley kitchen and had both Home Depot and Lowes give me prices for 14 Honey OAK arched raised panel cabinets with crown molding. My cabinets were minimum because I had the built-in look with panels and many appliances to include sink, dishwasher, washer and dryer station, fridge and stove to occupy most of the space. Kraftmaid brand ran me $4700 with the free sink base and buy more save more discount of $400, Shanedols(Lowes brand) was around $4900. However, these prices were CABINETS ONLY, no installation or countertops. They both were way over my budget because I did not want to exceed 5K, therefore, I went with a local vendor and paid $1700w/tax for the cabinets, $500 for my countertops and $350 for installation; well within my budget. Not to mention, the cabinets were all wood, no plywood sides and soft close drawers with arched raised panels in a oak glaze finish.