We have a Miele Inspira and installed it ourselves recently (with a plumber who ran the actual pipes, but normal people already have pipes... ;)

It was incredibly easy. It has a plug (our first DW so I'm in the dark on this, but apparently some are hardwired...this one isn't) and beyond that you just need to connect the drain, connect the water, and screw it into the side of the cabinet. The instructions are clear and well written. It adjusts up and down with screws accessible from the front of the machine. Far and away the easiest part of the remodel. The only issue to consider is whether you need the extra year of warranty you get by having a pro installer (in which case, think of the installation cost as a warranty cost). We bought ours on a credit card that added a year to the original warranty (extra year that they give with the install is not considered part of the original warranty) so that was moot. You may also need an adapter for your pipes since the Mieles use a garden hose size pipe thread---since our pipes were new we just put that in directly, but I think if you have an existing dishwasher it's not the normal size. But that's super easy too. I'd have no hesitations about DIYing it (and we're not especially handy!)

It used to be that you needed to connect Miele dishwashers to the cold intake.

Now you can connect to the hot or cold.

Hot for fastest wash times or cold for most efficient.

People used to make the mistake of connecting to hot.

You used to need an odd screwdriver which most people did not have but is available at any hardware store. Not sure if that is still the case maybe somebody will jump in and say for sure.

If you pay for the ~$300 install it doubles the warranty to 2 years. Well, that is what I was quoted,maybe less in your area.

Below is the operation and intallation intructions pdf for the Diamante Plus.

Here is a link that might be useful: Miele Operating and Installation Manual

I think the odd screwdriver is a Torx screwdriver to adjust the feet---but we have several of these in our basic screwdriver kit and they're pretty easy to come by at a hardware store, so you should be fine.

FWIW, we connected to cold for the efficiency, but the manual does explain that you can connect to either depending on your goal. (Because we plumbed for this particular dishwasher, we only put the connection on the cold water side.)

BTW The next generation of Miele dishwashers is coming out in aproximatly 30 days. They are called Miele Futura.

The TOP is called Futura Diamond,but all are called Futura.

I would think you should be able to get at least a small discount on the current Diamante once the new models are out or you may want to pay the increase(usually $50-$100) for the new features.

Thank you all so much! It's great to hear that we can DIY. I'm sure that DH has a Torx screwdriver, but if not, he'll love any excuse to add to his collection. This is our second complete kitchen remodel together. On the first one he "had to have" a new table saw, router, compound miter saw, drill, jigsaw, and a ton of other goodies. I can't complain too loudly, it's all come in handy for this project.

I didn't realize that the Miele was going to have new models this year. It makes sense, the only brochure the local guy could give me was dated 2009. I got the impression they don't change models that often, unlike KA and similar who seem to have new models (and discontinue models) all the time. I'll definitely keep my eye out for possible discounts. I can probably hold off buying for another month. We're already into the year mark, what's another month?

kathec - besides a torx 20 driver the other gotchas are the slightly narrower width. You may need to add some cabinet material if your opening is not 60 cm wide. The other not so ordinary thing is the water connection. Miele has a hose/valve that is designed to hook up to a boiler valve and not the typical 3/8" compression fitting under the sink. A boiler drain is also like a hose bib and a washing machine shutoff. Be sure the Miele box is oriented in the proper direction. They also include an adapter to facilitate easier connection to a 3/8" compression if you choose not to replace the shutoff.

"but apparently some are hardwired...this one isn't"

No , all mieles come with a plug and cord already attached, if you get one without - it is a return, second, used, or from some other unauthorized source.

"It used to be that you needed to connect Miele dishwashers to the cold intake."

Not exactly factual - you can/could hook these units up to either hot or cold water. Many people hook them up to cold to be certain the china crystal setting acheives the proper water temp. It is simply a preference.

@antss, I meant that some dishwashers are (or used to be) hardwired, and the Miele isn't---not that some Mieles were and others weren't. :) I imagine it's slightly more complicated for a DIYer to install a hardwired dishwasher than one that just plugs in, but then again our range hood is hardwired and that install was easy, so maybe not.

@kathec, we got our Inspira on closeout a few months ago---they don't discount the old models hugely, but it was $150 or so less than the new one. The Miele USA website has also started selling dishwashers---right now the just have them in the "outlet" section but according to our dealer they will soon start offering all of the models, and you'll order and have it delivered and installed by a Miele crew. That could be worth looking out for if they don't charge a huge fee for it, too.

We have a Miele Gallery in my area. I'm wondering if I should pay them a visit. I've avoided it as I'm the kind of person who likes to browse alone and only talk to salespeople when I have specific questions. I hate to be pestered and pressured and the hovering, which is what usually happens at showrooms.

$150 is still a savings, I'd take it : )

I'm not too worried about the mechanics. DH is pretty knowledgeable and handy as I mentioned. He can deal with getting necessary adapters, etc. My biggest concern was needing a tech with a laptop and proprietary software to set up the parameters.