We've had a 2 drawers Asko for about 5-6 yrs and never had a problem with it. But we're only 2 people and use it only when we load it fully (which is about once a week). The pro-s: uses little detergent (we still haven't finished the detergent box we bought when we got it); and has larger load than most other dishwashers. Con-s: does not wash well tightly stacked bowls on the top rack; regular cycle is probably 2 hours long; and you can hear it when it runs. Because of the noise, I would not buy another Asko - I'd buy the Bosch I've seen at some friends. The only way to know that their Bosch is working is to check the "in-use" LED. Another advantage of the Bosch is a much shorter washing cycle (important if one washes 5 loads/day like our friends do).

girl - the sump of a DW needs a given amount of water to even run at all -"the fill". For a miele it's around 7 gallons. It doesn't matter whether it has 1 spray arm running or 5, it still takes 7 gallons to fill the sump. The half load options lessen that , but not by half , down to 3.5 gallons. The arms run on water flow and pressure - not electricity. Sure it takes a bit more to run multiple arms - but not enough more that you'd notice without some sophisticated equip. hooked up to your DW. I'd rank em : 3. Bosch - broader line and more $$$ options especially at the low end. Their entry level DW is nothing like their top of the line model, they aren't even made in the same place. The top models are quite good but are just as expensive as a miele so there's not a great reason to select it of that brand at the upper levels. 2. Asko - high quality across the line, but not as big and not as widely distributed. Started to produce some/all models outside home country. 1. Miele - high quality from entry level to top of range. The only difference is more insulation, more adjustment in the racks, and more wash programs. The very cheapest model is without a water softener to save $$$. Still made at home in germany.

I'm so happy that you created this post because about 20 years ago I installed an Asko in a kitchen remodel and absolutely LOVED it! I never knew anyone else that owned one and somehow Bosch has gotten a lot of press over these years. Now I'm in a new house and hate the Bosch that came with the house and am doing a kitchen upgrade and in my search can't find hardly anything on the Asko dishwashers. I went to an appliance store and they were promoting Kitchen Aid so I was kinda going to go that route. Now with the shortage, I decided to find out about the lead time for an Asko and call different high-end appliance stores. I found a place that said they are receiving a shipment in early January. This time the lady I spoke with said that they sell many Asko's and that since SubZero/Wolf took it over many customers buy because of that connection. I was reassured after speaking with her and also this thread gave me the confidence again that I once had in Asko. It's just so strange that you don't find any comparisons or information on Asko. It's as if they are a non-player in the indutry but sounds like they are with those in the higher end world. Seriously I can't tell you how much I loved my Asko. I never had to rinse my dishes and that always impressed my guests. I mean why else do I need a dishwasher if I'm going to rinse or wash before???!!! Yay. I'm getting my Asko once again and I can't wait!! I'll try and come back here and post my experience since I'll have a fresh comparison with my current Bosch.

Would like to add my two cents regarding the Asko dishwasher: Purchased their basic model (D3112) back in 2003 to replace a broken KitchenAid. Our options were limited to either Asko or Miele due to a height limitation (previous homeowner installed a new floor on top of the old one; our choices were to tear up the new floor, tear out new coutertops, or go with the dishwasher that fit the space - not a difficult choice). We decided to go with the Asko based upon the fact that there was a $400 price difference between the two - and for us, that was substantial. I will say that it took four visits from the installers to finally get the job done right - but that's the installers fault, not Asko's. We quickly realized that very few people actually knew how to properly install our dishwasher - and if it isn't installed properly it will malfunction. For instance, the first installer wanted to undo the high loop even though the instructions said not to in bold letters. I pleaded with the installer, he said I didn't know what I was talking about. I showed him the manual (it states that if the high loop is undone, the warranty is void). He decided to do it the right way afterall, but as it turns out, he then forgot to pop out the plug in the disposal. He turned the machine on to test it and a few minutes later, my kitchen was flooded. I called the store manager and the following week I had a new machine, a huge refund, and a more experienced installer who did a great job. He also explained two very important things about European dishwashers: they only need a teaspoon of detergent and DO NOT PRE-RINSE the dishes! If you follow those rules, your machine will work wonderfully. He really stressed this and explained why: If you use too much detergent, the machine produces excess suds. But the machine can't tell the difference between suds and water, so it thinks there is water in the bottom of the machine and it keeps trying to drain it. Eventually the motor burns out. He also stressed that we should never buy the fancy pre-portioned detergent cubes - they're a waste of money and will cause the machine to malfunction (again, too much detergent). Four years later, we love the Asko! We follow his advice faithfully and have never had a single problem. We never pre-rinse and everything comes out sparkling clean. I love the condensation drying method - no energy required due to heat retained in the stainless steel interior. I love the minimal water usage. I love how quiet it is - our kitchen is an open plan that looks out onto the family room - trust me, it's super quiet. We love that it was so much less expensive. Granted, we chose the basic model - few options means fewer things that can go wrong. Also, for us, four cleaning cycles is plenty. We use the same cycle everyday. Love the cool LED light too - silly I suppose, but whatever. Anyhow, just felt it was important for people to remember that if a machine isn't installed properly or used properly, it will malfunction. That isn't the fault of the machine or the manufacturers. IMHO - most Americans are using way too much detergent, waste way too much water pre-rinsing their dishes, and fail to read instructions. Our Asko, one properly installed, has been fantastic. So much so that we're buying one to replace the piece of crap that came with our newest home purchase. I was sad to leave my Asko in the house I sold. BTW, I was sure to leave the instruction manual and my tips for the buyer. They actually contacted me recently to let me know how much they love the Asko too. Hope this helps everyone. And no, I don't work for Asko. I'm a science teacher.