Happens I did a bit of research recently into current models. My 12-years-old unit has a cracked lower-drawer drain hose ... pondering whether to repair it or take the opportunity to update to a TallTub model. Anyway, I found reference to a model update (DD24DAX8, Phase 8). Notable differences per the user guide: a different filter design, Normal cycle has one wash and two rinses, Eco option applicable only to Normal, and the side shelves are no longer height-adjustable. Phase 7 models are still available.

(edited to correct cycle info)

Joe: Thanks very much for your reply; I THINK you misunderstood me; I was thinking to put a deep DD on either side of a 36" wide sink in its own 24" cabinet with a drawer underneath (doubling componentry, but not a tight fit).

— Is that what you understood?

— Any thought on theses DDs being installed incorrectly a lot of the time? E.g., Pallet & Palette said:

Make sure your plumber loops that double drain tube thing six inches above the drain level into the disposal. That is why many people have problems - most plumbers are experts at hooking up American dishwashers but need education on the way European dishwashers are to be installed.

December 8, 2014 at 5:16PM

dadoes: Thanks very much -- hoped you'd chime in. Are you saying the Phase 7's are better than the 8's b/c they had more customization (I'm assuming Phase 8 was done under Haier as a slight cost cut)??

— is the newer filter design clearly WORSE?

— What are the cycle options for phase 7, in comparison?

— What did the adjustable side shelves do: accommodate different glasses OR ??

Thanks!!

My assumption is that the filter design and cycle changes on Phase 8 are to meet the new/upcoming energy regulations (maximum 3.1 gallons per cycle, presumably based on "Normal"). Six cycles (Heavy, Normal, Normal Eco, Fast, Gentle, Rinse only). All cycles on Phase 8 have only one wash period (the first fill). Normal, Normal Eco, & Fast have two rinses. Gentle has 3 rinses. Heavy has 4 rinses.

Phase 7 has nine cycles (Heavy, Heavy Eco, Normal, Normal Eco, Fast, Fast Eco, Delicate, Delicate Eco, Rinse only).

For comparison to Phase 8, my older DD603 has seven water changes on Heavy (prewash, rinse, rinse, main wash, rinse, rinse, rinse). Phase 8 Heavy is five water changes (wash, rinse, rinse, rinse, rinse). My Normal is prewash, rinse, wash, rinse, rinse. Phase 8 is wash, rinse, rinse. My Normal Eco is prewash, wash, rinse, rinse. Phase 8 is wash, rinse, rinse. Can't say what effect the Phase 8 revisions have on performance. There are fewer water changes but the wash and rinse periods are accordingly longer (total cycle times are equivalent or longer than earlier revisions).

Adjustable side shelves accommodate taller items on the shelves (with a reduction accordingly on what will fit beneath depending on the adjustment). Once in a while I have an item that I'd like to place on a side shelf but it's too tall to fit (blocks the lid from sealing).

dadoes, Thanks very much for clarifying the differences between Phase 8 and 7. I took a look at models on AJ Madison (will have to drive an hour to Des Moines, IA to take a good look in person). All the models seem to be Phase 7 still, and two are single tall drawer models: the F&P with water softener and the DCS without softener. They both have adjustable side racks, for example.

If I stick to DDs (need to place appliance order for new house before the holidays at latest, but was told to wait until Fall when any new models debut), is there any specific reason to use a water softener with the DD design that you know of? Water is moderately hard here, 10 grains/gal. Thanks again for your help.

The performance enhancement of an onboard water softener model is surely a consideration if you do not have a whole-house softener. I am considering that feature regards to whether I repair my DD603 or update to a newer model.