Thank you so much. So, as I understand it, you think that the Benchmark is worth the extra $$? I'll look and see if I can find the chart that you were talking about. Thanks again!

I wasn't even aware of the 800 series. These were the 2 that I was shown.

I have both the 500 (rental property) and the 800 in my home. I prefer the 800. It has more options and a third rack. The price difference is not that great.

For me, the folding tines and loading options were significant. Serving pieces and parger bowls, mixing bowls typically need something to give to fit properly. I don't plan to use the water softener (might be a big deal if you have hard water though). and the interior light on the Benchmark (8 or 9, not on the 7) is not a big deal to me, but DH wanted the quietest possible. I needed a panel ready DW. Otherwise, I might have done the 800 series I saw at Best Buy, Lowes and elsewhere for $1079. It has most of the same features as a Benchmark in a stainless front.

I don't know where you were shopping, but there are more models than any one place displays. I had to drive across town to find a Benchmark to look at, One place had nothing but a 500 series and a Thermador. Talk about a huge gap! Anyway, I think the 500 series is the right place to start looking and then go up if needed for the features you need.

A huge question (from my perspective) what is the decibel level of each machine? Remember that every 3 decibels doubles the sound level. So there can be a huge difference with just a small increase in numbers.

If I remember correctly there was a 2 decibel difference-not 100% sure on that. I had no idea that 3 decibles doubled the sound!!!

That may be true scientifically-speaking, but not practically-speaking. There is little difference in sound level between a 44 and a 46 db dishwasher.

Keep in mind that you are talking about doubling a whisper. Once you get down to 45-46, you are talking about a really quiet DW.

My old Thermador is rated 46 and is rnning right now as we watch the Olympics. I couldn't hear it at all loudest times are when the pump is working and , but just hear a hum as the vlume went down to someone talking with no music. People have opened it without knowing it was running.

My new Benchmark is rated at 40. I have to be listening for it. It is quieter, but it's like ccomparing one purring kitten to another. And I mean kitten -- not a cat who can really let it go. By ratings, the older DW should be 4 times the noise level of the new one, but would you object to 4 times a pin drop?

I would disagree about the sound level. I went from an LG that was 44-46 db (sorry I don't remember the exact rating) to a Jenn Aire that is rated at 42. While the LG was not loud there is a significant sound level difference. One that is very noticeable and one that is worth paying extra money for.

I would hardly call 46db a pin drop. I would also rate it as quiet not really quiet. I would rate 42 as really quiet.

My Bosch is rated 44 and most of the time, you don't even know that it's running unless you see the red light projecting on the floor. I think the previous poster's issue was different brands, not different db's.

I would and did call the 40 a pin drop, not the 46. I said the 46 would then be 4 times a pin drop -- whatever that it. The 46 is louder, but it is not loud. The water running in the sink is probably louder.

I'm on my third Bosch 500. I have one in my current home, installed one in our rental property last year, and just ordered a third for a home we just purchased. I don't need the water softener, don't care about the third rack, and have been exceedingly happy with mine, which replaced a more expensive KA that left gunk in every glass.

Many, if not all, of the 500 series now have the third rack. It is fixed, though and not adjustable.