I use the third rack for measuring cups, small food storage containers, cooking utensils, kitchen scissors, etc. I do not use it for table utensils/silverware - I use the baskets.

What I like about the third rack is that I don't have to worry about small light things flipping over and filling with water.

Regarding rinse aids - I don't use a rinse aid, but I think the Finish detergent tabs we use have a rinse aid built-in. We don't have problems with spots even though our water is slightly hard (well water).

I have an 800-series Bosch and am very happy with it. We use the Auto, Heavy, Normal, Express, Rinse, Half Load, and Sanitize options. I've never used the Glass, Speed Perfect, or Delicate options. I think I've used the Delay option once.

(BTW...it's so much better than the KitchenAid we had before!)

My sister's Bosch worked just fine without a rinse aid for the first year. She now uses Finish rinse aid regularly.

I use the Finish rinse aid in my Bosch 800.

I have a Bosch 500 series and like the third rack very much. I removed the baskets for more pot space, and all the utensils, butter dish, cat food can lids , prep cups go up there. Even the knives, because the don't knock against anything.

I use the rinse aid "because it tells me to" lol!

I have a Miele..... but same idea. :) I have used the salt, the rinse agent and "just detergent". Honestly, I don't notice a difference.

My Bosch demands it. Will it run if I don't use it? Its wish is my command.

Thanks!

I never use separate rinse aid. I use the costco dishwasher tablets. They work great.

I have the Bosch 500. I use powdered laundry detergent (way cheaper than all of the tabs), and have never used rinse aid. Works fine, glasses are shiny. I do need to open it to let it air dry a bit after running it though which is fine because that's what I've always done rather than use a heated dry cycle.

Love, love, love the 3rd rack though - I took out the baskets too so there is more room for large pots in the bottom. It's easier to put silverware in and out of the 3rd rack rather than bending over every time, also good for measuring cups, utensils, knives, jar lids, etc.

I do use rinse aid in my Bosch. Dunno what would happen if I didn't.

The third rack is awesome. So, so awesome. I got it by accident because my GC found an 800 series for the same price as the 300 series machine I had specified. I use mine for silverware. The way the third rack works, I can sort the silverware for washing, which makes unloading it a breeze (scoop up all the spoons in one hand and drop them in their spot). I took the basket out and I can fit so, so, so much more in the bottom rack now. A whole party's worth of plates! Or mixing bowls, plus the dinner dishes! I do so much less handwashing now.

I use the normal cycle all the time so I don't care about all the other options, except that I do use the delayed start pretty much every day. I load the dishwasher after dinner and set it to run a couple of hours later. That way I can add the random post-dinner snack items, without risk of forgetting to start the machine before I go to bed.

Hmmm, never thought of that! I always have a lot of mixing bowls, casserole dishes, and other large stuff - would be great to get the silverware basket off of that rack.

I rarely use my baskets. I wouldn't want to live without the third rack. All my silverware, cooking utensils, etc go there. It does allow more space on the bottom for more things.

We have a whole house water softener but I still need to use the Rinse Aid in my Bosch 800 series. When it runs low on softener, the cycle time for "normal" changes from 2:31 to 2:51...how I know it is running low. I don't know if there is much other difference, though perhaps it dries quicker with the rinse aid. I can't imaging what I did before my 3rd rack - it frees up so much room in the bottom rack without the silverware basket - I've taken it out entirely. It is so much nicer to put smallish things and silverware organized in the 3rd rack.

We have the Bosch 500 with the 3red rack and I Use it,mostly for table knives and especially for sharp knives. It is my understanding that the rinse aid helps with the drying since there is no heating element for drying. It uses the hot water along with the help of the rinse aid for drying. I use the recommended Finish and after It finishes running I open the door to release the steam then close it for awhile to let the dishes finish drying. They are always dry and very clean. Luv my Bosch.

I have the Bosch 300, and I like the third rack. It is useful for tupperware lids or even knives that are too big for the utensil holder.