I just ordered a Bosch Ascenta from Lowes and it has heated dry. It is the only Bosch I could find with heated dry and I believe it is exclusive to Lowes. I can't speak to how well it works yet though.

If you did not have to get one so quickly I would recommend one of their Benchmark DWs. That said between your options I would select: SHXN8U55UC - The only "significant" differences I've been able to discern between this and the above is the 3rd rack 2.0 (flexible tines and wings?) and 40 dBA instead of 44. And I realize this isn't available w/ a custom panel. Anything else? Is the new 3rd rack design worth it? Seems like very little for a $180 difference!

To me there is a significant difference in volume between 40dBA and 44dBA. Plus additional flexibility is always welcome. Over the life of the dishwasher you are talking about something like $10-$18 a year.

lascatx posted a link to this Bosch brochure. Scroll down and there is a table that compares Bosch dishwasher models.

Thank you, thank you, thank you oneandonlybobjones! As a fellow Jones I appreciate your name and the link. I believe I've decided on the SHV68TL3UC (Custom Panel 800 DLX series), which seems to have more features than the SHV68T53UC. Does anyone know why the DLX is limited distribution, and if the limitation was on the length of time or quantity produced? I think my only remaining hesitation is concern that it was limited distribution because it didn't perform well...

And thank you James May for the insight on the SHXN8U55UC. The only reason it didn't make the cut was the lack of a Custom Panel option. Otherwise, I may have been persuaded by your logic to splurge even more!

aliciaandbilly, I have the SHV68T53UC. I don't know the differences between that one and the "TL" version, but we've been happy with the the "T" version - cleans well, panel looks nice. We had one repair (it was installed in December 2013) - of the ropes that hold the door open. That is apparently a fairly common issue, although it hasn't happened again, and if it did, this time we would fix it ourselves. We generally use only one cycle - automatic, so "features" are not really of concern to me. We use Finish powerball tabs (not the Quantum version) - for a couple of years we used the classic version, but now we use the ones with the dissolving packet - along with JetDry (we have used different brands of drying agent and haven't noticed a difference among them). If Finish doesn't work for you, it's likely the combination of the detergent and your water, so just switch to Cascade Complete.

Thanks sjhockyfan325! That's good to know. I believe the differences between the TL and T5 model are very minimal (TL has SpeedPerfect option and duoflex basket), but since they're the same price I was thinking I'd go with the TL. Do you have any issues with the lower rack layout? That seems to be a very common complaint - common enough that I'm now considering splurging to get the "entry level" Benchmark which has double the flexible tines in both the lower and upper rack, plus the new flexible 3rd rack - SHV7PT53UC. Yes - still deciding which model to buy...oops. It also happens to have a water softener. I don't think our water is hard, but Johnny from reviewed.com had mentioned noticing a difference in the cleaning power during the tests between an "8P" Benchmark vs an 800 series model and I'm wondering if all mechanics are the same, if the difference is attributable to the water softener.

alicia, just like I use Automatic for almost everything, I also don't fuss about the layout. My plates and large bowls fit fine, and everything else I just work in. I never fold tines down, hardly ever raise or lower the upper rack, etc. I'm very "whatever" about the dishwasher -- as long as it cleans the dishes and is quiet, I'm happy.

I just saw this thread - first time Ive been to Houzz this week. You asked about why only certain stores have the DLX. It's marketing. Only certain stores have the Benchmark also. I had to drive down into Houston -- found one store there where I could see the Benchmark and drove to another city to the other Benchmark dealer only to find they had a ower model and a Thermador on disply. I really think Bosch has gone too far in their marketing hype. They have so many models with slight differences and difficult model numbers.

I got the Benchmark 8 which is essentailly the same as the 7 but has a lighed interior (don't know that I care but some folks say they have missed it after having it), a metal trim across the top with the buttons and I think it is one or 2 dB quieter (the panel ready is rated 1 dB loouder, but I a told that once you add the panel, they should even out. We got the 8 because there was a rebate that made it only $100 more instead of $200 and DH wanted the quietest one. I wanted flexible racking -- I do use it.

Well, the machine is quiet -- very quiet. Cleans really well. Dries well. I have only used the auto and rinse only so far. I have not used the water softener, but if your water has a high mineral content, it may help woth cleaning or streaking. I use Ocyclean granule detergent (about 1 T -- to the lowest mark inthe cup) and Cascade rinse aid (factory default setting).

I do find the racks, both upper and lower, a bit of a challenge at times -- not bad, just different. I am still learning how to best load them with different kinds of loads and moving things DH loads. The racks are very different than my older Bosch. I fold down the tines in the upper rack more than the lower one and I have found myself wishing the one part that fold down did. I haven't regretted having tines that fold down when I don't use them.

I wanted the cup shelves because we used them a lot in the old machine (without a third rack) but I took off one of the cup shelves -- they got in the way more than they were bring useful because the top rack is not as tall due to the third rack. I do like the flexible third rack. If you put mixing bowls, serving bowl or pots and pans in the DW, the flexible tines make it easier to put fit large pieces.

Hope that helps