I have a Bosch 500 series and love it, but I can't compare it to the KA Architecht because I've never used one. I see the KA doesn't have a third rack for cutlery, and I really like it (I got rid of the cutlery holder in the lower rack now). The KA has a heating element in the bottom, which some people prefer because they say it gets their dishes dryer; the Bosch doesn't have one, but with a rinse aid and proper settings, my dishes are dry so I don't see the advantage.

Sorry about your flood. We're renovating due to one, too. Edit: not due to the d/w!

My d/w was a Bosch with the third rack. I loved it and will absolutely get that in my next d/w. It's great for pinch bowls, measuring cups, ladles, etc. I arrange the flatware so that I can scoop up all of the spoons to put away in the drawer.

I also adjusted the middle rack quite often. It's nice to be able to adjust clearances based on what's being washed.

Can you see a version both in person? If so, take your plates, bowls, and baking dishes, cookware to see how they fit.

2nd Bosch for me, my current one has the third rack. I initially took it out as we had just moved in and as I unpacked glasses, very tall ones, the third rack didn’t work. I’ve put it back and like Alex, use it for large plastic serving pieces, small bowls, etc. I’m going to read the manual to see how to adjust the middle rack as Alex does. I will say that the Bosch is by far the quietest dishwasher I’ve ever had and I’ve had many, this is my 6th. I don’t think I ever had a Kitchen Aid though.

Can't speak to the Bosch v. Kitchenaid, but I love my adjustable middle rack and cutlery/flat rack in my Miele. Highly recommend those features.

I have had a Bosch 500 for about 2 years and really like it. Didn't think I'd use the cutlery rack much (I use the basket for flatware) but it's handy for spatulas, small plastic lids, etc and I actually use it daily. I've been very happy with the Bosch but it does fit things a bit differently than my previous DWs so it has taken some adjustment. Agree that it's nice and quiet.

I used to have a KA. I think there was more space, width-wise, in the KA racks, perhaps due to metric vs. US measurements? I'd visit in a shop and pull out the racks to compare them side by side.

I have a TOL KA dishwasher that was installed in my new home about 7 months ago. I can tell you its cleaning ability is superb. We have been extremely pleased with the performance. It is impressively quiet. Our machine had the third rack which I removed. We have some extremely tall glasses and wine glasses which would only fit if I lowered the middle rack, which then limited the space on the bottom rack. I would have liked the third rack in place, but I don't really miss it. Consider KA if it is priced favorably with the Bosch you are thinking about.

Thank you for your views and suggestions.

I love the third rack option also and also the Aquastop feature offered by Bosch (because our last one leaked). Kitchenaid architect series does not have these 2 options but has almost the double number of reviews compared to the Bosch and it is very highly rated also.

After I posted my question here I was browsing some of the previous threads... There is a lot of discussion about the funky smell/odor and mold issue that some people are experiencing with Bosch. Have any of you who already own one experienced this issue?

Thanks,

N

When I looked at dishwashers Bosch and KA were comparable in performance, but Bosch had less repair issues on average and the Bosch 500 had a 3rd rack for utensils that owners liked. As I recall, KA used a heated drying and fan system to dry dishes which some people preferred to the condensation drying system that Bosch uses.

I have that exact KA and I puffy heart love it. We got it to replace a Samsung that I hated for every minute of the 2 years we had it. The KA cleans beautifully and dries ok (but I think that is going to be the case for all newer dishwashers).

" Have any of you who already own one experienced this issue?"

I have not, but I've only had mine about a year. I live alone but because I cook frequently, I probably run my machine 7 or 8 times a week.

My KA about 4 years old cleans and dries wonderfully! The much larger capacity and the heated dry were my main reasons for choosing over Bosch. I use it daily or every other day and almost always use the fast/express wash and it works just fine. It replaced an LG we had for only a few years that was worthless! That LG replaced a KA we had for over 28 years...another reason I went back to KA

I did not experience odors. I also used the sanitation cycle a few times a month, which I remember some saying helped. I don't know if it made a difference. I was not religious about cleaning the filter so it wasn't my attention to detail!

I had one issue with the control board after a few years. The error indicated that something was blocking the drain hose but I could never find the issue. Instead of calling for further service, I found a work around. All electronics on appliances can have issues, unfortunately.