Non-moldy, non-leaky dishwasher recommendation

5 years ago

I am shopping for a dishwasher that doesn't stink, doesn't vent into the cabinetry and doesn't have a poor track record with leaks. We have spent a fortune on mold remediation in our new home, and I can't bear to ruin it with a poorly vented or drained machine. I was nearly sold on Bosch because it doesn't vent steam, but then learned about the moldy smell many have out of the box plus maintenance issues with incomplete draining. I see fewer complaints about Miele, but the design is similar and it's more than I want to spend (but I will if it meets my needs). GE seems to have serious quality issues with the motherboard damaged by the steam condensation inside the door. Help! I cook from scratch and hand washing dishes is like a second job! But I'm more concerned with environmental health as family members have sensitivities and the dishwasher contributed to the mold problem in the kitchen we are now rebuilding. Thank you!

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User

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

A lot of reported issues with DW's is actually user error and not knowing your water hardness. (Just like front loading washing machines.) Or using the wrong detergent.

They aren't just stuff in the dishes and flip a switch. You need to experiment a bit to find out what works with your water.

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Comments (17)

Ashley Smith zone 5a
5 years ago
I have a bosch and have never had a problem with smell. I love it!
Buehl
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
We also have a Bosch and have never had any odor problems. It's the best DW we've had!
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Jakvis
5 years ago
Smells are generally due to leaving things in your D/W for a few days before running it and also the water type and detergent type can play a role in smells.

I will also recommend Bosch because of it's leak protection systems in it's 500, 800, series dishwashers.
beckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
5 years ago
Echoing Buehl and Ashley. I had a Bosch in our old house and never had any odor problems. Because it was the best DW we ever had, we put one in the new house and in the granny suite.

I would buy another Bosch in a heartbeat.
wdccruise
5 years ago
If you don't want to spend a lot of money, Best Buy is selling the Whirlpool WDF520PADM for $330. Recommended but not top-rated by Consumer Reports. You can also read consumer reviews at Home Depot and appliancesconnection.com websites. CR rates Whirlpool dishwasher reliability "Excellent".
friedajune
5 years ago
I would also add to Jakvis' post above that smells in a DW can also be caused if the high loop hose is not installed properly. If it isn't, then dirty water has the potential to backwash into the DW. I have a Miele DW and have never had any of the problems you describe. Also, the lower-model Mieles are more price-competitive, and who needs a zillion bells and whistles anyway. Check those out. I have twice bought the Miele DW second-from-the-bottom-of-the-line and been very happy with them.
Buehl
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
To also add...if you close your DW completely when not washing, odors will develop -- but they will develop with any DW.

Also, check the grinder occasionally. We've never found anything, but others have posted that they have.
a1an
5 years ago
BKT.

It may have water stagnent from testing at th factory which MAY give a smell brand new out of the box, but a single cycle should clear

Venting or draining - that is NOT a DW problem. You need to obviously make sure it's tied to the waste tee (preferably with a high loop), but if you have poor drainage or vent issues in your PLUMBING system for that kitchen sink waste tee or however you are tying in the DW drain line, than that must be addressed

However, said 2 issues are not a dishwasher issue per se, but a plumbing DWV design flaw/issue.
weedmeister
5 years ago
I'm not aware of ANY dishwasher that drains completely. All of them will have some water in the bottom.
PRO
Debbi Washburn
5 years ago
I have had 2 Kenmore dishwashers and a Whirlpool - all under $500 and never had any of those problems...

Just like anything else, there can be lemons out there as well as poorly installed product - quite often, thats the only complaints you ever hear about...

Hope you find something that works for you!

Good luck
dadoes
5 years ago
As WeedMeister says, *all* dishwashers (and washing machines) retain some water in the pump/sump and hoses. It's not possible for the pump to push out 100% of the water.
suseyb
5 years ago
We use our dishwasher 2-3 times a day. Our previous was a KitchenAid. I have an old, cheap builder grade GE right now. Both work well, and I haven't had any mold issues with either of them. It might be because we use the dw so much, but when I replace this GE, I'll likely look hard at another KA.
Steve
5 years ago
Miele. No countertop vent. Simply the best DW you can buy.
3katz4me
5 years ago
Never had any of those problems with any dishwasher. I currently have two different Bosch models (two different houses) and very happy with both. One is a year old the other is probably 15 years old. Happier with Bosch than I was with top of the line Miele in my previous home (that cost twice as much as my new Bosch).
jwvideo
5 years ago
Adding to what others have added to Jakvis's comment, the Bosch 300 series also has a leak protection system.
venmar
5 years ago
Especially with a dishwasher which relies on condensation drying-such as Bosch and Miele-do not latch closed the door in between washings, again especially if not run daily. Friends with both of these have had moldy food residue on dirty dishes waiting for a full machine, or choose another brand. Fisher & Paykel is one with a fan-forced dry cycle which holds the lid open to air circulation even with the drawer shut tight between washings.

Non-moldy, non-leaky dishwasher recommendation

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Comments (17)

Ashley Smith zone 5a

Buehl

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