I know this is not a "Bob Load" but I reheated some lasagna tonight and did not want to let this sit too long or wash it by hand. I am running the Bosch on the "Power Scrub Plus" cycle. I started it at 5:30 Eastern time and will see what time the cycle ends and how well it cleaned the dish.

Here it is ready to be washed

Wow, that really looks burned on. That would be the ultimate challenge for any dishwasher. Looking forward to seeing the results! Thanks for posting this interesting DW challenge.

Oh that is a challenge for any dishwasher to handle. Now what detergent are you using? I think that the Cascade w/Dawn pac would clean that or even Electrosol Tabs.

ok the cycle took 112 minutes to complete and the results were better than I thought they would be. I used Cascade Complete powder.

hmm. Mike, is your Bosch just slightly old enough that the first pre-wash on Power Scrub Plus is also heated, to about 135 degrees?

Well, hats off to your Bosch. That casserole came out better than I thought it would! Cascade Complete is a topnotch detergent, too.

That's amazing. I am seriously impressed.


Lawrence/Maytagbear

Bob,

The Bosch is only 5 months old. Next time I may dump some Cascade on the door, since it only has one detergent cup. I had told you I asked Bosch about a cycle sequence time chart and they never sent one.

I used a wet ScotchBrite sponge and the remaing stuff came right out.

Lye oven cleaner (Easy-off) or Dawn power-dissolver makes a great pre-wash!

(ducks and runs)

Mike, I agree with you about puting some detergent on the door for the prewash for something that gunked. In teh manuals I as able to locate for teh model I believe I remember you have, it states in the text of Bosch DW Features, POwer Scrub Plus has a 125 degree heat prewash. I'd even try not running hot water before this aprticular cycle so the4 prwash is extended that much longer.

I was impressed the rest just came right out.

I know gansky used to put detergent on the door of his Asko when he had a erally dirty load of dishes. I bet some other do too here who have Bosch or other Euro-styled brands. I know I would.

I have the same bosch. The very first water change is a soil purge on the PowerScrub and Regular wash cycle. So you might have to open the door to get a prewash, rather than a prerinse. I love mine, and now that I have my house on the market, I don't want to let it go. Will just have to buy a new one for the new house, providing it doesn't alreay have a great machine in there.

What's the purpose of a soil purge? sensing the degree of soil?

Yes, a soil purge is where the sensor senses how dirty a particular load might be. Sensors have improved, but they're not infallible. Yet.


It goes by water turbidity (small and microscopic particles suspended in the water.)


Lawrence/Maytagbear

A vid (animation) of Miele's soil sensing.

Alex

Mike,

I'm AMAZED by the results! I love those BSH machines.

Currently, we have a (dysfunctional) AEG dishwasher - but since Electrolux decided to close the German AEG/Electrolux factory and move everything to Poland, I'll never buy another of their products because:

A) I don't wanna support a company that causes even more unemployment in GER (although that's hard to do these days, since many companies are moving or have moved to Poland, Italy, Spain, ...). BTW: don't mean to offend any members from Italy, Spain and so forth - I just prefer Made in Germany - even if it's more expensive.

B) our Electrolux dryer broke down after only three years X-(

Bottom-line: no more Electrolux for me!

Okay - I'm feelin' better now ;D Sorry for taking this off-topic; let's get back to Bosch!

We'll be replacing the AEG with a Siemens dishwasher because over the past few years, Bosch/Siemens DW's have always received top ratings in our German consumer magazine Stiftung Warentest ("foundation product test"). Last time they tested dishwashers, July 2006, a BSH machine even ranked higher than Miele. Basically, because Bosch's Intensive cycle used less water and energy (15 liters/1.38 kWh) than the Miele's (19 liters/1.69 kWh).
Additionally, Miele demanded two detergent tabs to be used in the Intensive cycle - Bosch only one.
Also, Bosch's soil sensor worked a little better (more accurately) than Miele's.

So... long story short: I'm sooo looking forward to our new Siemens dishwasher - it's really feature-packed. ;D

And since we're on the topic of extreme soiling, I'm gonna attach a pic of the DW test I just mentioned.

First one shows "regular soiling" according to some EU norm for dishwasher cleanability tests (upper rack of an AEG dishwasher). Second picture shows the kind of soiling Stiftung Warentest uses to judge the effectiveness of the Intensive cycles.

This will be our new dishwasher (we'll have the Siemens version of it). Click on "AquaSensor" to view Bosch's video of its soil sensig process. "VarioFlex-Korbsystem" is another interesting one.

Take care,
Alex

Hi Mike

Heavy test for the machine and what a fab job given the degree of soiling...

I've had the Siemens Integrated version of this machine for 5 yrs and never fails me by its efficiency....I use the pots n pans intensive for all the range parts and cooker hood grease filters , and cleans superbly every time, I always place a little powder on the door every time, and on these machines all programmes except glassware have auto pre-wash...

If you have a lot of glassware the extra glass racks are a must , enables you to wash long stemmed glasses on the base rack and tumblers short stems on top...with a few grains of powder and 35d glass wash, perfect results...

Mike

Those Bosch dishwashers are sure workhorses... we were going to get an integrated Neff dishwasher, but the Miele won over only because it was £50 more and with that extra £50 came with a cutlery tray and the extra 5 years free warranty... but you definitely can't beat those BSH machines!

My grandma has a Neff dishwasher which is 5 years old now - only 3 basic programmes and semi integrated, but it always does a great job on the normal 65*C programme (she doesn't have intensive). Lovely noises... recirculates as it fills and pumps out love the noises dishwashers make when they do that - our Miele doesn't unfortunately :-( - and you can't beat that sliding detergent dispenser! Racks are very flexible too... I like the newer revisions that have the split cutlery basket which offers even more flexibility.

Jon

I have a siemens integrated dishwasher is very good does at least one oad per day and never complains

I have a 3 years old Bosch and I am very happy with it.
The only thing I could do very well without, is that stupid soillevel sensor.

I've actually found them to be quite good. The Automatic cycle in my 2005 AEG, and both the Sensor Wash and Sensor Wash Gentle cycles on my current Miele wash surprisingly well. I notice more fo a difference in cycle times iwth the Miele though... sometimes, if the load is lightly soiled it will be finished in an hour and a half, but if it's heavy soiled will take up to 2.5 hours to do a cycle. Soil sensors are the way to go really, IMO...

In fact, I hardly find the need to use the Pots & Pans cycle as the Sensor Wash does surprisingly well with even baked on loads.

Jon

The Automatic cycle of my Bosch does a great job on really dirty loads, but if only one or two items are heavily soiled and the rest is not, I had to run it through an other cycle sometimes.
So, I prefer the triple "A" rated, non automatic cycle for most of my loads and get good results.

Well, after having my Bosch for 1 yrs now and having the amazing results like pictured above and logixx posted the link the his Bosch website, I went to the US website. Since my house is on the market, I have definatly decided that in the new house, I want a Bosch Dishwasher, Washer, and Dryer.

I am on my third Bosch Dishwasher and would do it again. I, too, left one behind in the old house and it was the first thing I put into the new house.

I have a Bosch Washer and Dryer as well (first Bosch ones I've had) and am very pleased. They are now almost five years old without a problem.

(or anyone with the answer, but our UK members brought up my question).


What do you mean by "integrated" dishwasher?

To me, that implies "built-in," or "undercabinet," but I have a feeling it means something entirely different.


A puzzled-

Lawrence/Maytagbear

Lawrence, Integrated dishwasher are also sold here. They're the ones with the hidden controls on top and, with custom panels, will blend right into the cabinetry and ya don't really know a dishwasher is there.

Have to say haven't noticed much difference in terms of cleaning ability between the two. Both contain enzymes and "shine shield", but the Cascade Complete costs more and one gets less per box. While shopping at the local K-Sears earlier this week, nabbed a large box of Cascade "shine shield" as it was nearly twice the size of Cascade Complete and about $1.25 cheaper than what one pays for a smaller box of the later locally.

Lately Consumer's Reports has been giving high marks to store brand dishwasher detergents, like America's Choice, and Costco's brand.

L.

Thanks, but that's just plain silly...Who in their right mind wants to hide a dishwasher???


To me, a dishwasher is one of the greatest advances of the 20th Century!



Laundress.....cheaper dishwasher detergents WITH enzymes seem to work as well or nearly as well as Cascade...for less....at least in my experience.


Lawrence/Maytagbear

I have always thought the same thing that they should be seen and not hidden. I guess I thought I was in the minority but it appears that is not so at least in this group.

I love all y'all! That is my southern version of "all of you." Being a tranplanted northerner I get pretty excited when I can do that!

Who in their right mind wants to hide a dishwasher???

Well I personally find fully integrated dishwashers cleaner and neater... all appliances in our kitchen are fully integrated and it looks so much sleeker, and is much easier to clean than our old kitchen where all the appliances were on show and freestanding. IMO, as much as I love appliances, fully integrated stuff is a must for a modern kitchen to be sleek & nice looking, as well as easier to maintain.

Jon

Lawrence, I certainly agree with that sentiment! It's amazing how many people on kitchen design and appliance forums get in a huge snit about needing to hide their dishwasher.

I'm not into hiding dishwashers, either. We have a semi-integrated DW: yes, it does accept a custom door panel but the controls are still visible.

If you got it - flaunt it! ;-)

When I said "Who in their right mind wants to hide a dishwasher," I did not mean it as a criticisim, but as an amused puzzlement.

If I ever get to design a kitchen, my dishwashers will be openly visible, as will every other appliance.


Lawrence/Maytagbear

When we did the kitchen over, the guy at sears was quite suprised that I did not want an Inagrated Kenpool dishwasher.. He said that eveyr one was buying them.. Not me... Nope.. I like the buttons where you can see them to use them. Plus i think the intagrated ones are far less user friendly.

I don't like all the electronic buttons on the top of the door either. I wanna see what has been chosen, if someone happens to run my dishwasher, as well as I wanna see the timer countdown. What good is a digital timer display if it's on the top of the door lol.

Well,

I was like the rest of you about being able to see the controls, buttons, etc. However, when I first had seen the Bosch dishwasher that I currently have, It was in my Partner's brothers house. They had just redone their kitchen and she got the bosch. Stainless Steel front, fully intergrated. After being able to use it for a week, (she allowed me to take over the loading and unloading of the machine), I was sold. My mahcine does not have a count down indicator or progress lights. There are only 6 buttons on the top of the door. The On/Off button, then Top Rack Only, Power Scrub Plus, Regular Wash, Delicate/Econo, Rinse & Hold--that's it. I just love it. One button to push, Close the door,and WOOOOOOSSSHHHHHH----clean, sparkling dishes.

I used to. I have always had KA dishwashers and always used to fill all three soap dishes. I'd fill the two that got closed and filled the third that was left exposed. So, naturally, when I got my first Bosch dishwasher I couldn't imagine it could clean with only one wash. But it does so I don't bother with the extra soap anymore. I'm on my third Bosch and I have been extremely happy with all three.

You should see the Bobload I had yesterday :o)! I wish I would have taken a picture.