Never buy a Whirlpool dishwasher. Well actually, you do whatever you want, but if you do buy one, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
We bought a brand-new dishwasher when we moved into this house in January 2015. I was so shocked when 2019 rolled around and I was having trouble with my dishwasher. After fighting it, I caved and let the kids buy me a new dishwasher for my birthday/Christmas. Our son, Buck, was here and installed it.
Here is a picture of me so happy when I got it.
The dishwasher was the biggest lemon ever. I was constantly fighting it. You can read about it
HERE.
I have a lot of people in the family in and out of my house helping with dishes. They all thought my dishwasher was their own dishwasher so plates didn’t get scrapped as well as this dishwasher thought they needed to and this would happen…
Tiny food particles would get caught in the spray nozzles.
Beyond that…the top rack broke more than once. The seal was replaced once. At one point I went for at least 8 weeks with no dishwasher waiting on parts. It was miserable.
Last week on Monday, it started leaking AGAIN. I was so sick of this dishwasher. I thought maybe it got overloaded so ran it again. Nope. It was broken again.
With Thanksgiving approaching, I was frustrated. I didn’t want to be at the sink washing dishes the entire time. I didn’t want my guests to be either. I was so sick of this dishwasher. I had enough. I was going to try to get a new dishwasher. Buck would be coming and I thought I could con him into installing it for me.
So…I started calling around. Buck would be coming from the Cedar Rapids area. I quickly decided what I wanted…A Bosch because every time I complain on the blog about my dishwasher, EVERYONE says…get a Bosch. So I listened. I decided to get a 500 series because that was the best there was without WiFi.
No one had one. I called locally…I called the big box stores. Then I remembered a shop in Decorah. The gal there said they did handle Bosch but they typically only have the 100 or 300 versions. She would check and get back to me.
She came back on the line and said they had a panel version that was the 800 series. I had no idea what “Panel Version” meant. She explained that people buy the dishwasher and then have their cabinet maker build a cabinet front for the dishwasher so it looks like it’s just a cabinet. WOW. I didn’t know there was such a thing.
So I ended up calling the people who made my cabinets to see how much it would be to get a door front made.
This was all more than I wanted to spend. But…it sure would look cool. It was also a way I wouldn’t have to decide if I wanted stainless or white. Right now I couldn’t get what I wanted…and after calling, I was starting to wonder if I could get anything close to what I wanted without having to wait for a few months to order it.
BLAH.
Kalissa was here and said, “Just do it, mom”…and I decided to.
So I called back the appliance dealer in Decorah. Someone else was on the line. I said I wanted to buy the dishwasher. He said, “We don’t have the dishwasher you are describing”. I confirmed I had called this store and didn’t get their sister store in the neighboring town. I said I just talked to a gal, 30 minutes ago and she said you had one. He said he was sure they didn’t but would go investigate.
He came back on the line, apologized, and said they did have one. Someone had ordered one for their new kitchen but then backed out so they had one. It was completely rare that had one but they did have this one. I said I’d take it and bought it while I was on the phone.
The next day Kalissa was doing errands and picked it up.
Now…to get Buck to install it. I called him and said, I have a way to guarantee that you won’t have to do dishes on Thanksgiving. He said he never does dishes anyway…and he doesn’t…but what was up?
I explained the whole saga to him and he said he’d install it.
Craig, my daughter Kalissa’s husband helped too.
They did it on Thanksgiving morning while he was getting the turkey ready to deep fry.
The dealer told me it would run…it just wouldn’t be pretty until the door for it was made…and he’s right.
It isn’t pretty at all!!
BUT, it runs. It doesn’t leak and so far, the dishes have been VERY clean. YAHOO!!
I can live with this for a few months until the new door is made. I prefer function over beauty any day. The ugly front is just a growing pain. I’m just thrilled this all worked out!
So fingers crossed I can get this one to last more than three years. To date, that’s the longevity of a dishwasher at my house…I’m hoping this one lasts MANY MORE!!
My Bosch was installed in Jan 2006 and has never caused the slightest problem. Granted it is just the two of us and I only run it two or three times a week but I love my Bosch. No clue what series it is.
Bosch is made in America, that is why when I had the dishwasher woes just a few years after buying a”National brand” I would only buy American. Not a single problem since.
You won’t be sorry! Bosch is the greatest!!!!! I have had two in two different homes. They were and are perfect.
We have a Bosch and love it. Perhaps simpler than some of the fancy ones on the market now but it does a great job. The dishwasher we had before had the same issues with the spray and it is just the two of us.
Isnt it sad to have so many things with issues that it is an exception to get a great product.
I’ll echo the comments above. I bought my Bosch 15 years ago and it’s been flawless. So quiet too! So glad you got this one Jo!
Sorry about the old dishwasher but don’t feel so bad. Our neighbor repairs appliances. He told me he often sees dishwashers (and washing machines) konk out in less than a year and in the long run it is cheaper to replace than repair. Sad sign of the times.
Enjoy your new dishwasher.
Bosch the only way. They are so quiet that you will go check to see if running. I wish I had my Bosch now in this new place we moved into. Mine is so noisy can only run when not watching TV.
I was told that Bosch was the best, and it is! Never a problem, dishes so clean Be sure to use Cascade: it’s the best! Congratulations!
I know your pain Jo…..the same thing happen to me with a Kitchen Aid…..7 times the repairman was out in 10 months! I went to a family owned appliance store….bought my Bosch and never looked back. it’s so quiet you don’t even know it’s working. It’s 3 years old without a hint of problems. Enjoy yours!
We bought a Bosch several months ago and it is by far the best I have ever had.
I love my Bosch dishwasher. I’ve had it for several years and it’s been a workhorse. Lots of loads and it does a great job. After a bad experience with our former Whirlpool washing machine, we have refused to buy Whirlpool.
Loved my Bosch washers. Needed to replace in the summer and unfortunately there was a year wait for them in Northern CA
Have the grands finger paint the front :-) They’ll have a blast!
Yea for the boys and happy for you!
(honestly, I think anything made since 2005 is built to crumble in a few years except for high end stuff. We’ve saved $ and will replace with high end when we have to!).
Our Bosch was installed in 2008 and there hasn’t been a single problem. We have had two times when a dish or two didn’t get clean, but there was a loading error. Human error not machine related. Well worth the extra money.
Sorry for the dishwasher woes, but glad you have a happy ending. I have heard Bosch is the best. I have a Kitchenaid that was in the house when we bought it, so hoping it doesn’t go out for a good many years, but I only run it maybe 3 times in two weeks. Whirlpool owns several different makes, like Kitchenaid, Maytag, and I think another. We just had to replace our microwave so that is how I happen to know that.
I have had dishwasher woes, too. That new one of yours will work perfectly as a background for grandkid’s artwork. If it’s not magnetic, then just tape up the colors and paints. After all, once the new front is made, it won’t matter if the tape residue is stuck on.
Appliances just aren’t made to last like they used to be. I have Whirlpool and the dishwasher is 20 yrs old, the fridge is 40 yrs old (found the receipt), range might be 15, washer & dryer are at least 20, probably older and so far they still work. I changed the burner switches and the fridge & dishwasher each have a glitch or two so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they make it a while longer. I dread having to find new ones that might last longer than 2-3 years. Our nephew had a job with a company that picked up appliances that never worked right out of the box. He said you wouldn’t believe how many there were.
I have had a number of Bosch dishwashers and they are great, but there are things you need to know about them. They DO NOT had a built in disposer like most, so scraping is key. Also, look inside and locate on one or the other side of the unit and notice what looks like a hole….it’s noticeable. DO NOT put anything tall over it…..you dishwasher will leak on the floor. Found out the hard way. It’s not a big deal to remember not to block it. You’ll love it!
I have a Maytag that is 30 years old. I’ve never had any problem with it. In the last year the door spring broke so you have to be careful when opening it because the door will just drop and you have to keep it latched all the time. But I can live with that. Still cleans perfect.
Appliance woes, ugh. Last April we started having problems with our refrigerator tripping the GFI. It had never done that even though we’ve tripped the breaker a few times when we have the toaster oven, microwave, coffee maker going and the frig kicks in lol. But this was new. And distressing as it was on a Friday night. We dealt with the food in the frig and freezer and let it run. I said – it is the ice maker causing the problem so we shut off the ice maker and had no problems. We called around and since it was 19 years old, no one was interested coming to even look at it, even if they did it would be a couple of weeks. I said – it is the ice maker. They said ya, it is so old. You were lucky to get so many years out of it. Usually you are lucky to get 6 years out of a frig. I said – it is the ice maker. They said – buy a new frig. I said – it is the ice maker, I want a new ice maker, why would I buy a new frig from you that only will last 6 years when I have a frig that runs fine except for the ice maker? I said – it is the ice maker, order me a new ice maker, if I am wrong too bad for me. They said, ya – we can’t even get an ice maker. SO – hubs went online, found an ice maker for $99, we got it and he and I installed it ourselves in less than a week. It has run just fine since April. This place was NOT a big box store – their prices were higher and one of their selling points was that they could provide service. We were so confident after that – we ordered a new burner for our glass top stove and replaced that! So apparently we are in ‘planned obsolescence’ with everything, I mean 6 years for a $3000 refrigerator! Geez.
It’s crazy. I miss good service. I’d happily pay more for something that I new would last just to not have to deal with it.
Bosch is the best. I’ve had mine for 10 years now. The thing that sold me was I worked at a nursing home and they packed that Bosch 3 times a day 7 days a week and those dishes came out clean every time!
My mom and dad’s original refrigerator, purchased probably in 1950 still runs! As far as I know it has NEVER been serviced or had a part replaced. It now belongs to my mom’s nephew who purchased my mom and dad’s house. It’s used as an extra frig when needed. Amazing how we have become a disposable society. I have had pretty good luck with appliances (knock on wood). My daughter has a Bosch, it has lasted longer than any other unit she has had. She did daycare for 10 years, went through 2 others before the Bosch.
We are in the commercial appliance repair business. My husband always “says a dishwasher is not a disposal “! The food debris creates problems. I hope you enjoy this new unit for many years.
Bosch is my recommendation, I’ve had two at two different homes. They are very quiet and clean dishes very well! Good luck!!
Best of luck on the new dishwasher, Jo!
Kitchen Aid served me well for many years the wore out. Replaced with used Whirlpool that worked great. Then we moved & left all appliances in the house. Got all new Maytag after the move 9 years ago. Refrigerator & range have both needed repair (husband fixed them himself) but the Maytag dishwasher has been trouble free. I only wish the silverware basket was on the door like the Whirlpool.
So glad that your new dishwasher was in and working in time for the big family gathering for Thanksgiving. It’s wonderful to have some handy members in the family, Yea! I don’t have a dishwasher in this house, and I don’t mind doing dishes since its just us two and we don’t generate lots of dishes. Enjoy your new toy.
It’s a great dishwasher. It will stay great if you regularly clean the filter. Don’t skip doing that, especially if you run it a lot and the plate scraping isn’t great by your family. We don’t rinse our dishes and they always come out clean.
Congratulations on your new dishwasher! From reading all of these posts, it looks like you have a winner!
Love and prayers
From reading all of these posts, it looks like you have a winner! Congratulations on your new dishwasher!
Love and prayers
My Bosch is wonderful. I can run it while I work from home because it is so quiet. The plumbing not so quiet but that is another issue. My mother still has her fridge from 1970s and even though it is not energy efficient it has all the feature I want and none of the features I don’t want. Would love to get a frig that worked so well.
My kitchen is very small in my 1917 four square so there is no room for a dishwasher. I have hand-washed dishes for over 30 years!
Curious, I looked it up. Not only is it the quietest, wonderful in a kitchen like yours where you also socialize a lot, but the Bosch 800 series has some great features, like top control (which helps prevent little hands starting or stopping it) and a light on the floor to show it is running. Plus the aqua-leak feature is amazing. Good decision! My mother used to advocate buying the best you can afford because long after you have forgotten what something costs, you”ll have and enjoy it.
I hope this one gives you lots of trouble-free use! As to being ugly for now, I wonder if there would be a way to put a quilted piece on the front until the panel is done?
Our Whirlpool dishwasher died the day before Thanksgiving and leaked water on our laminate floor while we were sleeping. What a mess to wake up to . Lots of flooring ruined. We replaced it with Bosch 800 series and so far it’s working great. So quiet
I have heard Bosch makes a good dishwasher. A friend of ours who died of COVID was an engineer for Bosch appliances in North Carolina.
I did chuckle when I saw the title of this post because on Monday our dishwasher was dead, dead and more dead. Thankfully Hubby the Tinkerer did a hard reboot (go under the cabinet and unplug it for 30 minutes) and gratefully it started right back up. He ordered a new door latch that seem to have lost its spring catch. We bought the GE a couple of years ago when we had to find one in “biscuit” color to remove the old one, which was a Kenmore that lasted 14 years. I do use dishwasher cleaner about once a month that I get on Amazon that deep cleans the jets and build up. I scrape my dishes, but never rinse them before washing and have not had a problem.
Don’t ever buy a Whirlpool refrigerator either. It would take too long to tell you all the woes.
Glad you got a better dishwasher.
Wow. I had a Whirlpool dishwasher when I moved into my current house over 20 years ago. At some point my tenants dishwasher quit and we moved my dishwasher from this house into my tenants apartment. And I got a new Whirlpool dishwasher. Both are still going strong. I love my Whirlpools. They’re the only appliance, refrigerators, stoves, etc., that I buy for my apartment building.
My parents have the original refrigerator they bought in 1973. One of my aunts was asking why they didn’t update it and mom told her it still worked. Their second one is one grandma bought prior to retiring in 1988. I’ve been though 3 refrigerators in the last 20 years
Here in FL the cheapest dishwasher is $600. Installation and haulaway is another $200. Two years ago I bought a Fridgidare from Lowes. It broke during warranty and the guy who repaired it didn’t get the control panel on correctly, but it worked. After two years it failed to wash the dishes leaving the soap pod in a gooey lump in the bottom. I called my favorite appliance repairman. He said his wife had died and he was retiring, but Fridgidare is the worst brand. He recommended entry level GE, Samsung or LG. He said what had failed on mine was the recirculating pump and that it was an expensive part and an expensive repair, so buy a new unit. We checked with a reliable used appliance store and she said all of the brands are junk.
Two bosch dishwashers – two different models and both work great. Just a word of caution – the electronics can get scrambled if too many buttons are pushed incorrectly. They are so quiet that people like to push buttons over and over because there are virtually no sounds from the higher end models to indicate that it is running. Now only Mom starts the dishwashers.
I’m almost afraid to say this because you know the minute you do, something will go wrong. We have a Whirlpool dishwasher that was here when we bought the house. We’ve lived here over 30 years and it’s still running. I’m sure we could use a newer, efficient dishwasher but I know nothing we buy will ever last like this one. We’ve had the same stove, too. It’s ugly and the stickers are all worn off but it still works.
I’m glad you’ve gotten something new and I’m hoping it will work for many years!!