Miele Inspira G2140 Built-in Dishwasher Review

Dishwashers range in price from about $350 at the low end to $1500 at the high end.  What could possibly make a dishwasher (like the Miele Inspira reviewed here) worth more than $1,000?  Good question. Consumer Reports ranks 10 dishwashers from 7 different companies ahead of the first Miele brand dishwasher.  So what does Miele give you that Consumer Reports did not take into account?  As I sat down to review the Miele that was was exactly the question I asked myself.

We have this dishwasher because our previous dishwasher was also a Miele and when it broke down after 8 years (less than 10% of Consumer Reports reader reported serious problems with their Miele) of heavy use we were so happy with it that I decided to order the most comparable item.  Nonetheless, it seems you deserve an answer to the price question.

Soo.... I called the main number at Abt Electronics and asked one of their sales people.  He said that the more expensive European dishwashers have higher quality components, they are 5 to 7 decibels quieter, and they are more efficient with water and energy.  One of the ways they are more efficient with water and energy is that don't use heat to dry the dishes, they use circulating air.  This is why European dishwashers needs products like Jet Dry.

Speaking from personal experience I can tell you that the best feature of this dishwasher is that it is WHISPER quiet which for us is a huge deal.  You can literally be standing right next to it and not even know it is on.  I grew up with Maytag Dishwashers in our house and I know that was not the case with them.  We are able to load the dishes and start it going right in the middle of a dinner party or a regular family dinner without any discernible noise.  In fact, sometimes I have to put my ear up to the dishwasher to know if someone already put it on.

The Abt sales person tells me that a good alternative is Kitchen Aid architect II series.  The Kitchen Aid KUDK 03FTSS has a concealed front, and it is $833.   Still seems like a lot to me.

Before you go shopping think about the following:

1. Do you want a stainless front?  It will cost you.

2.  How important is the noise factor?  This will cost you.

3. How important is energy and water efficiency?  This will cost you.

4. How important is adjust-ability of racks?  This will cost you

5. Will you be washing crystal in the dishwasher?  This will cost you.

And that folks, is how you get from $400 to $1200 price range.