Good quality dishwasher (Bosch SGS45E68)

Member Name: count_zero

Product:	Bosch SGS45E68
Date:	29/06/06 (792 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent cleaning and build quality

Disadvantages: Main programme runs for over 2 hours.

Bosch Dishwasher
SGS45E68

Overview:
Our old Zanussi was coming to the end of its life and we were looking for a replacement. After shopping around and researching the different options (Which? reviews always seem to be concise and honest) we decided on a Bosch and hunted around for the best deal. The first thing I found was that even if you have a particular brand in mind the number of models available is mad and seem to be replaced every few months. I also think that dishwashers (more than washing machines say) need to be seen in the flesh as the variety of internal layouts is significant. This model had everything we were looking for in our price range and having looked around online found the showroom deal attractive and went ahead with the purchase.

This is a full size (60cm) dishwasher; although this is the same as my old Zanussi it seems to take a lot more inside. It comes in a silver finish that is very attractive - I quite fancied a stainless steel model but as these are buggers to keep clean I decided against it. The two racks are cleverly designed, seem quite rugged and allow for a lot of configuration. Most of the plate holders / dividers can be adjusted or removed and this allows different sized items to be accommodated. This flexibility is definitely an advantage and allows a lot more items to be held than other inflexible layouts. The top rack particularly is very versatile. The racks themselves can be removed and adjusted easily. The top rack has a tray for holding long knives and wooden spoons etc and this is quite useful as they are not always easy to accommodate. However, this can fill up with just two or three items and does restrict access to the area below for cups. All the parts: racks, handles and latches etc have a good solid feel to them and you don't get the impression that they will wear or weaken any time soon.

I have been impressed by the cleaning of this machine, everything I have thrown at it comes out spotless - even items I wouldn't have bothered putting in the Zanussi. Since buying this two months ago it probably gets used every other day and I haven't had to rinse or rewash a single thing.

There are a number of wash settings from quick to full blown and all are effective. The standard setting (50C) is the one I use most and has a pretty long cycle - up to 140 minutes but as I say has never left anything uncleaned. The control buttons are Bosch standard. Large and chunky, but fitted flush, they look good but their operation feels a little 'wobbly' when compared to the solidity of the rest of the machine. The digital display shows a timer counting down the cycle and this is useful. There are also indicator lights that tell you if you are low in rinse aid or salt, again very helpful. The unit has all A ratings but this is a minimum expectation and there is no shortage of machines that match this. In operation it is very quiet throughout the cycle. I have an open plan kitchen / living area layout and there is never any intrusion.

An interesting titbit from the sales assistant regarding Bosch, where the model name has a double "X" in its name (Exxcel, Exxpress) this shows that it was manufactured in Germany, other models are manufactured in Spain. I've no idea if this is true so make of it what you will (Bosch make about 10% extra).

This model has a lot going for it and I haven't any regrets about choosing it, it does everything you need from a dishwasher without any fuss.

Summary: Good looking dishwasher from a reliable manufacturer

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