Siemens iQ500 SN257I01MA

Love at first wash – I purchased the built in version - model SN457S01MA but there isn’t a listing so reviewing here as it’s similar model. Firstly. This is a very good looking machine and I love the controls are on black vs stainless steel so easy to clean the finger prints. I’m so happy with the way the machine cleans and the ease of stacking. Love the functionality - so simple to use. The digital screen also is so easy to see. And it’s soooo quiet. It’s the best dishwasher I’ve ever used and I’ve used many brands over the years!

Also impressed with the service centre. We had a tiny cosmetic fault on the door when the blue plastic protector was removed after installing and I spoke to Siemens and they fixed it - quickly without any hassle.

10/10. So glad I bought a Siemens!

Shaky start – Owned it less than a month. Off to a shaky start. Machine is used maybe 3-4 times every 7 days. Two issues have led me to write this review. First, the child lock feature, for some strange reason, doesn't include the On/Off button, meaning my inquisitive 1.5 yr old can turn off the dish washer mid-program. Genuinely curious to understand the rationale behind excluding probably the single most important button from the child lock feature. Pressing any of the other buttons mid-program shows the reassuring "CL" flash on the display, so it is definitely enabled. Fortunately the machine will resume washing once you turn it back on (having ushered your kids into another room). The instruction manual gives you the clear impression the child lock feature disables ALL buttons.

Edit: Siemens Australia have confirmed the behaviour of the child lock is by design...

Second, on two different programs and occasions over the last 3 weeks the detergent tray has failed to open, meaning lightly soiled dishes come out mostly clean, but not entirely clean. I use powder, not tablets, and have always been careful to fill the tray to just under the 25 mark, as per the instruction manual. The tray lid locking mechanism feels super flimsy when pushed down, giving you the impression that springing open would be energetic and reliable. Not so far. Wondering if this will make it to the 5 year warranty mark...

Edit: 1 month update. Tried switching to tablets after writing this review to see if it made any difference. Haven't had any issues with the detergent tray opening since making the change. Theory is the detergent powder expands in the tray because water gets in during the pre-wash cycle, causing the lid to jam shut. The tray has never been overfilled at any point. Poor sealing design?

On the plus side, internally it's very spacious and super quiet when running.

For the price, I'm certainly not over the moon.

Silent assassin – Freaks me out sometimes because I can’t hear it running, it’s so quiet, efficient and cleans fantastically every time Had it for 9 months hasn’t missed a beat, plus 3 year or is it 5 year warranty I forget but it’s the best dishwasher I’ve owned hands down + made in Germany = can’t lose

Excellent Quality – Our last dishwasher, a 'cheapie', lasted four years. We looked at many models in appliance stores and settled on the iQ500 due to the solid build, quality of components and decent features. There is a choice of cutlery basket or cutlery tray; we prefer the tray. Adjusting things is clear and easy, the wire racks and shelves are strong and built to last. Loading is straightforward, selecting a programme is simple, the ability to choose how much powder or rinse aid you wish to use or not use is great. The cycle operates quietly, the maintenance for cleaning the sprayers and filter is easier than the old machine, the water softener salt tank feature is great, and there is a dedicated maintenance cleaning cycle with a reminder too. We expect this unit to last many more years and clean far better than the cheap one!