Amazingly quiet dishwasher also cleans very well

I have had this GE PDW9200NBB Profile built-in dishwasher for two months now, and I am extremely pleased with it. Dishes, glassware, flatware, even pots and pans come out sparkling clean. But even better still, it is so much quieter than the contractor-grade dishwasher it replaced that I have to put my ear next to the cabinet to even tell whether it is running!

I bought this dishwasher to replace the 19-year-old GE Hotpoint unit that came with the house, which had begun to have impeller problems that caused it to sound like it was in immenent danger of self-destructing. Above all, I wanted a dishwasher that was quiet and wouldn't fill my small house with churning, sloshing and gurgling noises. I chose this unit primarily because of the enhanced sound insulation package but also because of the Energy Star rating, the tall tub, the towerless washing system (two separate washing arms, one for each level) and the hidden control panel. I also like the stainless steel interior, which should never stain (duh) and should outlast just about every other part of the product.

I think more should be written about the control panel. Mounted on the top edge of the cabinet door, it is almost completely invisible when the door is closed and replaces all the dials and levers found on many other models. Just select the program cycle, push the Start button and ease the door closed. Everything else is automatic. Need to interrupt the cycle? Just pop the door open. Simple and elegant, it looks great and works great.

As for the basic reason for owning a dishwasher - that is, cleaning - this one meets and even exceeds all expectation. The "SmartDispense" system senses the hardness of the water supply and automatically adjusts the amount of detergent it dispenses. I can't tell you how accurately that works, but I can tell you that glassware - even crystal - and flatware come out spotless, and dishes come out clean. I've also had very good results on pots and pans using just the normal cycle, although baked-on deposits do require the Cookware cycle.

I really don't have any complaints about this purchase. If I had to find one, however, it would be that the fold-down tines on the lower rack sometimes fold down on their own when I am inserting dishes or cookware. Similarly, the fold-down lids on the flatware (GE calls it "silverware") basket - the ones that are designed to hold small items - don't operate very well or even stay attached well. Since I don't use them, I removed them completely and stashed them in a kitchen drawer.

I purchased this GE PDW9200NBB Profile Dishwasher with SmartDispense as part of a complete suite of GE Profile appliances, including French door refrigerator, dual-fuel range, Advantium microwave and even a wine cooler. I will be reviewing all of these appliances on Epinions, but the long and short of it is that I've been pleased with them all.