Thermador dishwashers sit at the high end of the appliance world—brimming with smart features, adjustable racks, quiet motors, and sleek styling. But real-world ownership stories reveal mixed results. This in-depth review (over 1,000 words) explores everything—from cleaning and drying to user frustrations and repair realities.
About Thermador Dishwashers
Part of BSH Hausgeräte (alongside Bosch and Neff), Thermador promotes itself as a premium line with “Sapphire” styling, StarDry™ Zeolite drying, Home Connect integration, and customizable three-rack loading systems. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
✅ What Thermador Gets Right
- Excellent cleanliness and flexibility: Many users praise their Sapphire series units with adjustable racks, third trays for silverware, and consistent wash cycles. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Quiet performance: Models can run as silently as ~42 dB, making them ideal in open kitchens. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Smart features: Home Connect remote control, delay start, time projection display on the floor, and voice control compatibility. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
👎 Where Users Experience the Frustration
Here’s what many real owners report:
- Drying falls short: Even “extra dry” settings or StarDry systems often leave plastics damp unless power rinse agent is aggressive. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Navigating erratic noise: Some Sapphire models get loud—especially under a full top rack, suggesting spray arm interaction issues. One user said it even woke them during the night. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Stops mid-cycle or won’t start: Common issues include faulty door switches, blown fuses, or failing control boards. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Delay start glitches: If someone opens the door while the delay timer is counting down, the cycle doesn’t start—even if the countdown completes. That design quirk frustrates multiple users. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Error codes and poor leaks handling: Many face E15 or flood sensor activations due to sump basin leaks or stuck float switches. Replacements are long waits. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Build quality concerns: Reports note peeling chrome handles, weak rack clips, and continued buzzing from pump motors. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Service nightmares: Long delays for warranty repairs—even under warranty—and poor support experiences are common. Many buyers say it took months to resolve issues or replace parts. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
📋 Real Owner Comments & Examples
“It cleans well… you have to check the light to know it’s on.” — user review on Thermador Sapphire, praised for rack design and silence. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
“Dishwasher was quiet… but cleaning was only OK and drying poor, even on extra dry setting.” — another mid-tier Sapphire owner frustrated by dryness and noise. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
“HomeConnect setup was nightmare. Buttons are non-intuitive, app confusing, and must reset multiple times.” — multiple Reddit users flag low usability. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
🛠 Common Repairs & Troubleshooting Tips
- Noise investigations: Remove top rack, run a rinse cycle, and listen. If spray arm hits dishes—adjust load spacing. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- E15/Flood error: Causes include cracked sump seals. A basin replacement resolved it in one case—but requires sourcing rare parts. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- Heating fault (E09): Often traced back to heat-pump heater or heat pump pump heater failure. Resetting breaker may help short-term. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
- Issue with delay start: Don’t open door during countdown—or you’ll need to re-press start. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
- Display projection fix: Owner-replaced part PN 10033045, though it’s often out of stock. Manual is needed to access it. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
✅ Thermador Dishwasher Pros & Cons
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Customizable racks, stainless tub, and premium cleanliness | Complex operation and confusing controls for casual users |
| Whisper-quiet (~42–46 dB) wash operation | Noise can return loud under load or with worn spray arm seals |
| Smart app features and floor time projection | Smart functions often glitch or complicate basic use |
| Impressive drying features including StarDry | Drying often underwhelms—especially for plastics and cups |
| Luxurious styling with metal handles and premium finishes | Poor post-sale support, long part lead times, and limited service network |
🔍 When Is Thermador a Good Fit?
Consider Thermador if you:
- Value high-end finishes and integrated third-tray & rack flexibility.
- Run your kitchen quietly and want minimal noise in open-plan spaces.
- Are comfortable troubleshooting cycles via smartphone or manual resets.
It may be less ideal if you:
- Prefer simple controls, solid drying, or fewer cycle quirks.
- Need confidence in quick local service or long-term reliability.
- Don’t want to deal with complex error codes or reset procedures regularly.
🔚 Final Thoughts
Thermador dishwashers are engineered for luxury kitchens with thoughtful design, smart features, and quiet execution. The Sapphire series in particular offers standout loading flexibility and cleaning. But voice control, app connectivity, or noise-free bragging rights come at the cost of complexity—often exposed through mid-cycle stops, poor drying, error codes, and frustrating support experiences.
If you’re confident in navigating modern appliance quirks and have reliable service access, Thermador might impress. But many real users describe smart features that complicate rather than simplify. In contrast, recommended high-end alternatives like Bosch and Miele offer similar if slower hardware with easier support. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Bottom line: Thermador can be luxurious when it works—but be prepared for possible road bumps in ownership. Keep manuals handy, check local support availability, and consider whether premium tech—and patience—are worth it.