Imagine your kitchen at dawn. It’s so quiet you can hear the hum of the refrigerator. You can’t hear the dishwasher, though, because at 40 decibels, it’s practically silent. But what if I told you that nearly one in ten of these whisper-quiet machines needs a service call in its first year?
You want an appliance that solves problems, not one that creates them. You’re paying for peace of mind. I’ve waded through the hype, tested the real-world performance, and uncovered the truth. This asko dishwasher review will show you if this luxury machine is a dream come true or a high-maintenance headache.
Keynote: ASKO Dishwasher Review
ASKO dishwashers offer a premium steel build and quiet, water-efficient operation. However, current models face significant reliability issues and inconsistent cleaning performance. Widespread service and parts availability problems make competitors like Bosch or Miele a safer investment for most buyers seeking luxury and dependability in their kitchen appliance.
Why You’re Eyeing ASKO and Why I Dug Deeper
You’ve probably seen the sleek Scandinavian design. You’ve heard whispers of a 20-year lifespan. That’s what pulled me in, too. But I needed to know more. So, I tested models, read through more than 100 owner rants, and looked for the hidden flaws you won’t find in the ads.
My goal was to create a review that cuts through the marketing fluff. I wanted to see how it handled a baked-on lasagna pan, not just what the lab stats claimed. I looked at the real-world issues, like food getting stuck on clean plates and filters that demand constant attention. This is about trust.
It’s also important to know the brand’s story. Asko Appliances began in Sweden with a focus on durability. Today, it’s owned by Hisense, a Chinese corporation, with production in Slovenia. This shift matters, especially when you’re trying to find parts or a repair tech in North America.
What Makes ASKO Shine (and Where It Stumbles)
ASKO builds its reputation on premium features. But do they deliver in a real kitchen? Let’s break it down.
- Scandinavian steel fortress: ASKO’s “8 Steel™” philosophy is a huge selling point. The tub, racks, and even the spray arms are all made of stainless steel construction. It feels incredibly durable compared to rivals’ plastic parts. But is it overkill? Some owners report that while the steel lasts, smaller parts like sensors and screws fail early.
- TurboDry & Super Cleaning+: The brand claims its Super Cleaning System+ and Turbo Drying eliminate pre-rinsing. In my tests, it almost works. The system cleans well, but it can struggle with food redeposit. That means bits of spinach from one bowl can end up stuck to a “clean” plate. The drying system uses a fan and often an auto-open door, which works well on ceramics but can leave plastics damp.
- Third-rack magic: The FlexiRacks are brilliantly designed. You can fit tall wine glasses and bulky pans in the same load. The top third rack is a game-changer for cutlery and small utensils. However, some users complain that the racks can slip off their tracks, which is frustrating when they’re fully loaded.
- The hidden headaches:
- Food “redeposit” battles: As mentioned, leftover food particles can be a problem. This is a letdown for a premium machine.
- Filter cleaning: You have to manually clean the filter, sometimes weekly. This is a chore that many competitors have engineered away.
- Warranty gaps: The two-year warranty sounds great, but read the fine print. Owners report that issues like rust and certain electronic part failures are often not covered.
Real Owners Speak: “Love the Quiet… Hate the Repairs”
To get the full story, I listened to what actual owners had to say. Their experiences are deeply divided.
- The praise: The most common compliment is about quiet operation. It’s something people truly love. As one owner put it, “So silent, I forget it’s running!” At 40-44 decibels, it’s no louder than a library.
- The pain: On the other side, the complaints about asko dishwasher reliability are loud and clear. One owner, Chris, shared his nightmare: “29 repairs in 2 months.” He eventually got a full refund. This highlights a major issue: the cost and availability of service in North America can be a real challenge.
- Day-to-day quirks:
- Owners love the loading flexibility from the adjustable racks. But many hate the finicky touch controls, which can become unresponsive.
- The failure to dry plastic containers is a common surprise. You might open the door to find your Tupperware still wet.
ASKO vs. Bosch vs. Miele: The Premium Showdown
How does ASKO stack up against the other big names in the luxury appliance world? The price point is similar, but the performance and reliability can vary wildly. This is where we need to look at the Asko vs Miele comparison and see how Bosch fits in.
| Feature | ASKO | Bosch 800 / Benchmark | Miele G7000 Series |
| Price (starting) | ~$1,049–1,899 | ~$549+ to $1,799+ | ~$1,200 to $4,500+ |
| Noise level | ~40 dB | ~39–44 dB | ~37–43 dB |
| Drying System | TurboDry / Auto-door-open | CrystalDry zeolite / AutoAir | Auto-open door + fan |
| Cleaning power | Super Cleaning+ (redeposits) | PrecisionWash, top rinsing | Exceptional cleaning, PowerDisk |
| Racking flexibility | 3 racks, foldable tines | Third rack MyWay™ | MultiFlex 3D rack |
| Reliability (service rate) | ~10+% maybe higher | ~9.5 % | ~10.1 % service rate |
| Service availability | Sparse | Widespread | Strong support and parts |
- Price shock: ASKO sits squarely in the premium category, often starting higher than a comparable Bosch. Miele commands the highest prices but often comes with superior service.
- Cleaning power: Bosch’s PrecisionWash system is better at preventing redeposit issues. Miele’s system is widely considered the gold standard for cleaning, especially with its automatic detergent dispenser.
- Drying face-off: ASKO’s fan-assisted system is good, but Bosch’s CrystalDry (zeolite) technology is the undisputed champion for drying plastics. Miele’s auto-open door is also highly effective and energy-efficient.
- Reliability: This is the key differentiator. Bosch has a massive, reliable service network across North America. ASKO’s support infrastructure is sparse, making repairs difficult and expensive for many homeowners. Miele also has a strong, well-regarded service network.
Who Actually Needs an ASKO? (Spoiler: Not Everyone)
After all this, you might be wondering if an ASKO is right for you. It comes down to your priorities.
- Buy it if you:
- Crave the durability of all-stainless steel components and a sleek, integrated design.
- Don’t mind performing regular filter maintenance to achieve excellent water efficiency.
- Have confirmed there is a certified ASKO repair technician in your area.
- Skip it if you:
- Want bone-dry plastics every time. The drying system just isn’t built for it.
- Live in a rural area or a city where ASKO service is rare. Check before you buy!
- Pro alternatives:
- Budget hero: Whirlpool WDTA50. It’s a reliable workhorse with a stainless tub for around $700.
- Drying king: The Bosch 800 Series. Its CrystalDry technology is unmatched for drying plastics.
- Splurge-worthy: Miele G7216. It offers set-and-forget drying and legendary long-term reliability and repair costs that are often lower over time.
Your Survival Guide: Maximizing ASKO’s Potential
If you decide to go with ASKO, a few simple habits can make a world of difference.
- Avoid redeposit disasters: Scrape large food chunks off your plates, but don’t pre-rinse. Rinsing fools the soil sensors. Letting the Super Cleaning System+ tackle the mess is what it’s designed for.
- Filter care made easy: Set a calendar reminder to clean the filter once a month. It only takes about three minutes and will keep the water jets clear and your dishes sparkling.
- Warranty hacks: Register your dishwasher immediately to activate the full warranty. Keep a detailed log with dates of any issues that arise. This documentation is vital if you need to file a claim.
Final Take: Is ASKO Your Kitchen’s Soulmate?
Let’s bring it all home. Is an ASKO dishwasher the right choice for your kitchen?
- The bright side: It’s incredibly quiet, highly water-efficient, and has a stunning Scandinavian design. The all-steel interior feels like a true premium appliance.
- The reality check: It can be high-maintenance. You’ll face drying hiccups with plastics and enter into a bit of a repair roulette, especially if service is scarce in your area.
- Your move: If the feel of steel and a beautiful, panel-ready style thrill you—and you’re okay with some upkeep—an ASKO can be a wonderful machine. For everyone else? Bosch or Miele will likely deliver more peace of mind.
- Over to you: What’s your ASKO love-or-hate story? Share it below!
Conclusion
You’ve seen the evidence from every angle. This asko dishwasher review was designed to give you clarity, not just specs. The promise of luxury is tempting, but true quality is found in the daily, lived experience. Choose the appliance that will bring you peace, not problems. The perfect dishwasher is the one that lets you forget it’s even there.
Reviews of ASKO Dishwashers (FAQs)
Are Asko dishwashers worth the money?
They are worth it only if you prioritize all-steel build quality and minimalist design above all else. You must also be prepared for regular filter maintenance and the potential for a difficult and expensive repair experience. For most buyers, brands like Bosch and Miele offer better overall value and reliability for a similar price.
Where are Asko dishwashers made?
While ASKO is a Swedish brand with its heritage in Scandinavian design, the dishwashers are currently manufactured in Velenje, Slovenia. The brand is part of the Gorenje Group, which is owned by the Chinese multinational corporation Hisense.
What is the lifespan of an Asko dishwasher?
ASKO tests its dishwashers for a 20-year lifespan, and many older models have lasted that long. However, recent user reviews and reliability data suggest that modern units are more prone to electronic failures. Many owners report significant issues within 2-5 years, making the true long lifespan of new models questionable.
Is Asko better than Bosch?
In terms of raw build quality and materials (steel vs. plastic), some might argue ASKO has an edge. However, Bosch is generally considered better in several key areas: drying performance (especially plastics), cleaning consistency, quiet operation (on top models), and most importantly, service availability and reliability. For most North American consumers, a Bosch dishwasher is the safer and more practical choice.
Does ASKO make good dishwashers?
ASKO dishwashers are known for their premium steel construction and minimalist design. However, owner reviews frequently cite significant reliability and cleaning performance issues. Finding qualified service technicians and parts can be a major challenge for owners. Competing brands like Miele and Bosch often provide a more dependable experience.
Is ASKO a high-end brand?
Yes, ASKO is positioned and priced as a high-end luxury appliance brand. Its products compete directly with the premium series from Miele and Bosch Benchmark. The brand markets its superior materials, sleek Scandinavian style, and advanced features.
What is the lifespan of an ASKO dishwasher?
ASKO tests its appliances to withstand the equivalent of twenty years of regular use. While older models were known for their longevity, many modern units are not as durable. Current reliability reports show frequent electronic failures occurring within two to five years.
Is ASKO Chinese owned?
Yes, the ASKO brand is ultimately owned by the Chinese multinational company Hisense. Hisense acquired the Slovenian appliance manufacturer Gorenje, which had previously bought ASKO. The brand maintains its Swedish design roots despite its current corporate ownership structure.
How do ASKO’s racks enhance its flexible loading options?
ASKO offers excellent flexible loading options through its highly adjustable rack system. The upper rack can be raised or lowered to accommodate tall glasses or large plates in the lower rack, maximizing space for each unique load.
Does ASKO’s advanced functionality compromise its energy efficiency?
No, the brand engineers its core functionality to deliver powerful cleaning while prioritizing high energy efficiency. ASKO dishwashers are recognized as some of the most efficient on the market, using minimal water and electricity per cycle.
Katie Lee has over 20 years of experience in the kitchen. She helps homeowners find the right appliances for their needs to sets up a perfect kitchen system. She also shares helpful tips and tricks for optimizing appliance performance.