Thermador Dishwasher Review: Is StarDry Worth It?

Your dinner party was a huge success. Now you’re loading the dishwasher, hoping your wine glasses come out gleaming and not foggy. You stare at that pile of plastic containers, knowing they’ll probably come out dripping wet, just like always.

That damp Tupperware is a real problem. The core issue is that most dishwashers just can’t dry plastics well. So you’re stuck towel-drying half the load. I’m here with a full thermador dishwasher review to show you if this luxury machine can finally end that frustration. Relief is just a scroll away.

Keynote: Thermador Dishwasher Review

Thermador dishwashers offer elite cleaning and unmatched drying with StarDry technology. This luxury comes at a high price, and buyers should consider mixed user reviews on long-term reliability and customer service before purchasing.

What Makes Thermador Shine (and Who It’s For)

So, why does Thermador get so much buzz? It’s not just about the fancy name. This brand, part of BSH Home Appliances alongside Bosch and Gaggenau, packs some serious tech.

The biggest magic trick is StarDry with Zeolite. This system uses natural mineral crystals that absorb moisture and release heat. This means it zaps water off everything even plastic lids and glass stemware. Finally, a dishwasher that promises a truly dry load.

It’s also whisper-quiet. Running between 42 and 44 decibels, it’s often quieter than the hum of your refrigerator. You might not even know it’s on.

And let’s talk about looks. You can get a panel-ready model that disappears into your cabinetry. Open the door, and the cool blue Sapphire Glow light makes your dishes look like jewels. This professional-grade appliance is built for showstopper kitchens.

So, who is this for? It’s the perfect fit for tech lovers who want smart appliance control with the Home Connect app. It’s for entertainers who need spotless results every time. And it’s for anyone who craves a silent, powerful partner in their high-end kitchen.

Real-World Performance: Does It Walk the Talk?

Looks and features are great, but does it actually clean? I dug into the real-world results to find out. The performance is impressive, but it comes with a few quirks.

Cleaning Power That Wows (or Disappoints)

I looked at the toughest tests, like baked-on lasagna pans. Thanks to features like the Zone Control Spray Arm, you can target serious messes with extra water pressure. The result? Lab tests and user reports agree: dishes come out spotless. It cleans incredibly well, even on the tricky third rack.

Now for the drying drama. StarDry performance is a game-changer. It’s a huge win for plastics, which come out much drier than with other machines. But it’s not always perfect. Some owners report that plastics can still be damp if the dishwasher is over-packed.

What about noise? The quietness is a huge plus, especially in open-concept homes. Most of the time, you won’t hear a thing. A few people have mentioned a low “mumbling” sound near the end of the cycle, but it’s hardly a deal-breaker.

Loading Flexibility vs. Annoying Limits

Thermador dishwashers have a third rack, often called the Chef’s Tool Drawer or Entertainer’s Drawer. It’s a genius spot for spatulas, long knives, and other flat utensils. This adds a ton of capacity.

But here’s the reality check. That third rack can sometimes reduce the headroom below. If you have a lot of tall stockpots or bulky mixing bowls, you might struggle to make them fit on the lower racks. The adjustable tines help a lot, but big families with lots of large cookware might find it frustrating.

The Hidden Costs & Service Nightmares

Before you fall in love, let’s talk about the real cost. A luxury appliance comes with a “luxury tax” that goes beyond the sticker price.

Choosing a model with custom panels means paying for the panel itself and a professional installation, which can add up. You’ll also have ongoing costs for rinse aid and special dishwasher salt to keep things running smoothly. These are small, but they don’t stop.

But the biggest hidden cost could be a service nightmare. When a luxury machine breaks, you expect luxury service. Sadly, that’s not always the case. The standard warranty is two years, but many owners report major delays in getting repairs.

I’ve seen dozens of complaints about service. One frustrated Reddit user put it bluntly:

“They do not stand by their products and their customer service is non existing.”

Waiting weeks for a technician or months for a part is a common story. This is where the dream of a high-end kitchen can turn into a huge headache. The cost of out-of-warranty repairs can also be steep, a detail many buyers overlook.

Thermador vs. Rivals: Where It Wins (and Loses)

So, is a thermador dishwasher worth the money compared to other top brands? It depends on what you value most. Let’s break down the competition.

Feature	Thermador (Sapphire Series)	Bosch (800 / Benchmark)	Miele (G 7000 Series)	KitchenAid (600+ Series)
MSRP Range	~$1,999 – $2,499	~$1,050 – $1,650	~$1,300 – $3,500	~$1,050 – $2,150
Noise Level	42-44 dBA	38-42 dBA	41+ dBA	39-44 dBA
Drying Tech	StarDry™ (Zeolite)	CrystalDry (Zeolite) / AutoAir	AutoOpen Door / Fan-Assist	ProDry (Fan-Assist + Heat)
Standout Feature	Interior Lighting, PowerBeam®	Exceptional Quietness	20-Year Lifespan Design	ProWash Cycle, Food Grinder*
Rack System	Flexible 3rd Rack, Adjustable Tines	MyWay™/Flexible 3rd Rack	3D MultiFlex Tray	FreeFlex™ 3rd Rack, Wide Tines
Reliability	Mixed; significant negative service reports	Generally strong; long-lasting	Excellent; industry leader in durability	Generally considered reliable
Warranty	2 Years Parts & Labor	1 Year Parts & Labor	2 Years Parts & Labor*	1 Year Parts & Labor

Thermador vs. Bosch (Its Cousin)

This is the big one. Since they are owned by the same company, the Thermador dishwasher vs Bosch Benchmark debate is fierce. Bosch models are built in the same factory and use the same core Zeolite drying tech (they call it CrystalDry).

The Bosch 800 series is often quieter and costs hundreds less. So why pick Thermador? It comes down to prestige and design. Thermador offers superior looks, the blue interior light, and slicker WiFi controls via the Home Connect app.

Thermador vs. Miele (The Long-Haul Champ)

Miele is the brand you buy for life. Their machines are famous for their build quality and are engineered to last 20 years. Miele’s drying system is also excellent, and their racks are known for being incredibly robust.

Miele often costs more upfront, but it’s built like a tank. Thermador wins on cutting-edge tech and a flashier design, making it the choice for a more modern, design-focused home.

Real Owners Spill the Truth

Lab tests are one thing, but what’s it like to live with a Thermador dishwasher? I read through countless owner stories, and they are a mix of love and rage.

The love letters praise the stunning results. One owner raved, “My stemware gleams!” The drying power of StarDry with Zeolite is a frequent highlight. But does the performance of those Zeolite crystals fade over time? It’s a question with few long-term answers.

Then there are the rage rants. “Racks are tiny!” is a common complaint from families with large dishes. The biggest heartbreaks come from glitches. Owners report the Home Connect app bugging out, Tupperware still coming out wet, and getting stuck in service limbo for months. One owner’s brand-new Sapphire model started leaking due to the StarDry system, and they waited over four months for a fix.

The best pro tip from owners? Use the “Auto + Extra Dry” cycle. It takes longer, but it delivers the most spotless dishes.

Final Verdict: Should YOU Splurge?

So, after all this, should you buy one? My final verdict is clear: it’s not for everyone. This isn’t just a purchase; it’s an investment in a certain kind of kitchen experience.

Buy if: You crave luxury looks and have a high-end kitchen design. You host often and need dishes to be perfect. You love smart tech and want all your appliances connected. Most importantly, you live in an area with reliable Thermador service professionals.

Skip if: You’re on a tight budget. You hate fussing with apps and smart features. You live far from a major city, where getting specialized repairs could be a nightmare.

Try these instead: The Bosch 800 Series for amazing value. A Miele for unmatched longevity. Or a KitchenAid for a family-friendly workhorse. Some even find the Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer to be a worthy alternative for its unique design.

As one reviewer wisely said:

“For dream kitchens, it’s bliss. For others? Overkill.”

This thermador dishwasher review should give you the clarity you need. It’s a fantastic machine when it works, but the potential for frustration is real.

I hope I’ve helped you see beyond the marketing shine. The choice is about matching a powerful appliance to your real life, your budget, and your patience.

Thermador Dishwasher Reviews (FAQs)