John Lewis JLBIDW1200

I bought this when our Siemens dishwasher broke after 10 years of good service. I was attracted to this product, even though it was more expensive than a Bosch, as JL customer service is excellent and they offer a 3 year guarantee on the dishwasher.

However - I hate the machine! The design, particularly of the top shelf, is poor. It is awkward to load (due to the top spinning arm being built into the top shelf) and stuff falls over constantly. The bottom shelf is just about ok, though the collapsible rails collapse when you don't want them to.

The quality of the wash is not good - more than once I have needed to rewash items by hand. I never had to do this with the Siemens.

On a good point - when I finally realised I was not going to grow to love it I contacted John Lewis who have been brilliant - and they have offered a full refund, even though I've had it for about 2 months. So hats off to JL for that.

Useless design - racks fold down even when loaded with plates etc. Cleaning average; very long programmes for such results. Error coding inaccurate. A bad design, poor cleaning - back to the days when DW were new to the UK.

HOWEVER - IT IS A VERY QUIET MACHINE. 5 STARS FOR THAT!

I've just come off the telephone from John Lewis, who have agreed to refund in full my purchase of their branded Fisher & Paykel double dishdrawer that failed to make it through its first week.

The previous machine was the F&P integrated version, which lasted 7 & 1/2 years with intermittent flooding problems due to the weak lid motors (replaced twice); apparently not a bad record considering some peoples' experiences. I got quite proficient at whipping out the bottom drawer, towelling up the water and then waving the hair-drier over the PCB.

I'd gone for the JL version as I liked the concept and convenience of 2 drawers and I had thought the problems might have been ironed out in the last few years, but it was a triumph of hope over experience. In the test cycle, the upper drawer errored, but I assumed that might be to do with the lower one being off its runners (putting the plastic cover back over the circuit board).

I reckon there has been just over half a dozen uses and had an error code (different one on each drawer) on most of them.

If JL or F&P were subject to the FOI Act, it would be interesting to know the percentage problems these devices suffer. What intrigues me is that back in New Zealand, they're rock solid (based on what 2 Kiwi friends tell me). Perhaps it's the shipping or perhaps it's our water or perhaps I'm just unlucky.

I really wanted to buy this, but I've lost confidence and don't wish to be making friends with the repairman (and I mean that in the nicest possible way). If you're considering buying this, then the best part to focus on is the "John Lewis" component, as you'll either be satisfied owning it or returning it.