Thanksgiving Turkey Feast        Holiday Entertaining        Tips for Holiday Baking        Convection Cooking Winter Meals        Dishwasher 101 Dishwasher 101     Tips for great results with Bosch, Gaggenau and Thermador dishwashers. The manufacturers’ Use and Care Manuals are the best source of accurate information for proper use and loading of your dishwasher, however these quick tips will help you avoid some common problems: Rinse Agent – For effective drying a rinse agent such as Jet Dry or Cascade must always be used even if you are using pre-measured soap tabs with some rinse agent imbedded. The amount of Rinse Agent dispensed with each wash can be adjusted using the dial in the Rinse Agent compartment. Use low numbers from 1-3 to reduce streaks on glasses and high numbers 4 – 6 to reduce spots on glasses. Periodically unscrew the micro filter in the bottom of the machine and clean out any accumulated debris. Hold it under running water and give it a few shakes to loosen any particles. Most importantly, be sure to firmly lock it back in place before using the machine again. Use the correct amount of detergent – 1 tablespoon of powdered detergent is sufficient for most loads. Excessive amounts of dishwasher soap when used with soft water may cause etching in glass. It is not necessary to wash or rinse the dishes before loading them into the machine, simply scrape off food debris. Soak broiling and roasting pans and scrape off any caramelized bits before washing in the machine. Avoid washing wooden utensils and sharp knives in the dishwasher and only wash plastics that are dishwasher safe. Bosch Gaggenau and Thermador dishwashers use minimal amounts of water and can be effectively used to help you keep your working space organized when preparing elaborate feasts. If you are hosting a large dinner, plan to use your dishwasher effectively; it’s the best kitchen assistant you could have! Wash all the prep equipment before the party begins so the machine is empty and ready to load with plates, silver and glassware. Wash all the plates and serving dishes and even some lightly soiled cooking pans using the Auto Plus cycle. The machines’ sensors will adjust the cycle length and water temperature changes based on the soil load. Consider purchasing an accessory glass rack and wash all the glasses including the most delicate crystal at one time using the Delicate cycle. Adjust the level of the top rack to accommodate extra-tall glasses or plates. Take the top rack out, install the extra tall item sprinkler on the back wall of the dishwasher and load in large flat-rimmed baking trays, broil pans and roasting pans. You can also wash the oven racks while the oven is in self-cleaning mode.