I've had the Miele Optima since 2006. It has been trouble free, cleans well and is quiet. We love the cutlery tray on top, and in fact that is why I bought it, as I had never heard of Miele, before and I had not (in 2006) discovered Garden Web Yet.

I highly recommend it!

Gary

loading flexibility and quality can't be beat on the miele.

Miele has on-board water softner while Asko does not.

If you have moderately hard water to hard water you should not even consider Asko.

Even with soft water,I still give Miele the edge due to build quality. And Optima has the cuterly tray.Most people that use it love it. I do.

Asko has or will soon start manufacturing all their European made appliances in Slovenia. Closing or closed production in Sweeden. Miele is made in Germany. Future parts will definetly be made in Slovenia.

I've used a Gorenje (sp.?) dryer made in Slovenia - if it was any indication, the Slovenians build some pretty nice stuff.

Thanks so much. Miele it is! Your responses were such a great resource.

The Optima for $850 is a great deal. I have the model below it, the Diamante Plus, for 2 years and love it.
But over the past few years I have seen some threads on here about people having issues with the Optima. Below is one that I found. Just be sure you get an extended warranty just in case.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/appl/msg0321294626358.html?20