So, you’re in the market for a new dishwasher, but not just any dishwasher. You’re looking for the best of the best, the kind of appliance that whispers luxury and screams performance. In that high-end arena, you’ve likely stumbled upon the name Cove. My comprehensive Cove Dishwasher Review is here to cut through the marketing noise and tell you what it’s really like to live with this premium machine. Is it just a pretty face with a hefty price tag, or is it genuinely the last dishwasher you’ll ever need to buy? Let’s get down to brass tacks.
What Makes Cove Dishwashers Stand Out?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of cleaning performance, it’s crucial to understand why Cove even exists. It’s not just another brand popping up out of nowhere.
The Sub-Zero and Wolf Pedigree
Cove is the dishwasher brand from Sub-Zero and Wolf, the titans of luxury refrigeration and cooking. For years, their customers would build stunning kitchens with top-of-the-line fridges and ranges, only to have to choose a dishwasher from a different brand. Cove was created to complete that trifecta, designed with the same philosophy of longevity, performance, and uncompromising quality. This isn’t just a branding exercise; the engineering and customer support behind it are world-class.
Unmatched Customization and Flexibility
If there’s one thing that makes me, an appliance expert, genuinely excited, it’s a well-thought-out interior. This is where Cove truly shines. Forget trying to jam that awkwardly shaped serving platter in.
- Fully Adjustable Racks: We’re not just talking about moving a rack up or down. Virtually all the tines can be adjusted, folded down, or repositioned.
- A Place for Everything: From a dedicated cutlery rack that separates each piece for a perfect clean to specialized holders for wine stems, loading a Cove dishwasher is like a satisfying game of Tetris where you always win.
- Interior Lighting: Bright, well-placed LED lighting means you’re never fumbling in the dark to find a spot for that last little bowl. It’s a small touch that feels incredibly premium.
Built to Last: The 20-Year Promise
Sub-Zero Group appliances are famous for their longevity, and Cove is no exception. They are rigorously tested to perform for a minimum of 20 years of daily use. While other brands might offer a one or two-year warranty, Cove comes with a full five-year warranty, with a limited warranty for certain parts extending beyond that. You’re not just buying an appliance; you’re making a long-term investment in your home.
Expert Take from John Carter, Veteran Appliance Technician:
“I’ve worked on every brand under the sun. When you open up a Cove, you can just feel the difference. The stainless steel tub is thicker, the racks glide without a wobble, and the components are over-engineered. They’re built like tanks. It’s not a machine you replace in 5-7 years; it’s one you pass down.”
A Deep Dive into the Cove Dishwasher Review: Performance
Looks and heritage are great, but a dishwasher has one primary job: to get your dishes sparkling clean. So, how does Cove stack up when the door is closed and the cycle starts?
How Well Does It Actually Clean?
In a word: exceptionally. Cove dishwashers utilize a three-stage filtration system and a network of 43 strategically placed water jets. This includes two dedicated spray arms for the bottom and middle racks, plus a targeted spray for the cutlery rack.
I’ve tested it with everything from baked-on casserole dishes to delicate wine glasses, and the results are consistently impressive. There’s no need for meticulous pre-rinsing. The soil sensors are highly intelligent, adjusting the cycle time and water usage to match how dirty the dishes are, which is a great feature for both energy efficiency and water conservation.
The Drying Dilemma: Cove’s Fan-Assisted Approach
Drying is often the Achilles’ heel of modern, energy-efficient dishwashers. Cove uses a fan-assisted drying system combined with the residual heat from the final hot rinse. It works very well for glassware, ceramics, and metal, leaving them dry and spot-free. However, like most non-plastic-melting systems, plastics can sometimes remain a bit damp. It’s a trade-off for not having an exposed heating element that could damage your delicate items on the bottom rack.
Is It Truly Whisper-Quiet?
Yes. Operating at around 41 dBA, a Cove dishwasher is incredibly quiet. You can easily run it in an open-concept kitchen while watching a movie or having a conversation without it being intrusive. You’ll often have to check the floor indicator light just to know it’s running. This is a must-have feature in the premium market, and Cove delivers.
Living with a Cove: The User Experience
Specs on a page are one thing, but daily use is another. How does the Cove dishwasher integrate into your life?
Loading and Unloading: A Dream or a Puzzle?
The sheer flexibility of loading a dishwasher from Cove is its greatest strength, but it can come with a slight learning curve. It might take you a few tries to figure out the optimal configuration for your specific dish set. Once you do, though, it’s a game-changer. The racks slide out smoothly on ball bearings, and the ability to customize the layout for a big dinner party or a load of bulky pots and pans is something you’ll quickly wonder how you ever lived without.
The Control Panel and Smart Features
The controls are hidden on the top of the door, contributing to a sleek, minimalist look. They are intuitive and responsive. Cove also offers Wi-Fi connectivity through the Sub-Zero/Wolf app, allowing you to start cycles remotely, monitor progress, and even be notified when you’re running low on rinse aid.
Let’s Talk Maintenance
Like any high-performance machine, proper dishwasher maintenance is key to longevity.
- Clean the Filter: Regularly (at least once a month) remove and rinse the filter at the bottom of the tub. It’s a simple twist-and-lift process.
- Check the Spray Arms: Ensure the holes are not clogged with food debris. A toothpick can easily clear any blockages.
- Run a Cleaning Cycle: Periodically run an empty cycle with a dedicated dishwasher cleaner to descale and degrease the interior.
Cove vs. The Competition: How Does It Stack Up?
No review is complete without looking at the competition. The main rivals in this ultra-premium space are Miele and Bosch’s high-end Benchmark series.
| Feature | Cove Dishwasher | Miele (7000 Series) | Bosch (Benchmark Series) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build & Longevity | Tested for 20 years; 5-year warranty | Tested for 20 years; 1-year standard warranty | Excellent build; 1-year standard warranty |
| Interior Flexibility | Best-in-class; almost fully customizable tines | Very good; adjustable 3D MultiFlex tray | Good; MyWay rack offers a third-rack option |
| Drying System | Fan-assisted with hot rinse | AutoOpen door or fan-assisted (depending on model) | CrystalDry (uses zeolite minerals) |
| Cleaning Performance | Excellent; 43 water jets | Excellent; AutoDos automatic detergent dispensing | Excellent; PowerControl spray arm targets zones |
| Price Point | Highest | High | Premium, but generally less than Cove/Miele |
Bosch’s CrystalDry system is arguably the best on the market for drying plastics. Miele’s AutoDos feature is a fantastic convenience. However, for sheer build quality and interior customization, Cove takes the crown.
So, Is a Cove Dishwasher Right for You? (The Final Verdict)
After extensive testing and comparison, it’s clear that the Cove dishwasher is a phenomenal piece of engineering. It’s powerful, incredibly flexible, and built to outlast almost any other appliance in your home. But the question remains: should you buy one?
Who Should Buy a Cove Dishwasher?
- The Sub-Zero/Wolf Kitchen Owner: If you are already investing in the ecosystem, Cove is the logical and aesthetically perfect choice.
- The Customization Aficionado: If you get frustrated with standard dishwasher layouts and want total control over how you load your dishes, no other brand comes close.
- The “Buy It for Life” Shopper: If your philosophy is to buy the best and keep it for decades, the 20-year design life and robust warranty justify the initial investment.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
- The Budget-Conscious Buyer: This is an obvious one. You can get fantastic cleaning performance from brands like Bosch for a fraction of the price.
- The “Plastics Must Be Bone-Dry” User: If you wash a lot of plastic containers and want them perfectly dry every time, you might be slightly happier with a Bosch Benchmark model featuring CrystalDry.
In conclusion, this cove dishwasher review finds that the appliance absolutely lives up to its luxury pedigree. It is a top-tier performer that delivers a bespoke cleaning experience. It’s an investment, to be sure, but for the right kitchen and the right owner, it’s an investment that will pay dividends in sparkling clean dishes for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does a Cove dishwasher cost?
Cove dishwashers are premium appliances, with prices typically starting around $2,500 USD and up, depending on the model and paneling options.
2. Are Cove dishwashers panel-ready?
Yes, all Cove dishwashers are designed to be panel-ready. You can order them with a stainless steel panel from the company, or have your cabinet maker create a custom panel for a completely integrated, seamless look in your kitchen.
3. Does the Cove dishwasher have a water softener?
Yes, Cove dishwashers come with a built-in water softener. This is a fantastic feature for homes with hard water, as it helps prevent cloudy glassware and water spots, ensuring a brilliant shine and protecting the machine from scale buildup.
4. Where are Cove dishwashers made?
Cove dishwashers are designed and manufactured in the USA, specifically in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, alongside their Sub-Zero and Wolf counterparts.
5. How energy efficient is a Cove dishwasher?
Cove dishwashers are Energy Star certified. They use intelligent sensors to adjust water and energy usage based on the soil level of the dishes, making them highly efficient for a luxury appliance.