Per the title, after each run, the pod is left in the top handle. Not a year old yet and this is getting frustrating.

Any thoughts on what is happening?

I cleaned it and ran it with nothing inside and still did this.

Does it look similar to this model with the dispenser at the top of the door? Usually I get issues like this if I have a dish blocking the dispenser, but if you ran it empty it disqualifies that thought.

The soap dispenser drops it in that spot. Not sure what to do. I have tried a new batch of pods and same result.

Yes. It has the dispenser at the top of the door that drops it into that handle.

Have used Finish Quantum pods in my 800 for 5-6 years. Never had that happen. Try different brand.

I've got a Thermador dishwasher (Bosch). I'd also recommend trying a different brand pod.

I always just throw my pod in the bottom, have never used the dispenser and never had an issue. Could try that.

Check the sprayer arm on the rack for an obstruction in the holes at the end of the arm. Something could be stuck in there restricting water flow causing the pod not to get wet enough to dissolve.

build up of mineral deposits somewhere maybe? have you tried running a cycle with some citric acid or vinegar in there?

throwing the pod in the bottom won't clean your dishes effectively

I've gone back to powdered detergents.
In powdered form you can get both bleach and enzymes which are not storage stable side by side in aqueous gels and pods.

A dose of powder in the main wash compartment and a dash in the prewash works well for me with whatever mid-level dishwasher the previous owners of my home installed.

Powder (Or gel) won't hang up in the handle. It'll fall to the bottom and get incorporated into the water for that cycle.

Going to try and replace the inlet valve. If there is not enough water, it will not have enough pressure to wash.

$18 part on the way.

Seems that has fixed the issue so far.

I have this same issue, but it's not every single cycle. Maybe once a week. I regret buying this model, and it had great reviews, generally as all Bosch do.

Have this model. I just use the powder. Sprinkle some on door for prewash and a little in the compartment depending on load size and works great. Basically like Kenneth said..

We are going to the liquid as well.

sts7049 said:

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throwing the pod in the bottom won't clean your dishes effectively

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Why not? Isn't the detergent just mixing with the water and being recirculated?

ETA This guy has a few interesting videos on dishwashers and the science behind them.

Pinochet said:

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sts7049 said:

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throwing the pod in the bottom won't clean your dishes effectively

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Why not? Isn't the detergent just mixing with the water and being recirculated?

ETA This guy has a few interesting videos on dishwashers and the science behind them.
Video

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I watched the whole thing. What's wrong with me?!?!

Just the one? What's wrong with someone who watches almost all this guy's videos? Asking for a friend obviously.

Pinochet said:

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Just the one? What's wrong with someone who watches almost all this guy's videos? Asking for a friend obviously.

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Ok, maybe just the one you posted but all 25+ minutes.

Because it's not an bulletproof LG nor Kitchenaid whose factories are THERE for you to make battle equipment in case of WAR ... some HOPE Germany will be on our side next time, it seems ... or do they even think that far out?




ASIDE confession:
That said, wife bought a for-Gkids hauling
Honda SUV stiffarming my Consumer Reports discount membership = RETAIL, no haggle. UGH 2012 so maybe she'll learn ...
My only defense is a) that Honda hired a LOCAL architect for new building
b) best service in town + popcorn, lattes, snacks, laptop chargers, free shuttles & wash
c) OK OK pricey of course
d) only place in town that READS tire PSI design off the car & nails it every time + other OCDs we appreciate ... for a change in this unsupervised college town where no one needs a receipt (Daddy's credit card), so no one's a critic of substandard

Reloadags1998 said:

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Pinochet said:

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sts7049 said:

---

throwing the pod in the bottom won't clean your dishes effectively

---

Why not? Isn't the detergent just mixing with the water and being recirculated?

ETA This guy has a few interesting videos on dishwashers and the science behind them.
Video

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I watched the whole thing. What's wrong with me?!?!

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I can't judge. Pretty sure he's got THREE dishwasher videos and I've watched them all.

The issue with the pod in the bottom is that you're blowing the pod on that shorter prewash cycle, and just getting a longer fresh water rinse

OP, I started thinking about this after reading your post as to why this happens and I have a hypothesis.

The top drawer that the pod sits in has its own rotating arm below it with jets that blast the dishes from underneath. Sometimes my wife or I will accidentally load it where the bottom drawer is able to be pushed back completely and you are able to start the washer just fine, but a tall pot, pan (or knife/utensil in the silverware bin) could and probably does block this top-shelf sprayer from rotating quickly enough or altogether.

If you look at your pic and at your own dishwasher, a jet gets right underneath where the pod is to help dissolve the pod after it drops in from the door.

I would ensure there is enough clearance when you push the bottom drawer in for the top-shelf spray arm to rotate completely and freely.

That's a good point. Now I wonder if the arm is able to move freely at all. OP, give it a spin and make sure it moves!

OP said they ran it empty, so improper loading may not be the fix, but ensuring the arm spins freely, trying to clear out any blockage from the jet, and making sure enough water is coming in will probably fix it which it sounds like it did.

I have the same washer and had the same issue. It is 100% in the way that you loaded the dishwasher. You can't obstruct the spray arm from turning or the dispenser door from opening or you will get the scenario that you posted.