I agree with you littlesprite. I use the Fairy Dishwashing tabs which I wait until they are on special offer , wherever, which can save me up to £6 on a pack , which is rediculous, someone is making a mint or what. As you say even though they reckon they are all singing and dancing I still have to buy Dishwasher Salt and Dishwasher Rinse Aid and occasionally I do a 'deep clean'. And and a very big AND for all of you who dont have to do the darn washing up each night , NO I do not want to go back to washing dishes. It is a joy to be able to sit down like everyone else after a meal rather than spend ages cleaning the dishes and drying up. So despite all of my moans I still will use my dishwasher which i replace about every 3 years. I run mine when our electric goes on to 'night rate' and is cheaper.
Like all appliances I keep an eye on them when running anything. I know I mentioned a pal whose house burnt down because of a faulty dishwasher and not wanting to give the impression that all of my mates are pyromaniacs , I had another friend whose flat also had a terrible fire in the kitchen and this was caused by leaving the kettle plugged in and the plug switched on. So it can happen to any appliance. Just luck of the draw.