Bob_cassette_rewinder (github.com)

Article summary

The article describes how the author hacked the Bob Dishwasher's detergent cartridge system, known as Bob Cassettes, to refill them at a significantly lower cost. The author discovered that the cassettes use a simple EEPROM chip to track the number of washes, and by resetting this counter, they can refill the cassettes with commercial dishwasher detergent and rinse aid. This approach can save up to 98% of the cost compared to buying new cassettes. The author also notes that the cassettes are designed to be convenient but expensive, with a cost of around 48p per wash.

Main themes

• Detergent cartridge hacking
• Cost savings
• Sustainability
• Appliance design
• DRM and consumer choice

What commenters say

• The Bob Dishwasher's cassette system is similar to other overpriced and DRM-enabled products, such as inkjet cartridges, and can be hacked to save costs.
• The use of commercial dishwasher detergent and rinse aid can be a viable and cost-effective alternative to the proprietary cassettes.
• The environmental impact of the cassettes, including the amount of plastic waste generated, is a significant concern and contradicts the company's claims of sustainability.
• The company's marketing claims of sustainability and eco-friendliness are misleading and cynical, given the actual design and functionality of the product.
• The ability to refill the cassettes and use alternative detergents is a positive aspect of the product, and the company's return and refill program for the cassettes can help reduce waste.
• The cost savings from hacking the cassettes can be significant, but the process may not be worth the effort for some users, and the company may eventually update the firmware to prevent this.