You wouldn't think to compare Miele and KitchenAid dishwashers.
After all, Miele is super premium and considered the best. However
KitchenAid will be quieter and have
a better wash system than comparable Miele dishwashers.
And that's just the start.
In this video, you'll see a comparison
in washing, drying, and racking between Miele and KitchenAid, as well as reliability
based on our 37,061 service calls we made last year.
We'll also make some general
recommendations for particular models based on comparable prices.
In the end,
you'll know not only which brand but which model may be right for you.
First, let's discuss the major
differences within the two brands because it is confusing.
Both brands have two series. For Miele its
the G5000 and G7000 series, with different models in each.
They have different cycles and drying features.
KitchenAid doesn't label their first series per se,
but there's a distinct difference between the better M designated models over $1,000
and their lower price units in quietness, racking, and drying.
Not all those differences are better
by the way.
European dishwashers like Miele used to be quieter than American dishwashers like
KitchenAid due to a noisier soft food disposer. To solve this problem,
KitchenAid released a line of dishwashers three years ago with filters in the bottom
for quieter decimal ratings like their European competition.
Now, KitchenAid's quietest dishwashers are
the quietest, at 39 decibels on their less featured dishwashers.
Yes, they're less featured dishwashers.
Their more expensive
M series dishwashers have an additional
water filter for cleaner water, but it's still quiet at 44 decibels.
44 decibels is the standard for not hearing a dishwasher.
Miele's G5000 series dishwashers starts at 44 decibels.
The quietest, more expensive G7000 series dishwashers drop as low as 38 decibels.
However, unlike KitchenAid,
the motor slows for the quietness, so it's a four hour cycle.
Both brands will be quiet enough and meet
the minimum standard, with the KitchenAid being the best at 39 in a regular cycle
that's not 4 hours.
Miele was once the most reliable appliance brand sold in the US in previous years.
Miele's Reliability was high due to frozen Motors and buzzing solenoids.
With those issues seemingly behind them.
Miele is again the top rated premium dishwasher at 8.2% repair in the first year.
KitchenAid has always had average reliability ratings until last year.
Now, KitchenAid isn't far behind Miele
at about 11%, which is excellent for a premium dishwasher.
And even statistically better than the arrival Bosh.
Both KitchenAid and Miele have three full spray arms, one on the top,
middle and bottom, compared to just two for many brands.
Kitchen also offers four levels of wash action in the better M series.
Inside their
new rack is a set of sprays for the fourth level. KitchenAid
m series dishwashers also have a two stage
filter, so cleaner water washes your dishes at $1,299.
Miele's system doesn't change the wash system, but they're usable cycles
do. The quick, intense cycle washes with more water
pressure to clean in 60 minutes, starting at $1,499.
Miele's most expensive dishwashers at $1,999
offers an automatic dispenser known as AutoDos. AutoDos distributes detergent
automatically at the right time for the best clean.
It can also hold up to 20 loads of detergent as well.
Miele for years had the best drying system. Its simple,
the port at the bottom of the dishwasher allows air to the side.
The hot steamy air is attracted the cooler side and dissipated as water.
The more expensive Miele's have two ports at the bottom for faster drying.
Miele's other innovation is the door pops open
at the end of the cycle to release steam and moisture.
If you like to wash your dishes at night,
this feature is effective because
the steam doesn't leave any residual moisture, and that starts at $1,499
for Miele dishwashers. KitchenAid has
condensation dry or the heat from the wash plus jet dry and time.
They also added heated dry to add more heat to an already hot dishwasher.
The better M serious is pro dry and adds
the fan to pull the outside air into the dishwasher.
dissipates as steam, like Miele.
Both have decent adjustable racks.
Miele has more adjustability in the bottom rack.
They're also the original with a third rock for silverware.
In many ways, it's still the best.
Each piece of silverware is cradled so it won't move or scratch other pieces.
The better Mieles at $1,299 and up feature
the 3D cutlery tray that can fold oven to allow more room for the second rack.
KitchenAid, however, has the largest third rack on the market.
It has a deep angled design that fits six inch glasses, mugs, and bowls.
It features rotating wash jets to wash items in the rack, a drying bar with tabs
to help dry off glasses, and removable utensil tray for cooking tools.
Now that you have an idea of how they
work, let's make some basic recommendations.
The first one's the easiest. For panel- ready
Miele dishwashers sit flush with a cabinet for a seamless look when
paneled. KitchenAid panel-ready dishwashers don't sit flush and protrude
from the cabinet. Its the difference between looking at a panel versus looking
at a dishwasher with a panel stuck on it.
If you're planning to add a custom
cabinet front to a dishwasher, Miele is the best option.
Now let's look at Miele's versus KitchenAid at
different prices. Most common is $999.
The washing is similar as well as the cycles.
Miele will have the better drying system
of clean dry versus KitchenAid's heated dry plus condensation, and the rack is a bit
better being able to lock in your silverware.
However, KitchenAid is technically
the quietest of 39 versus the still quiet 44 decibels
at $1,299 is a different story.
KitchenAid has the better racking and washing system.
The pro dry works similar to Miele's
clean dry, by pulling air into the dishwasher to dissipate steam as water.
Miele adds a cycle and their better 3D fold down racking system.
In this case,
KitchenAid may have the better unit, so between $999 to $1,299,
KitchenAid has a competitive, if not better model. Their best units.
However, add only glide racks, knife, caddy, and a light inside the dishwasher.
Miele adds more usable cycles and a better dispenser from $1,499 to 2,999.
So Miele is a better dishwasher
at the higher prices, mostly because the KitchenAid at $1,299 has the best system.
For panels, Miele is definitely worth
it aesthetically. Other than that,
it really depends. From $999 to $1,299
you can make the case for either. Miele is a bit more reliable,
while KitchenAid has more features, especially at $1,299.
However, KitchenAid's best dishwasher is
$1,299, whereas the best Miele's start with their best dishwasher at $1,499.
Now that you know KitchenAid and Miele,
you can compare both to Bosch, Samsung, Thermador, LG, GE, Asko, Beko, and Whirlpool
by downloading our free dishwasher buying
guide. See in-depth comparisons of all the most popular brands,
get answers to frequently asked questions
and learn about buying strategies to save you money.
Almost 1 million people have found answers in a Yale guide.
Then again, it is free but worthwhile as well.
Thanks for watching.