KitchenAid has changed their dishwasher over the last few years with new features
like washing systems and new drying systems.
But is it finally competitive to Bosch and Miele?
In this video, you'll learn all the best features of a KitchenAid dishwasher.
We'll also let you know the ones not
to buy and focus on their most popular and available models. Included in this video
is reliability based on 48,392 service
calls completed by our service department just last year.
Along with product comparisons to Bosch and Miele at the end.
Should you buy a KitchenAid, a dishwasher or another brand?
You will know, after watching this video.
Based on sales versus service calls, KitchenAid was excellent
at only 5.5% service in the first year, versus 9.5% for appliances in general.
They're also more reliable than Bosch and Miele, sort of.
Miele was excellent at 8.9%, with more features than KitchenAid.
Bosch was over 10%,
however, their lesser featured dishwashers under the Thermador name, had a reliability
rating of only 3.57%, so the blended reliability is similar.
Either way, KitchenAid is one of the most reliable dishwashers you can buy.
KitchenAid has seven models in their
lineup. Bosch one time had over 100, so KitchenAid should be easy to buy
in theory. But some of their models haven't been available,
like most other brands. They're least expensive,
the KDFE104, for example, has been especially scarce.
Even so, the two best models to consider
are also KitchenAid's most popular. The KDTE204 and KDTM604.
KitchenAid has two more expensive models
with added features, the 704 at $1499 and the 804 at $1899.
However, you're only adding a knife
caddy, light, and glide out racks, which is not worth it to spend
the $200-$600 more. The 604 is $1,299 and has all the best and most important features.
So you shouldn't consider anything over the $1,299 KDTM604 dishwasher.
Another dishwasher you shouldn't consider is the 304 paneled model.
Unlike the European brands like Bosch, Asko, Beko, and Miele,
the KitchenAid protrudes so it looks like a dishwasher with a panel stuck on it
rather than a cabinet, which is the intended look.
Now let's take an in-depth look at the two
best KitchenAid dishwasher models to consider, KDTE204 and the KDTM604.
They're very different.
The KDTE204 is part of KitchenAid's 200 series.
It's offered in a few different handle styles and has been selling at about $E999.
It has KitchenAid's traditional wash
system with a spray arm on the top, middle and bottom.
You would think that three wash arms would be the standard, but it's not.
Bosch and GE profile, most notably have two with the sprinkler head on the top.
You have decent racks,
including a third rack for silverware, plus the main cycles and options.
This series dries with condensation,
it's a fancy term for the residual steam
and heat from the wash, plus jet dry and time.
You do have a heated dry option,
but adding heat to an already hot dishwasher does not dry that much faster.
What makes this dishwasher unique is its quietness.
It has 39 decibels, which means it's noiseless.
A Bosch or Miele dishwasher at 38 decibels
will be over $2,000, yet the kitchen is below $1,000.
Quietness is important, especially if your kitchen is open your family room.
You don't want to hear the dishwasher noise.
Then again, dishwashers are considered quiet at 44 decibels.
You don't have to buy a lower decibel in any brand under 44.
Which brings us to the newer KitchenAid,
the KDTM604, which is part of the M Series.
The M Series models are radically different than the 200 series models.
As you can see, the third rock is much larger.
You can fit some glasses and cups as well as silverware. The rack also has holes
for a separate set of sprays for fourth level of wash action, at least in theory.
The model dries with their pro drying system,
a fan pulls the air into the dishwasher
and the warmer air is attracted the cooler air and it's dissipated as water.
So you have a better wash and drying system as well as the largest rack.
In terms of quietness,
the M series adds an additional filter for cleaner water,
but it does make it louder at 44 decibels than the less expensive 200 series.
44 decibels is still considered quiet.
Once again, you do not need to buy a quieter model than 44 decibels.
KitchenAid is compelling.
Miele offers their clean air dry system at $1,099 and channels air to the inside
like the better KitchenAid M Series for $200 less.
Miele also has three full wash arms, better racking in their QuickIntense wash cycle, washing and drying a full load in 58 minutes.
Bosch has their auto air drying,
popping the dishwasher open to release heat and steam to speed drying,
along with better racks. All three are quiet,
Bosch and Miele at 44 decibels,
KitchenAid at 39. At $1,299, Miele offers their better 3D third rack,
so you can fit more on the rack or underneath and another cycle.
While Bosch has their best drying with their $1249 Crystal Dry dishwasher,
which uses volcanic elements to dry even plastic. KitchenAid will have a bigger rack
and a pro dry system producing cooler air into the dishwasher as well.
All three are quiet at or under 44 decibels.
For panels, Bosch and Miele will fit within a cabinet,
but KitchenAid will protrude, so look at the other brands. At $1399 and above,
Miele will also add features like
better cycles. Miele has their automatic dispensers at $1999,
which KitchenAid really doesn't have a viable option over the 600 series at $1299.
Yes, between $999 and $1299 is a good
combination of quietness, features, and reliability.
Just don't buy KitchenAid to
place a panel on it and remember,
you don't need to spend any more than $1299 for a KitchenAid dishwasher.
It may also be worth looking at Miele and Bosch as well.
Click the link to download our free Dishwasher Buying Guide.
Unfortunately, we all know someone who has been talked into buying
the wrong appliance.
Don't let that happen to you.
Almost 1 million people have found the right answers in a Yale guide.
Thanks for watching.