Customer Reviews for KitchenAid Top Control Dishwasher in Stainless Steel with Dynamic Wash Arms, 44 dBA

This is one of the best dishwashers I've ever had, very quiet, does a great job on washing the dishes.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is a lengthy and detailed review on the Kitchenaid model KDTM404EWH3 (white). Pour yourself a glass of wine before proceeding. I’ve long since lost my fascination with stainless steel appliances. So when it was time to remodel the kitchen, I decided to go with white. Believe it or not, stainless steel will go out of fashion one day. If you don’t think so, think about this: I’m old enough to remember when fashionable appliances used to be avocado green, brown, burnt orange, harvest gold, and almond. Lately I see that Black Stainless is gaining in popularity. I wonder what the next trendy color or finish for kitchen appliances will be? Perhaps something with a romantic, Italian-sounding name, like “Roman Bronze”, “Corsican Copper”, or maybe “Venetian Verdigris?” If you start seeing these names on appliances, just remember where you saw them first. After weeks of research, why did I decide on this model instead of something else? Take a sip of wine, and let me break it down for you: Washing: If you’re looking to replace your old dishwasher, the first thing you should know is that newer models take longer to wash and dry a load of dishes than they used to. In some instances, it may take as long as four hours. Four hours? Well, it won’t necessarily take that long. But it could, depending on whether or not you select options like sanitized wash, sanitized rinse, extending drying, etc.). It also depends on the amount of dirt on your dishes (the dishwasher can adjust cycle times depending on how dirty the dishes are). Cycle times on newer dishwashers also take longer because of water and energy restrictions that didn’t exist when your old machine was built. Since newer dishwashers aren’t allowed to use as much water as they used to, they now run for a longer length of time. I know that sounds counterproductive. But newer machines are more efficient and use less electricity than older models. Kitchenaid uses a total of three (3) wash arms on this model. The bottom wash arm is motor driven, and it doesn’t look like any other wash arm I’ve seen in any other dishwasher. It might be said that the design of the lower arm is a marketing gimmick. However, I can’t argue with the fact that the dishes come out clean. This dishwasher does an excellent job of washing the dishes. But I think it’s important for you to understand how I use this machine. I usually don’t accumulate enough dishes in one day to do a full load. Therefore, I use the “Rinse Only” cycle on a daily basis, and I delay running a wash cycle (with detergent), until I have enough stuff for a full load (usually two or three days). Unlike some people, I don’t pre-wash my dishes (with detergent) in the sink before I put them in the dishwasher. I scrape or wipe off what I can, and I let the dishwasher do the washing. I also wash my dishes promptly after eating, so I have no idea how well this dishwasher works when washing dishes that sat overnight. Water Quality/Detergent: I have hard water. All of my glasses and flatware are covered with a white film. When I bought my new Kitchenaid dishwasher, I was determined to solve this problem once and for all. I installed an under-sink water filter on the hot water line to the dishwasher, switched to Cascade Platinum pods, and started using Lemi Shine Booster once or twice a week. I don’t know if it was the water filter, the Cascade Platinum Pods, or the Lemi Shine that did the trick (or maybe it was the combination of all three). But after several years of being annoyed by white film, my dishes finally look clean. Drying: Perhaps more than another other reason, the majority of complaints about newer dishwashers is that they don’t dry the dishes very well. Many dishwashers no longer use a heating element to dry the dishes. In the interest of energy conservation, some only offer condensation drying. Kitchenaid has a feature called ProDry. It uses a heating element in conjunction with a fan. During the drying cycle, the heating element cycles on and off, and a fan blows moist air out of the dishwasher (the air exits near the bottom of the door, on the left side). This process dries the dishes very well (be sure to use rinse aid). Wash Cycles & Times: I usually use the “Normal Cycle”. In my experience, this cycle takes about 2 ½ hours (with ProDry selected). I say “about”, because wash times are affected by the water temperature entering the machine, as well as the amount of soil on your dishes. There are numerous other cycles on this machine, including a High-Temp Wash, a Sanitized Rinse, Express Wash, and ProScrub (for things like dirty casserole dishes). When I’m in a hurry, I use the “Express Wash” cycle. Express Wash is the shortest wash cycle available, and it takes just under one hour to wash (but not dry) the dishes. Adding ProDry to the Express Wash adds an additional hour (two hours total). The “Rinse Only” cycle takes about 15 minutes. Note: To see all the cycles, times, and temperature options for this machine, go to the Kitchenaid website and download the owner’s manual. Not all options are available with all cycles. For example, you can’t select a sanitized rinse when selecting the Express Wash cycle. Wash Baskets: The upper and lower wash baskets on this dishwasher are deep. And they glide very smoothly on ball bearings. In fact, they glide easier than any dishwasher I’ve seen at any price. Also, unlike my old dishwasher, the lower rack won’t slide out so far that it jumps off the track. Note: The upper rack adjusts for height. However, be aware that if you lower the upper rack all the way down, the upper wash arm (or the upper rack itself) may come in contact with large plates in the bottom rack. This is to be expected. There’s only so much room in a dishwasher. If they made it any taller, it wouldn’t fit under your kitchen counter. Third Rack: This model has a third rack at the top of the dishwasher. While I was doing my research, I wasn’t really sure that I’d use it. But now I use it all the time. And I much prefer to use the third rack for flatware instead of the silverware basket. Using the third rack keeps all of your flatware separated, and it’s easier to see and find everything when you’re putting stuff away (see the attached photo on the best way I've found to load your flatware). If necessary, the third rack can easily be removed and reinstalled in just a few seconds (no tools are needed). Note: The third rack is not very deep in height. But it’s deep enough for flatware, cheese graters, potato peelers, and large kitchen spoons. Forget about using the third rack for bowls, or for anything more than about one (1) inch in height. Filter: This model has a self-cleaning filter. There’s nothing to clean or take apart. Noise: It’s very quiet, but it’s not 100% silent. I can hear it hum when it’s running. However, I never knew a dishwasher could be this quiet. Door Latch: No levers or latches. Just a gentle push to close the door. Door Handle: The door handle on this dishwasher is a solid piece of metal. It feels very substantial, and contributes to the overall feel of quality. At each end of the handle is a red medallion, engraved with “Kitchenaid 1919”. If you don’t like the Red on Red medallions, Kitchenaid offers two optional medallions at their website for purchase (Chrome with Red letters, and Black with Red letters). Controls/Digital Display: All of the controls on this dishwasher are located on the top edge of the door. There are no buttons to press. All functions are operated by capacitance touch (like the glass display on a smart phone). Simply lay your finger over the desired function, and a light will illuminate to verify your selection. This dishwasher has a digital display. As you select the different cycles and options, the display shows you the estimated time to do a load of dishes (remember, the actual cycle times will vary). Depending on the depth of your kitchen cabinets (and the amount of overhang of your countertop), the digital display may or may not be visible when the door is closed. In my case, I can just barely see the display well enough to see how much time is left on a cycle. Once you’ve made your washing and drying selections, select “Start”. At this point, the display will begin counting down…4, 3, 2, 1. You have about three seconds to close the door after pressing “Start”. If you need to open the dishwasher for any reason during the wash cycle, select “Start” again, and close the door. The dishwasher will resume where it left off. You also have the option to cancel a cycle that has already started, select a new cycle, or to drain away any water that might be in the tub. This machine also has a delayed start feature, which delays a cycle for 1 to 24 hours. Other options on the control panel include a child lock function, as well as the ability to turn off sound (beeps). Please download the manual for this model to see all of the available functions on the control panel. Cycle Status: There’s a small light on the front of the dishwasher (just to the right of the handle). It’s very visible when the door is closed. The light is blue when the dishwasher is washing, red when it’s drying, and white when the cycle is complete. Final Thoughts: If you’ve made it this far in the review, your wine glass should be empty by now. Don't rely solely on online reviews. Go to the stores, and bring some of your dishes along for a test fit. Slide the baskets back and forth. If you don't like what you see, it's better to find out now than after it's been delivered and installed. A dishwasher is something many people use every day. You don't want to get stuck with something you don't like.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I have had it about two weeks and so far it is my favorite dishwasher ever!

The clean water wash system microfilter failed after a year of regular use. Other have written glass shard or other small hard object will cause the filter to tear. Need a better design less prone to fail!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] As soon as I had my dishwasher installed I posted pictures of it on my HOA Facebook site. I got 100 likes and 50 plus positive comments. I was already a fan of Kitchen Aid. The dishwasher I was replacing was a top of the line stainless steel Kitchenaid. I love how pretty this dishwasher is, Sexy. Even though my dishwasher was repairable when I saw this one I had to have it. It works like a charm. Very quiet and thorough. I absolutely love it.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Just finished a kitchen renovation. This was a great choice! This dishwasher is quiet, cleans dishes beautifully!! No spots on silverware or glasses!! Did I say it is so quiet you don't know it's running!! Best dishwasher I have ever had! I highly recommend it!!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Totally satisfied with this dishwasher. Researched owner reviews and Consumer Reports. Extremely satisfied and so is my wife, whew!! Installed myself. Instructions very easy to follow. Dishes are amazingly spotless and drys plastic ware completely.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I replaced my old whirlpool dishwasher after having an amazing 20 years of service from it. The KitchenAid replacement is even better though. It runs VERY quiet, has ample storage for dishes and glasses and silverware, and I love the top mini-shelf (a must have). I also like how the newer dishwashers have an adjustable shelf so I can get my 10" plates in there no problem. Love this unit!

I bought this as part of a suiteof KitchenAid appliances. It has performed very well. My wife has been always a hand wash advocate. But this is winning here over.

I just purchased for my kitchen remodel. When I loaded and started it my wife questioned if it was on. I assured her that it was. It was soooo Quiet I couldn't tell without looking at the display. The display is bright and consumer friendly so that the dishwasher is very easy to use. My first impression is wow! Although we haven't had the test of real dirty dishes, I have confidence that it will do well. Our first load was a wash of unpacked dishes that were put away for our kitchen remodel. It held a lot of dishes These came out sparkling clean using the express wash cycle

Bought a kitchen load of appliances a month ago from the local appliance dealer. I have owned Maytag and other brands, but this one is so quiet and cleans so good I can not believe my eyes.

Well, we have studied and studied the internet, trying to decide on a new dishwasher. Our old one still works, but is 15 years old, and wanted to replace it with American made. So we went with Kitchen Aid. We liked the reviews, and the features with all the options. We have had it a few days now, and we do like it. It is extremely quiet, much quieter than our other one. The only thing we hear is the water draining when we are sitting in our living room. There are no barriers between our kitchen and living room. The instructions recommend using the gel packs, tablets or powder packs detergents vs the powder, liquid or gels. We have learned when using the ProWash, wait about an hour for the drying to complete. Besides, the dishes are so hot you cannot hold them with your bare hands comfortably. Now the downside: Our granite counter hangs over a bit, so to see the control buttons, you have to open the door. Once you push start, you have 4 seconds to get the door closed. If you open the door to add a dish, do not forget to hit START again, or it will just sit there. I gave "Design" 4 stars because of the location of the control buttons. I would recommend the dish washer to my friends and family.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I bought this model last year to replace a two drawer and it is so quiet and effective with all the chores I give it. I'm sold on Kitchenaid.

Used it for 2 weeks, and dishes were not clean. Had to rewash all dishes by hand. Then discovered the top rack was adjustable. Manual did not address it and the on line did not address it. Salesman did not teach it either. Now, raising the rack allows dishes to get clean and I LOVE IT!

This unit is fantastic. Love the features. So quiet, you only know it is running by the little green light and when the water discharges. Cannot say enough good things about this unit. Best gift I ever gave myself.

Finally, after 29 years of saving, I was able to remodel my old kitchen! My old dishwasher was not working for at least 10 years so I'm just getting use to the new one. What I like most is how quiet it is during all cycles! You forget that it's running. Washes great except I haven't tried anything really baked on or unrinsed. The best thing of the remodel is the beautiful Kitchen Aid/Jenn Air appliances. Otherwise the contractor did a terrible job on everything else.

Bought to replace 1st kitchenaid dishwasher that provided 8 years of trouble free usage Hopefully we'll have same 8 years troublefree with this one Installation service was only problem as there were leaks from clear air gap connection

Excellent brand name, Kitchenaid, with a unique window design which no other dishwasher had.

The cleaning ability of this dishwasher is fabulous and they have a setting for all of your needs. I love the Pro Wash and Pro Scrub features as my pans have never looked so clean. The third rack is so nice to have for may utensils to avoid having them take up room in the main area of the dishwasher. The interior with the shiny stainless always looks clean. We having been using this dishwasher for 4 months and I have no complaints!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Kitchen aid The best or nothing!! Couldn't be happier

Pretty! Quiet! And stylish! Looks good in kitchen

It did great with silverware, that separation in the basket is nice. Have only run 3 loads so far, but have found one or two dishes in each load that did not clean properly. The soap dispenser leaves soap on the bottom by the door where it dries into a powder, probably from the drying cycle. Comparing it to our old one, not much difference and it cost three time as much, however it looks much nicer.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] We've had the dishwasher for less than a month, but so far very pleased with the appliance. Can not hear the unit when it is washing dishes.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Warning the black stainless will scratch off easily! Decided to purchase the more expensive, high end Kitchen Aide because we were told that the black stainless was coated on differently than the cheaper black stainless steel options. We have owned it for 6 months and the bottom of the dishwasher has scratches in it. The scratches show through as stainless steel and are obvious. Very disappointed and upset as I have purchased the matching 5 door fridge and I am now expensively invested in this line and can't miss match the rest of the appliances.

It is so quiet that I have to check if I started it! Glasses sparkle and dishes shine! One tiny annoyance is that the holes in the silverware divider are different sizes (every other row is small then bigger) and my forks and tablespoons only fit in the bigger ones and I can't tell which are the bigger holes when there is already silverware in it! I suppose I could remove the basket covers but I like the way the silverware comes out cleaner when separare! It's always a 50-50 shot that my forks and tablespoons will drop into the basket! Otherwise love it!

Used this washer for a couple of months now and it is fantastic. I have a Bosch in another home that I have been extremely pleased with. I would have stayed with Bosch but this Kitchemaide had styling that really worked with the new house. After owning both, I think this kitchenaide is better built (lots of metal inside), quieter and washes as well or better. It definitely dries dishes better than the Bosch. Easy to load, especially with the upper rack that adjusts vertically. I thought that I might miss the silverware rack that the Bosch had, but I don't. Third level racks take up a lot of space. Overall very satisfied with this washer.

Brilliantly clean dishes and ULTRA quite when running! I love the many wash options especially the express wash. Very happy with this dishwasher.

I replaced a 10 year old dishwasher with this one. You can put so many dishes in it. I love the adjustable top rack so I can put pots and pans in the top and have lots of space on the bottom rack. I put a baking dish with baked on cheese and it got just about all the burnt on cheese off. My old dishwasher I would have had to scrub it all off first. You cannot hear it running and it has a light on the front to let you know if it's running or clean.

Not only does this dishwasher look great in my kitchen, but it does a great job and is quiet. Love it.

Very quiet, almost unnoticeable when operating. Super easy to use with very Intuitive panel. Result of cleaning is definitely Satisfactory.