Find Your Ideal KitchenAid Dishwasher

Dishwashers are a key major household appliance. This guide will help you find the dishwasher best suited to your needs, and highlight the KitchenAid offering.

A GUIDE TO DISHWASHERS: LEARN WHAT'S IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT DISHWASHERS

The elements that most people consider when looking to buy a new dishwasher are size, style and features that appeal most to them.

The market offers a variety of dishwashers but your goal should be to find the ideal match for your lifestyle and your kitchen. Is design the most important thing to you? Does loading capiacty matter? Are you worried about the noise a dishwasher will produce?

Since it's your choice, you may want to determine what’s best for your life, personal style and household.

How much do you want to spend?
How large will your wash loads be?
How quiet do you need your dishwasher to be?
What are your style preferences?

DISHWASHER SIZES

Traditionally, the majority of built-in residential dishwashers are either 18"" or 24"". It's always wise to measure the space twice before you buy the appliance.

Condo or apartment owners should pay extra attention to noise level in addition to style and performance.

If your kitchen is considered small, you don't necessarily need a small dishwasher but remember to consider the distance between rooms. The last thing you want is to be able to hear your dishwasher while on the phone in another room.

If your kitchen is close to rooms where you relax or entertain, you might want to consider quieter models (under 50 dBA). Don't worry about being limited, though, as there will be several options to choose from.

NOISE LEVEL

Dishwasher noise is measured in decibel levels (dBA). Simply put, the higher the decibel level, the noisier the dishwasher.will be.

Some things to consider is that the difference of 1 dBA can't be detected by most people; it usually takes a difference of 3 dBA before the human ear can pick up a difference. A rating of 40 dBA and under may be practically silent while operating, whereas ratings of 50 and above could produce a noise level like that of a typical conversation.

The KDTE204K / KDFE204K series is our quietest model at 39 dBA.

HOW TO CHOOSE AN EXTERIOR STYLE

A dishwasher's exterior can contribute to further the design of a kitchen.

The first thing many notice while shopping for dishwashers is exterior style and whether it can complement their current kitchen aesthetic.

You can select from the following: Console, Pocket, Towel Bar, Panel-Ready And Semi-Integrated.

If you need help making your decision, start by asking yourself these questions:
Do you want one cohesive look for your dishwasher and cabinets?
Would you prefer the controls be hidden?
Do you prefer a recessed handle or a towel bar?

Semi-Integrated Vs. Fully-Integrated Dishwashers

Lave-vaisselle semi-intégrés :Semi-Integrated Dishwashers: Controls are visible, accessible and flush with the dishwasher door. Monitor progress via exterior status lights display cycle.

Fully integrated dishwashers: Controls are hidden and status lights with an exterior cycle indicator provide instant feedback via changing colors.

Finishes

Traditionally, people had three options with respect to finishes: black, white or stainless steel finishes. Nowadays, additional options are available like fingerprint resistant stainless steel, black stainless steel or you can go one step further and customize surrounding cabinetry to match your kitchen design.

What Does Panel-Ready Mean?

Design enthusiasts love this option. Custom panel-ready dishwashers have an unfinished door, which acts as a blank canvas so you can match the panel to your cabinetry. This delivers one clean look throughout the kitchen.

HOW TO CHOOSE A DISHWASHER INTERIOR

The interior configuration of a dishwasher may dictate the way that items are loaded. When choosing an appropriate interior, you should consider the size of your household, if you tend to use large or awkwardly shaped items, or if you often entertain guests, in which case an adjustable rack might be useful.

Dishwasher interiors are usually constructed in either plastic, stainless steel or a plastic and stainless steel hybrid.

Plastic tubs are known to be less expensive but the caveat is that they can be noisier.

Stainless Steel tubs are considered to be more stain-resistant, can be quieter and constructed to handle higher drying temperatures.

Hybrid combines plastic and stainless steel.

*KitchenAid does not offer plastic tub dishwashers.

CHOOSING EITHER A BUILT-IN DISHWASHER, PORTABLE DISHWASHER OR COUNTERTOP DISHWASHER

Built-in dishwashers are permanently installed right into a kitchen's current layout and structure.

Portable dishwashers are intended for kitchens that lack the space to install a built-in or countertop model. Most portable options can be moved outside the kitchen if needed.

Countertop dishwashers are designed to fit the majority of countertops and are considered by many to be great for condos or small kitchens.

*KitchenAid does not offer portable or countertop dishwashers*"

"WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT BUILT-IN DISHWASHERS "

24” width is popular among families or for those use their dishwasher often.
18” width works well for smaller kitchens or those who use their dishwasher less frequently.
Tall Tub configuration accommodates taller items.
Built-in dishwashers can fit under counters and between cabinets.
Some built-in models are panel-ready, meaning they can be customized to match cabinetry.
These dishwashers require permanent plumbing installation.

FIRST TIME INSTALLING A DISHWASHER IN YOUR HOME

You should always have a trained and certified technician perform the installation of a dishwasher Inspect the area to confirm that the home has enough electrical output for the installation area of a new dishwasher. You will need a grounded electrical outlet (no extension cord or adapter) and a dedicated 15 amp circuit.

Review a dishwasher’s Use & Care Guide for all pertinent installation requirements and guidelines.

How Much Does Installation Cost?
Prices may vary. Contact the manufacturer's service network to get more details about the cost of installation.

SHOULD MY APPLIANCES ALL BE ONE BRAND?

Sticking to one brand can have some benefits. For instance, handles, finish and aesthetics have a better chance at matching and using a single brand can bring a cohesive appearance to your kitchen.

UNDERSTANDING DISHWASHER PERFORMANCE

Heavy & Targeted Wash Zones: Dishwashers that feature heavy wash zones have a spray zone to target heavily soiled dishes and awkwardly-shaped items.

Water coverage: Features like flexible wash arms and bottle wash sprays provide more extensive wash coverage.

Filtered-based systems: These systems typically minimize sound and are designed for optimal water and energy conservation.

Cycle options: Certain dishwashers may be able to customize a wash based on the load, helping preserve more fragile items like fine china and crystal.

DISHWASHER LOADING ABILITY

Most people consistently wash items like plates, cups and cutlery but sometimes they also need to wash things like stemware, fine china, chopsticks or platters.

Consider these features to improve loading capacity and versatility:

Adjustable/Flexible Racks: Moveable racks so you can customize a wash and load large or awkwardly-shaped items.

Third Level Racking: This rack can effectively wash smaller items like cutlery, spatulas and chopsticks.

Silverware Baskets: A compartment solely for flatware.

FLEXIBILITY AND CAPACITY

You may want to consider a dishwasher that provides enough flexibility and capacity to suit your lifestyle.

Features like removable racks and fold down tines can accommodate most large pots and pans or stemware holders to keep wine glasses and champagne flutes safe and securely in place.

DRYING TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS

Tub Material: The perks of a stainless steel tub is that it can properly retain heat from the wash cycle in addition to providing efficient drying.

Fan Assisted Dry: With the help of a fan, drying ability is accelerated by replacing humid air with room temperature air. This is usually only available on premium dishwashers.

Heated Dry: This manual option allows customers to switch off the default setting, which is typically set to ""on"", once the wash cycle ends. This ensures that your dishes are dry enough to be immediately put away.

What Is A ""SMART"" Dishwasher? Certain dishwashers can connect to the internet so you can receive data and access features like downloading additional cycles, monitoring the time left on the cycle, and eventually, voice compatibility. Features vary and are subject to change.

VARIOUS DISHWASHER CYCLES

Basic dishwashers are commonly programmed with the two most popular wash cycles: normal and light.

Most Dishwashers Have Some If Not All Of These Options: Quick Wash, Rinse & Hold, Steam, Delicate Wash, Heavy Duty And Sanitize.

Greater cycle variety are available on certain models, which can also include options like ultra-quick for less soiled items, a top-rack-only for glassware and a heavy duty option for pots and pans.

Soil Sensors

This feature, sometimes called turbidity sensors, monitors the level of tiny substance particles in wash water. This helps the dishwasher determine when dishes are soiled enough that the cycle needs to be extended to achieve optimal performance.

Filters

Filters can prevent food from reattaching to items during a wash cycle. Dishwashers usually have a manual or self-cleaning filter.

Manual filters produce less noise but you may have to regularly clean it. Certain self-cleaning systems utilize a grinder to pulverize debris before discarding it. Other units employ additional motor power to discard debris and to keep filters clean.