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    KitchenAid Dishwashers Reviewed: Underrated Kitchen Appliances

    by Michael Webster

    Woman unloading a KitchenAid dishwasher in a modern kitchen.

    If you’re someone who enjoys getting business done in the kitchen on a regular basis, then it’s almost guaranteed that you’ve come into contact with a KitchenAid home appliance. Whether it’s their iconic stand mixer or one of their masterful cooking appliances like their ovens and refrigerators, KitchenAid has been a household name in kitchens for over a century due to their timeless quality and appeal. Now being considered as one of the powerhouses in the entire culinary sector, we wanted to draw attention to one of the brand’s most underrated kitchen appliances: the dishwasher.

    Over the last decade, KitchenAid has enhanced its dishwashers to operate at optimal speeds and noise levels while also conserving energy and water during each cycle to provide ultimate performance. To help break down this reputable line of appliances, our experts have put together a guide filled with KitchenAid dishwasher reviews, as well as our best models that help you conquer every after-meal mess so that you can take on what’s next.

    At a Glance:

    Benefits of a KitchenAid Dishwasher

    Pros & Cons of KitchenAid Dishwashers

    Our Top KitchenAid Dishwasher Picks

    FAQs

    Why Trust Us?

    Benefits of a KitchenAid Dishwasher

    KitchenAid hasn’t always been well known for its dishwashers, but over the years, they have made significant strides with this kitchen appliance that has changed the brand for the better. With newer KitchenAid dishwasher models featuring whisper noise levels of 44 decibels and below, energy-efficient operations, and a bountiful collection of washing features, the brand stays right on pace with other industry leaders. Beyond that, KitchenAid dishwashers are recommended for any home that appreciates a dedicated history of quality and convenience. You can ensure that with a dishwasher from KitchenAid, it will do all the hard work of after-meal cleanups for you while also elevating your kitchen’s aesthetic with a variety of panel-ready and custom finish options. If you’re considering an upper-tier KitchenAid dishwasher, their price will range between $1,079-$1,709. However, you can still find more affordable, quality options from $859 to $899.

    KitchenAid dishwashers’ most appealing attributes are their ample amounts of dish loading capacity along with their advanced filtration systems. With a standard KitchenAid unit, there’s enough room to wash up to 14 place settings in a single cycle, guaranteeing that every piece of dishware is accounted for. As for their specialized filtration, a triple filter system comes packed with multiple ultra-fine layers to catch and remove small food debris particles from the wash water, so that your dishes come out completely spotless. Along with these effective dishwashing capabilities, here’s what other innovative features you can come to expect with a KitchenAid dishwasher:  

    ProWash: Gauges soil level and uses it to automatically pick the best wash cycle for each load.

    ProDry: Uses a recessed heating element to draw moisture off of plastic dishes, which results in faster drying times and better sanitation.

    SatinGlide Max Rails:  Specialty rails made for easy, smooth loading and unloading of dishware.

    Specialty Wash Cycles: These include Normal, Tough, and Light wash cycles, while newer KitchenAid models also come equipped with ProScrub, ProDry, and Extended ProDry features.

    Pros & Cons of KitchenAid Dishwashers

    While KitchenAid does manufacture some of the most efficient dishwashers on the market, they may not be the best choice for every home out there. Before you make your final decision, take a quick moment to consider the pros and cons that come along with investing in KitchenAid dishwasher models.

    Pros  

    ✓ Very quiet operation (as low as 39 dBA) 

    ✓ Multiple design options

    Energy Star Ratings  

    ✓ Third-level rack

    Cons  

    ☒ Higher price tags  

    ☒ Potentially longer than your cabinet length (which sticks out)

    Our Best KitchenAid Dishwasher Picks

    If you’re ready to take on after-meal clean-ups with the utmost confidence, take a look at our expert’s top KitchenAid dishwasher picks that will ensure your dishware always comes out squeaky-clean.

    Best Overall: KitchenAid® 24" PrintShield™ Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher (KDTM404KPS)

    Stock photo of a stainless steel KitchenAid dishwasher with large handle.

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    You don’t have to be a passionate home cook to appreciate the exceptional styling and performance of this KitchenAid stainless steel dishwasher. The smudge-resistant, PrintShiled finish and hidden controls display a sophisticated aesthetic that’s perfect for any kitchen arrangement. Plus, with innovative features like the One-Touch ProWash Cycle, this dishwasher determines how full the tub physically is and automatically adjusts the cycle’s water levels and cycle time accordingly for the most effective cleaning results. Even better, this KitchenAid dishwasher’s Heat Dry option boosts drying performance with ease and also includes SatinGlide rails in the third and middle racks to add an extra level of convenience to loading and unloading your various dishware, so there’s less strain on your back and joints.

    Key Features: 

    • 44 dBA operation
    • FreeFlex Third Rack 
    • ProWash™ Cycle 
    • Sani-Rinse Option 

    Best Value: KitchenAid® 24" Stainless Steel with Printshield Built In Dishwasher (KDFE104KPS)

    Stock photo of a stainless steel KitchenAid dishwasher with recessed handle.

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    If you’d like some of the same advanced dishwashing features as our best overall selection, but at a lesser price point, this KitchenAid built in dishwasher with a PrintShield finish delivers ultimate performance and value that every home cook will enjoy. Just like our best overall model, this affordable KitchenAid dishwasher features the ProWash Cycle that senses soil levels and adjusts water levels and cycle times for maximum cleaning results. And with other powerful wash cycles like the Sani-Rinse option, this KitchenAid stainless steel dishwasher has the ability to heat the final rinse wash water up to a stifling 155 degrees, which helps eliminate up to 99.9 percent of all bacteria.

    Key Features: 

    • Express Wash Cycle
    • ProWash Cycle
    • Leak Detection System
    • Extended Heat Dry Option

    Best Splurge:  KitchenAid® 24" Panel Ready Built In Dishwasher (KDTM504EPA)

    Stock photo of an off white, panel ready KitchenAid dishwasher.

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    With a premium aesthetic and complete wash coverage, this KitchenAid panel ready dishwasher will guarantee that all after-meal cleanups are executed to perfection. This luxuriously-styled dishwasher will seamlessly match your existing cabinets with a custom-made front panel and features KitchenAid’s Dynamic Wash Arms that provide complete cleaning coverage. This higher-end dishwasher also is equipped with a Clean Water Wash System that filters the wash water for superior performance every load. And once the wash cycle is completed, the Advanced ProDry System uses a recessed heating element and powerful fan to draw moisture out of the unit, resulting in perfectly dried dishware.

    Key Features: 

    • Panel-Ready Design
    • Clean Water Wash System
    • ProScrub Option
    • Advanced ProDry System

    FAQs

    Q: Who makes KitchenAid dishwashers?

    A: KitchenAid, as a brand, is owned and manufactured by the Whirlpool Corporation. They’re also responsible for manufacturing several other sister appliance brands, including Maytag, Amana, JennAir, and of course, Whirlpool.

    Q: Where are KitchenAid dishwashers made?

    A: All KitchenAid dishwashers are manufactured right here in the United States ― specifically in Findlay, Ohio.

    Q: How to clean KitchenAid dishwashers?

    A: To properly clean a KitchenAid dishwasher, all you’ll need is: a sponge or microfiber cloth, a soft toothbrush, warm, soapy water, and potentially a specific cleaner for stainless steel finishes. For a step-by-step breakdown of how to clean a KitchenAid unit, visit their website that breaks down a variety of cleaning methods in detail (depending on the model) and how to get the most effective clean and best performance out of your dishwasher.

    Why Trust Aztec Appliance?   

    Since 1972, Aztec Appliance has been offering quality sales and service for name-brand appliances. Our mission is to not only help you achieve all your appliance dreams, but we also want to bring value to your home beyond materialistic amenities. Our team is an authentic group of people dedicated to our work, and we share the same undeniable passion for people and serving them the best we can. Suffice it to say, we know appliances.   

    Whether it’s a first birthday, a backyard wedding, or a retirement celebration, our hope is to give you the opportunity to enjoy life’s little moments. After all, memories are not consigned to the big moments — they exist within the little ones. And you can rest assured our inventory of top-performing kitchen, laundry, and outdoor appliances will help you spend less time keeping the home and more time with the people who make it home.   

    Shop KitchenAid Dishwashers at Aztec Appliance   

    Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop KitchenAid dishwashers online for the guaranteed lowest price at Aztec. Check out Aztec Appliance reviews, and if you have questions, our friendly product experts are always happy to help you - whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our Aztec Appliance San Diego showroom located at the heart of downtown. Visit us today!   

    Learn More: The Best Dishwashers Under $600