If you grew up helping your parents or grandparents in the kitchen, then odds are you’ve encountered KitchenAid appliances. Whether it be their legendary stand mixer or wide array of cooking appliances, KitchenAid has been a big part of household kitchens for over 100 years.
Considered the workhorse of any culinary space, we wanted to shine a light on KitchenAid’s line of high-performance dishwashers. In recent years, KitchenAid has evolved their dish care appliances to operate at near-silent decibels while conserving water and energy during each cycle.
In this KitchenAid dishwashers review, the industry experts at Albert Lee discuss the best dishwasher features from the lineup, as well as how our list of recommended products stands out amongst competitors.
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Explore our full selection of reliable, high-performance KitchenAid dishwashers.
Shop KitchenAid DishwashersWho Are KitchenAid Dishwashers Designed For?
KitchenAid dishwashers perform well in three main areas that are necessary for user satisfaction: dishwasher noise level, loading capacity, and effective cleaning tools. So, if you desire a low-decibel dishwasher with a spacious interior and powerful performance, KitchenAid is right for you.
If you have young children at home, a low-decibel product will prevent any disruptions to daily nap schedules. Adjustable racks allow you to wash more dishes per cycle, and energy-efficient operation saves water and energy.
Beyond that, KitchenAid dishwashers are recommended for anyone that appreciates a long history of dedication and quality. You can guarantee a KitchenAid product will do the hard work for you while elevating your kitchen design with a variety of custom finishes and panel-ready options.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Performance
Cleaning performance is what distinguishes the top dishwasher brands vs. basic models. As one of the best in this category, select KitchenAid dishwashers allow you to wash up to 15 place settings in one wash, while the ProDry system uses a recessed heating element to draw moisture off your dishes. This means washing an entire day’s worth of dishes in one cycle and less time spent waiting for your dishes to dry.
All KitchenAid dishwasher models feature the primary wash settings: Normal, Tough, and Light. However, newer models also come with ProScrub, ProDry, and Extended ProDry cycles. Additionally, you can find wash cycles for heavy-duty cleaning or fast washing when you’re pressed for time.
Some of these wash and dry cycles include Express Wash, Rinse Only, Heat Dry, Hi-Temp Wash, Bottle Wash, Sani Rinse, Top Rack Only, and the 24-Hour Delay Option. Sani Rinse is particularly helpful for fully disinfecting your dishes, as the dishwasher maintains a temperature of at least 155 degrees.
Related Article: Bosch vs KitchenAid Dishwasher Comparison
KitchenAid Dishwashers Buying Considerations
When it comes to shopping for a new dishwasher, KitchenAid products are more reliable than the average brand in terms of price, longevity, and energy savings. Several factors may influence the price of a dishwasher, including the finish material, smart features, and configurations. If you’re considering a premium KitchenAid dishwasher, prices start around $1,100, but you can still find a more cost-effective dishwashers under $1,000 from KitchenAid.
If you’re financially and environmentally conscious, then consider a KitchenAid dishwasher with an Energy Star certification. Not only will they use less water with each cycle, but they will also make the dry cycles more efficient, saving you money year over year. One of the most sought-after features is also the PrintShield Finish, which makes the exterior stainless-steel fingerprint-proof and smudge-resistant. You can even find this dishwasher finish on KitchenAid’s line of black stainless-steel dishwashers if you’re hoping to add a dramatic touch to your kitchen.
And if you’re curious about how the different design options might play into your current kitchen layout, KitchenAid allows you to choose from the following types:
- KitchenAid front control dishwashers
- KitchenAid top control dishwashers with a towel bar handle
- Hidden top controls with a pocket handle
- KitchenAid panel ready dishwashers
- Door with a glass window
Related Article: Best Built-In Dishwasher Reviews
Best KitchenAid Dishwashers
Best Overall KitchenAid Dishwasher: KitchenAid 24-Inch PrintShield Stainless Steel Dishwasher (KDTM404KPS)
Keep up with the tools you use to execute every step, from meal prep to serving thanks to this 24-inch dishwasher with three racks of versatile loading possibilities and complete wash coverage. The FreeFlex Third Rack fits glasses, mugs, bowls, silverware, and cooking tools, freeing up room below for pots, plates, and mixing bowls. The Advanced Clean Water Wash System circulates clean water to dishes in all three racks, so you can count on a complete and thorough clean.
The 44 dBA operation is hardly detectable, providing quiet cleaning without compromising performance, so there’s no need to wait to run a wash cycle while entertaining or enjoying meals. The ProWash Cycle uses sensors to measure soil levels throughout the cycle and adapts wash time and water temperature as needed for tough messes or lighter loads.
Additional features include:
- Sani-Rinse option
- Top controls
- Express Wash
- Adjustable racks with SatinGlide
- Stemware holders
- Stainless steel interior with PrintShield finish
- ENERGY STAR certified
Best Budget-Friendly KitchenAid Dishwasher: KitchenAid Built-In Dishwasher with PrintShield Finish (KDFE104HPS)
If you want the same sleek features as our best overall model but at a more affordable price, this stylish front control dishwasher with a smudge-resistant PrintShield finish delivers the KitchenAid performance and style passionate cooks appreciate, for over $200 less.
One-touch ProWash Cycle senses soil levels, then automatically adjusts cycle time and water usage in real time for the best cleaning performance. Upper-rack SatinGlide Max rails roll out smoothly even when fully loaded and weighed down by heavy cookware. And the Heat Dry option and durable stainless-steel tub provide an effective and efficient means to facilitate drying.
The Sani-Rinse option heats the final rinse water to 155 degrees, eliminating 99.999 percent of food soil bacteria, while the Delay Wash allows you to set the dishwasher to start at a more convenient time within two-hour increments.
Additional features include:
- Fold-Down Shelf
- Filter-based wash system
- Extended Heat Dry Option
- Express Wash
- Energy Star certified
Best Luxury KitchenAid Dishwasher: KitchenAid Panel Ready Built-In Dishwasher (KDTM504EPA)
Sometimes, you want a clean and uniform design in your kitchen space, and luckily, this top control panel-ready dishwasher provides a seamless high-end look. This luxury dishwasher model matches your cabinets with a custom-made front panel and features Dynamic Wash Arms to provide complete coverage. The unique nine-arm design sprays water throughout every nook and cranny of your appliance, and it also has a Clean Water Wash System that cleans the wash water for superior performance, even with the messiest loads.
The ProScrub option eliminates soaking or pre-scrubbing with 40 targeted spray jets that help remove stubborn messes like seared or baked-on foods. The addition of a third dishwasher rack makes it easy to clean hard-to-place items such as spatulas, serving utensils, and measuring cups, freeing up space in the lower two racks. Once your wash cycle is complete, the Advanced ProDry System uses a recessed heating element and a fan to draw moisture out of the wash tub giving you better drying results.
Additional features include:
- Upper and lower SatinGlide rails
- Two rows of fold-down tines and two fold-down cup shelves
- Upper rack utility basket
- Five wash levels
- LED interior lighting
- ENERGY STAR certified
Pros and Cons of KitchenAid Dishwashers
While KitchenAid manufactures some top-of-the-line dishwashers, they might not be best for every user. If you’re shopping for a new dishwasher, there are some pros and cons worth considering.
Pros
Third-level rack
Provides extra loading space for utensils and smaller items.
Quiet operation (as low as 39 dBA)
Allows for near-silent operation without disturbing the household.
Triple filter system
Ensures thorough cleaning by trapping and removing food particles.
ENERGY STAR performance
Saves money on utility bills with efficient water and energy usage.
Multiple wash cycles including Sani-Rinse
Offers versatile cleaning options and sanitizes dishes effectively.
Numerous design options
Available in various finishes and styles, including panel-ready, to match any kitchen.
Cons
Often comes with a premium price tag
KitchenAid dishwashers tend to be more expensive than some entry-level brands.
Can be slightly longer than a standard cabinet length
Installation might require more space or adjustments due to larger dimensions.
Most dishwashers don’t have a Wi-Fi feature
Lacks smart home connectivity capabilities common in modern appliances.
Older models can still be noisy
While newer models are quiet, older KitchenAid dishwashers may operate at higher decibels.
If you’d like to learn more, navigate to our KitchenAid dishwasher catalog for a full comparison of product attributes, prices, finishes, reviews, and more. However, if you think you’re ready to invest in a new KitchenAid dishwasher, Albert Lee is your home for the best KitchenAid products in the greater Seattle region. Shop with us online, give us a call at your preferred store, or visit one of the 6 Albert Lee locations near you to find the dishwasher you’ve been searching for.
Frequently Asked Questions about KitchenAid Dishwashers
KitchenAid dishwashers dry plastic items exceptionally well when utilizing the extended drying cycles available on newer models. These specific settings activate a recessed heating element and an internal fan to actively pull moisture out of the wash tub, keeping water from pooling on your containers.
KitchenAid dishwashers operate at near-silent decibel levels, typically ranging from 39 to 44 dBA depending on the exact model. This quiet performance allows you to run a load of dishes while entertaining guests or putting young children to sleep without disruptive background noise.
A standard KitchenAid dishwasher can comfortably accommodate up to 15 full place settings in a single load. The flexible interior features adjustable racks and specialized utility baskets, allowing you to easily fit oversized pots alongside delicate wine glasses.
The PrintShield finish on KitchenAid dishwashers is a specialized exterior coating designed to resist daily fingerprints and annoying smudges. This protective layer is available on both classic stainless and black stainless steel units, making exterior wipe-downs incredibly fast and simple.
Select KitchenAid dishwashers easily handle heavily baked-on food using high-pressure spray jets designed specifically for tough messes. This powerful scrubbing action eliminates the need for manual soaking or pre-washing your dirty roasting pans before loading them.
Why Trust Albert Lee?
Since 1939, Albert Lee Appliance, a three-generation, family-owned business, continues to grow and serve the greater Pacific Northwest with quality products you can count on and service you can trust. We are proud to have served this community for so long and wouldn’t be here without our loyal customers. There is a reason why we are Washington’s largest independent appliance dealer, and it’s not a secret. Simply put: We have the experience. We have been the original appliance experts for over eight decades (and counting).
Shop KitchenAid Dishwashers at Albert Lee
At Albert Lee Appliance, we provide quality name-brand appliances for great prices. Shop dishwashers online or visit us today at one of our seven locations in the Pacific Northwest. In the meantime, browse our website to shop Albert Lee appliance sales and check out Albert Lee appliance reviews online to ensure every purchase is an informed one. More available than ever, our experts at Albert Lee Appliance are always happy to help you explore the latest KitchenAid dishwashers, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
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