What's this? This judgment is based mainly on washing, but also factors in noise, energy and water use, loading, and more. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.
Approximate retail price:
$500
Summary:This GE conventional dishwasher has • A soil sensor. • An adjustable upper rack. • A delayed-start feature. • A self-cleaning filter. • A plastic tub. • No hidden controls. • Adjustable tines. • Ample flatware slots. • Time-remaining display.
The GE GLD6904R[WW] is part of the dishwasher
test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, dishwasher
models like the GLD6904R[WW] are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.
Washing:
Washing performance is assessed by running the normal or equivalent cycle to clean a full load--10 place settings of very dirty dishes that were scraped but not rinsed. We examine the dishes and glassware after cleaning for residual food.
Energy use:
This is for a normal cycle. The largest portion is needed for heating water, both at the water heater and in the machine.
Noise:
This was judged during fill, wash, and drain, mainly by a listening panel.
About This Brand
This company, which touts its innovations and features, is the second-biggest dishwasher brand and has four lines: GE, Profile, Café, and Monogram. Prices range from about $250 for a basic GE model to $1,400 for a Monogram product. In 2006, GE introduced the Smart Dispense feature, which automatically dispenses detergent in the right amount for the load and is found on its high-end Profile, Café, and Monogram models. The Café line offers professional-style models at lower prices than the Monogram series.
Sensor A sensor adjusts water usage and cycle time to the amount of soil on the dishes. This should make a dishwasher use water more efficiently, but we found that wasn't always the case. Moreover, a sensor can increase a machine's running time.
Sensor
Yes
Self-cleaning filter A filter that cleans itself is convenient, but it can contribute to noise. Note that it's often the costly foreign brands that lack self-cleaning filters and require periodic manual cleaning of the filter.
Self-cleaning filter
Yes
Stainless-steel tub Unlike a plastic tub, a stainless-steel one won't discolor, but it does increase the cost of a dishwasher by about $100.
Stainless-steel tub
No
Hidden controls Controls along the top edge of the door contribute to a sleeker look. Some models hide all controls; others hide only some controls.
Hidden controls
No
Ample flatware slots Flatware baskets with lids provide individual slots for most of the utensils in our silverware load. Such lids prevent "nesting" and thus improve flatware cleaning. It is more time-consuming to load the cutlery into individual slots, though, so you can remove the lids if you prefer.
Ample flatware slots
Yes
Adjustable upper rack Most models hold cups and glasses on the top rack, plates on the lower rack, and silverware in a basket. The ability to adjust the upper rack up or down an inch or so allows for more flexibility in loading items such as tall glasses.
Adjustable upper rack
Yes
Stainless/SS-look option Stainless-steel is stylish, but it shows fingerprints. Another option: a vinyl-covered metal finish that gives you a stainless-steel look but resists smudging.