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.
Price range:
$989.00 - $1,252.27
Summary:This KitchenAid dishwasher • Has a soil sensor. • Requires periodic cleaning of filter. • Flatware basket has lid with individual slots. • All controls are hidden. • Has a stainless steel tub. • Has adjustable tines. • Has an adjustable upper rack.
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
No
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
Adjustable tines Most models hold cups and glasses on top, plates on the bottom, and silverware in a basket. Features that enhance flexibility include adjustable tines, which flatten areas to accept bigger dishes, pots, and pans. A 'yes' here indicates adjustable tines on at least the top or the bottom rack.
Adjustable tines
Yes
Requires custom door panel Some dishwashers lack a finished front door panel, so you must furnish your own at an additional cost. This enables you to match the dishwasher's panel with your kitchen cabinetry, or to choose a stainless-steel front. Many models with finished fronts also allow you to add custom panels to change the finish.
Requires custom door panel
No
Features
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
Door Lock All dishwashers automatically shut off when the door is opened during operation, so water won't flood out. A few models have door locks that prevent children from opening the dishwasher and touching sharp objects or hot surfaces.
Door Lock
No
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
No
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
Yes
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
All
Displays remaining time A digital display lets you know how much longer the dishwasher will take to complete the chosen cycle. Rotary dials generally give an indication of the stage the cycle is in, less precise but still helpful.
Displays remaining time
No
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.
Stainless/SS-look option
No
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