Do it Yourself: RE: [DIY] Dishwasher is DEAD DEAD DEAD

20 March 2016

RE: [DIY] Dishwasher is DEAD DEAD DEAD

Just a follow up that we purchased a new KitchenAid dishwasher about a month ago. It's unbelievably quiet (39db) and cost a fortune (IMHO) but we had

such good reliability and luck with the previous KA that it only made sense to stick with that brand.

This particular model (KDTE254EWH), has a third rack, 6 different washing functions, including autosense, heated dry etc etc.

Price was about $1,100 but Bray and Scariff price matched Sears who had it on sale for $900 and also had rebates for delivery and setup. $15

takeaway on our old dishwasher.

Some observations:

1. Bray and Scariff had to come out a second time because the original install team didn't level the washer and it made a weird whining sound when it ran. There's really no excuse for that. Installing a dishwasher isn't rocket science. The bottom of the washer stuck out TWO INCHES more than the top of the washer under the counter. (I wasn't home to check out the work). The original installeder *forgot* to level the back legs. Sounds like he was just in a hurry to me.

2. The dishwasher is unbelievably quiet…I mean almost "not running" kind of quiet. Except for when it drains the water, it's very hard to even tell it's on. Big plus from our old KA, which maxed out around 65db and pretty much took over the kitchen when it ran.

3. The heated dry option is a definite plus. Something to consider when buying a dishwasher. I've heard mixed opinions about air drying. Heated drying does a very good job of drying the tops off plastic items. I hate wet silverware and cups.

4. Third rack at the top is nice, but really, if $$ is tight, go with the model without the rack. It takes up headroom for the top (second) rack and there's no washer arm under it so crusted silverware doesn't get clean. Anything over a couple of inches high won't fit. It *is* helpful for large lids though.

5. Unlike our old KA, you *must* run the kitchen sinks hot water first. Otherwise, even though it heats the water, it doesn't get hot enough or fast enough to completely dissolve the Cascade tablets. The tablets would dissolve but the plastic coating was still stuck to the bottom of the tub.

6. The door is counter balanced and can be adjusted at installation. It's *heavy* but with the counterbalancing, it easier to open/close. I guess it's all the sound insulation that's in the door.

7. It would have been nice to have an interior light. The racks are a dark grey so it makes the entire interior very dark. Our old KA had white racks and it really made a difference when looking for items in the washer.

8. The lower rack is built on rails, not just wheels (like our old KA). This is a BIG DEAL. It prevents the rack from sliding right out of the washer onto the floor if you get a little too exuberant when pulling the lower rack out. Don't ask how we know this.

9. All in all, this is a good dishwasher but time will tell. We purchased an extended warranty since repairing expensive appliances can easily break your budget. Mini –rant - I remember when buying a major appliance was something you only had to do once or twice in your lifetime. Now, you're lucky if an appliance lasts 10 years. And at the current prices, they should last FOREVER.

-aki

From: DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com [mailto:DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: Friday, February 19, 2016 9:33 AM
To: Aki 01dyna@gmail.com [DoIt_Yourself]
Subject: Re: [DIY] Dishwasher is DEAD DEAD DEAD

Yes. I live in NY. With delivery and install, I paid about $925. It all touch sensors, stainless steel inside and out.

Oh, another thing. With the KA that I have, you really have to use tablets (not liquid soap or powder soap). Not a huge deal, but that may matter to you.

In the end, the new washer gives a great spotless clean.

On Feb 19, 2016, at 09:26 AM, "Aki 01dyna@gmail.com [DoIt_Yourself]" <DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

thanks Frank! Yes, I agree the two door Fisher and Paykels aren't really optimal. The reviews I've read have been mediocre and
the biggest complaint is that neither drawer is large enough for large plates.

Askos at Bray and Scarff run anywhere from $800 to $2k. If we go that route, it'll be on the lower end as long as the functions
we need are included.

I agree that the Kitchenaids are very good but they are also pricey. They typically run from $700 on up to $1,500. We may end
up getting another KA, they're darn good washers IMHO.

-aki

On Fri, Feb 19, 2016 at 8:59 AM, Frank Ruggiero frankruggiero@me.com [DoIt_Yourself] <DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

I just replaced my 15 year old Kitchen Aid with a new Kitchen Aid. Ive had it about a month, and I do like it. It has a 3rd rack, which is useful, and cleans really well. You can also raise and lower the 2nd rack to fit enormous pots in it, if necessary. It has a multitude of modes as well.

I will say it takes a long time to do a complete cycle; about 2.5 hours. However, I believe that is part of the energy saving process, if I understand correctly.

Unless you are a very religious Jew, I am not sure a Fisher and Paykel is appropriate. My understanding is that the separate sections are to be used for separating meat from dairy (is that what you are supposed to separate?) So, I think one loses space and pays a premium for something that is not really necessary.

Asko is from Sweden I believe and are supposed to be great, but we are talking over $2000. They probably are wonderful knowing the design and quality coming out of that country, but be prepared to pay a pretty penny.

I saw a Bosch. The design seemed ok, but wasn't bowled over by it.

I the end, I liked the Kitchen Aid because of its features that others did not have, and in retrospect, I do get a lot of use out of those features. And considering you and I both had good luck with our prior Kitchen Aids, maybe it is not a bad idea to try it again.

Frank

On Feb 19, 2016, at 08:49 AM, "01dyna@gmail.com [DoIt_Yourself]" <DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Our 19yo Kitchenaid dishwasher finally died. It fills up but doesn't wash or drain. Not surprised, it's pretty old and the control panel buttons lettering have pretty much worn off and it's not cleaning as well as it used to. I think we got our moneys worth after 19 years so we're good with getting a new one. This Kitchenaid dishwasher has been a real workhorse.

Soo...we're in the search for a new dishwasher. Like the Kitchenaid, we don't believe in buying a low end appliance since it'll most likely end up costing us in the long run.

We've looked at Bosch, Kitchenaid, Asko, Fisher and Paykel (we have their washer and dryer and really like it) and some others. My wife saw a friends new Asko and is seriously considering that brand/model.

Any comments/recommendations on a replacement dishwasher? We have to do this either TONIGHT or Saturday. We have a very busy household and the thought of hand washing everything is frightening.

-aki