NFR - Looking for opinions on KitchenAid dishwashers. NT

I am in the market for one as well. Mine is a KA, 33 years old, runs fine but is just

worn out inside, and I would really like a food disposal in it (wasn't around way back then). For my first home I bought a portable KA, I've had a Whirlpool that ran perfectly for 20 years in my seasonal home, and got a Maytag for my office. All of them gave me no trouble.

I asked 2 repairmen about dishwashers. One said that when Whirlpool took over KA, it agreed to maintain the very high standard of the KA dishwasher that was started by Hobart when KA took it over, regardless of the other Whirpool appliances. Another said he wouldn't buy anything but KA. I asked him specifically about Miele and how they are loved in Europe. He insisted that it was because KA isn't readily available there and that they are not as good here.

I've decided on the 3-rack model with the cutlery level but with the indicators on the outside of the door. I take a long time to make such decisions as I have had nothing but ideal experiences with my appliances.

 
We installed all KA appliances at a firestation

and, after spending a fortune of taxpayer money (blame the architect, not the contractor) on these very high end appliances, the repairman was being called before the project was officially complete. The dishwasher was the first to have issues which continued beyond our warranty period. After our warranty ended they had called KA direct twice that I know of, maybe more. Never replaced by KA because each item was considered 'fixable'.

We've had the similar problems with KA on a couple of other projects as well.

 
I loved my old Bosch but hate my new one even though CR likes them

and as for fire stations, we put the Asko in and they are holding up fine and are now the new 'standard'. KA appliances typically have gotten bad ratings from CR.

 
I won't buy another KA dishwasher

I had one I loved, the replacement was not so great and after a few years was even worse. The racks fell apart, and dishes were not getting clean.

I ditched it and got a Bosch and I absolutely love it! It's the bottom-of-the-line and I'm pleased as Punch with it.

I don't think KA has been the same since Hobart sold out.

 
I love my Fischer Paykel, it does a better job than the KA, I have both.

The FP does a much better job on glassware.
I haev to run the hot water for a while (per KA hotline instructions) before starting the DW. smileys/frown.gif annoying.

Had a bad experience with the KA architect refrigerator. When it was less than a year old, had 4 service calls, and the last guy wanted to drain the freon. I threw him out!

M

 
I bought a second Bosch, but this one has a filter that you have to clean regularly

- very regularly - or the glasses end up with sandy residue stuck on them, so I'm less than pleased.

 
Thank you all for your opinions, including a few opinions I got by PM's,

I'd say it's about a 50/50 split between pros and cons. Decisions, decisions.

 
My husband convinced me to try a Kenmore Elite dishwasher (repairman told us 2 B sure &

get the Kenmore line that is made by Whirlpool), and I've been quite pleased with it. I bought the stainless steel interior so no hassles with stains plus that keeps it even quieter than usual when it's running. I especially like the Turbo Zone feature where 4 jets are positioned along the back lower wall (which I can lean casserole dishes against) so they hit any caked-on gunk with a strong, direct water spray.

Prior to our Kenmore dishwasher, I only had KitchenAids and loved them, but the repairman plus the Consumer Reports people weren't as positive about them after they were bought out.

BTW, we just had our August ConsumerReports magazine delivered today, and you might like to read it as the main thrust this issue is on Top Kitchen Appliances. Caryn aka Wigs (Bosch took CR's first place in the dishwasher dept.)

 
Oops, I stand corrected. DH says ours does have a filter and he does clean it, but not very often.

He says it's doesn't get dirty. I'm the cook, he loads and unloads the dishwasher.

 
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