KitchenAid Dishwasher Reviews – Should You Consider a KitchenAid?

When customers come into our store looking for a new dishwasher, they often ask a couple of questions: “Which dishwasher has the best performance?” and “Which dishwashers have the least amount of problems?”

While there are no dishwashers out there that have no repair issues, the answer to these questions is that KitchenAid and Bosch are typically two of the most highly regarded brands in dishwashers.

We'll provide five KitchenAid dishwasher reviews in this article, starting with one of their more basic models and proceeding to higher-end models with lots of bells and whistles. It's worth noting that although all of KitchenAid's dishwashers retail at MSRPs $899 and up, their most popular models often go on sale during promotional periods, easily saving you 20-30%.

Unlike other brands which have basic models with plastic tubs and relatively loud decibel levels, even KitchenAid’s most basic models are quiet and come complete with stainless steel interior tubs. These features can be found in the first model in our comparison - let's dig in!

Table of Contents

• Features Overview
• Basic Model: KitchenAid KDFE104KPS
• Next Step Up: KitchenAid KDTE204KPS
• Premium Front Controls: KitchenAid KDFM404KPS
• High-End: KitchenAid KDTM604KPS
• Luxe Model: KitchenAid KDTM354EBS

Features Overview

KitchenAid claims to have the "best performing dishwasher" on the market when it comes to cleaning and drying. That's part of what makes them so competitive! All of their dishwashers operate between 39-46 decibels, and have stainless steel interior tubs.

Here are some of the features you'll see on KitchenAid dishwashers, and what they mean.

• ProWash Cycle: An automatic/sensor cycle that uses soil sensors to ensure your dishes come out perfectly clean. 

• Clean Water Wash System: Available on select models. Many dishwashers today have filters that need to be manually cleaned (usually every few months) rather than food grinders, which are noisy. KitchenAid's Clean Water Wash System uses a microfilter setup that's maintenance-free and shortens cycle times.

• ProDry: Available on select models. Combines heat, fan, and condensation drying techniques. Uses a fan and forced ventilation system to pull humidity away from the dishes. There is also a recessed heating element to assist the drying designed to run efficiently.

• PrintShield Finish: KitchenAid's fingerprint resistant stainless steel and black stainless steel finishes have a brushed look that hides prints and smudges.

• SatinGlide Max Rails: Ball bearing glides on the upper rack allow it to pull in and out smoothly, even when heavily loaded.

• FreeFlex Third Rack: Many brands are taking third rack dishwashers to the next level in 2020, and KitchenAid is no exception. Their rack has room for a lot more than just flatware and has its own spray arm plus a "drying bar" to improve drying performance.

• Premium Front Controls: Select models offer a premium take on front controls in a style similar to Bosch's higher end dishwashers, so if you want sleek front controls with a pocket handle that will match the rest of your kitchen appliances, there are some great options from KitchenAid.

1. The Basic Model: KitchenAid KDFE104KPS - $899

The KitchenAid KDFE104KPS features a long pocket handle and touch sensitive front controls, available in sleek stainless steel with Printshield. It retails for $899. While some KitchenAid dishwashers are only available in a stainless steel finish, this one is also available in black and in white. One premium feature that comes standard on this model is a SatinGlide ball bearing upper rack, which creates a smooth feeling when pulling out the rack, even with heavier loads. Other high-end features include the stainless steel interior tub.

This KitchenAid dishwasher has five wash cycles, including the ProWash™ cycle, which determines the ideal cycle time for washing dishes based on soil level sensors and makes real-time adjustments to optimize cycle performance. There are also five cycle options, which includes a sanitary cycle (Sani Rinse) that heats the final rinse water to 155 degrees Fahrenheit to eliminate 99.999% of bacteria on the dishes.

The KDFE104KPS is quiet at only 47 decibels when in operation, which means that you might hear a bit of swishing if you’re in the kitchen, but it’s not loud enough to be much of a disturbance.

Key Features:

• 5 Cycles: ProWash™, Tough, Normal, Rinse Only, Express Wash

• 6 Options: Heat Dry, Extended Heat Dry, 4 Hour Delay, Sani Rinse®, Hi Temp Wash, Control Lock

• SatinGlide® Max Rails

• Fold-down shelf with stemware holders

• Front controls

KitchenAid KDFE104KPS - $899

2. The Next Step Up: KitchenAid KDTE204KPS - $999

The next KitchenAid dishwasher we’ll look at is the KitchenAid KDTE204KPS, which features a bar handle. The controls are concealed on top of the dishwasher door. If you want Bosch-style stainless steel front controls, check out model KDFE204KPS. This dishwasher priced at $999 is definitely an upgrade from the last model we looked at. It is available in a PrintShield stainless steel and black stainless steel finish. The PrintShield finish makes it easy to keep your appliance clean of smudges and water drips, especially if there are children running around the house! As of this writing, you can also get the model in black or in white.

This model is for you if you prefer a whisper-quiet operation for your dishwasher. Operating at only 39 decibels, this dishwasher provides the quietest cleaning from KitchenAid! It also has a third level rack that can be used for flatware and longer cooking utensils, thereby freeing up space in the lower two racks. The middle rack is adjustable, allowing you to fit tall items, and both the third and middle racks have SatinGlide rails.

Like the last model, this dishwasher has similar cycle options, a heated dry option, and durable stainless steel interior. However, this model has no stemware holders due to the positioning of the third rack.

Key Features:

• 5 Cycles: ProWash™, Tough, Normal, Express Wash, Rinse Only

• 5 Options: 2-4-8 Hour Delay, Sani-Rinse, Heat Dry, Extended Heat Dry, Hi-Temp Wash

• 39 dBA - whisper-quiet operation

• Third level rack

• SatinGlide® Max Rails on third and middle racks

• Concealed controls with bar handle

3. The Premium Front Control Model: KitchenAid KDFM404KPS - $1,199

Next up, we have the KitchenAid KDFM404KPS. Looking at this dishwasher from the outside, you'll notice it has a nicely styled pocket handle and visible front controls. These aren't plasticky push buttons - it's a sleek stainless steel touch panel. Also coming in a black stainless steel finish, this model is priced at $1,199 in PrintShield stainless steel. This price increase from the last model is accounted for when we look at several improvements on the interior of this dishwasher.

First of all, it has the FreeFlex third rack, which KitchenAid claims is the largest third rack available. You can fit 6" glasses, mugs, and even bowls. It has its own rotating wash jets to thoroughly clean these items. The middle rack is height adjustable, and both the middle and lower rack have fold down tines to fit large and oddly shaped items. The middle rack comes with two clips for holding stemware in place. 

This model offers heated drying, a sanitize option, and a 4-hour delay start. It operates a little more quietly than the base 104 model at 44 decibels. It's new for 2020, so you're getting some great upgrades!

Key Features:

• 5 Cycles: ProWash™, Tough, Normal, Express Wash, Rinse Only

• 6 Options: Hi Temp Wash, Sani Rinse®, Heat Dry, Extended Heat Dry, 4 Hour Delay, Control Lock

• FreeFlex third level rack

• SatinGlide® Max Rails on third and middle rack

• Fold-down tines in middle and lower rack

• Front controls

KitchenAid KDFM404KPS - $1,199

4. A High-End Model: KitchenAid KDTM604KPS - $1,299

This article originally featured the KDTM354ESS, a model with consistent high ratings from Consumer Reports. For 2020, KitchenAid discontinued this model, and one of its replacements is the KitchenAid KDTM604KPS. You'll find a commercial style bar handle with hidden top controls that will look great in your kitchen! There is also a top control option with KitchenAid's stylish pocket handle as well, model KDPM604KPS.

The FreeFlex third rack is on this model as well, with ball bearing glides on the third rack and height-adjustable middle rack. The middle and lower racks have adjustable and fold-down tines. It has a few more wash options than the previous model, including 1-24 hour delay start, and a top racks only wash. 

See KitchenAid's Wash Action From the Inside!

It operates at a quiet 44 decibels. The ProDry system combines a heating element with a fan to boost drying. If you're looking for a quiet high end dishwasher with heated dry, KitchenAid is worth looking into.

Key Features:

• 6 Cycles: ProWash™, Tough, Normal, Express Wash, Rinse Only

• 6 Options: 1-24 Hour Delay, ProDry™, Extended ProDry, Hi Temp Wash, Sani Rinse®, Top 2 Racks Only

• Advanced Clean Water Wash System (Self-cleaning filter)

• Professionally-inspired design

• SatinGlide® Max Rails on third and middle rack

• Adjustable and fold-down tines in middle and lower rack

KitchenAid KDTM604KPS - $1,299

5. A Luxe Model - KitchenAid KDTM704KPS - $1,499

Key Features:

• 5 Cycles: ProWash™, Tough, Normal, Rinse Only, Express Wash

• 6 Options: 1-24 Hour Delay, ProDry™, Extended ProDry, Hi Temp Wash, Sani Rinse®, Top 2 Racks Only

• Clean Water Wash System

• FreeFlex third level rack

• SatinGlide® Max Rails on top and middle racks

• Adjustable and folding tines in middle and lower racks

KitchenAid KDTM704KPS - $1,499

That’s it for our KitchenAid dishwasher reviews! Even their more basic models contain a slew of premium features, and depending on your desires, different models may suit you. If you typically do large washes and don’t want to take up too much room with flatware, maybe one of the models with a third rack is the way to go. 

Regardless of the model you pick, KitchenAid’s name is synonymous with premium quality in the dishwasher world and all of their machines possess that high standard. We hope these reviews proved helpful in uncovering the best one for your specific needs.

Please leave us a comment below. We'd love to hear from you!

Editor's Note: This blog was originally written in December of 2017 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy as of the publication date noted above.