Pros
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Solid cleaning performance
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Dries dishes
Cons
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Long cycle times
This handsome dishwasher has a great contemporary look at a moderate price. Fingerprints and smudges don't show, which is a good thing when you're reaching for the pocket handle every time you need to load a plate.
Design and features
No need to worry about smudges on this model—the Printshield finish keeps fingerprints away. The controls in the stylish pocket handle give an upscale look to a moderately-priced machine. The shining stainless interior contributes to a sound rating of 46 dBA—not whisper quiet, but soft enough so that you'll hear only the quietest hum.
You don't get flexible tines on this model, but they're spaced far enough apart that you can arrange dishes the way you want to. And that adjustable top rack is a big help when you're cleaning a tall platter on the bottom. There's no third rack, but the silverware basket is roomy, and its grid spaces them so that every surface can get clean. The wineglass holders convey a touch of luxury.
You won't need to wash wineglasses by hand, since this dishwasher holds them securely.
Pressure controls work well, and they're located in the pocket handle. LED lights display to indicate when the dishwasher is washing, drying, and finished with a cycle. If you have guests over, or you'd prefer to run the dishwasher while you sleep, you can choose the 2, 4, or 8 hour delay.
Probably like most households, you use the Normal cycle every day. But don't ignore the Heavy cycle when you have seriously stained dishes—it will get them totally clean, removing every trace of spinach, melted cheese and lasagna, among the toughest stains. SaniRinse can come into play when someone in the family is sick.
The pressure-sensitive controls are located in the pocket handle. They look modern, and are easy to operate.
Performance
In our lab tests, we saw very good cleaning with 97% of the dishes clean on the Normal and Quick cycles. It took two hours and 41 minutes for the Normal cycle to finish, and 62 minutes for Quick to complete. The Heavy cycle was the winner, with 99.99% of the dishes clean, but it needs four hours to complete.
The silverware basket is a generous size, and has slots for each individual utensil. They're spaced so that water can hit every surface.
Drying is perfect on the Normal and Heavy cycles, so there's no need to use a dish towel as you unload.
Warranty
A one-year warranty on parts and labor comes with this dishwasher.
What the users say
Owners give this model an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars on online sites. Almost every one of their reviews mentions the effective cleaning, quiet running, total drying, and beautiful appearance as reasons to love this dishwasher.
The bottom line
After testing it, we believe this KitchenAid dishwasher is a good value. It's moderately priced, cleans well, and every dish emerges dry from the Normal and Heavy cycles. As long as you're patient, and don't mind waiting for it to finish, this dishwasher will take good care of your family's dirty dishes.
If you're looking for a model to compare it to, have a look at the LG LDF5545ST, a winner of our Editors' Choice badge. It's even more affordable, cleans and dries very well, has adjustable tines, and offers eight cycles. Plus, it cleans the dishes in much less time. And don't forget the Bosch 300 series dishwashers. They have the third rack, and are about the same price.
Meet the testers
Cindy Bailen loves writing about major appliances and home design and has spent over 15 years immersed in that. In her spare time, Cindy hosts pledge programs for WGBH-TV in Boston and other public television stations.
Kyle Hamilton
Product Tester
Kyle Hamilton is a product tester at Reviewed, specializing in home appliances and technology.
Checking our work.
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