1 Year Later with new KitchenAid kitchen

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murando531

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It's been a while since I've really posted here, other than a comment on a thread here and there, but since today (or really around this time in April) marks exactly one year since we gutted and remodeled our kitchen with a whole suite of KitchenAids, I figured it's time to post some official photos of everything over the last year, plus give some update and review about them after having plenty of use and experience to speak on.

I feel like I should break things up with separate posts on the thread so that I can get pictures posted of each appliance and so there isn't just one single novel of a post to have to read through.
 
I debated saving this for last, but because this is my favorite of any appliance and definitely the more in-depth in operation, I'll make it first: the dishwasher.

This is a KDTM604 model, with Whirlpool's new (or rather revised and updated) MicroClean pump and filter system, as well as a completely redesigned tub and frame that has a deeper sump, which allows the wash arm to sit lower and closer to the surrounding tub bottom, which also enables the lower rack to sit lower as well, and is how they've managed to squeeze an entire cups/glasses sized third rack up on top without sacrificing space for the traditional lower/upper racks.

I must say, I've always adored the PowerClean (and don't worry, it's still permanently installed and used regularly) and I thought the WP 920 model was absolutely the best dishwasher design I've ever witnessed, much less owned, but this machine is an absolute dream. I have yet to have a single item with any degree of soil come out anything but spotless. It's also incredibly quiet, but that's no surprise these days. I will say that there is a bit more of a motor hum than I was used to with the GlobalWash's magnet induction pump motor, but that's to be expected, considering this is an AC motor three times the size of what was used in the GW designs, and it's by no means noticeable at all unless you're leaning right down to it, and forget hearing it at all if you have so much as a quiet TV on in the other room.

It's also incredibly well built. Despite that the new frame uses a polymer base frame, it's very sturdy. The polymer frame may actually be helping to dampen any sound coming from the motor, as well as the huge rubber snubbers the motor itself mounts on. I was skeptical at first, but even the new plastic leveling feet lock very snugly into place. I have our machine side mounted with thick wooden shims inside the cabinet sides, so it doesn't move or flex in the slightest, even when the racks are fully loaded and extended.

The door feels exceptionally smooth and sturdy as well, and WP's "StayPut" door weighting system has been made even better with a completely redesigned hinge system that is actually really neat to watch work if you can look at a machine sitting out in the open. In theory, there shouldn't really be any reason for the new hinges to wear or loosen over time because the spring is quite a bit more substantial than was ever used on previous designs, which had long slender springs with fairly narrow wire. Plus there are no snubber pads or cables or plastic spring brackets to fail or break away.

The controls are beautifully laid out and all capacitive touch, and each cycle button is its own pad; no more cycle toggle key (thank god). There is also now an options menu hidden in the Hi Temp key that can change rinse aid dose, sound on/off, Sabbath mode, and LED lighting (on the 704-804 models). The tones are still simple chip tune, but the cycle start and end tones have more of a "boo beep" two or three tone sound. Nothing sing-songy but still a little more charming while being incredibly simple.

This machine also seems to have a redesigned diverter system that is much snappier than the slow rotating diverter disc of the GW. It's still disc based, but the transitions to each zone take barely a second. I'm sure someone here could elaborate more on that or find technical manuals that I haven't found yet. There are now four completely separate wash levels, the upper ceiling spray now being a dedicated wash arm with I believe 6 true spray jets. And then of course there are the dual rotating spray tubes that have their own supply. The third "FreeFlex" rack is not only great for mugs, stemless wineglasses, and taller glasses in the center, but also for small bowls, clear glass sealing containers, and long utensils. The side silverware basket is nice for measuring spoons and little lids and items, though I still use my dishwasher cage for measuring scoops and such.

The middle rack is slightly different for a Whirlpool, because it's not *quite* as symmetrical as it's been in previous designs. Plates and bowls now sit better to the left or right of center, with an adjustable row of tines for larger items on the right. I actually like this a bit better now after getting used to it because glasses can all be grouped to one side or the other, which was more difficult in the PowerClean and Voyager upper rack because the direct center was more intended for plates and saucers.

The lower rack is largely the same, maintaining an adjustable back row of tines, as well as a sliding adjustable front set, though I actually have mine locked into "normal plate" configuration with a couple of tiny zip ties. I did this for the 920 as well because occasionally a tilt in the wrong direction with a plate would cause the tines to slide, and all your plates would proceed to jumble around. I don't really care about the sliding tines myself because we don't have enough large uniformly sized bowls to take up that kind of space.

As far as actual operation and behavior of the machine, I've made a few observations.

First, I've only ever noticed a maximum of one full prewash, and I've never heard this machine do any sort of APF (filter purge) during a prewash. That's something I'm a bit surprised at, given how the spinning filter chamber and drain pump are arranged. I wonder if that may be a revision that will come to this platform in the coming years because that could shave off a bit of water use while still maintaining the same performance. I have heard it several times doing what I call an eco-rinse; it's not a purge like would be typical in a PC or Voyager model, but it's also not a full rinse. It fills with just enough water to surge through the wash arm for a second or two before gasping on air for another second, and pauses, doing this several times and then switching to the next wash zone and repeating. This seems to effectively force water through every wash zone and throw water in every direction enough to cover the entire load and tub at least once. It then drains and proceeds to the final rinse. This happens about 50% of the time though, even on Normal with no options, otherwise there are two full rinses.

Second, after confirming with the Sense energy monitor we have on our house, this machine actually engages the heating element when the upper arm is running as well, only shutting off when the upper sprayer or spray tubes are running. I have mixed feelings about this because of the possibility of having the lower rack covered with large bowls and bakeware, which would mean very little of the upper arm's water would fall on the actual element, as well as baking on any soil that could still be present on the inside surfaces of said bowls, but with my use I haven't noticed anything like that. I've only taken one video of the interior, but it seems the water level sits at least somewhat around the element during wash action. Regardless, I'm sure with design it's known and intentional, and after a year of use there's been no issue.

Another thing is that the built in fan runs regardless of heated dry settings, which I love. It seems to run for 8 hours after a cycle is finished, unless the door is opened. This works beautifully for me because I despise using a heat dry option on a dishwasher, period. So far, it dries wonderfully even when left over night, and if I'm nearby when the cycle finishes, I just prop it open to air dry like always, which flash dries the hot dishes if they're still warm enough. The exhaust vent is right at the bottom of the door, so you can hear a slight fan noise and feel the warm humid air blowing out, but there has been no sign of condensation or water dripping at all so far.

My only beef so far with this machine has more to do with the marketing and included documentation for it. The user manual is pathetic. No more detailed cycle charts or descriptions of the operation of the machine itself. It's very basic. There isn't even a mention at all of the fan or how/when/how long it operates. I had to learn the 8 hour duration for myself by checking on it in and out of the kitchen. It's a shame that for a brand that not only has the most unique pump/filter system in a dishwasher, but also has the most innovative third rack in the US market (I know, Asko has a middle rack that functions similarly), Whirlpool has massively dropped the ball showcasing any of it. This is their opportunity to put out Dyson and Apple level engineering commercials, brochures, demo videos, and yet they're allowing companies like Samsung to continue peddling gimmicks and saturating our ads and store displays.

So anyway, I don't want to ramble too much more, so I'll post some of the pictures I have, with a good gallery of full loads with before and afters.
 
Love your review

You did a great job really explaining the in’s and outs of the dishwasher. A questions for you.

What was your cycle of choice? It looks like you used normal and everything came out clean?

I had a kitchen aid global wash system and I had to select every option and heavy to get dishes clean. I now have a Bosch 800 series and love that I can just use auto and no options and the dishes get clean.
 
That picture of your kitchen - I love it.

The dishwasher looks huge inside. I hate my Maytag tiered upper rack..

I had no clue you were remodeling and got all new Kitchenaids...

So this dishwasher has a stronger motor than your previous WP?

I love Kitchenaid small appliances but I've never had one of their major appliances (at least yet)
 
Excellent review and photos!  This has helped me enormously as I have been seriously considering buying one of these (the 704) but I had concerns regarding its performance.  My other dishwashers are a KDS-18, GSD2800, JennAir electronic reverse rack and a WP PowerClean.  Plus I am used to using Miele dishwashers too.  So obviously this machine will be facing some serious competition in my house!  So thanks again, Andrew.  Great job with the kitchen remodel 😍

[this post was last edited: 4/5/2022-23:36]
 
Thanks, you guys :) I’ll get more photos of the rest of the appliances uploaded soon. It’s a bit of a workaround to get photos posted because the site uploader doesn’t know what to do with the new HEIF format photos on newer iOS devices, so I have to convert them with the computer to jpeg, otherwise they’ll be horribly pixelated and compressed.

@tomdawg - Typically I always use Normal or ProWash(Auto), and occasionally if I have a particularly heavily dried on food load, I’ll add Hi Temp as what I consider my “heavy” cycle. I’ve used the Tough/Heavy cycle on this machine once or twice but I honestly can’t remember how it behaved other than assuming forced prewash and thermal hold main wash, but for what this machine does on its normal cycles and options, I feel anything more is overkill in my case. I’ve done the same for nearly every dishwasher I’ve used or owned over the years, being a couple of PowerCleans, a Maytag-Voyager, and several versions of the GlobalWash, and have always been happy and impressed with the results. I say “nearly every” thinking of a very particular GE Nautilus we had growing up that *needed* those heavy options, haha

@mark_wpduet - Thanks! So we’ve actually completely moved in this last couple of years. I suppose I should have changed my profile location tag by now, lol. The kitchen we had before wasn’t awful, but was still very mid-2000s dated and the layout wasn’t great. I’ll have to get before pictures put up too.

And yes, this machine basically has the same AC motor now that the Maytags have had post-Voyager design, running at around 230ish watts. The Whirlpool 920 I had was the high efficiency wet rotor pump of the GlobalWash platform that ran at 55W if I remember right. That dishwasher was given to my grandparents and has been happily washing away since August of 2018 and my granddad loves it. He likes checking the filter but comments regularly about how there’s never anything to clean off it, and he just likes to keep it looked after.

@lakewebsterkid - thank you! That’s nice to hear. And the main silverware basket is all one piece on this, similar to the all metal one in the Maytags, but that front rhombus shaped section is a separate cup that clips to the front of the rack. It’s actually from when I had the black stainless KitchenAid KDFE104H for a while and ordered it, and of course kept it until now where it still fits the same way.
 
Great detailed review, glad you're happy with your purchase.

 

I have a 2 year old KDTE254ESS1 and feel the same way, never a dirty item. Love this DW.  I use the Pro wash cycle and it works perfectly. I long ago got rid of the top portion of the silverware basket, hate the fussiness of placing each piece in it's own slot.  I just toss the utensils in some up some down and all come out spotless. I wish my third rack was as functional as the newer models, but that is a minor issue. At 39 db it's all but silent which I like.


 

Hope you are as happy with the rest of your KA kitchen appliances as you are with the DW.
 
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