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.