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murando531

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 24, 2014
Messages
951
Location
Augusta, Georgia - US
I couldn't resist any longer. From reading excellent reviews all over, to hearing from those on AW who now own Whirlpool's new dishwashers, KA, KM, and Maytag included, my curiosity and spark for something new struck me again. To be delivered on *hopefully* 12/04, a brand new WDT920SADE Whirlpool Gold dishwasher in black ice finish will be the new hot commodity in the household. This will be the first all stainless steel interior dishwasher I've owned, as well as the first hidden control panel as well, but I'm excited because of the beautiful design and look this machine has.

What about the Maytag-Voyager and the PowerClean you may ask? Well, I ADORE the PC, because it is in pristine condition and I worked my A-- off restoring it, and it works beautifully. I'd like to keep it that way, and not wear it out as a daily driver at its age of almost 15 years. Another reason is that I feel, while it does an exceptional job, the new detergents are designed for machines that utilize longer main wash times, to allow the enzymes to do their best. With the 12 minute MW on Normal in the PC, it can sometimes leave crud in a fully loaded silverware basket, even when loaded inside the rack. Sure, I could add the high temp option or use a heavier cycle, but I have this quirk that I'd much more prefer running a machine on its standard cycle for general everyday soil. Plus, more options/heavier cycles = more wear and tear, going back to the point about preserving my all time favorite dishwasher design. So it will be kept in the designated closet cubby spot for my "spare" dishwasher, so no elements will harm her. One day when I have a bigger kitchen or we build a house again like we did this one, I'll make sure there is a spot on both sides of the sink, one for the PC, one for the current daily driver. With the timeless sleek look of this PC and its black exterior, it will never look tacky in any kitchen.

The Maytag, while I also love its beautiful looks and flawless performance, will most likely be sold, as my biggest annoyance with that machine is the tiered upper rack. Nothing but wasted space in my opinion. I've been looking left and right on Craigslist and other sites for a comparable Point Voyager machine, a WP/KM/KA with similar colored racks that could be harvested for parts to combine into an ultimate dishwasher, but luck wasn't on my side, and the urge for something new and top of the line was much more powerful. It will still be a perfect machine for anyone who often washes tall pots and cookie sheets in their machine, and could care less what the rack layout is, and its quietness is another plus.

Back to the new WDT920, I've been thinking a lot about the new design now that there are numerous videos of the inner workings and countless praising reviews. My opinion of the manual filters has changed to where I would actually prefer it since they clean themselves well for the most part. If a piece of glass or something falls in, I'd rather not have to take the pump assembly apart. What I'm really drawn to with this machine is the silverware spray bar, which I feel is an excellent idea to address the issue of "dead spots" in the door. The numerous adjustments in both top and bottom racks are a nice addition; I've never had that in a machine growing up or that I've owned myself. The lower rack's rear row of tines tilts or closes down, and the front two rows can widen or narrow. The top rack has collapsing tines on both sides, and can adjust up or down a level. This also has the TotalCoverage spray arm with the alternating jet holes, which should be an interesting feature. The gearing is all underneath from what I can tell, and because they rotate so slowly with the rotation of the spray arm, they shouldn't bind or wear out easily. Seems alot more simple than the motorized arms, which I'm not a fan of. Other than that, the motor seems decent enough, larger than the lower end models, and the whole machine in general has a gorgeous look to it. I'm excited to get to load it up to the brim with all kinds of nasties.

http://www.whirlpool.com/kitchen-1/...shwashers-3/-[WDT920SADM]-1022284/WDT920SADM/
 
Woohoo!

Congrats Andrew! Can't wait to hear your observations on the new machine. Funny, I was just looking online at a WP dishwasher just like the one you picked, but it has front controls (I don't like top control dishwashers for some reason). It had the silverware basket spray too and I thought that was so cool!

I'm so excited for you. :-)
 
Cool!

I have to agree with you on the tiered upper rack. I freaking LOVE my Maytag dishwasher and this is the ONLY thing I would change about it.

Can't wait to hear about this from you since you are the expert with dishwashers.
 
I've never liked hidden top control panels.  I was pleasantly surprised with my particular models' panel design and installation setup, my digital display is always visible and at a glance I can see how much time has elapsed from the beginning and how much time is left.  So I was pleased. 
 
So...sad news. Actually this happened last Tuesday (a week and two days ago), but I a) have just been frustrated at the situation and didn't feel like ranting just yet, and b) have also been super busy..

Anywho, the dishwasher came in on the 8th. The guys pulled up in the truck, I walked out to greet them, and they rolled it back on the dolly, lowered the platform, and wheeled it into the garage. I was so excited because the box didn't have a single crushed corner or wrinkle, and when he cut the bottom lines and lifted it away, everything looked great. I quickly looked everything over, pleased that there wasn't a single scratch in view, and signed off on it. After they leave, I open the door and get my dolly out, tilt the dishwasher off the shipping base, and proceed to wheel it into the house. While I was bringing it in, the door kept trying to open on its own, but because WP puts that plastic bag like covering over the door, I figured the plastic was keeping the latch from fully locking. I get it into the kitchen, slip the plastic bag from over the door, and to my horror.....

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Long story short, the right top corner of the door is crushed in, so much so that there is an indentation on the inner frame from the bolt on the corner of the door. The door can close but doesn't latch or fully seal. So, I called Goedecker's (ordered it from them because of the Black Friday price they had it for, and because it would be delivered faster than anywhere locally), and they were extremely apologetic, and had a replacement ordered right away. The only problem is there's really no way to rush a delivery on something like this, so I've yet to receive an ETA for the new one. For the time being, I've had the joy of getting to look at this brand new beauty just sit in our guest bedroom with a sad door.

But!! I'm trying to stay positive. So I do have thoughts on it so far, despite not being able to actually "use" it.

First off, the build quality is impressive, as it should be for a TOL appliance. This stainless steel is SOLID. Even more so than my grandfather's Kenmore Elite-Voyager. Doesn't make a ting or a hollow sound at all when you thump it or tap it with your knuckles, instead it's a solid "thunk". The insulation is nice a dense too, and it's all over, even the bottom. The two racks are very nice, the bottom has an adjustable row to widen the tines for large bowls and "bowl plates", and the rear row of tines will tilt or lay down of course for the TargetClean spray bars (formerly known as PowerScour/TurboZone). The TotalCoverage wash arm is interesting. The gears are inside, but it takes a lot of turning the gear by hand to make the other gears and the diverter bar even move a small amount, which means it takes quite a few rotations before the spray pattern changes. It looks so sleek and cool though, easily the nicest wash arm design I've seen, in my opinion, second only of course to the PowerClean's lightning bolt arm.

The upper rack is a breath of fresh air to me, after coming to despise the rack in the Voyager-Maytag. The two outer rows of tines will fold down, and the entire rack adjusts up or down just by lifting and locking into place; there are no levers or knobs to use. I probably won't adjust it that often, but the new mechanism is interesting. The upper wash arm is the same as all WP/KitchenAids, but looks sleek and simple, with plenty of fan jets, so there shouldn't be any coverage issues.

The silverware spray bar is by far my favorite feature. In my desperation to at least experience some part of the new machine, I took it out and brought it to the shower and used the hose to force water through it, where I was pleased to see how evenly distributed the jets are. The water also angles outward toward the door, directly to the silverware, which is a relief because at first look, it seems like the bar isn't positioned far enough over the basket. It should prove to be quite an improvement to the in-door silverware basket.
 
Sorry for the divided posts. The bulk-uploader compresses the pictures so much that they're a pixelated mess. Uploading them separately keeps their resolution intact.

I do have pictures of the interior and underside that I'll try to upload a little later on.

But yeah, something is just fishy about the whole thing. I wasn't a fan of the delivery guys at all. Just too nonchalant and in a hurry. But what gets me is that the box doesn't have any sign of crushing.

To have warped the door and the frame to that extent, it had to have either been dropped, or backed into with a forklift or something. Who knows. I'm glad they're being so cooperative in making it right though. It's just a bummer to see a gorgeous machine like that just sitting there, haha. It's making my poor little Maytag seem so basic. Don't get me wrong, LOVE the Maytag, I just hate the racks.
 
Wow Andrew

isn't it amazing the odds of something like this happening are so slim...and for it to happen to a dishwasher geek is crazy....
I can fully understand the relief not to see the tiered upper rack. I'm with you on that. That's the ONLY thing I hate about my Maytag, but I love everything else about it and I just work around it. I was, like you, very surprised of the solid feel it had - so I can imagine this to be even better. Glad you're able to get a replacement. Can't wait to hear how you like it when all this is over and it's finally installed. I'm sure the waiting is maddening.....at least you're too busy to worry much over the waiting.....
 
Happened to Me Too...

Ordered a Bosch DW in Black. Supposed to be a ship-to-store order taking 3 days or less. Took over six weeks to get it. Got the machine, carton looked fine. Signed off on it. Unboxed, looked fine. Took it into the house and began install. Wasn't until it was connected, I noticed a dent on the lower left rear of the tub. Almost exactly the width of a fork-lift prong. Contacted the store and was told they couldn't help me, I had to deal with the manufacturer directly because it was a special order item to get them model in black.

Went ahead and installed it as is and it worked. But every time I opened it and saw the dent, I would cuss. Sold it on CL for a considerable loss and bought a Miele. Never looked back and never set foot in that appliance store again!

Good luck with your replacement!

Malcolm
 
Happened to me as well. I ordered my Bosch dryer online. Received it within a few days, box looked flawless... and after unpacking found two small scratches down to the metal. I called the store and they immediately refunded me $85.

During my internship at Whirlpool, one of the employees took me on a tour through the warehouse and was unpleasantly surprised to find six Duet washers stuck in a clamp lifter because its driver went to lunch and just left the machines hanging there. :(
 
Wow

Let's see, the last time I bought an appliance was my Maytag dishwasher, and it was employee family discount...they asked where I wanted it delivered and it was sent to the Greenville Ohio Kitchenaid Mixer factory where family member works....they then opened the box and examined it before they signed off and took it back to their house, where I then went to pick it up.....

Back in 2005, when my Duet Pair was delivered, I did the same thing, opened the boxes in the garage...

I really have not bought very many appliances in my life since where you rent , they are usually already there.....

In my life, not counting the appliances that came with my house, I've bought 2 dishwashers,3 washing machines, 3 dryers

after seeing this post -for sure next purchase, I'm going to make sure it's triple checked before someone signs for it.
 
Still meaning to post the other pictures I have. Sorry about that. I'm going to definitely try tomorrow.

The delivery guys came today to pick it up. It seems to me it would have been more cost effective just to pick it up when the new one is delivered, but that's their business. I've been on the phone almost every other day trying to get an ETA for when the new one will be here. Apparently they had this replacement sent directly from Whirlpool, and are using a separate "specialty" shipper to send it straight from the warehouse to here. This delivery service doesn't use tracking numbers or anything, but I did get a call today confirming that Monday will be THE day for sure. Fingers crossed. This thing better be worth this 23 day headache.

Yes, definitely remember to triple check everything before signing. If you're anything less than satisfied, deny it or write "damaged" on the signature line. Most delivery guys will try to rush you and just drop and go but they are required to allow you to fully inspect, so don't let them pressure you in to a hurry. My mistake was not completely pulling that plastic bag off the door and actually opening the machine. I won't be overlooking that next time.

I'm hoping this will be my last appliance purchase for a good while. Granted, yes, the Bravos and this dishwasher were completely pleasure purchases because I had saved money, they weren't "needed", but still, with the hassle that the Bravos ended up being and all the struggle with getting it replaced, and then this, I'm just going to conclude that my terrible luck is not going to let up at all for anything, and the next major appliance will be because it's necessary, and I'll let my husband take care of the process. Maybe my bad luck and his good luck will balance out.
 
Okay. Trying this again. When using the multiple uploads, the pictures look horribly grainy, even when clicking Full size. So I'll just do a handful individually.

First, LOVE the insulation on this thing. The padding is dense. I think the quilted texture looks quite nice, and may help with sound reduction? I'm not sure. But with all of this adhered padding, in addition to the blanket and the thick padding on the kick panel, it should be extremely quiet.

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Super excited to have a cable and spring suspension for the door. Definitely nicer than the little rubber friction pads they use on the plastic tub models. My Maytag has those, and I already had to replace them once because they eventually break off.

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Next, partial money shot, but I hadn't taken the packing and handle out yet. I don't think I got a picture of the interior as it's intended to be seen, but there will be plenty of time for that when the new one is here.

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The new dispenser design. All TOL Maytags and KAs are using this new version as well. I've always liked the flip open design, but every manufacturer seems to be going with the sliding door. There is a rubber seal that can be felt under the cover, and you can see where the "top" of the cup is partially open for water to run down and collect to begin dissolving the contents. It definitely has a Bosch look to it, but it's growing on me. The prewash section can't be anymore than a tablespoon, but honestly I'm surprised new machines even have one with the push to use tablets and pacs. The Soak & Clean cycle instructions do say that adding prewash detergent will help though.

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I like the sturdiness of the racks. The lower has the adjustable front rows, and the collapsing/tilting rear row for the TargetClean spray. I tested each of my large soup plates (?) and it allows them to stand up without tipping, which should be nice. I've never had adjustable racks in any machines I've owned so it should be fun to test them out.

*funny note: I was pushing down on the door just so the rack would sit level. Because the door was warped so badly, the rack would always derail off the side when pulled out.

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Money shot of the tub bottom. There's something about the color blue they are using that is just gorgeous to me. Very clean and modern looking. And that wash arm is just fascinating to me. The holes do look bigger than I expected them to be. It's also quite heavy and balanced, which pleases me even more with regard to build quality.

I've had quite a change of heart over the past could of years for the removable filters. I mean, in all honesty, I've never been one to leave giant chunks of food on dishes in the first place. As long as I can load it to the brim with scraped but still filthy dishes, just as I do with the PowerClean and Voyager, and have clean dishes, I will be happy. I'm sure it will have no problem back flushing the filter, and compared to the early manuals for this design when it first came out, the instructions are that the filter only needs cleaning every 4 months or so if you scrape but don't rinse. That's a pretty decent indicator that they've worked out the kinks over the years.

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Now for the under business.

The motor is larger than I expected, but unless mistaken I'm pretty sure it's shaded pole. Rated .9 amps. At least it's not the same drain pump style induction motor that the BOL models have. I have to keep an open mind about its power though. The BPM motors in the Oasis and in most TL/FL HE washers are slimline and compact, but they dish out some major torque for their size. Perhaps this motor will prove that size isn't everything.

I'm digging this chunk of concrete on the bottom. Their claim is that it helps absorb sound and vibration and it seems to add to the sturdiness of the pump assembly. Also note that almost the entire tub bottom has padding adhered to it.

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And then this new style power connection box. Now there's a bolt close to the foot to unscrew, and then the whole box tilts out to give a little more flexibility when setting up the wiring.

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