Buying New Dishwasher- need honest opinions

[48bencix]

White finish is not available

I still have all white appliances. This KA does not come in white. Another KA model with the self cleaning filter does come in white but is about $1300. I do like the features of this model, for a stainless steel model the price can't be beat. It has the ball bearing rack. I also like the more expensive Maytag because of the ball bearing top rack. I am spoiled by my Kenmore Ultra Wash with self cleaning filter.

 

[iowabear]

How does the self-cleaning filter actually work?

 

[combo52]

New WP Built DW

Both the KA and MT have similar sized motors and neither has a filter that has to be cleaned, however I still prefer the simpler MT pump as it does not have the silly diverter that alternates water flow to the upper or lower wash arm, I would rather have a DW washing everywhere all the time.

 

John L.

 

[neptuneguy27]

Self Cleaning Filter animation

Here is an animation I found on the Whirlpool training site that shows how the Clean Water Wash system works. They also have a few other videos on there which are insightful.

https://video.whirlpoolcorpsalesacademy.com/media/Clean+Water+Wash+Filtration+Animation+-+KitchenAid+Dishwasher/1_386hqwlv/24343942

 

[iowabear]

Self Cleaning Filter animation

Interesting, thanks for the link.  So the theory of operation is that strategically placed stationary "blades" or "wings" around the filter keep the debris in suspension, not allowing it to stick to the filter so it gets flushed away.

 

I wondered if it was some complicated design prone to repair but it doesn't look like it.

 

 

 

[Chetlaham]

Alternation

So it neither spray arms work at the same time?

 

[Chetlaham]

@neptuneguy27: I owe you- big thanks. I also want to ask, does this mechanism ever need service? How would it work if a ball bearing got inside it? Or would those just stay in the sump?

 

[Chetlaham]

And oh, where is the dry fan? In the door? Down below? Will it expose my cabinets to moisture?

 

[Chetlaham]

Wash arm

Also, is it fixed or is it like GE's orbital wash arm?

 

[ozzie908]

My Miele has a drying fan

Its in it somewhere but I have never seen it...

However when its got to the drying stage it pops the door open and it stays there while the fan runs and when that stops you just open the door and that resets its opening mechanism for the next time.

It does not get warm or moist on either side and its boxed in so it must work ok.

 

[Chetlaham]

I think the drying fan in the new Kitchen-Aids is in the door.

 

[neptuneguy27]

@chetlaham

You're very welcome! I'll try to answer your questions the best I can:

1) The spray arms do alternate. I haven't found an occasion yet where they both spray at the same time. As far as the filtering mechanism: I can only imagine that if a ball bearing somehow made it passed the coarse strainer, it could do some damage to the actual filtering unit. I would also suspect that you would hear the noise if you were around. I cannot imagine that would be a silent affair.

2) The fan is underneath the dishwasher tub. The exhaust is mounted just above the toe kick. I haven't experiences any moisture damage to my cabinets or floor. And I had this dishwasher installed last summer when I gutted and remolded my kitchen.

3) The spray arm is fixed. But water coverage seems to be such that everything gets hit. And I load those racks in true "load as I like" random loading; everything gets clean. It is rare if I have to put something back through.

I would also like to add that detergent makes a big difference in this machine. I have water that's of moderate hardness (7 gpg) and Cascade Platinum works the best at not only getting the dishes clean but also keeping the dishwasher clean.

 

[Chetlaham]

Did they change the fan? Latter parts diagrams have it in the door.

For those who know like Combo52- will the Kitchen Aid out clean a Maytag? Equal? Or worse? I see the KA uses half the water of the Maytag.

 

[neptuneguy27]

KDTM354DSS - Closeout model

According to the Kitchen Aid site this model you're looking at is a closeout. I noticed looking at the pictures of the machine on their site, the venting configuration is different from mine; which could be why the parts diagram you're seeing has the vent in the door. Not sure I personally like this arrangement and it appears looking at some of the reviews online people have complained about the side vent causing damage to the surrounding cabinetry. You may or may not have a problem. But it is telling that the arrangement has been changed on the newer models to vent out at the bottom of the door.

https://www.kitchenaid.com/major-appliances/dishwashers/integrated-control/p.43-dba-dishwasher-with-clean-water-wash-system.kdtm354dss.html

 

[Chetlaham]

Closeout- meaning its going to be discontinued?

 

[DADoES]

 
Various appliance models (and other consumer goods) are continually discontinued.  Discontinuation doesn't mean the remaining stock and specimens in-use become non-functional. 

 

[appnut]

This was the very first model offered with the Clean Water Wash system almost 5 years ago.  

 

[eronie]

.

Didn't the Maytag reverse racks have this type of filter?

 

[Chetlaham]

Thanks- but I take it there is a reason for being discontinued?

What Whirlpool and Whirlpool made dishwashers reverse the wash arms? It seems all of them besides BOLs and Maytag.

 

[Chetlaham]

Got a call saying my model has been discontinued. This was given as a replacement:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/KitchenAid...24-Inch-Actual-23-875-in-ENERGY-STAR/50404538

What do others think? Looks like the fan dry is through the side again? Or they just have an older model pictured?