New Dishwaser Recommendation

[nashman50]

Hi Everyone,

I've been lurking here for a long time and have finally decided to make my first post. I am remodeling a house that I purchased and I am in the market for a new dishwasher. Could anyone offer a recommendation on a new model? I am looking for something in white with a disposal and front controls.

Is a cheaper model with a wash tower not that great or is it better to get something with two spray arms?

The rest of the kitchen has Kenmore appliances, but they don't seem to make a dishwasher with a disposal anymore. Is the manual clean filter really that bad? Sears has some fantastic deals on their dishwashers right now and it would be nice for them all to match.

Thank you for the advice!

 

[appnut]

The only brand that fits you criteria is Maytag.  The MDB4949 is their entry model and is available in white and is their only model with front control panel.  Still has a soft-food disposer.  

 

[iowabear]

If I had to buy a new dishwasher tomorrow it would be the Maytag with the built-in disposer.

 

It's about $150 more than the cheapest WP at Best Buy but if I kept it for a decade it would be well worth all the manual filter cleanings I would not have to do over that time.

 

[nashman50]

GE and Hotpoint seem to have a few models as well. Are they any better or worse than the Maytag?

 

[appnut]

In my opinion, they aren't as well made as the Maytag.  A member here had a near top of line GE dishwasher about 4 years ago and it lasted for 2.5 years before the pump started leaking and the racks were rusting.  He replaced it with a KitchenAid (Whirlpool family product).

 

[rp2813]

GE sold off their appliance division to Chinese appliance maker Haier a year or two ago.  Take that for what it's worth.

 

Whirlpool, which owns the Maytag brand, is an American company.  While China may still be involved in production, Whirlpool likely holds them to a higher standard where materials and overall quality are concerned. 

 

[nashman50]

I'm guessing that I should stay away from Frigidaire too from what I've read here.

 

[nashman50]

Also, does anyone know how the Maytag vents? I didn't see any vents on the front door and I'm sort of leery of it ruining the cabinets if it vents out the side like some models.

 

[mrsalvo]

Hi Charlie!
I bought the Maytag MDB4949SHZ0 back in June, on the recommendation of a member here, and I've been quite pleased with it so far. Think this is the mid range model, bought it on sale. It has 6 cycles: Power Blast, Auto, Normal, Light, Quick, & Rinse. Options: High Temp, Sanitize, Heated Dry, & 4 Hour Delay. This dishwasher replaced a KitchenAid that I didn't even get 5 years use out of before the motherboard kept failing, 4 times. I took my time and really looked around, almost bought a GE model that I really liked. The Maytag performs better than the KA, in my humble opinion, my glasswear is no longer cloudy and dishes don't seem dull, as I was experiencing with the KA. I always use the Normal cycle with High Temp. It has a 3 level wash system and I don't find yibbles on top of cups that I used to find. Dishes are always dry, even the tops of coffee cups, only exception would be plastic wear or anything with a ledge / deep rim. No filter to clean.....yay!!!! I really like the fact it has a heating element in the bottom. Cycle time is probably average to other new dishwashers out there. It vents in the top of the indented handle, underneath. Steam would not get around the cabinets from what I could tell. Sometimes I have to be really careful not to brush up against the control panel, esp when it's running, those buttons are easily pushed! The racks don't seem as sturdy and slide as easily as the KA or Bosch, but they work!!! Time will tell if this one holds up.
I hope this helps.
Barry

 

[nashman50]

Hi Barry,

Thanks so much for your review! I really appreciate it.

Does anyone else have any other models that they recommend? I might consider a top control unit if it's really worth it.

 

[joeypete]

Any of the Whirlpool "brands" are a good choice. I have a Kenmore Elite model that I purchased just about exactly one year ago. It's a clone to the KitchenAid models and I have nothing but good things to say about it. The filter is absolutely no trouble whatsoever. I clean it literally every couple of months and it has hardly any gunk on it. It's a fantastic machine overall and is super quiet.

The Maytag variants do have the hard food disposer if that's what you prefer.

The GE BOL models are from a long standing design. I almost bought one myself but I didn't like the rack design. Despite GE Appliances being owned by Haier, they are still based in Louisville, KY..and a large amount of their products are still built there.

Sounds like you might like the Maytag model...and this is the perfect time to buy appliances!

 

[chachp]

Top Control

 

<span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino; font-size: 14pt;">Top control is something I wouldn't do again.  Not that there really is anything wrong with it other than I like to know where the machine is in the cycle and how much time is left.  My dishwasher has a red light on the floor to indicate its running but that doesn't tell me anything except that it's still running.  Some newer models have a light that displays cycle progression on the floor which would be cool.  </span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino; font-size: 14pt;">I'm just a little old school and like the look of the controls.  My husband really wanted the look of the Top Controls so I caved but the next one won't have it.</span>

 

[mark_wpduet]

Definitely Maytag

Mine has been great for over 5 years now. I'm not 100%, but I think mine vents from the handle.

 

[nashman50]

Would you say that the GE BOL wash tower design is better/worse/equal to a separate spray arm for the top rack?

 

[appnut]

Worse than having a spray arm under the top rack.

 

[nashman50]

Looks like the Maytag is the way to go. Thanks everyone!