New Tall Tub KitchenAid Dishwashers.. "To Clean or not Clean enough"?

[DADoES]

Heavy non-Eco cycle. 132 mins (including dry time), 7 water changes (~5.6 gals), 150°F main wash, 163°F final rinse.

0.68 KWH power used. At the last billed rate of $0.12354/KWH, that's $0.0839 energy cost.

 

[andrewinorlando]

SteveT - The KA I saw was their newest TOL machine. It has a reconfigured lower rack, which looks nice, and holds more than their previous model. I just opened it while it was washing and got sprayed; there seemed to be decent water pressure in there. There were no dishes in it at the time. The machine is certainly quiet, has a better racking setup than the previous generation TOL machines, and has an optional front mounted countdown timer with indicator lights. Nice machine, I thought. The salesman said they haven't sold many yet as they've just came out, but he also said that many people who buy these high end machines don't really care less how well they clean (or not), as long as their quiet and "stylish". He also said that if I didn't want a KitchenAid but wanted a really good dishwasher that he knows I will like and will do a good job for me, to go with one of the JennAir or Maytag TT models with stainless interior. He seemed to think they have a superior wash system, and a better motor (they use the vertically mounted "pancake" style motor, rather than the horizontally mounted motor).

 

[stevet]

and the answer is???

Andrew,
Do you remember what model series it was that gave you a shower? Was it the "2 or 3" series. I am so reluctant to install my KUDP021RWH
for fear of it not matching the performance of my KDS18. I could care less about energy star ratings on these units as they run so much longer. I cannot see what possible savings there would be.

 

[andrewinorlando]

Steve -

It was a KUDU03STSS, the latest "U" series with the top mounted controls and the display in the front.

 

[pierreandreply4]

hello

here is a tip let the hot water from the tap flow until the water is hot then start your dishwasher

 

[petek]

Andrew; a salesman saying many people buying high end machines don't really care how well they clean just that they're quiet and stylish.. sounds a little odd to me. To my way of thinking most people paying premiums want it all and they are the first people that are going to be madder than hell if they find out it doesn't live up to its premium price.
Personally I'd deal with another salesman, but then again the vast majority of people selling appliances really don't have actual experience ever seeing the machines they are selling in operation at all.

 

[appnut]

Pete, I hate to say it, but Andrew is right on the people and their high-end machines. I've had a discussion with a few knowledgeable people here over the years as well as personal observation in many a high-end type environment/home. I can't tell you how many times I've been domestic help and caterers thoroughly wash everything before it's placed in a machihne. Also happens when a bunch of variouis people are helping and the same thing happens.

 

[andrewinorlando]

Sorry Pete, you're wrong on that point. He wasn't a salesman, he owned the place. And his recommendation was either a Maytag TT TOL or the GE Profile TT TOL, not the KitchenAid. But he does sell a lot of KitchenAids and thought that for what I was looking for, I would be happy with the KitchenAid, too, if that's the route I wanted to go. Most people who buy the high end either don't cook or they blatantly pre-rinse or pre-wash everything before it goes in. As he said, it's all for show with his customer base. His is a high end kitchen/appliance showroom with design service.

 

[decodriveboy]

Anti-Energy Star

I have experience with both the newer KA DW, the one with 3 cycles, Heavy, Normal, and Rinse Only. I always use the High-Temp option for the reasons expressed by many of our members above. Currently am using a Frigidaire Gallery, and unless Pots & Pans (a cycle 2+ hours long!!) is used, the results suck!

Something has to be done about this Energy Star bullshit! Who can we complain to? Are manufacturers all forced to dumb-down their products because it's mandatory to have this asinine, counterproductive certification? Or is it a voluntary marketing gimmick they try to qualify for?

My water bill is about $3 a month, yes, THREE dollars, however my electric bill is another story--thanks to ENERGY-STAR appliances and their overlong cycles!

There are NO savings having to rewash clothes/dishes/what-have-you because the appliance is starved for water!