Top rack "only" or top rack "also"??

[dustin92]

I have a Whirlpool dishwasher (model wdt710paym6) which I had posted a while back about overheating after replacing the heating element.. I found out I had the wrong one installed, but after installing the correct element, still overheats occasionally (melting plastics in the lower rack) so I just stopped using the heated dry. My current "issue" is the cycle option labeled "Top Rack Wash". Does top rack wash mean top rack only, or top rack also?? I couldn't find anything on Whirlpool's website or the manual. Funny thing is, I don't think it has a diverter valve to wash the top rack "only".. I haven't noticed much if any difference in wash performance with or without it selected.. Seems like a slight oversight in the labeling department.. My previous Frigidaire had an option labeled top rack ONLY, and also had the diverter valve to wash the top rack alone.

 

[jben]

Our whirlpool does not have that option, but I would believe that top rack wash would mean the top rack only.

We had a GE DW where you could select either top or bottom rack only (or both). I figured that was some marketing department gimmick but actually found it to be useful for a one or two person household where you didn't accumulate many dirty dishes.

 

[egress]

it is top rack only. our kitchenaid has it too.

 

[appnut]

My Kenmomre Elite had this option too. Yes, it largely dominates the top rack, but there was moments where the bottom wash arm was activated, largely to help flush the filter. Also, don't forget there are jets in the upper rack wash arm that also shoots down to the bottom rack. I found that still placing flat surfaces such as various sizes of plates, they still got cleaned also, and y'all know I don't rinse. Thus, I could still put items in the bottom rack and they still got fully cleaned. It may have ben intended for top rack items only, but could still put items in the bottom rack too.