What are the best new models for a large family?

[tengo5]

I have 5 kids and have company frequently. I'm looking at driving 2 hours to get an older Kitchenaid, and I've looked at the Hobart undercounter used. My husband though wants me to at least look into new models. Any suggestions?

 

[andrewinorlando]

Look at one of the new GE tall tub machines...huge capacity, excellent cleaning, quiet, and reasonably priced. You don't need to go to the high end models to get something good as they are expensive. Was very happy with my old one. It all depends what you want to spend, really.

 

[tengo5]

Oops, forgot to clarify this is dishwashers

Thanks Andrew, I'll look at those. Our budget is, "the cheaper the better!"

 

[appnut]

Of the GE bunch, my suggestion would be the GLD6700 or GLD6800, I wouldn't go anything lower than the 6700

 

[frigilux]

Here are three models in the top half of the ratings at Consumer Reports. All three machines are rated excellent for reliability, and the user reviews were for them were almost all positive. Sorry, no pictures, but you can look them up online at the Whirlpool and Sears websites.

$400: Whirlpool DU1055XTV

$500: Kenmore (Sears) 1389(2)

$550: Whirlpool GU 2300XTV

All three models were rated excellent for cleaning ability, and the $550 Whirlpool has an adjustable upper rack and was rated excellent for drying. It also has hidden controls.

Most GE models under $1000 were rated in the lower half of the ratings.

Let us know what you wind up getting!

 

[toploader1984]

i hate consumer reports, everyone on here that has the whirlpool dishwasher hates it, and says it doesnt even disolve the detergent, i read an article a year or so ago that they were getting paid off by all the foreign car companies to recommend their cars. speed queen makes the BEST washers and dryers on the market, consumer reports does NOT even test them, instead the rate korean machines very high.

 

[appnut]

everyone on here that has the whirlpool dishwasher hates it,

Watch it buster!! Don't put me in that boat. Again, your "generalities" are far too wide encompassing. I am very very happy with my Kenmore Elite Tall Tub (aka Kitchenaid). It takes just about everything in a BobLoad and it ocmes out truely clean without residue in the 2 1/3 years I've had it. And is very quiet!!

 

[peterh770]

Depends on the model. If you get one much younger, you may be branded a "cougar".

Oh! You mean a dishwasher?

 

[toploader1984]

sorry, iam just not big on whirlpool anymore since they tried to give all of their appliances a 6 month LIMTED warranty.

 

[kenmorekeith]

Everything i put into my whirlpool comes out flawless!!!

 

[spankomatic]

Some things to think about when buying a dishwasher...
Do you want a quiet one? Is your kitchen near the tv room? Some of the higher end models like Bosch,Kitchenaid,Miele are very quiet. Loading is a big deal for me. I like silverware baskets that run along the front of the bottom rack. Or,the side of the lower rack if need be. I don't like to load "around" a silverware rack or a wash tower. Sometimes I need to put a big pot or pasta bowl right smack in the middle. Racks that hold wine glasses in place is a nice feature. Being able to accomadate large cooking utensils is also nice. Cycle time is something to consider also. My Bosch dishwasher took 2 hours on the shortest cycle (160 degree water). This is just too long! The Kenmore that I have now takes just over an hour and does a fine job of washing. I do like a dishwasher with a SANITATION cycle (think H1N1 flu). Do you own your house? Higher end appliance could be a selling point when it comes time to sell. Just some thoughts to help you decide... How old is that older Kitchenaid you want to check out? If it is a 1979 or so,KDS-18 snag it! One of the best dishwashers ever made.
Jim

 

[spankomatic]

My Bosch dishwasher was very quiet,got the dishes clean,not so dry though. Took 2 hours minium to wash.

 

[spankomatic]

Oh... The Bosch did not have self cleaning filters. They had to be removed and cleaned. Yuk!

 

[spankomatic]

Bosch silverware basket I did not care for. Have to load "around" it.

 

[spankomatic]

My portable Kenmore that I use to have. Closest thing I found to a Kitchenaid KDS-18 in 2003. I liked the rack design and silverware basket on this one. It got the dishes very clean in just over 1 hour.

 

[spankomatic]

Kenmore...

 

[spankomatic]

This is a new 2009 Kenmore dishwasher. It is similar to the portable that I had in 2003. It has a wash tower on the upper rack that I have to load "around" which is a pain. It is very noisy and HAS Quiet Guard. When it washes it sprays the lower rack,stops,then sprays the upper rack,stops...back and forth it goes. Drives me nuts! I prefer dishwashers that can to both racks at the same time. It does get the dishes clean in just over 1 hours time. The lower rack does "wheelys" which is a very poor design flaw.

 

[spankomatic]

2009 Kenmore upper rack. You can not put anything over that little wash tower in the middle or the spray arm will not work. Have to load "around" that.

 

[spankomatic]

2009 Kenmore with lower rack that does "wheelys"