Hi y’all,
I am remodeling a kitchen and need to install a built-in dishwashing machine. I am looking to spend between $300-$450 for one. I was thinking of a Fridgeadaire until I started reading online posts about how noisy and inefficient they are…plus they seem to break down a bit.
My current machine is a portable, Sears Kenmoore model. It is 21 years old and has been great, but now I need a built-in type . I could go a bit more, but don’t want to spend more than $600. I see brands selling for $1200 to $1800…which is waaay too rich for my blood. So…who can recommend me a good machine? Nothing facncy, just quiet and cleans well.
Thanks
Replies
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/homeowners/frigidaire_dishwashers.html
Get the Bosch. They generally don't catch fire.
Best brand of built-in dishwasher
I would research this through Consumer Reports at the library. They rate current models and makes. There's no need to spend too much on a dishwasher. A lot of bells and whistles add unnecessary cost. The last time I read about them in Consumer Reports I was shocked at how short the life expectancy of a diswasher is. The number that comes to mind is 9 years. The new ones are quieter and more energy efficient. Of course, if you need a stainless steel front, it will cost somewhat more.
Our GE dishwasher was shipped to us in Japan and installed about 18 years ago, and it's still working. Our one problem was experienced after a few years--the failure of an inlet valve and pump motor--the first because line pressure here was lower than expected, and the second since we initially failed to put it on a step-up transformer (Japan line voltage is 100V). I consulted with GE and changed out the valve and pump motor together with a step-up trans and it's worked happily ever since.
I imagine the Bosch is a good one, but I would like to hear tests comparing a Miele as well; we bought a Miele clothes washer/dryer and it will probably be the last clotheswasher we'll ever buy; solid and build like a tank.
Stay away from Kitchenaid/Whirlpool and any of the sub-brands they make.
In an effort to conserve water and energy (so Kitchenaid can present a "green" image), the machine uses so little water that it fails to flush the pump out properly. Ironically, the documentation suggests that you don't pre-rinse the dishes, again so that they can cast themselves in the "green" light, but this worsens the problem. Unrinsed dishes simply add more junk that eventually clogs the pump. Yes, there is "grinder" mechanism, but lack of grinding isn't the problem. The buildup tends to be soft organic matter.
A clogged pump can’t push water to the upper spray assembly, so the first symptom of the problem is usually poorly washed dishes in the top rack.
The solution is to disassemble the pump, clean out the unbelievable quantity of crap that has congealed (not a pleasant job), and reassemble. I've had to do mine three times (and we pre-rinse our dishes). If I had paid someone to do the job it would no doubt be $100+ per call. Fortunately there are good instructions on YouTube and elsewhere.
Keep in mind that it's no longer like it used to be. Time was, all dishwashers were built in Louisville (except, perhaps, for Maytag units), and the basic design and quality was the same regardless of which brand you bought. This is no longer the case -- big differences between the different brands (and sometimes different models within a brand, since so much is contracted out).
Which one do you want?
The best dishwasher out there or a real good value for .5 kilobucks?
For good, I used to suggest Whirlpool, but there is that nasty class action suit about fires to consider. We no longer run our Kitchen Aid via the timer to ensure that someone is present if it starts smoking.
Maybe GE instead? I usually avoid them as I find the repair parts really overpriced.
The best? I read a lot of good things about Bosch.
I would avoid asian sourced units, as I read repeatedly that parts are often hard to find and not cheap.
Good luck.
I bought Kenmore model 665 about 7 years ago. It is about your price range. Inside is mostly plastic. It is holding up well enough. I use Air-dry only. I also bought similar model (I think it was called Anniversary Edition, or something like it) for my parents. They use the heated dry. The bottom of their machine looks scorched and the wash basin has also warped, making the bottom tray stick.
Kenmore is acceptable brand, although I think all appliances (type or brand) that uses mini push button switches that are covered over with plastic screen should be avoided. Kenmore dehumidifier needed a new control circuit board for one faulty switch, and I had to remove the plastic screen from Broan range hood (Allure 3) for the switch buttons to operate.