All the Must-Have Info on KitchenAid’s KDTE204ESS Dishwasher

It’s the day after a holiday meal, and you’ve got a stack of dirty dishes the size of Mt. Everest. Can the KitchenAid KDTE204ESS dishwasher handle the job?

We’ve all had mornings when we’ve walked into our kitchens only to get hit by a scene from a horror movie in which you know that you’ll be scrubbing dirty dishes for days. It’s times like this when a great top-of-the-line dishwasher can really earn its money’s worth. But finding the right dishwasher can be a daunting task, as there seems to be an endless number of choices to choose from.

There is indeed no shortage of expensive dish cleaning machines advertising all the latest bells and whistles. They all promise to leave your dishes looking like you’ve been shining them for hours. So what makes the KitchenAid KDTE204ESS dishwasher stand out from the crowd?

Tips for Buying the Right Dishwasher for You

Before we delve into the details about the KitchenAid Kdte204Ess, it’s important to know what to look for when buying a new dishwasher. It’s hard to believe that dishwashers were once considered a luxury item by most people. Today, it would seem odd to walk into a house without seeing one of these wonderous automatic dish cleaning machines.

There are several important features to look for in a dishwasher. For example, knowing what dishwashing cycles would most benefit you can make a huge difference. There are many models with wash cycles such as rinse, quick wash, pots scrub, glass or stemware, and sanitize wash, to name a few. Knowing the type of dishware you want to focus on cleaning can help narrow your options to the best choice.

Another feature to pay attention to is the silverware tray. The tray design can be the difference between flatware that you’ll have to wash again by hand after the load is finished or just put away.

Energy-saving considerations are also important. Some machines can save you lots of money on your water and electric bill while reducing your carbon footprint at the same time.

Here’s a complete list of things you should look for when purchasing a new dishwasher.

Things to know about built-in dishwashers

There are four types of dishwashers: built-in, portable, countertop, and drawer. Most homes have built-in or integrated models which are usually next to the kitchen sink.

Built-in dishwashers typically offer more advanced features than most other models. They can provide things like specialized wash cycles, multiple spray arms, and even Wi-Fi connectivity to your smartphone. These models also offer larger sizes and more capacity than most other models. Built-in models offer more washing power, which could be due in part to having a dedicated waterline as opposed to using a faucet adapter.

These dishwashers are available in a wide variety of styles and colors, allowing you to match your kitchen’s decor perfectly.

How We Evaluate the Products

To ensure that we recommend the best dishwasher for your needs, we looked closely at what users had to say about the Kitchenaid KDTE204ESS dishwasher. We also examined feedback for three competing models made by three separate brands.

This is the best way to determine the benefits and flaws of a product because these people have invested money and sometimes other resources, like time, into their purchase. These experiences are invaluable in helping us arrive at the best recommendation.

The KitchenAid KDTE204ESS 24-in Stainless Steel Dishwasher with Clean Water Wash System

The KitchenAid KDTE204ESS 24-in Stainless Steel Dishwasher features KitchenAid’s exclusive Clean Water washing system. The system continuously rids the wash water of nasty food particles that threaten the cleanliness of your dishes, and the efficiency of your dishwasher. The unit also has Fan-Enabled ProDry, which promises the best drying performance without the need for a rinse aid by utilizing its recessed heating element and fan to pull moisture out of the dishwasher. The ProScrub option claims to make pre-soaking and scrubbing a thing of the past by using 40 targeted spray jets to combat stubborn stuck-on grime.

Its ProWash cycle can determine the ideal sequence for cleaning your dishes based on the soil level. ProWash then calculates real-time adjustments to give you the best cleaning performance. This model also has sliding tines in the lower rack that give you the ideal fit for hard to fit dishware. The express wash cycle offers quick and powerful cleaning in a fraction of the time.

One customer raved over the model’s silent operation and said it tackled Thanksgiving dishes for her large family like a champ. The adjustable rack was another feature many customers enjoyed. One customer mentioned that the dishwasher left their glasses spotless, cleaning the bottom rack as well as it did the top.

Some customers did not have positive experiences, however. There were a few complaints concerning defective units, leaks, and things breaking inside the machines after a few months of use. A customer said his machine needed an expensive new motherboard after two years of service.

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The KitchenAid KDTE204ESS Head-to-Head Against the Competition

While the KitchenAid KDTE204ESS dishwasher does sport some impressive features, there are other dishwasher models by different brands who claim to sell a superior dishwasher. We’ve found three models made by three well-known manufacturers with features that are on par with the KitchenAid model.

Our three comparison models are the Bosch 300 Series 24″ Recessed Handle Dishwasher with Stainless Steel Tub, the Samsung Waterwall 24″ Top Control Tall Tub Built-In Dishwasher, and the Whirlpool Top Control Built-In Tall Tub Dishwasher.

Bosch 300 Series 24″ Recessed Handle Dishwasher Stainless Steel Tub

The Bosch 300 Series 24″ Recessed Handle Dishwasher Stainless Steel Tub model features the Speed 60 setting which offers a quicker clean from dirty to dry in little to no time. It has a three rack system that can accommodate large or oddly shaped objects with ease.

The RackMatic system allows you to configure three different height levels and up to nine possible rack positions to suit your needs better. Their 24/7 Aquastop feature protects your floor with its four-part leak prevention system that uses sensors to detect and stop leaks. This feature can even turn the unit off by itself if the need arises. This dishwasher operates at a quiet 44-dBA level which guarantees a near-silent wash. It also has a child lock feature that can protect children from sharp objects.

The dishwasher’s near-silent operation was a big hit with many customers. One customer noted that her dishes have always come out clean and “bone dry.” Another customer mentioned the machine cleaning a baked-on casserole dish beautifully. Customers also appreciated that the silverware holder was on the top rack and not the bottom.

On the downside, some customers complained about a burnt plastic smell after running the machine. One person said it was so offensive that they had to return the unit. A customer remarked that it was because of a gasket within the device that heats up and emits the smell. However, several people noted that the smell dissipated after a few weeks. Some customers also claimed the machine did not dry thoroughly due to its lack of a heating element.

Samsung Waterwall 24″ Top Control Tall Tub Built-In Dishwasher

The Samsung Waterwall 24″ Top Control Tall Tub Built-In Dishwasher with Fingerprint Resistant Black Stainless Steel model features the WaterWall Linear Wash System. The system produces a powerful streaming tide of water that promises terrific cleaning results. It has an AutoRelease door feature that automatically opens the door at the end of the cycle to accelerate drying time. Zone Booster targets different zones of the dishwasher with settings customized to your preferences. The additional utensil basket can accommodate oversized utensils, and it’s also easily removable for unloading.

This unit runs at 42 dBA, which means it performs in near-silence. You have flexible loading options that allow you to easily maneuver the dishwasher’s adjustable racking system to fit oversized items. You can fit up to 15 place settings in a single load. The 60′ Express option allows you to speed up the wash cycle, cleaning dishes much faster, which is ideal for lighter loads. It also has a fingerprint-resistant finish.

Customers frequently complimented the dishwasher’s quiet operation. One customer particularly appreciated the unit’s silverware tray, which she said kept her flatware separated and thoroughly cleaned. The timer countdown was also a big hit with customers. This feature lets them know precisely when the dishwasher is about to finish. Many customers also liked its air dry feature as opposed to using a heating element.

There were a few complaints concerning the warranty service from Samsung, with one customer calling it “worthless.” A few customers complained about having multiple expensive repairs after the warranty ran out. A customer also complained that his unit leaked frequently.

Whirlpool Stainless Steel Tub Dishwasher with Third Level Rack

The Whirlpool Stainless Steel Tub Dishwasher with Third Level Rack in Fingerprint Resistant Black Stainless model features easy, accessible tap-touch controls. This model has a quiet 47 dBA operation that runs silently. It offers up to 37 percent more room compared to other Whirlpool models for fitting large, hard to fit items. The soil sensor figures out what cycle will best clean your dishes based on how dirty they are.

This machine has a Sani Rinse option for killing 99.99 percent of bacteria. Its stainless steel tub promotes faster dish drying. The total coverage spray arm cleans with twice as many jets for optimum coverage with smarter spray patterns. Multiple nozzles blast your dishes with varying water pressure to achieve better results. The in-door silverware basket allows you to free up rack space.

Many customers thought the machine was very quiet and had plenty of space. There were a lot of positive comments about its ability to produce spotless dishes. The flexibility of the third and second racks was a big hit. Several customers mentioned that the dishwasher took care of loads of Thanksgiving dishes without breaking a sweat. Customers also raved about Whirlpool’s customer service.

However, other customers were not as happy. One customer noted that the silverware basket was too small. Another remarked that they could only get dishes clean using the heavy setting, and they would often have to pick off tiny flecks of grime from glasses. Another customer claimed that the third rack didn’t clean or dry as well as the other racks.

The KitchenAid KDTE204ESS: The Good and the Bad

The KitchenAid KDTE204ESS dishwasher has its fair share of attributes and faults.

Pros

  • Silent operation
  • An adjustable rack system
  • Clean Water Wash system
  • Fan-Enabled ProDry feature
  • ProScrub cycle
  • ProWash cycle
  • SatinGlid max rails
  • Sliding tines
  • Express Wash cycle

Cons

  • Complaints about the self-cleaning filter feature not working
  • Several service complaints concerning broken or defective units
  • The standard setting may not clean as effectively as others
  • Complaints about the dishwasher not cleaning silverware very well
  • Some reviewers said older versions cleaned better

The KitchenAid KDTE204ESS: Supreme Cleaning or Keep Dreaming?

Is the KitchenAid KDTE204ESS dishwasher the grime-busting cleaning machine of your dreams or just another disappointing appliance waiting to take you to the cleaners? After reviewing all the competing dishwashers, we can’t recommend this KitchenAid dishwasher over all the other brands. Our top pick is the Whirlpool Stainless Steel Tub Dishwasher with Third Level Rack.

We felt that more customers had slightly better experiences with the Whirlpool model and found greater value in its performance. Once you’ve picked your favorite, please be sure to follow these helpful maintenance tips to keep it in tip-top shape. Good luck and happy washing!

Which dishwasher is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.

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