It’s a fact of life that after every meal, the dishes have to get washed. While you could use paper plates, that’s maybe not the best choice for the planet. The KitchenAid Kdtm404Ess dishwasher allows you to get your dishes clean, save the planet, and increase your chances of becoming a hand model.
The KitchenAid Kdtm404Ess dishwasher also includes a lot of bells and whistles you might enjoy having.
KitchenAid Kdtm404Ess Dishwasher Overview
The KitchenAid Kdtm404Ess dishwasher is one of several integrated dishwasher models that KitchenAid makes. The main feature of any integrated dishwasher is that the control panel is on the top edge of the dishwasher door instead of on the front of it. That creates a smooth, clean look, and also means no one can accidentally start a cycle when they lean against it.
What’s unique about this dishwasher?
Available in four colors, the Kdtm404Ess dishwasher has nine wash arms to make sure every part of every dish comes clean. It also has the Clean Water Wash System which constantly removes food residue from the water.
That ensures only clean water is used to wash the dishes. It also helps stop food rinsed from one dish from being deposited on another. And, because it’s always removing debris from the water, you never have to change the filter.
The ProScrubⓇ option uses all 40 jet sprays to get tough, baked-on food off the dishes. The third rack has a low profile and gives you a place to wash small items like spatulas or measuring spoons without taking up space in the lower racks.
The lower rack features fold-down tines to let you rearrange the rack to best suit your dish loading needs. The upper rack has two rows of adjustable tines as well. And, the Advanced ProDry™ System uses a fan to help ensure your dishes are completely dry every time.
What are owners saying about the Kdtm404Ess dishwasher?
Overall, user reactions to this product are positive. Those that like the Kdtm404Ess dishwasher say it is quiet and does a good job at washing and drying their dishes.
Many people like the third rack option, noting it allows them to free up space in the rest of the dishwasher. The third rack also allows them to wash small items that they might not normally be able to because there is no place to put them in the larger racks.
However, there are a number of negative responses. The most common complaint has to to do with the dynamic wash arms. Users state that while the idea of a third wash arm is great, in practice it isn’t. The wash arm tends to get stuck on the bottom rack of the dishwasher causing the arms to lock up and fail.
How We Conducted Our Review
For this review, we compared dishwashers that are similar in features to this specific model KitchenAid. We looked mostly at user reactions where we could find them.
It is important to note that some of the brands mentioned in this review do not have user reviews. Generally, those brands have such stellar reputations that the people who use their products don’t feel a need to leave a review. We’ve pointed this out when this is the case.
[amazon bestseller=”kitchenaid dishwasher” items=”2″]
What Brands Have a Similar Dishwasher?
Of course, KitchenAid isn’t the only company that makes an integrated dishwasher. There are other companies that produce dishwashers with features similar to the KitchenAid Kdtm404Ess dishwasher.
Bosch
A well-known and respected brand, Bosch is a popular choice with consumers, thanks to its low repair rate and a superior warranty.
Bosch 300 Series dishwasher
This dishwasher from Bosch features a third rack for added flexibility. And the other racks have fold-down tines so you can get the right fit every time.
Because the indicator lights are integrated into the top panel, a red light shines on the floor, so you know if your dishwasher is still running or not.
With an available half-load option, you can run a small load of dishes without wasting water, or waiting for the dishwasher to fill-up. A built-in water softener ensures spotless dishes every time.
Owners rave about the product, noting that it gets their dishes perfectly clean every time.
Fisher & Paykel
Unlike most dishwasher brands, Fisher & Paykel offers dishdrawers. These are two independent dishwashers that can be stacked to create one large dishwasher. However, each drawer runs independently. Finding user reviews on this brand is difficult because most people rely on the product’s reputation.
Double DishDrawer dishwasher
Because of the unique design, this dishwashing system allows you to clean one set of crusty pots and pans at the same time as your delicate crystal. Because each drawer runs independently, you never have to worry about damaging anything.
Featuring a quick wash mode for lightly soiled dishes and a sanitize option, the quiet dishwasher is a welcome addition to any home. The flexible racks allow you to rearrange to make sure everything fits. And, the extra tall set-up ensures you don’t have to bend over too far to load and unload.
It is available at specialty appliance stores that are authorized dealers.
Miele
Miele is another sought-after and well-respected dishwasher brand. Because it is manufactured in Germany, their dishwashers are subject to strong production standards.
That results in a sturdy machine that rarely needs repairs and can last up to 15 years. Like Fisher & Paykel, Miele relies on reputation, so reviews are hard to come by.
Miele G 6385 dishwasher
This dishwasher from Miele does not feature a fully integrated control panel, but it does have a third rack for flatware and other small items.
Interior LED lights mean you can always see what’s happening when you’re loading or unloading the dishwasher. The remaining two baskets feature flexible dividers that allow you to reconfigure the basket to suit your dishes. An extra dry option ensures all your dishes are completely dry when you open the door.
KitchenAid KDFE104HWH with ProWash™
This dishwasher lacks the integrated panel and does not have the third rack for small items like the Kdtm404Ess. However, it does have a heat dry option to get your dishes clean.
There is also a sani-rinse option to help keep your dishes germ-free. It does have an adjustable second rack for hard to fit items.
Bosch 300 Series with recessed handle
Just like the integrated panel of the 300 series, this 300 series dishwasher has a third rack and flexible tines within the other two racks. It has five different cycle options as well as an extra-dry option.
However, it does lack some of the bells and whistles of the other model, such as the half-load option or the built-in water softener. And the control panel is in the front of the dishwasher, under a recessed handle.
Pros and Cons of an Integrated Dishwasher
There are, of course, advantages and disadvantages of buying an integrated dishwasher such as the KitchenAid Kdtm404Ess.
Pros include:
- The integrated control panel means no one can lean on the panel and accidentally start the dishwasher
- They offer more flexibility with adjustable tines and a third rack for small items
- There are generally more wash and dry cycles to choose from
Disadvantages include:
- Just because you pay more doesn’t mean your dishes are guaranteed to come out cleaner
- There isn’t a guarantee that you are purchasing a quality product that will last as long as you would like
- It is often hard to find user reviews, so you are basing your decision solely on the brand’s reputation
How Does the Kdtm404Ess Dishwasher Clean Up?
Overall, this dishwasher has plenty of bells and whistles to use. It’s not just about looks; it’s also about having the flexibility to rearrange the dishwasher and having more options with wash and dry cycles.
The Kdtm404Ess dishwasher from KitchenAid is a solid choice. It has an integrated control panel and multiple wash options, along with flexible baskets.
But based on some of the user feedback, it is likely a good idea to think about purchasing the extended warranty, in case you are one of the few who has problems with the wash arms.
Are you going to try this dishwasher? Or are you going to go with one of the competitors? Let us know in the comments!
