Kitchenaid KUDE20IXSS Superba Series EQ Dishwasher

Kitchenaid KUDE20IXSS Superba Series EQ Dishwasher

So far, so great!
I hate buying new appliances. I always feel like I'm gambling. It seems like no matter what the appliance is, or who makes it, or how much it costs, there will always be both positive and negative reviews. You never really know what to think. Case in point: The Kitchenaid KUDE20ixss dishwasher. Kitchenaid dishwashers usually do well in tests by consumer magazines, and the salesperson who sold me this one recommended it. Yet, as you can see, there is a reviewer on here who has had trouble with it and doesn't like it. Needless to say, I was nervous about whether or not I made a good choice.

I got mine at a home improvement store (big place, blue-n-white..you get the picture). Anyhow, I paid $899 w/free delivery and disposal of the old one. Installation wasn't overly complicated. Just follow the instructions.

As for features, there are some things other models have that this one doesn't, but it does we need it to. I like the tall tub and adjustable racks...

Not as good as the older model
After 11 years with a KitchenAid stainless steel dishwasher, the control panel failed and we decided to replace the entire unit (do to the high cost of the repair.) We got the new KA model shown here, and I'm sorry to report that we liked the old one much better. The new 'energy efficient' model doesn't clean as well and leaves a film on the glasses unless we use Finish Powerball Tabs for washing. (It took us weeks of testing to figure this out.) We also had to turn the rinse aid up to high to achieve dishes that felt clean to the touch. We timed it the other day and it took 2 hours and 40 minutes for the wash cycles to complete (then it began to dry after that) and this is with us running the hot water so it loads with 120F water to begin with (it prefer 160F). The vent on the side of the unit also pours hot steam up the cupboard next to it, which damages the finish.

More energy efficient? Perhaps. But we'd rather have a good quality dishwasher that isn't so much...

Avoid This Machine
We purchased this machine from Lowe's 6 months ago. It worked great for 3 months then started leaking water all over the floor. Not just a splash, but faucet-sized water. The first repair job, which took two weeks, simply replaced a hose clamp, which the repairman said was "junk." He replaced it with newer junk and a month later, another flood. Another call, another two visits (one to diagnose, one to repair). The company sent automotive-styled hose clamps, but the wrong size. To the credit of the repairman, he drove to Ace Hardware and bought the correct size. Now, however, the dishwasher won't drain and has become unresponsive. The "clean" light is flashing. The panel is totally unresponsive, even to the "diagnostic" magic keystrokes. Just dead. So, another service call has been scheduled. That means another two weeks or so of hand washing. This machine cost us over $1,000 installed. While it does do a great job of cleaning, the shoddy design, reliability, and materials simply...

The ProWash ™ Cycle is an intuitive one-touch solution that helps ensure the wash cycle is optimized to the needs of the load. This dishwasher delivers better results (combined wash and dry results of leading premium brands' highest MSRP models; dry testing conducted without rinse aid). A Heat Dry option ensures dishes are dry whenthe cycle ends.

• ProWash(TM) Cycle determines the appropriate cycle and makes real-time adjustments for best cleaning performance
• The Heat Dry option delivers faster and more complete drying by activating a recessed heating element during the drying cycle.
• Premium adjusters make it easy to raise or lower the upper rack for optimal loading space, and the SatinGlide(R) System allows the rack to move almost effortlessly.
• Shelves on either side of the upper rack that fold down to accommodate items such as cups. Each shelf includes molded indents to keep stemware in place.
• Whisper Quiet(R) (46 dBA) Sound Insulation System ensures your daily activities will not be disturbed by maintaining sound levels among the lowest in the industry.