Best KitchenAid Dishwashers 2022

KitchenAid has changed their dishwasher over the last few years with new features like washing systems and new drying systems.

But is it finally competitive to Bosch and Miele?

In this article, you’ll learn all the best KitchenAid dishwashers.

We’ll also let you know the ones not to buy and focus on their most popular and available models.

Included in this article is reliability based on 48,392 service calls completed by a service department just last year. Along with product comparisons to Bosch and Miele at the end.

Should you buy a KitchenAid, a dishwasher or another brand?

You will know, after reading this article.

Based on sales versus service calls, KitchenAid was excellent at only 5.5% service in the first year, versus 9.5% for appliances in general.

They’re also more reliable than Bosch and Miele, sort of.

Miele was excellent at 8.9%, with more features than KitchenAid. Bosch was over 10%, however, their lesser featured dishwashers under the Thermador name, had a reliability rating of only 3.57%, so the blended reliability is similar.

Either way, KitchenAid is one of the most reliable dishwashers you can buy.

Table of Contents

KitchenAid Models to Avoid

KitchenAid has seven models in their lineup. Bosch one time had over 100, so KitchenAid should be easy to buy in theory.

But some of their models haven’t been available, like most other brands.

Their least expensive, the KDFE104KPS, for example, has been especially scarce. Even so, the two best models to consider are also KitchenAid’s most popular – The KDTE204KPS and KDTM604KPS.

KitchenAid has two more expensive models with added features, the 704 at $1499 and 804 the at $1899.

However, you’re only adding a knife caddy, light, and glide out racks, which is not worth it to spend the $200-600$ more.

The 604 is $1,299 and has all the best and most important features.

So you shouldn’t consider anything over the $1,299 KDTM604 dishwasher.

Another dishwasher you shouldn’t consider is the 304 paneled model. Unlike the European brands like Bosch, Asko, Beko, and Miele, the KitchenAid protrudes so it looks like a dishwasher with a panel stuck on it rather than a cabinet, which is the intended look.

Best KitchenAid Dishwasher Models

Now let’s take an in-depth look at the two best KitchenAid dishwasher models to consider, KDTE204 and the KDTM604. They’re very different.

The KDTE204 is part of KitchenAid’s 200 series.

It’s offered in a few different handle styles and has been selling at about $999.

It has KitchenAid’s traditional wash system with a spray arm on the top, middle and bottom.

You would think that three wash arms would be the standard, but it’s not.

Bosch and GE profile, most notably have two with the sprinkler head on the top.

You have decent racks, including a third rack for silverware, plus the main cycles and options.

This series dries with condensation, it’s a fancy term for the residual steam and heat from the wash, plus jet dry and time.

You do have a heated dry option, but adding heat to an already hot dishwasher does not dry that much faster.

What makes this dishwasher unique is its quietness. It has 38 decibels, which means it’s noiseless.

A Bosch or Miele dishwasher at 38 decibels will be over $2,000, yet the KitchenAid is below $1,000.

Quietness is important, especially if your kitchen is open your family room. You don’t want to hear the dishwasher noise.

Then again, dishwashers are considered quiet at 44 decibels. You don’t have to buy a lower decibel in any brand under 44.

Which brings us to the newer KitchenAid, the KDTM604, which is part of the M Series.

The M Series models are radically different than the 200 series models.

The third rock is much larger. You can fit some glasses and cups as well as silverware.

The rack also has holes for a separate set of sprays for fourth level of wash action, at least in theory.

The model dries with their pro drying system, a fan pulls the air into the dishwasher and the warmer air is attracted the cooler air and it’s dissipated as water.

So you have a better wash and drying system as well as the largest rack.

In terms of quietness, the M series adds an additional filter for cleaner water, but it does make it louder at 44 decibels than the less expensive 200 series. 44 decibels is still considered quiet.

Once again, you do not need to buy a quieter model than 44 decibels.

Competition

KitchenAid is compelling. Miele offers their clean air dry system at $1,099 and channels air to the inside like the better KitchenAid M Series for $200 less.

Miele also has three full wash arms, better racking in their QuickIntense wash cycle, washing and drying a full load in 58 minutes.

Bosch has their auto air drying, popping the dishwasher open to release heat and steam to speed drying, along with better racks.

All three are quiet, Bosch and Miele at 44 decibels, KitchenAid at 39. At $1,299, Miele offers their better D third rack, so you can fit more on the rack or underneath and another cycle.

While Bosch has their best drying with their $1,249 Crystal Dry dishwasher, which uses volcanic elements to dry even plastic.

KitchenAid will have a bigger rack and a pro dry system producing cooler air into the dishwasher as well.

All three are quiet at or under 44 decibels.

For panels, Bosch and Miele will fit within a cabinet, but KitchenAid will protrude, so look at the other brands.

At $1,399 and above, Miele will also add features like better cycles. Miele has their automatic dispensers at $1,999 which KitchenAid really doesn’t have a viable option over the 600 series at $1,299.