KitchenAid dishwashers have been around for a long time. Now, they are more innovative than ever, with some of the most fantastic features on the market. If you’re looking for a KitchenAid dishwasher but aren’t sure which model to go for, we can help.
We’ve done tons of research on KitchenAid dishwashers and chosen our absolute seven favorites. With this list of the best KitchenAid dishwashers and the accompanying reviews, you’ll know exactly what to expect from each appliance. We looked into each product’s cleaning ability, special features, wash cycles, noise level, and more.
To conclude the research, we put together an in-depth review of each dishwasher. Therefore, it’s easier than ever to find the best match for you and your kitchen.
- FreeFlex third rack
- Clean water wash
- Has sensors for soil levels
- Tub finish has more durable materials
- LED interior light
- Extended drying cycle
- Five cycle options with customization
- 39 decibels quiet
- ProWash cycle
- Loading options
- 12 place settings
- NSF-certified sanitization cycle
- Heavy-duty cleaning
- FreeFlex third rack included
- Microfiltration for good hygiene
- There’s room for everything
- Durable printshield finish
- Adjustable tines on the racks
- Third level utensil rack
- Five washing cycles
- Adjustable middle rack
Product Reviews
Dishwashers are definitely an investment. That’s why we’ve done our research on expert advice and real customer reviews to recommend you only the best of the best KitchenAid dishwashers. Our research was based on genuine customer reviews and expert advice, as well as an in-depth look at the various specs.
Here are seven super KitchenAid dishwashers that will last you an age!
KitchenAid Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
Most Spacious
This generously sized KitchenAid dishwasher is an excellent option if you have a lot of dishes and run the dishwasher frequently. It has two standard racks with space for all your daily dishes. But it also has a third rack for awkward items such as scissors, pacifiers, and dishwasher-safe knives.
If you do a lot of cooking from scratch, this is a great option because of space. You can fill it as you go, making sure there’s a space for every kitchen utensil you could think of. Plus, with the complete wash coverage, every item will get clean.
What We Like
FreeFlex™ Third Rack
The third rack provides extra space and a special place for flat items such as scissors and knives. The removable utensil tray makes sure there’s space for these items. But the third rack also has an angled part, so it can also fit bowls, glasses, and mugs.
So if your family goes through a lot of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate every day and doesn’t usually have space for all the mugs, this gives you that extra accommodation!
Clean Water Wash
This dishwasher has a microfiltration system that removes food particles throughout the entire wash and rinse cycles. This ensures the water washing your dishes is always as clean as possible on all three racks.
ProWash™ Cycle
The ProWash technology uses sensors to recognize soil levels throughout the cycle. It then adapts the wash time and water temperature needed to ensure messes are completely spotless or lighter loads can be completed with less energy. This ensures that your dishes come out sparkling clean every time, saving energy where possible.
Sleek, PrintShield Finish
If you want something that looks and feel luxurious in the kitchen, you’ll love this. It has a PrintShield finish that resists smudges and fingerprints. It’s super easy to clean the stainless steel material with water and a microfiber cloth, ensuring it stands out all day long.
What We Don't Like
44 Decibel Sound
While 44 decibels is practically unnoticeable, it’s still on the higher sound level of KitchenAid dishwashers. It will be roughly the same as your fridge.
To put it into context, it’s similar to a computer humming or light rain. From another room, you shouldn’t be able to hear it. However, customers have noticed that there are louder parts of the cycle where you can hear the water hit the door and some sort of grinding noises, too.
No Indication of Time Remaining
Because it has a top control panel, you can’t see what stage the cycle is at while the door is closed.
While the dishwasher has an indicator light that changes colors depending on the stage of the cycle, the user manual does not explain which color means which stage. So you’ll have to learn that by yourself, unfortunately!
Product Specs
| Type | Top control panel |
| Dimensions | 26.75 x 23.9 x 34.5 |
| Number of Racks | Three |
| Noise Level | 44dBA |
| Number of Wash Cycles | Five |
Our Ratings
KitchenAid Top Control Dishwasher with Tub
Most Stylish
This is the most stylish of KitchenAid dishwashers, in our opinion.
It has a lovely sleek stainless steel finish. The control panel is at the top, so you don’t have to see it.
It also has an almost futuristic-looking handle, which will definitely capture guest’s attention as they wander through your home.
What We Like
Tall Tub Design and Finish
This dishwasher has a tub finish and a tall tub design. That means the materials inside are more durable and can handle higher temperatures, so you can run the hottest cycles without causing any damage.
Plus, it makes the appliance more efficient, so you save money over time. The tall tub design also ensures extra capacity inside: up to 16 place settings!
LED Interior Light
There is LED lighting inside the dishwasher, so you can better see what’s inside when you open it up. This makes it easier to load and unload, especially later at night or early in the morning. Never miss a teaspoon again!
Extended ProDry Cycle
This dishwasher has a ProDry cycle to ensure the dishes are dry. But it has the option of extending this by 15 minutes to ensure that the dishes are ready to be put away immediately.
FreeFlex Third Rack
Like the above option, this also has a deep, angled rack for those extra items. It can fit tableware up to six inches tall, as well as utensils and other cooking tools.
What We Don't Like
Handle Design Flaw
While the handle looks nice, it can scrape the back of your hand a little as you move it in and out. If you have larger hands, this may not be a comfortable option.
Not ADA Compliant
Keep in mind that this dishwasher isn’t ADA-compliant. Therefore, it does not meet the standards laid out by the Disabilities Act Standards to be accessible for all users.
Product Specs
| Type | Top control panel |
| Dimensions | 24.5 x 23.9 x 34.5 |
| Number of Racks | Three |
| Noise Level | 44dBA |
| Number of Wash Cycles | Five |
Our Ratings
KitchenAid Front Control Built-In Dishwasher
Best for Drying Dishes
If you want a dishwasher to better deliver dry dishes after the cycle, this is one to consider. This dishwasher has a heat dry option and an extended option so that you can add drying time for the best results possible. And it only takes 14 minutes!
Its stainless steel interior helps with drying, too, since it doesn’t absorb moisture. There is also a drying bar with tabs to remove moisture from glasses. So when you next open your dishwasher, you’re less likely to see water spots everywhere.
What We Like
Five Cycle Options, Plus Customization Settings
You’ll see a wide range of cycle options on the front control panel. You have your five main washing cycles: Express Wash, Normal, ProWash, Rinse, and Tough. But you also have other programs such as Extended Heat Dry, 4-Hour Delay, Heated Dry, Hi-Temp Wash, and Sani Rinse.
SatinGlide Rails
If you want a super smooth user experience, you’ll love the SatinGlide rails. The third and middle racks move in and out effortlessly, even when jam-packed with dishes. This may be a minor detail, but it makes this dishwasher feel like the luxurious product that it is.
39 Decibels Quiet
If you want your dishwasher to be seen and not heard, this is the product for you. This is the quietest option available from KitchenAid, so it doesn’t get much better than this. Quieter than light rainfall, you’ll barely notice this dishwasher.
ProWash Cycle
As well as the five cycles, this dishwasher also has ProWash. This uses sensors to determine how dirty the dishes are. The appliance then adapts the wash time and water temperature to ensure a deep clean, whether it’s a light or heavy load.
What We Don't Like
Smaller Interior Than Expected
While this has three racks and is a standard size, the interior feels smaller than other dishwashers. Many customers complained that they couldn’t fit everything into it and sometimes had to run two cycles per day! The layout is quite difficult to fit wider mouth cups and bowls.
One Delay Timer Option
This dishwasher only has one option for a delayed start, and that is four hours. While it’s better than nothing, it’s annoying if you want to customize your cycle start times more flexibly.
Product Specs
| Type | Front control panel |
| Dimensions | 21.5 x 23.9 x 33.6 |
| Number of Racks | Three |
| Noise Level | 39dBA |
| Number of Wash Cycles | Five |
Our Ratings
KitchenAid 24-Inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher
Best Budget KitchenAid Dishwasher
KitchenAid dishwashers are generally on the pricier end of the market.
What if you have the budget for a KitchenAid dishwasher but don’t want to fork out a huge amount of cash? Their most affordable option is the 24” Built-In Dishwasher in stainless steel.
Even though it’s cheaper, it still has the ProWash cycle, which adjusts the cleaning levels in real-time to help with different soil levels.
Keep In Mind
What We Like
You’ve Got Loading Options
With this dishwasher, you can customize how you load it. The upper rack is adjustable, so you can lower or raise it depending on the amount of space you need.
The SatinGlide upper rack means when you pull out the tray, even if it’s full of heavy items, it moves smoothly and safely.
12 Place Settings
Pay less but get a good amount of space. While slightly smaller than some of the other KitchenAid dishwashers, we don’t think you’ll notice! There is still space for up to 12 place settings, so if you’ve got a big dinner party — this dishwasher is your friend.
NSF-Certified Sanitization Cycle
There are five extra features for cycles on this dishwasher. Two of them ensure the utmost hygiene for your dishes.
First, you can use the high-temperature wash, which provides a hot clean. Or go the extra mile with the Sani Rinse, which kills bacteria.
Enjoy Dry Dishes
Not only does this dishwasher deep clean your dishes, but it dries them, too. This dishwasher features the heat dry option, which heats the final rinse water and the air, leaving your dishes super dry. You can also activate the extended heat dry option for even better results.
What We Don't Like
47 Decibels Loud
While 47 decibels isn’t exactly noisy, it’s louder than other KitchenAid dishwashers. Instead of light rainfall, it’s more like a quiet office. So it won’t go totally unnoticed, but if you shut the kitchen door over, you shouldn’t be able to hear it.
Questionable Cleaning Power
Some customers reported that this dishwasher didn’t clean as well as older models. While it has all the necessary features to do so, the price may reflect the cleaning power a little. You should also note that the silverware basket is always a little damp, even after the heat dry cycle.
Product Specs
| Type | Front control panel |
| Dimensions | 24.5 x 23.9 x 33.6 |
| Number of Racks | Two |
| Noise Level | 47dBA |
| Number of Wash Cycles | Five |
Our Ratings
KitchenAid Custom Panel Ready Dishwasher
Best Panel Ready Dishwasher
Do you want a dishwasher that can match the rest of your kitchen decor? This custom panel-ready, built-in dishwasher might be the one for you!
You can easily adjust the front panel to suit your other cabinets so that the dishwasher fits into your kitchen seamlessly. If you change up your decor at any point, it’s easy to change over the panel, too. Fully integrated, you won’t even know the dishwasher is there. It’s that discreet.
What We Like
ProWash Cycle for Heavy-Duty Cleaning
Lots of dishes? Are they extra dirty? This dishwasher can handle it.
The ProWash cycle gives the dishwasher a life of its own. It can detect how dirty your dishes are and how high the soil levels are. Then it modifies the wash cycle accordingly, adjusting its power throughout to ensure that dirty dishes are clean and saving energy wherever possible.
FreeFlex Third Rack Included
There’s room for more in this dishwasher. With a third rack that boasts an angled design, you can fit in glasses, bowls, mugs, as well as utensils. Don’t worry about items being neglected on this rack: there are still rotating wash jets that deep clean these upper items.
Microfiltration for Good Hygiene
Enjoy the advanced clean water wash system. It uses microfiltration to eliminate food residue from the cycle to ensure only clean water is used. This means you can wash pots and pans alongside delicate glasses and still achieve pristine results.
Culinary Caddy Utensil Basket
A fun feature of this dishwasher is the utensil basket. It has space for everything. You can now secure tall utensils, like ladles and spatulas, as well as overflow silverware. It even has space for smaller items that need to be secured — now you won’t lose them in the wash cycle!
What We Don't Like
1-Year Warranty
There is only a one-year warranty on all dishwasher parts and labor. There’s a five-year warranty on electronic parts and nylon racks, but if anything else goes, you’ll have to pay for it out of pocket.
High Price Point
This is one of the most expensive KitchenAid dishwashers. Double the price of our budget option, you’re forking out a lot of cash just to have the panel-ready finish.
Product Specs
| Type | Panel ready top control |
| Dimensions | 26.8 x 23.9 x 34.6 |
| Number of Racks | Three |
| Noise Level | 44dBA |
| Number of Wash Cycles | Five |
Our Ratings
KitchenAid 3rd Rack Built-In Dishwasher
Luxury Pick
Do you want to find something a little more special than our other options? If you want a luxury, high-end KitchenAid dishwasher, this is the one for you. It’s one of their more expensive options, and we think it shows.
At first glance, you’ll notice it’s much sleeker than some of their options. The fully stainless steel finish with a gorgeous bar makes it a standout option in any kitchen.
Plus, if you want to support the brand name, the logo isn’t subtle. Your guests will know exactly where and from whom you purchased this fantastic appliance.
What We Like
There’s Room for Everything
This spacious dishwasher has room for everything. The three racks give you flexibility and versatility when loading your dishwasher. The third rack has space for mugs, bowls, silverware, utensils, and other things that haven’t found space in the main racks.
Plus, the Culinary Caddy basket provides space in the lower rack for tall utensils that would otherwise need to lay flat. Finally, with the clean water filtration system and drying cycles, everything will come out sparkling clean.
Fan-Enabled ProDry
This dishwasher has the ProDry cycle that some of our other recommendations have — but it goes the extra mile. This one is fan and heating enabled, so it has extra drying power.
It circulates the hot air around afterward to ensure a thorough dry. You can extend the ProDry cycle if you want extra time to wick moisture away.
Adjustable Tines On the Racks
The middle and lower racks feature adjustable tines to make space for your unique dishes, pots, and pans. Now you can fit in every type of item, including small espresso mugs and large Dutch ovens.
Durable PrintShield Finish
Being luxury, you want a dishwasher to last. This is made from durable stainless steel that will resist odors, stains, and fingerprints, inside and out. It’s super easy to clean with water and a soft cloth, saving you time during your weekly chores.
What We Don't Like
One Year Warranty
With only a one-year warranty included, this doesn’t fill us with much confidence if anything were to go wrong. You can add on extra cover for a price, but at such an expensive fee, we expected the warranty to be longer.
The Motor Breaks Often
One of the most common complaints is that after a few months, or sometimes weeks, the motor starts developing issues. While you are covered for the duration of your warranty, the last thing you need is an out-of-service dishwasher every now and then.
Product Specs
| Type | Top control panel |
| Dimensions | 26.8 x 23.9 x 33.6 |
| Number of Racks | Three |
| Noise Level | 44dBA |
| Number of Wash Cycles | Five |
Our Ratings
Top Control Stainless Steel Tub Dishwasher
Most Quiet
Need something whisper quiet? This model has a decibel rating of 39 which is by far the lowest on our list!
You’ll barely even notice this dishwasher while it’s running. It has a sound reduction system to ensure that it remains super quiet no matter what cycle you choose.
You can run this at any time of the day, even in the middle of the night, and it won’t disturb anybody’s sleep!
What We Like
Third Level Utensil Rack
Struggle to find a place to put your utensils? This dishwasher has a separate utensil rack, so you’re never in doubt. Plus, even though it’s pretty discreet, they’ll still come out sparkling clean.
Cycle Choice Galore
There are lots of cycle choices with this dishwasher. There are five main washing cycles, including a ProWash cycle, for ultimate cleanliness. Plus, there are other features such as extended heat dry, high temp wash, and sanitization washes so you can sterilize your dishes.
Adjustable Middle Rack
You can easily adjust the middle rack to make it higher or lower. This allows for maximum flexibility. You can lower it to fit larger items on the top or raise it to fit larger items on the bottom. Your choice!
39 Decibel Rating
While all KitchenAid dishwashers are quiet, this one goes the extra mile. At 39 decibels, you’ll barely notice this running. You can turn it on while you have guests over or while you’re napping in the next room.
What We Don't Like
One Year Warranty
You only have a one-year warranty on parts and labor with this dishwasher. For such a big purchase, this is a little unsettling. Of course, you can add more cover for an extra price.
Range of Issues
Customers complain about a range of issues with this dishwasher. It’s not the most durable option on the market, further backed up by its short warranty. You may find that there are leaks, issues with the control panel, or perhaps the motor.
Most customers are delighted with their dishwashers, but some KitchenAid products have a more secure warranty cover.
Product Specs
| Type | Top control panel |
| Dimensions | 26.75 x 23.9 x 34.5 |
| Number of Racks | Three |
| Noise Level | 39dBA |
| Number of Wash Cycles | Five |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Type | Dimensions | No. of Racks | Noise Level | Wash Cycles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KitchenAid Built-In Dishwasher | Spacious | Top control | 26.75 x 23.9 x 34.5 | 3 | 44dBA | 5 |
| KitchenAid Dishwasher with Tub | Stylish | Top control | 24.5 x 23.9 x 34.5 | 3 | 44dBA | 5 |
| KitchenAid Front Control Built-In Dishwasher | For Drying Dishes | Front control | 21.5 x 23.9 x 33.6 | 3 | 39dBA | 5 |
| KitchenAid 24 | Budget KitchenAid Dishwasher | Front control | 24.5 x 23.9 x 33.6 | 2 | 47dBA | 5 |
| Custom Panel Ready Dishwasher | Panel Ready Dishwasher | Top control | 26.8 x 23.9 x 34.6 | 3 | 44dBA | 5 |
| KitchenAid 3rd Rack Dishwasher | Luxury Pick | Top control | 26.8 x 23.9 x 33.6 | 3 | 44dBA | 5 |
| Top Control Tub Dishwasher | Quiet | Top control | 26.75 x 23.9 x 34.5 | 3 | 39dBA | 5 |
History of KitchenAid
KitchenAid began as an idea in 1886 (1). Josephine Cochrane patented an invention that today is known as a dishwasher. While the invention was initially sold to restaurants and luxury hotels, now they are used widely across the world to clean and sanitize dishes.
It was in 1949 that the KitchenAid dishwashers finally came to domestic kitchens. The first model was the KD-10 dishwasher which was revolutionary for the time. So much so that the general design is still used as the base for dishwashers today.
Now, KitchenAid sells a vast range of kitchen products, including ovens, fridges, and freezers. They also sell cookware, kettles, blenders, coffee machines, standing mixers, and much more.
Are KitchenAid Dishwashers Reliable?
KitchenAid dishwashers are definitely a reliable choice, with only around six percent of dishwashers requiring servicing or repairs within a year of purchase (2).
Compared to other brands, let’s look at how that fares. At the higher end of the lineup, LG only had a 3.5 percent of service calls. On the other end, Beko had an 11.2 percent service requirement. So KitchenAid fairs quite well.
Types of KitchenAid Dishwashers
Maybe you’ve decided that you are in the market for a KitchenAid dishwasher. But within that category, you’re still met with many options. So which is the best one for you?
Front Control
Front control dishwashers have the control settings on the appliance’s exterior rather than inside. While this doesn’t look as sleek in the kitchen, it keeps the controls clean and allows you to see the settings while the dishwasher is in use.
Pros
- Many KitchenAid budget options have front control panels.
- This is a classic look, similar to the early dishwasher models.
- It’s easy to see your control options, which is especially useful during a cycle.
- Keeps the controls clean.
Cons
- Not a sleek, polished aesthetic.
- You can push the buttons accidentally.
Top Control
Top control dishwashers have the control panel at the top inner frame of the dishwasher. So you choose your cycle and click start before closing the dishwasher. The chosen cycle will begin immediately unless you’ve selected the delay option.
Pros
- Sleek, polished look.
- Can’t accidentally nudge the buttons.
- More kid and pet friendly.
- Nicer handle options.
- They come in a range of prices.
Cons
- There may not be an indicator for how long is left on a cycle, or if it is finished.
- The control buttons may be smaller and more challenging to read.
Panel Ready
Panel ready dishwashers can be customized to suit the rest of your kitchen cabinets. KitchenAid currently has one type of panel-ready dishwasher. You can add your custom paneling to the front to suit your kitchen decor.
Pros
- Matches the rest of your kitchen decor for a seamless look.
- Quieter because of the panel.
- Top panel control.
Cons
- KitchenAid only has one option.
- KitchenAid’s option is in the mid-price range for them.
Key Features to Look For
You’re going to have your KitchenAid dishwasher for years to come. To find the best match for you, consider these important criteria.
Noise Level
KitchenAid dishwashers are all fairly quiet. But if you live in a small home or apartment, it’s a good idea to choose a super quiet one since you’ll probably be able to hear it at night while it’s running.
You can check the noise level by looking at the decibels. KitchenAid dishwashers run from 39 to 46 decibels, with 39 being the quietest and 46 being the least quiet.
Wash Cycles
Consider how many wash cycle options the dishwasher has. You should also look at what type of wash cycles there are, such as normal, rinse, tough or delicate cycles.
Consider also how many programs there are, for example, drying programs. Look at the temperature settings to see how hot it can go, and lastly, check if it has a sanitization cycle.
Drying Capacity
Most KitchenAid dishwashers have some drying capacity, but we recommend those with a ProDry setting. This ensures the dishes are dry and sanitized. So, when you empty the dishwasher, you can put everything away immediately.
Dishwasher Capacity
Consider how spacious the dishwasher is. Most KitchenAid dishwashers are roughly the same size and quite generous, but if you need extra space, check out the dimensions. You could also go for one with a third rack which has space for hard-to-place items.
Extra Features
KitchenAid dishwashers come with a range of extra features, but not every dishwasher has the same ones. Some extra features include heated drying, sound reduction system, delay start, and LED lights. They also have cycle status lights, filtered water, water soil sensor, rinse aid warning indicators, end-of-cycle indicators, and much more.
Warranty
Finally, consider the warranty of the product. Some KitchenAid dishwashers have a five-year warranty, while others only have a one-year warranty.
If you want something a bit longer, we recommend going with another brand. Or just opt for one with a five-year warranty.
FAQs
Why Won’t My Kitchenaid Dishwasher Clean the Dishes?
There are several reasons why your Kitchenaid dishwasher won’t clean dishes. You could be using the wrong dishwasher detergent or a cheaper detergent that doesn’t clean as well. Another reason could be using too much cleansing solution, which leaves a residue on your dishes.
Do All Kitchenaid Dishwashers Have Filters?
All Kitchenaid dishwashers have filters to ensure that food waste doesn’t clog the drain when the dishwasher empties.
How Long Is a Normal Wash Cycle on a Kitchenaid Dishwasher?
The time it takes for a normal wash cycle on a Kitchenaid dishwasher varies by model. Depending on the setting, you should expect typical timings of between 1.5 and 4 hours.
How Often Should I Clean My Kitchenaid Dishwasher?
You should clean your Kitchenaid dishwasher monthly, using white vinegar. Add the vinegar to the detergent dispenser and run the appliance empty. At the end of the wash cycle, you will have a gleaming dishwasher.
Can I Use Vinegar in My Kitchenaid Dishwasher?
You can use vinegar in your Kitchenaid dishwasher. You can place it in the detergent dispenser or place a glass of vinegar on the bottom rack and turn on the dishwasher. As water flows, it mixes with vinegar and cleans the inside.
