Since washers and dryers have been discussed in depth, how about tackling dishwashers next? I need to buy a new dishwasher tomorrow. I want one with a stainless steel face to match the other appliances in the kitchen, a built-in type, and I'm not looking to spend over $600 for the thing. We originally had our eye on a Frigidaire model, but we were turned off on it because of the poor review it got by Consumer's Report. Does anyone have any good candidates I should look at tomorrow?

 

Asko. But they're budget-busters, so don't bother. HPH

 

I've got a Maytag, SS front, but not interior, I guess it works ok, I don't use it that much, living alone, I've got my meal prep down to one frying pan, one large bowl or plate, so clean up is a snap.

 

Whirlpools are the only brand that lets you put the forks and knives in the door. All the other brands have a basket that takes up dish space. This might not be important to you but I find it frees up alot of space.

 

I personally will not be getting another Kitchen Aid. Ours is 8 years old and its pretty well shot ($600 new). Since we are remodeling the kitchen a new one is on our list also.

 

The stainless steel front is likely going to be a budget buster for anything worth having for $600. That's about a $100-150 premium. You may want to check the Maytag site (just Google it) and see what you can live with.

The one we just got is one of the three rack, four wand models. It's extremely quiet and so far we haven't really had to pre-rinse anything. In fact they recommend you don't.

Whatever you decide, if you're going to spend the money for the stainless front, make sure you spring for the stainless interior too.

As an added bonus for the Maytag, even I can usually figure out how to start it.

edit: We paid $679 for a white.

 

Seven hundred to seven fifty for a dishwasher? The dogs will do it for nothing. The only reason I can see that Martha might object to my plan is that they don't match the other appliances. I'm going to go see what she thinks and if she appreciates my flash of genius.

 

We got a Kenmore mid-level dishwasher last year. I think Consumer Reports rates it pretty high. It has an adjustable top rack, but we never vary the height of the rack. One feature we would like that it is missing is a digital indicator of how many minutes are remaining.

This is our first dishwasher with upper and lower washing "arms". It works well.

There was a recall on the dishwasher heating element a few months ago. We went to the web site and checked the model and serial number and it wasn't involved in the recall, but Sears later sent a letter saying it WAS involved in the recall. Sears did send out two repairman to replace the heating element with another element that was shaped differently.

We think the dishwasher is superior to the GE dishwasher that it replaced.

 

I'm not sure if Brillo pads are stainless or not. But hand washing after the dogs get through in really hot water my be enough.

 

I guess Martha didn't think it was such a good idea. The doctor at the emergency room did, though.

I found a Maytag with a stainless front for $599 at Home Depot. It's more money than I wanted to spend just to clean a few coffee cups since we eat out more often than not, but I can live with it.