KitchenAid Undercounter Dishwasher KUD-KO 1IL

by Eileen
(Northern Virginia)

We bought a KitchenAid dishwasher from Sears about 6 or 7 years ago. It still works just fine. I like it. But I don't love it.

On the plus side, it was relatively inexpensive, It is somewhat quieter than the dishwasher it replaced. It's still working after more than 6 years. It is very simple to operate, because you are not presented with a bunch of combo choices: You choose either Heavy or Normal or Rinse only wash; HiScrub or Energy Save Dry. The dishes come out clean, as long as you don't challenge it with anything too encrusted.

On the other hand, there is one thing I really really miss that we had previously: the ability to set a timer to turn the dishwasher on a few hours later. I really like that option because I can set it after loading the dishwasher after supper, and it won't go on until everyone has left the kitchen and gone to bed. This KitchenAid model does not have that.

As for quiet, well it is quiet-er, but not really as quiet as I'd like.

As for cleaning power: good but not exceptional. Good enough for standard dirty dishes but don't challenge it with anything that needs soaking in soapy water and baking soda.

Regarding the baskets, the lower tray is designed for plates with a little room around the edge perimeter for baking dishes or bowls. The top tray is for cups and saucers and glasses. I'm not sure how to rate this -- I'd say "I" for Inflexible. If all you have is standard issue plates and cups and saucers and glasses, then you are fine. But as soon as you have the odd-shaped or -sized thing -- the super-size mug, the giant balloon wine glass, the large size mixing bowl -- then you end up fiddling about and packing and repacking like you are trying to pack your Chrysler Mini Cooper for a cross-country trip.

In sum, a good dishwasher for someone who wants something simple and reliable. If all you want is a dishwasher that washes dishes and you don't want a bunch of choices and options, but you do want reliability -- this is your machine.