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KitchenAid Vs. Café Appliances Dishwashers (Reviews/Ratings)

September 19th, 2013 | 2 min. read

By Steve Sheinkopf

kitchenaid dishwasher open crystalBoth KitchenAid and Café Appliances make American dishwashers. American dishwashers use a heated dry system to produce heat from an element located at the bottom of the dishwasher. The heat produced evaporates moisture causing dishes to dry quickly.

American dishwashers also typically contain a hard food disposer in the pump assembly. This disposer grinds up any food particles that are not dissolved by the detergents. High-end American models contain a filtering system instead of a hard food disposer to ensure quieter operation.

KitchenAid

KitchenAid has been a well known name for nearly a century. Their dishwasher was originally designed and built by the commercial Hobart company, so the brand has an amazing pedigree. KitchenAid is a part of the Whirlpool Corporation and now has a full line of appliances, but they are still known for dishwashers.

KitchenAid KUDS35FXSS - $979.99

Features:

  • 4 cycles and 6 options including a high temperature wash
  • 49 dBA
  • 15 place settings
  • 4 hour delay start option
  • Stainless steel tub with hard food disposer and heating element to ensure clean dry dishes at the end of every cycle
  • Premium upper rack with foldable cup shelves, stemware holders, and small item clips to ensure maximum organization for small items
  • Adjustable upper rack to make room for large pans and trays
  • Uses 36 spray jets to power out stubborn messes
  • Multi colored display lights monitor dishwasher progress
kitchenaid dishwasher stainless steel handle KUDS35FXSS

General Electric

Today, GE, owner of Café Appliances, is one of the largest corporations in the U.S. They are well known for their ranges and refrigeration, selling mostly to builders. About six years ago they launched their Café Appliances line. This series offers a “pro-style” line at an affordable price.

ge cafe dishwasher stainless steel CDWT280VSS

Café Appliances CDWT280VSS - $1,097.00

Features:

  • 4 cycles and 5 options including a gentle cycle for china and crystal and a high temperature wash
  • 52 dBA
  • 15 place settings
  • Stainless steel tub with hard food disposer and heating element to ensure clean dry dishes at the end of every cycle
  • Full extension nylon racks, deep upper rack to comfortably hold more place settings and large bowls
  • Steam prewash to loosen stubborn messes before cycle begins
  • 5 highly pressurized spray jets specifically targeted at silverware
  • Multi-colored display lights monitor dishwasher progress

KitchenAid vs Café Appliances

As it turns out both dishwashers are similar in terms of features and price. The KitchenAid has more cycle options and a better upper rack in terms of storage and adjustability. It is also 3 dBA quieter and has a delay start option, so it is better for more open kitchen plans.

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Additional Resources

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Steve Sheinkopf

Steve Sheinkopf is the third-generation CEO of Yale Appliance and a lifelong Bostonian. He has over 38 years of experience in the appliance industry, and he is a trusted source of information for consumers on how to buy and repair appliances.

Steve has also been featured in numerous publications, including the New York Times, Consumer Reports, The Boston Globe, Bloomberg Radio, the New York Post, The Wall Street Journal, and Entrepreneur, for his knowledge of how to buy appliances and appliance repair.

Steve is passionate about helping consumers find the best appliances for their needs, and he is always happy to answer questions and provide advice. He is a valuable resource for consumers who are looking for information on appliance buying, repair, and maintenance.

Despite being the worst goalie in history, Steve is a fan of the Bruins and college hockey, loves to read, and is a Peloton biker. The love of his life is his daughter, Sophie.

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