Dishwashers have come a long way. From a glass window, to a “knock to open” feature, these are some of the new features available on the market today. More importantly, dishwashers are also much quieter than the last time you bought one.
Upscale brands will also have stainless tubs, so they do not retain odors like plastic or chip like the old porcelain tubs. Many now have lifestyle options to wash sport bottles and taller items.
Two of the more innovative companies, KitchenAid and Electrolux have changed their dishwasher over the last few years, so this is a good comparison.
We will look at both companies, both products and then compare.
KitchenAid
KitchenAid is well known in the appliance industry for many years now. KitchenAid makes a solid and reliable American style dishwasher with many features and a range of prices.
Recently, they shifted from having a grinder on the bottom to a removeable filter in order to compete with quieter dishwashers like Bosch.
KitchenAid is owned by Whirlpool Corporation which is one of the largest appliance manufacturing companies. Whirlpool Corporation also owns the brands Jenn-Air, Maytag, Amana, and Whirlpool itself.
KitchenAid is manufactured in Ohio.
Electrolux
Electrolux is the second largest appliance company industry after Whirlpool. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, most of their products sold in the US are made in North America.
Electrolux manufactures both commercial and residential appliances. You may know them from their subsidiary Frigidaire.
Electrolux dishwashers were made in North Carolina, and now in Italy.
Dishwasher Comparison
Now let’s take a look at their dishwashers and compare them. Both brands offer many options so we are going to compare 3 models for each manufacturer (Good, Better, Best).
Good Level
KitchenAid KDFE104DSS - $719.99
- 46 Decibel Level (dBA)
- 6 Wash Cycles – Express, Light/China, Normal, Pro Wash, Rinse Only, and Tough
- Delay Wash – 4 Hour Delay
- 14 Place Settings
- Heat Dry Option
- Durable Stainless Steel Construction
- Colors Available - Stainless Steel, Black, and White
Electrolux EI24CD35RS - $809.99
- 49 Decibel Level (dBA)
- 5 Wash Cycles - Auto Wash, Normal, Heavy; 30-Minute Fast Wash; Eco Wash
- Condensation Dry
- Delay Start – 2/4/6 Hour
- 3rd Level Rack Cutlery Tray
- 14 Place Settings
- Stainless Steel
- Available in Black or White with Hidden Controls (Model # EI24ID30Q)
Better Level
KitchenAid KDTE254ESS - $989.99
- 39 Decibel Level (dBA)
- Top Hidden Controls
- 6 Wash Cycles – Express, Light/China, Normal, Pro Wash, Rinse Only, and Tough
- Delay Wash - 2-4-8 Hour Delay
- 14 Place Settings
- Heat Dry Option
- Third Level Rack – Better Cleaning for Spatulas, Serving Utensils, and Silverware
- Durable Stainless Steel Construction
- Colors Available – Black, White, and Stainless Steel
Electrolux EI24ID50QS - $899.99
- 47 Decibel Level (dBA)
- 9 Wash Cycles - Heavy, Normal, Fast Wash, Auto, Upper Rack Only, Eco Wash, Stemware, Rinse Only, and "My Favorite"
- 9 Perfect Stemware Holders
- Satellite Spray Arm for Better Cleaning
- Luxury Dry System
- China Crystal Wash Option
- Leak Detection System
- 1-24 Hours Delay Start
- 3rd Level Rack Cutlery Tray
- 14 Place Settings
- Stainless Steel only
Best Level
KitchenAid KDTM804ESS - $1,799.99
- 44 Decibel Level (dBA)
- Top Hidden Controls
- 6 Wash Cycles – Express, Light/China, Normal, Pro Wash, Rinse Only, and Tough
- Delay Wash
- Window with Lighted Interior and Advanced Racks
- Dynamic Wash Arms Provide Complete Water Coverage
- ProScrub – 40 Targeted Spray Jets Help Remove Stubborn Messes
- Third Level Rack – Better Cleaning for Spatulas, Serving Utensils, and Silverware
- Maintenance Free Water Filtration System
- 16 Place Settings
- Stainless Steel
Electrolux EW24ID80QS - $1,079.99
- 45 Decibel Level (dBA)
- 9 Wash Cycles - Heavy, Normal, Fast Wash, Auto, Upper Rack Only, Eco Wash, Stemware, Rinse Only, and "My Favorite"
- 18 Perfect Stemware Holders
- Satellite Spray Arm for Better Cleaning
- Luxury Dry System
- Wave Touch Controls
- Leak Detection System
- 1-24 Hours Delay Start
- 3rd Level Rack Cutlery Tray
- 14 Place Settings
- Stainless Steel only
Conclusion
Both units have filters and both have very good wash systems. Electrolux has the wash jets designed for sports bottles, and KitchenAid has the ProScrub designed to target stubborn stains. Both systems are good and will wash dishes. Electrolux may have better total coverage.
In terms of quietness, KitchenAid is the quieter dishwasher. In fact at 39 decibels, there are only two dishwashers quieter by 1 or 2 dBA.
KitchenAid is also more reliable than Electrolux within the first year according to our 20,000 calls logged last year.
Both are good options…
Additional Resources
Need more information on the latest dishwashers? Download the Yale Dishwasher Buyers Guide with features, specs and detailed profiles of the best brands. Well over 190,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
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