Our trusty Kitchenaid dishwasher quit on us yesterday - worked fine on Thursday, last evening I pushed the start button and nothing. Googled tried cutting power to reset - nothing - pushed certain buttons in series quickly and nothing. Kitchenaid seems to indicate a failed computer board as the likely cause beyond this. Anyone have any other thoughts?

Since the unit is at least 10-12 years old and the average lifespan of a dishwasher (also from Google) is 10 years, I suspect buying a new one is in the future.

We have been very satisfied with this one - but open to suggestions for other options.

There will certainly be a dogfight over brands. I just have a few general suggestions:

• A stainless steel interior tub versus plastic is a worthwhile upgrade.
• Having a small third rack on top for plastic lids, wooden spoons and other stuff is awesome
• Simpler is better
• Avoid models with hidden controls that are on the top edge of the door rather than the outside of the door. Those hidden controls are likely more susceptible to heat or moisture damage from repeated wash cycles.
• Quiet is good. Our current LG was rated better than our previous Whirlpool, but in practice it is actually louder. My wife is not happy about that. It's not noisy, but it is enough that we don't run it before bedtime.

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If you end up shopping, be aware that Kitchenaide is made by Whirlpool, along with Maytag and Amana. Their machines are identical for the most part. The differences are exterior cosmetics, one brand may have a stainless steel drum versus a plastic tub in another.

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Ombligo
If you end up shopping, be aware that Kitchenaide is made by Whirlpool, along with Maytag and Amana. Their machines are identical for the most part. The differences are exterior cosmetics, one brand may have a stainless steel drum versus a plastic tub in another.

Good info! Thanks.

If it seems completely dead as if there's no power going to it at all, it might be that the thermal fuse blew. It's a fairly inexpensive part that's usually inside the door. If you're a DIY type, find the info for you unit to see where it's located and how to get to it, and test it with an ohm meter.

If it is the thermal fuse, then the next thing to figure out is why it blew. I ordered 3 new ones when mine blew, expecting some trial and error debugging, but the first replacement never blew again, so it's a mystery why it failed in the first place.

I assume that you've checked the other more obvious thing, that there's power to the outlet that the dishwasher is plugged into.

Did you check the in-house power line?

Our next dishwasher will be a Bosch with their reportedly awesome regenerating drying system. Might be sooner than later as our Samsung we inherited drives us nuts with how little functional space it has (our dishes really do not fit in the provided racks).

Ombligo,

The differences between brands made by the same OEM isn't just cosmetics. It's also very much features. You have to evaluate models against each other and determine which features are worthwhile.

One key feature is a rack for flatware, small lids, and similar items. Very worthwhile. Much better than a flatware basket that is common on many dishwashers especially in the lower end models. Once you've used a machine with a 3rd rack for flatware, you'll not want to go back to using a basket.

Another key feature is height adjustable racks. This was a key feature because we had to raise a rack to ensure our dinner plates fit properly.

Racks with a reasonable level adjustment for the tines. My Miele has two sections whose tines can be turned down, flat to help accommodate baking dishes.

Quiet is very nice. Had a noisy dishwasher. Never again.

I prefer models with a control panel on the front.

If I were in the market, I'd be looking at Kitchen Aid, Miele, Bosch or Electrolux.

Robert



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/03/2024 11:08AM by Robert M.

As others said, you want a Stainless steel tub. making plastic tubs should be illegal IMHO.

yes front controls are nice because I can see the damn thing, but most models seem to have top door control, which is annoying. Moisture is not an issue since those are sealed anyway.

watch the dB noise level. Be aware that just a few dB can make a HUDE difference. The noise it is not linear, it is EXPONENTIAL. Or the other way around, the dB rating is a LOGARITHMIC of the noise.

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special
watch the dB noise level. Be aware that just a few dB can make a HUGE difference. The noise it is not linear, it is EXPONENTIAL. Or the other way around, the dB rating is a LOGARITHMIC of the noise.

+3dB = *2 (double)

-3dB = /2 (half)

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=TC

vicrock,

Door switches often go bad. any dishwashers have 2 of them. One allows power to the control board and downstream functions. The other usually allows the motor and pump to run because the door is closed. You need to check proof both are good before you blame the control panel.

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Ed (modelamac)

Trying to figure out some people is like trying to smell the number 9.

When we replaced a moldy chunk of our 1969 vintage kitchen cabinets after downsizing in 2016 (that included a new sink), we moved our then
~6+ y.o. top-of-the-line Maytag over from the old haunt. In doing so, we took the opportunity to line the DW cubbie of the new cabinets w/ fake
Dynamat (sound deadener), to hopefully cut down on the noise, since the DW in our downsized unit is literally right next to the main living space.
Last year, the Maytag blew parts that were beyond our DIY fixit abilities, so we optioned into a nice, quiet LG. We can't hear the 42dB rated LG DW
running, save for the waste water being expelled into the garbage disposal; and as the others have noted, the 3rd rack will quickly became a must-
have feature. Spec's spot on commentary on plastic tubs should be taken to heart by all DW manufacturers...., and if you haven't had an adjustable
rack before, they're truly a pleasure.

So, ditto the MRF crowd; stainless steel interior, lowest dB rating, 3rd rack for flatware/utensils/lids, adjustable rack(s), etc.. Google your
contenders to find out which models fare better by control location; for reasons that I don't understand, some makers' top control models rate better,
and others' front control models are best. When we first got a Maytag ~2006, it was a front control model; but it kept blowing circuit boards. After too
many service calls, and multiple delays in the repairs getting done, ~2010 Maytag replaced it w/ their (albeit recently discontinued) top-of-the-line,
top control model. Oddly, it was rated 2dB than the front control unit that had been there first, but it was actually a little bit louder.... so do your
homework on the noise/quiet ratings (and PM me if you want a hookup for the fake Dynamat stuff; the $40 fix was well worth it).


==

I always try to be helpful, so ditto on everything everybody else said.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/03/2024 09:54PM by lost in space.

I have a Bosch 800 series with third rack, super duper drying and extreme quiet. Very happy with it.

Appliance 411.com

Bring your model and serial.
used tested mobos, if that's it, are an easy ebay find.
KA dws are mostly an easy repair

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!#$@@$#!

Nolite manducare flavo.

Agree on the stainless tub.

I will also note that using heat drying is what causes steam to bloom into the electronics in the door. I never ever use power dry. Ever.

Also allows me to wash plastics in the bottom rack.

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Cary
I have a Bosch 800 series with third rack, super duper drying and extreme quiet. Very happy with it.

Me too. Got it for 40% off at BestBuy as open box.

I considered the Bosch not long ago when my unit failed but ultimately went with the TOTL unit from Whirlpool and have been very happy with that choice. The machine is sooo quiet I can run the dishwasher at any time and it is virtually unnoticeable!

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Aloha, Ken


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dk62

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Cary
I have a Bosch 800 series with third rack, super duper drying and extreme quiet. Very happy with it.

Me too. Got it for 40% off at BestBuy as open box.

Exactly how I bought it. Mine was a floor model - never used, complete,, cosmetically perfect. Removing the price “block” was a pain, used dental floss. Great deal.

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Cary
... Removing the price “block” was a pain, used dental floss. Great deal.

if you still have any adhesive stain, you can try Goo Gone.

[www.amazon.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/04/2024 08:15PM by special.

For stickers, I use a hairdryer on Warm.

Once it's removed, any residual adhesive is easy is removed with packing tape or even cellophane tape.

These are common items found around the house, smaller than a breadbox.

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The price block was not a sticker - it was an aluminum holder about 2” x 3”. It used heavy duty 2 sided tape. Once I cut off the aluminum, the adhesive was tough, but came e off with Goof Off/Goo Gone. No more residue.