Kitchenaid KUDC10FXSS Classic Dishwasher

What's Good:
*Very nice looking.
*Extremely quiet.
* spacious interior (14 place settings) with good generic rack layout.

What's Bad:
*So large it may not fit as a replacement for a standard dishwasher We had to unexpectedly modify our cabinetry. DO measure your space carefully.
*Pricey, but with basic features. You're paying for the label.
*No rack reconfiguration options (interior is so large you may not miss them). Upper rack does have 2 height positions, but implementing the change is such a hassle few will use it. Racks do not slide smoothly or easily. Lower rack must be lifted up over the bottom door edge to extract it without bouncing your dishware out of place.
*Flatware basket is spacious but fits only one location. You must completely open the heavy door and slide the lower rack all the way out to reach its rear sections.
*Door-edge control panel is a stunning example of bad design. Completely hidden under counter-top when the door is closed (keep a flashlight handy).
*Couldn't clean its way out of a paper bag! We tried all the wash cycles and several detergent and rinse products, including the ones recommended by the manufacturer. We even added vinegar. Nothing works! Glassware comes out with rings and cloudy film (we must assume this film also covers the rest of the dishware). Even a tried-and-true product we have used successfully for years in our hard water environment has no effect. Most of the particulates you forget to brush or scrape off beforehand will be baked onto the flatware and dishes (and we don't use the "heat dry" option). Let the peanut butter coating firm up on that table knife for a day? This machine won't touch it. It will come out just like it went in. Filling the cavernous interior with dishware simply reduces the cleaning effectiveness. The regular wash cycle runs for 2 hours, but has virtually no cleaning power. You will try the other cycle options, all of which use twice the water and energy, and find they don't clean any better. So much for the "green" concept. If you're primary concern is saving the planet, you will probably be satisfied. If you are interested in clean dishes, look elsewhere.

Purchased this DW in April 2011 and have had problems from the begining. Have replaced 2 control panels and the gasket around the control panel and still broke down again. Repair person thinks there is a design flaw since there is no proper venting system for the steam which is getting into the control panel and destroying it. Luckily I purchased an extended warranty and hope to replace the unit with an entirely different model....not Kitchenaid!