I went with the 204 rather than the 404 after seeing them in the flesh for these reasons: 1. With my current dishwasher, there has never been a problem getting things clean that were in the 2nd/top rack. 2. The interior of the 204 is the same size as the 404 and higher and it uses the same model pump as the higher versions. The 404 and similar models with the rotating tubes takes away A LOT of space on the 2nd rack's height so the second 204's rack has WAY more height for things. You can stand up full-size plates up there. Typically the way things go is the bottom is full of plates, silverware, cereal bowls, and silverware. You need height on the second rack for cups, glasses, mixing bowls, popcorn bowls, casserole dishes, etc. The top rack is good for long mixing spoons, spatulas, etc. but I found I can put big cookie sheets up there and still clear the top wash arm with room to spare. The little silverware tray on the top of the 404 and higher models is nowhere near large enough for the typical silverware load, and the silverware would be laying on top of each other. With the 204's normal bottom-rack silverware tray you can bring it to the silverware drawer and pick out all the spoons, then forks, then bring it to another drawer for knives, etc. 3. I don't like the handle sticking out as are on some of the other models. It's just something you hit yourself on. 4. I don't particularly care for the controls on the top of the door to where you can't see what's up when it's running. You can't learn anything from LED messages if they are out of sight while it is running. So now we are down to error codes, which means in the seldom-encountered situations, you need to count beep sequences and look that up rather than the corresponding cryptic error code on the LED printed right next to it in the manual. IMHO the top-of-the-door controls only make sense for panel-ready units. *Summary: Even if the 204 and 404 and xxx were the same price, I would buy the 204. The 204 happens to be the quietest dishwasher available from any manufacturer due to all of the strategically placed sound absorption blankets, but I wouldn't care if it sounded like a cement mixer. It's just white noise. It was disconcerting at first because the only thing you hear if you aren't right next to it is water trickling into the garbage disposal. I was thinking, "Another one of the energy efficient appliances that does a lousy job". The old one with the bad pump and rusted-in-half springs starts looking good. However, the next morning when I was almost afraid to open the door and look, everything is perfectly clean and spotless. I works at least as good as the old one. What I wish the 204 had: 1. I would have liked air-assisted dry although I've never had it before and everything works fine with just heat. This was my first stainless-tub dishwasher. It was difficult to accept how the sides could have water on them but all of the dishes and silverware were bone dry with not even a hint of dampness. They say that's how they work but it seems seems impossible. I want the air-assisted dry to have the sides be dry when I open the door to make ME feel better. It doesn't add anything to function, which is probably why so few models have it. They talk about how stainless tubs are better and more durable than plastic. I've never heard of anyone whose plastic tub cracked or leaked even at 20+ years old. Forget the sales talk nonsense. What makes the big bucks for the 204 translate into something usable is internal size, usable space, and the same top-of-the-line internals they use on the most expensive models. They must have found ways to make things really flat on the bottom, top, and sides because they can't make them bigger and still fit the cabinet openings. 2. Documentation of the cycles, what automatically occurs with each, options for each, and ramifications of the choices is severely lacking. This means it takes a lot of time to think things through and try them, and it might be some time before you discover everything they could have easily spelled out. This is a typical Whirlpool weakness across all of their makes and models and equipment, including their washers and dryers. You will get Whirlpool documentation which covers several models all mixed in the same space that are common, plus KitchenAid unique documentation, which also covers several models of KitchenAid dishwashers. The text explains a feature followed by "some models", without listing which models, leaving you to study your unit to determine if it has that feature. So you get a dual-layer puzzle they call manuals, on super-thin paper, that are the color of a recycled box, with your expensive dishwasher.
@@TropicalCleveland You will be VERY happy with the 204. My thankfulness for going with the 204 has only grown with time. I used to worry about stuff I put in the 3rd rack hitting the top wash arm and checking each time until I realized they designed it to where if it doesn't snag on the door lip when you slide it in, it also clears the top wash arm. Coming from a dishwasher with no 3rd rack, it took some time to get into the habit of remembering it's there and to use it. It gets used all the time now for the stuff you use to lay flat in the top rack and stuff in that rack get clean too. I thank God I took time to think and didn't go with just getting the highest-end model because they cannot deliver as well from a practical perspective. What is still disbelief for me is how it can be so quiet and get things so clean. It just doesn't seem natural. You expect that anything that does a good job cleaning HAS to sound like pressure washer. As far as learning to use it, it was easier than any other appliance. After reading, I learned the defaults is what I wanted. I press the start button twice and that's it. There is nothing else I need to consider or remember after that. Everything just works perfectly every time. I'm glad I didn't go cheaper or more expensive. It's perfect.
More info on the Advanced Clean Water Microfiltration System: designed to ensure cleaner water throughout the wash cycle. 1. **Continuous Filtration**: The system continuously filters out food particles and debris, ensuring that only clean water is recirculated during the wash cycles. This helps maintain a high level of cleaning performance. 2. **Improved Cleaning**: With cleaner water being used throughout the cycle, dishes come out cleaner, even with heavily soiled items. 3. **Reduced Need for Pre-Rinsing**: The effective filtration system reduces or eliminates the need for pre-rinsing dishes before loading them into the dishwasher, saving time and water. 4. **Less Maintenance**: While manual filters need regular cleaning, the Advanced Clean Water Microfiltration System can help reduce the frequency and extent of manual filter maintenance by capturing and removing debris more effectively. 5. **Enhanced Performance**: The advanced filtration system can improve overall dishwasher performance, ensuring that wash cycles are more efficient and effective at cleaning a variety of dishware.
Thank you very much for the informative video. It helped a lot. I wanted to ask in your opinion is 404 model better or is 604 better. Is 604 worth the extra $200? Please advise.
I just had to return a KPS model KDTM604KPS) because it cannot be installed with the top of the door close to the countertop unless you have a thickened edge at the front of your counter. The sound insulation blanket is an inch above the top of the door. In fact, if you follow the install instructions carefully, the dishwasher cannot be installed (the insulation interferes with the counter and it cannot slide in with the legs adjusted as directed, which would leave a 1/4” gap or so under the counter, and align your dishwasher door with your cabinet doors). It’s as if they designed the whole dishwasher and then said, oops, forgot the insulation blanket. We exchanged it for a Bosch and thankfully were not charged a restock fee after I showed an experienced sales person the issue.
Is there more information on the difference with the filtration systems between their "Advanced Clean Water Wash System" and the "Triple Filtration System”? Are there more parts involved, more parts to clean? Should we even care?
Wondering the same, Dont hold me to it but ive been reading how the new advanced filtration although almost maint free it does cause some smells and motor clogs compared to the manual filter on the triple filtration.
Does Kitchen Aid have disposals in their dishwashers or do they just have a filter that needs to be cleaned? If they have a filter where would they put it and how often should it be cleaned if not after every load? Thanks for your time.
The modern KitchenAid dishwasher series does not have disposals because they are loud and are an extra part that could possibly break. Filters are typically found at the bottom of the dishwasher tub and simply twist out. The frequency of filter cleaning really depends on dish soil level. We recommend that you start by checking the filter once a month until you determine a cleaning frequency that is right for you.
@@Appliancefactoryout …….Thanks, I thought that the filter would need cleaning after every cycle. One question, do you ship to out of state? Lower Michigan. Is there any delivery charge if you do? Might sound crazy but being disabled I have a lot of trouble buying appliances local because they require signature for financing and I can’t drive.
Are all the the bottom racks "easy glide"? And is it true you have to remove the dishwasher from the cabinet to actually deal with the filter? Also, does the steam affect the top controls more-so than the front buttons?
i always buy the extended warranty...you never kniw if you will end up with a lemon....i buy from a store that offeres to return the cost.of the warranty if you kever use it
The 704 has 5 spray arms! It's worth mentioning. I was hoping you would mention some of the features in 704 so I can decide whether it's worth it. Currently, the 204 KitchenAid dishwasher I purchased does not wash things on the 3rd rack well nor does it hold some of my cooking tools like a ladle. I am considering a 404 but it's a terrible model number for some cultures. KA should have skipped 404 instead of 504 as far as numbers go.
Can the 3rd rack from any of these be removed, so you can put taller items in? Or because they have sprayers integrated in the 3rd rack they cannot be removed?
as asian we do Chopsticks, i dont know where we can put
I went with the 204 rather than the 404 after seeing them in the flesh for these reasons:
1. With my current dishwasher, there has never been a problem getting things clean that were in the 2nd/top rack.
2. The interior of the 204 is the same size as the 404 and higher and it uses the same model pump as the higher versions. The 404 and similar models with the rotating tubes takes away A LOT of space on the 2nd rack's height so the second 204's rack has WAY more height for things. You can stand up full-size plates up there. Typically the way things go is the bottom is full of plates, silverware, cereal bowls, and silverware. You need height on the second rack for cups, glasses, mixing bowls, popcorn bowls, casserole dishes, etc. The top rack is good for long mixing spoons, spatulas, etc. but I found I can put big cookie sheets up there and still clear the top wash arm with room to spare. The little silverware tray on the top of the 404 and higher models is nowhere near large enough for the typical silverware load, and the silverware would be laying on top of each other. With the 204's normal bottom-rack silverware tray you can bring it to the silverware drawer and pick out all the spoons, then forks, then bring it to another drawer for knives, etc.
3. I don't like the handle sticking out as are on some of the other models. It's just something you hit yourself on.
4. I don't particularly care for the controls on the top of the door to where you can't see what's up when it's running. You can't learn anything from LED messages if they are out of sight while it is running. So now we are down to error codes, which means in the seldom-encountered situations, you need to count beep sequences and look that up rather than the corresponding cryptic error code on the LED printed right next to it in the manual. IMHO the top-of-the-door controls only make sense for panel-ready units.
*Summary: Even if the 204 and 404 and xxx were the same price, I would buy the 204. The 204 happens to be the quietest dishwasher available from any manufacturer due to all of the strategically placed sound absorption blankets, but I wouldn't care if it sounded like a cement mixer. It's just white noise. It was disconcerting at first because the only thing you hear if you aren't right next to it is water trickling into the garbage disposal. I was thinking, "Another one of the energy efficient appliances that does a lousy job". The old one with the bad pump and rusted-in-half springs starts looking good. However, the next morning when I was almost afraid to open the door and look, everything is perfectly clean and spotless. I works at least as good as the old one.
What I wish the 204 had:
1. I would have liked air-assisted dry although I've never had it before and everything works fine with just heat. This was my first stainless-tub dishwasher. It was difficult to accept how the sides could have water on them but all of the dishes and silverware were bone dry with not even a hint of dampness. They say that's how they work but it seems seems impossible. I want the air-assisted dry to have the sides be dry when I open the door to make ME feel better. It doesn't add anything to function, which is probably why so few models have it. They talk about how stainless tubs are better and more durable than plastic. I've never heard of anyone whose plastic tub cracked or leaked even at 20+ years old. Forget the sales talk nonsense. What makes the big bucks for the 204 translate into something usable is internal size, usable space, and the same top-of-the-line internals they use on the most expensive models. They must have found ways to make things really flat on the bottom, top, and sides because they can't make them bigger and still fit the cabinet openings.
2. Documentation of the cycles, what automatically occurs with each, options for each, and ramifications of the choices is severely lacking. This means it takes a lot of time to think things through and try them, and it might be some time before you discover everything they could have easily spelled out. This is a typical Whirlpool weakness across all of their makes and models and equipment, including their washers and dryers. You will get Whirlpool documentation which covers several models all mixed in the same space that are common, plus KitchenAid unique documentation, which also covers several models of KitchenAid dishwashers. The text explains a feature followed by "some models", without listing which models, leaving you to study your unit to determine if it has that feature. So you get a dual-layer puzzle they call manuals, on super-thin paper, that are the color of a recycled box, with your expensive dishwasher.
Thanks for sharing, I was planning on the 404 until you mentioned the loss of room.
@@TropicalCleveland You will be VERY happy with the 204. My thankfulness for going with the 204 has only grown with time.
I used to worry about stuff I put in the 3rd rack hitting the top wash arm and checking each time until I realized they designed it to where if it doesn't snag on the door lip when you slide it in, it also clears the top wash arm. Coming from a dishwasher with no 3rd rack, it took some time to get into the habit of remembering it's there and to use it. It gets used all the time now for the stuff you use to lay flat in the top rack and stuff in that rack get clean too. I thank God I took time to think and didn't go with just getting the highest-end model because they cannot deliver as well from a practical perspective.
What is still disbelief for me is how it can be so quiet and get things so clean. It just doesn't seem natural. You expect that anything that does a good job cleaning HAS to sound like pressure washer.
As far as learning to use it, it was easier than any other appliance. After reading, I learned the defaults is what I wanted. I press the start button twice and that's it. There is nothing else I need to consider or remember after that. Everything just works perfectly every time. I'm glad I didn't go cheaper or more expensive. It's perfect.
More info on the Advanced Clean Water Microfiltration System:
designed to ensure cleaner water throughout the wash cycle.
1. **Continuous Filtration**: The system continuously filters out food particles and debris, ensuring that only clean water is recirculated during the wash cycles. This helps maintain a high level of cleaning performance.
2. **Improved Cleaning**: With cleaner water being used throughout the cycle, dishes come out cleaner, even with heavily soiled items.
3. **Reduced Need for Pre-Rinsing**: The effective filtration system reduces or eliminates the need for pre-rinsing dishes before loading them into the dishwasher, saving time and water.
4. **Less Maintenance**: While manual filters need regular cleaning, the Advanced Clean Water Microfiltration System can help reduce the frequency and extent of manual filter maintenance by capturing and removing debris more effectively.
5. **Enhanced Performance**: The advanced filtration system can improve overall dishwasher performance, ensuring that wash cycles are more efficient and effective at cleaning a variety of dishware.
The 604 has better loading options because more tines that flip down and open up to put bowls! It’s well worth upgrade imho.
How much difference does the “Fan-Enabled ProDry System” do compare to the regular “Heat Dry Option”?
Great Details. No One has broken down the model # format like this. Appreciate it !!
Thank you very much for the informative video. It helped a lot. I wanted to ask in your opinion is 404 model better or is 604 better. Is 604 worth the extra $200? Please advise.
Does the 404 in your opinion based on your customer reviews dry as good as a 604? Thank you
I just had to return a KPS model KDTM604KPS) because it cannot be installed with the top of the door close to the countertop unless you have a thickened edge at the front of your counter. The sound insulation blanket is an inch above the top of the door. In fact, if you follow the install instructions carefully, the dishwasher cannot be installed (the insulation interferes with the counter and it cannot slide in with the legs adjusted as directed, which would leave a 1/4” gap or so under the counter, and align your dishwasher door with your cabinet doors). It’s as if they designed the whole dishwasher and then said, oops, forgot the insulation blanket. We exchanged it for a Bosch and thankfully were not charged a restock fee after I showed an experienced sales person the issue.
My KDFM404KPS, 2021 = excellent dishwasher. Reliability is important.
Is there more information on the difference with the filtration systems between their "Advanced Clean Water Wash System" and the "Triple Filtration System”? Are there more parts involved, more parts to clean? Should we even care?
Wondering the same, Dont hold me to it but ive been reading how the new advanced filtration although almost maint free it does cause some smells and motor clogs compared to the manual filter on the triple filtration.
Absolutely fabulous videos about the Kitchenaids. It was really clear and easy to understand the differences!
Does Kitchen Aid have disposals in their dishwashers or do they just have a filter that needs to be cleaned? If they have a filter where would they put it and how often should it be cleaned if not after every load? Thanks for your time.
The modern KitchenAid dishwasher series does not have disposals because they are loud and are an extra part that could possibly break. Filters are typically found at the bottom of the dishwasher tub and simply twist out. The frequency of filter cleaning really depends on dish soil level. We recommend that you start by checking the filter once a month until you determine a cleaning frequency that is right for you.
@@Appliancefactoryout …….Thanks, I thought that the filter would need cleaning after every cycle. One question, do you ship to out of state? Lower Michigan. Is there any delivery charge if you do? Might sound crazy but being disabled I have a lot of trouble buying appliances local because they require signature for financing and I can’t drive.
Our online team will be able to answer these questions. Please, reach out to them at onlinesales4@appliancefactory.com
@@Appliancefactoryout …Thanks!
Thanks a lot, very helpful video!!
Are all the the bottom racks "easy glide"? And is it true you have to remove the dishwasher from the cabinet to actually deal with the filter? Also, does the steam affect the top controls more-so than the front buttons?
Thanks so much for such a clear and concise video making it possible to quickly decide which kitchenaid dishwasher we want or actually need. Cheers.
Thanks! Great video I’m thinking about going with the 804.
Terrific and informative!! Great info comparing KitchenAid dishwasher series!
Will the black stainless 804 with the handle ever be available again ?
May ~ June of 2023
Stock is available from Whirlpool now, 16 to be exact.
does anyone know about reliability of the 404 model? Should i get the extended warranty?
i always buy the extended warranty...you never kniw if you will end up with a lemon....i buy from a store that offeres to return the cost.of the warranty if you kever use it
My 204 model is a 2021 edition-it has the same features of the 2022 model 404. 44db & super 3rd rack.
The 704 has 5 spray arms! It's worth mentioning. I was hoping you would mention some of the features in 704 so I can decide whether it's worth it. Currently, the 204 KitchenAid dishwasher I purchased does not wash things on the 3rd rack well nor does it hold some of my cooking tools like a ladle. I am considering a 404 but it's a terrible model number for some cultures. KA should have skipped 404 instead of 504 as far as numbers go.
Thank you sir!!
Great video
Does the 404 have controls on the top?
yes, there's 2 versions of 404, one has them on the top
Can the 3rd rack from any of these be removed, so you can put taller items in? Or because they have sprayers integrated in the 3rd rack they cannot be removed?