Drawer Discussion Board

Are they really so bad

cookster67 — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 22:56:24 GMT

i just checked and it is NOT covered by a recall

Are they really so bad

JulieK — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:33:31 GMT

Glad to hear you are happy with your new dishwasher, lindiloo! My neighbors have a Fisher and Paykel drawer that they just love. I am sure you will enjoy it for many years to come!

Are they really so bad

lindiloo — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 01:52:38 GMT

I ended up buying the Fisher and Paykel and so far I love it. It's simple to use, quiet to run and the dishes are spotless. Interestingly enough, Fisher and Paykel only recommends powder detergent be used with this machine. I'm using Cascade Complete and I think a lot of the problems with dishwashers might be due to the liquid detergent that builds up in the dispenser and leaves residue on the dishes.

Are they really so bad

nana-24 — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 15:47:17 GMT

I started purchasing and remodeling my kitchen in January 2010. Purchased brand new cupboards and all new appliances. I was really excited because we just just gotten a new Sears store and really wanted to take advantage of the local ability to purchase appliances. I purchased a Kenmore flat top electric stove and love it however, I also purchased the Kenmore Elite Double Drawer Dishwasher. I have the exact opposite to say about this product. The drawers will not hold many dishes if you expect them to get clean. I have tried loading mine in different ways, have tried liquid versus dry soap, and I have tried putting in less dishes even, same result either they don't come clean at all because they might have been touching one another or else they just have a residue on them because they didn't get rinsed well. Also it takes hours, like 4 or 5, for this dishwasher to run thru a whole cycle. I would trade this one for any other dishwasher if given the chance. I love my new kitchen except for the dishwasher, what a disappointment!

Are they really so bad

lindiloo — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 02:20:39 GMT

I think bellasetter is right in saying that Kenmore appliances are not as good as they used to be. I just bought a new range and decided to go with the LG which was a lot more stylish than the Kenmore. As to the drawer dishwasher it would be really nice to hear from someone who likes them and has no complaints. I still don't think size would be an issue as I really don't have a lot of dishes. I'm now going to wait for the federal appliance rebate on September 24. 15% is a good discount on a brand like Fisher and Paykel that never goes on sale.

Are they really so bad

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 04:23:13 GMT

Funny thing is, you're extremely likely to end up with products that are the same or extremely similar to Kenmore even if you jump brands and retailers. Whirlpool (which includes Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana), Frigidaire/Electrolux, Bosch, Samsung, and LG all make various appliances under the Kenmore brand.

But, honestly, the badge on the product doesn't determine the quality of the specific specimen you have. Kenmore products have some of the lowest repair rates in the industry, specifically because manufacturers who are excellent at making particular kinds of appliances are chosen to build Kenmore products. Can there be duds? Sure. They're mass-produced, after all, and someone somewhere is going to get the duds. Is it unexpected that you had issues with a drawer dishwasher? No, because they are repair-prone products by their very nature. Would you have had any better luck with a KitchenAid-branded model from someone else? Not likely. Same machine, different name. Would you have had better luck with a Fisher & Paykel? Not likely, as F&P are repair-prone anyway.

The Kenmore HE4t was discontinued because of a software issue. It was replaced by the HE5t, which didn't exhibit the undesirable behaviors of its predecessor. The HE3t didn't have those issues, either. And, EVERY appliance retailer sold the Whirlpool-branded "Duet" machine that was the exact same thing as your Kenmore HE4t. They all sold a machine that had a software problem.

If everyone sold the same product (under a different name), and you refuse to shop somewhere because they sold that product to you, shouldn't you also refuse to shop anywhere that sold the same thing? It's the only logical course of action. By doing so, all possible appliance retailers are eliminated from contention. And, 15% off a new machine, especially with the huge savings you can get on Kenmore products Sunday night at the Family & Friends event, can end up saving you a bunch of money on a new washer.

Are they really so bad

bellasetter — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 05:59:30 GMT

BlueCrewGuyInMA said…

Did you ever call 800 4 MY HOME to see if your HE4t was covered by a recall?

ï»¿ï»¿ï»¿ï»¿ï»¿
15% discount to purchase a new one of my choice...Um... No thank you! What should I do with the worthless piece of junk? It won't make the coolest looking yard ornaments on the block.

Bottom line.. I don't recommend any brand of drawer type dishwasher right now. But Sears and Kenmore will never be considered again in my lifetime.

Sad about that because I used to be a big supporter of both.

Are they really so bad

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 04:17:17 GMT

Lindiloo, someone just started a discussion about this very subject a few days ago. Drawer dishwashers are ok as far as performance, but nowhere near as good as a full-size model. They have a bunch of common issues that tend to arise, and unless you "need" them for a certain look, or have religious reasons (Orthodox Judaism, for example), there's not much reason to buy one. Get a good full-size dishwasher instead.

By the way, the KitchenAid drawer dishwasher is the exact same machine as the now discontinued Kenmore Elite drawer dishwasher. :)

Are they really so bad

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 04:14:23 GMT

Did you ever call 800 4 MY HOME to see if your HE4t was covered by a recall?

Are they really so bad

bellasetter — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 04:09:41 GMT

I can give you some input. But first, I will say this is the worst purchase I ever made and wish I had never purchased this dishwasher. As far as installation it really is not complicated. I am a small woman and did all the installation myself. I found that easier than a regular dishwasher only because with the drawers removed it was light weight and I didn't need help putting it in. Taking the old one out was the hard part.

This dishwasher has more problems than convenience for sure! To start many items will not fit and any plate larger than 11 inches will not fit properly. If fact most large items will not. I could fit twice as much into my old kitchen aid then I can using both drawers in this dishwasher. The silverware holders are also a problem and awkward to use. I actually am using the old ones from my dead kitchenaid (may she rest in peace) In my area we have very hard water so that causes the unclean dishes for us if I forgetto add salt to my water softener. It cleans well when I don't forget though. I have had this dishwasher for 2 years now and my racks showed signs of rust in the first year. Have also had problems with rust stains from day 1 that I never have figured out considering it had a plastic tub. I also have a smaller family now and we eat out more than before and to be honest..it is still not big enough. Unless you never bake and only plan to put some small dishes or plates in. I do more hand washing now that I should have to.

I am repying to this post now because yet another problem popped up today and I was looking for some troubleshooting. (site gives no help for that either) Right now it wont drain and I have done everything to figure out why. I would not recommend the Kenmore drawer dishwashers at all. Save yourself the money and headache and get a kitchen-aid. But at this point I don't recommend any Kenmore product either. A few years ago I purchased the overpriced Kenmore He4t washer and dryer set and thats been a bigger pain than the dishwasher. Started throwing me the F errors within 6 months. Fixed it once myself by re-soldering the contacts on the board but it seems one needs to do that every year or two as well. Doing it again and swift kick in the right place and timing will get it going again until I have time to take it apart again.

Bottom line..as an unhappy owner of too many Kenmore products that don't work properly and are overpriced, not a brand I will but again or recommend if someone should ask.

Have a great day! I have to go kick my washer again!

Are they really so bad

lindiloo — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 02:00:38 GMT

Thanks JulieK

I think that Kitchenaid is a good reputable brand. I'm still hoping that someone out there will give me some advice about drawer dishwasher installation and the reliability of the appliance. It does seem like a lot of people have problems with dishwashers.

Are they really so bad

JulieK — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:56:51 GMT

I do remember! It was a Kitchenaid. It was probably pretty new, as the house seemed to have been remodeled recently, but I do not know the exact model.

Are they really so bad

lindiloo — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:18:36 GMT

JulieK,

Thanks for your input. Actually my concerns with the drawer dishwashers were primarily with installation and reliability. I'm pleased to hear that the dishwasher you tried cleaned well as that is a common complaint of any dishwasher. I don't think the capacity would be an issue for me as there are only three of us at home and we eat out a lot anyway.

Do you happen to know which manufacturer of dishwasher you used as there are now several on the market?

Are they really so bad

JulieK — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 12:01:19 GMT

Hi, lindiloo! We stayed at a house recently with a 2 drawer dishwasher. This was my first experience using one. I have to say, we were a large group, and it was not made to hold a lot of dishes. It cleaned them well, and was easy to use, but space was an issue.

Let us know what you end up getting. I am sure you will make the best decision for your needs!

Are they really so bad

lindiloo — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 05:35:18 GMT

I wanted to update my current Kenmore Elite dishwasher with a Fisher & Paykel or Kenmore drawer dishwasher, but the reviews are terrible. Even the salesman in the Great Indoors was not very enthusiastic saying the installation is complicated and more expensive. I like the idea of two separate drawers as I often don't have enough dishes to fill the regular size dishwasher. How bad can they really be?

Kenmore Elite Stainless Steel 24 in. Double Drawer Dishwasher #13343

BMW135iUSN — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 03:18:00 GMT

Hello

Does anyone have this DW? feedback - I can get a floor model for $881 vs sale price of $1259 (retail $1700) thanks