The KitchenAid 604 and 704 dishwashers are both high-performers, but they differ significantly in noise level, capacity, and advanced features. The 704 is a more premium model, offering whisper-quiet operation, a larger capacity with a third rack, and smart connectivity, while the 604 provides essential, reliable cleaning performance at a more budget-friendly price point.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right KitchenAid dishwasher for your kitchen and household needs.
KitchenAid 604 Dishwasher
The KitchenAid 604 serves as a dependable workhorse in the brand's lineup, offering the solid construction and powerful cleaning performance KitchenAid is known for without the higher price tag of premium models. It's an excellent choice for anyone who needs a straightforward, durable machine that gets the job done effectively.
- What it is: A durable built-in dishwasher with a stainless steel interior and core cleaning cycles for everyday use.
- Key features: Features essential wash cycles like Normal and Heavy, a soil sensor that adjusts cleaning time, an adjustable middle rack, and a 14-place setting capacity.
- Price: Around $999.
- Noise Level: Operates at approximately 50-52 decibels, comparable to a quiet conversation.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a durable stainless steel tub that improves drying performance and resists stains and odors over time.
- Pros: More affordable price point. Reliable and effective cleaning performance for daily loads. Durable stainless steel construction. Simple, user-friendly controls.
- Cons: Noticeably louder than the 704 model. Limited capacity for larger households. Lacks advanced specialty cycles and smart features. Fewer rack adjustment options.
This dishwasher is ideal for small to medium-sized households that prioritize reliability and brand quality over advanced bells and whistles.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com
KitchenAid 704 Dishwasher
The KitchenAid 704 is a premium option designed for those who want quieter operation, greater flexibility, and modern conveniences. With its third rack, expanded cycle options, and Wi-Fi connectivity, it caters to larger families, frequent entertainers, and anyone with an open-concept kitchen where noise is a primary concern.
- What it is: A higher-tier, extra-quiet built-in dishwasher with smart features, three racks, and expanded capacity.
- Key features: ProWash cycle that automatically adapts to soil levels, a versatile third rack for utensils and small items, SaniRinse option, Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control, and a 16-place setting capacity.
- Price: Ranges from $1,299 to $1,499.
- Noise Level: Operates at a very quiet 44-46 decibels, which is just above a whisper.
- Materials/Construction: Features the same stainless steel interior as the 604 but with additional soundproofing materials and more robust, smoother-gliding racks.
- Pros: Exceptionally quiet operation. Larger capacity with a third rack for increased loading flexibility. More specialized wash cycles for better cleaning results. Smart features add convenience and remote monitoring.
- Cons: Significantly higher price. Smart features may be more than what some users need. More complex controls can have a slight learning curve.
The 704 is a better match for large, busy households where quiet operation, maximum capacity, and technological integration are top priorities.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com
KitchenAid 604 vs. 704 Dishwasher Comparison
Capacity & Fit
The most practical difference between these two models is capacity. The KitchenAid 604 accommodates a standard 14 place settings, which is perfectly suitable for most daily needs in a small or medium-sized household. You can easily fit plates, bowls, glasses, and silverware from a family dinner.
The KitchenAid 704 steps up the game with a 16-place setting capacity, thanks in large part to its third-level utensil rack. This third rack frees up space on the bottom rack by eliminating the need for a large silverware basket and provides a dedicated area for long, flat items like spatulas, tongs, and small cups. This extra space makes the 704 a clear winner for larger families or those who host guests often.
Noise Level
Noise level is a major point of separation. The 604 operates at around 50-52 decibels. While considered quiet, this is audible in a quiet home and similar to the sound of a normal conversation or a refrigerator humming. It's a perfectly acceptable noise level for a traditional kitchen with walls.
However, the 704 is engineered for near-silent operation, running at just 44-46 decibels. The difference of 5-6 decibels is significant - it's roughly half as loud as the 604. This makes the 704 an excellent choice for open-concept kitchens where the living area and kitchen are one space. You can run a cycle while watching a movie without interruption.
Wash Performance & Cycles
Both dishwashers deliver a great clean, but the 704 offers more precision and options. The 604 comes with the essential cycles: Normal, Heavy, and a Quick Wash. Its soil sensor helps optimize water and energy use by detecting how dirty the dishes are. It performs reliably for typical messes.
The 704 includes those cycles and adds more advanced options like ProWash, which uses multiple sensors to make real-time adjustments throughout the cycle for the best results. It also features a SaniRinse cycle that eliminates 99.999% of food soil bacteria, providing peace of mind for families with young children.
Price & Value
The KitchenAid 604 sits at a more accessible price point of around $999. It offers excellent value by providing the durability and cleaning power of the KitchenAid brand without the premium cost of extra features. If your primary concerns are reliability and a clean result, the 604 is a solid investment.
The KitchenAid 704 costs between $1,299 and $1,499. The extra $300-$500 gets you a noticeably quieter machine, two extra place settings, the versatile third rack, smarter cleaning cycles, and Wi-Fi connectivity. For households that will use these features daily, the increase in price delivers clear value in convenience and home comfort.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both dishwashers are fantastic options from KitchenAid, but they are built for different users and kitchen layouts.
Choose the KitchenAid 604 if:
- You have a small to medium-sized family.
- Your kitchen is enclosed and a moderate sound level isn't a problem.
- You prefer straightforward controls without smart home integration.
- You want the reliability of a premium brand on a tighter budget.
Choose the KitchenAid 704 if:
- You have a large family or frequently entertain guests.
- Your home has an open-concept living and kitchen area where noise is a major concern.
- You want the flexibility of a third rack for cutlery and small items.
- You appreciate the convenience of remote monitoring and control through a smart app.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the KitchenAid 604 and 704?
The main differences are noise level, capacity, and features. The 704 is significantly quieter (44-46 dB vs. 50-52 dB), holds more dishes (16 vs. 14 place settings) thanks to a third rack, and includes smart Wi-Fi features and advanced cycles like ProWash.
Is the KitchenAid 704 worth the extra money?
If quiet operation and high capacity are important to you, then yes. For households in open-concept spaces or for large families who run the dishwasher daily, the investment in a quieter, more flexible machine provides significant long-term value and convenience.
How much quieter is the 704 model?
The 704 is noticeably quieter. A difference of 5-6 decibels means it produces roughly half the perceptible sound as the 604. While the 604 is as loud as a normal conversation, the 704 is closer to a whisper or quiet library noise.
Do both models have a stainless steel tub?
Yes, both the 604 and 704 dishwasher models feature a stainless steel interior tub. This helps with more efficient drying, resists stains and odors, and improves durability compared to plastic tubs.
Which model is more energy efficient?
Both models are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. The 704 tends to be slightly more efficient with water usage due to its advanced sensors and adaptive wash technology, but both are designed to conserve resources.
Does the KitchenAid 704 have a third rack?
Yes, the 704 model includes a third-level utensil rack. This provides a dedicated space for spatulas, cutlery, and small bowls, which frees up valuable space in the lower racks for larger items.
Are KitchenAid dishwashers reliable?
KitchenAid has a strong reputation for producing durable and reliable appliances, including their dishwashers. Both the 604 and 704 are built with quality materials designed to provide excellent cleaning performance for many years.
Can you get these dishwashers in different finishes?
Yes, KitchenAid typically offers their dishwashers in a variety of finishes to match your kitchen decor, including Stainless Steel, PrintShield™ Stainless, and Black Stainless Steel. Availability may vary by retailer.
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