The KitchenAid KDTM404KPS and KDTM604KPS dishwashers offer similar quiet performance and premium builds, but the primary differences are in capacity and cleaning power. The KDTM604KPS has a larger interior and an advanced ProScrub cycle for tough messes, making it better for large households, while the KDTM404KPS offers ProWash technology and a third rack at a more accessible price point for everyday needs.
Here’s a detailed look at each model from KitchenAid to help you decide which is the right fit for your kitchen.
KitchenAid Dishwasher KDTM404KPS
The KDTM404KPS is a high-performance, panel-ready dishwasher that brings professional-grade features into the home kitchen. It's known for its incredibly quiet operation and its smart ProWash cycle, which automatically adjusts the cleaning settings based on how dirty your dishes are, ensuring efficient and effective results every time.
- What it is: A 24-inch built-in dishwasher with a panel-ready design for custom cabinet integration.
- Key features: ProWash sensor technology, third-level utensil rack, adjustable middle rack, PrintShield stainless steel finish, and an ultra-quiet 44 dBA noise level.
- Price: Around $1,199 to $1,399.
- Style: Sleek and modern with top controls that are hidden when closed. The panel-ready design allows it to blend seamlessly into your cabinetry.
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable stainless steel tub that improves drying performance and resists stains and odors over time.
- Pros: Extremely quiet operation won't disrupt your home. The ProWash cycle takes the guesswork out of cleaning. The third rack adds valuable space for utensils and small items. Excellent performance and build quality for its price range.
- Cons: Lacks some of the ultra-premium cycles found in higher-end models, such as intense scrub options. Standard capacity might be tight for very large families.
This dishwasher is ideal for small-to-medium households looking for a quiet, reliable, and feature-rich appliance that can be customized to match their kitchen design.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/major-appliances/dishwashers/built-in/r.44-dba-dishwasher-with-third-level-utensil-rack.kdtm404kps.html
KitchenAid Dishwasher KDTM604KPS
The KDTM604KPS is a step-up model that offers everything the KDTM404KPS does but with more capacity and specialized cleaning options. It’s designed for those who entertain frequently or have a large family, providing maximum interior flexibility and the power to tackle the toughest, baked-on messes with its ProScrub cycle.
- What it is: A premium 24-inch panel-ready dishwasher designed for maximum capacity and professional cleaning results.
- Key features: Fan-enabled ProDry system, ProScrub option with 40 targeted spray jets, a larger FreeFlex third rack that fits cups and bowls, advanced filtration system, and a 44 dBA noise level.
- Price: Around $1,499 to $1,799.
- Style: The same sleek, integrated panel-ready design as the 404 model, ensuring a perfect match with custom kitchen cabinets.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a durable stainless steel interior, high-quality racks with fold-down tines, and advanced spray arm technology.
- Pros: Larger capacity fits more dishes, glasses, and bowls. The ProScrub cycle eliminates the need for pre-soaking pots and pans. Better drying performance thanks to the fan-enabled ProDry system. Enhanced interior flexibility with the advanced third rack and adjustable tines.
- Cons: Comes at a significantly higher price. ProScrub might be overkill for households with simpler dishwashing needs.
This dishwasher is the best choice for large families, passionate home cooks, or frequent hosts who need maximum cleaning power and space to handle large loads and heavily soiled cookware.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/major-appliances/dishwashers/built-in/p.44-dba-dishwasher-with-freeflex-third-rack.kdtm604kps.html
KitchenAid KDTM404KPS vs. KDTM604KPS Comparison
Dimensions & Capacity
Both models are standard 24-inch dishwashers designed to fit into a typical cabinet opening. However, the internal design is where they differ. The KDTM604KPS features the FreeFlex third rack, which is deeper and has angled sides to accommodate small bowls, mugs, and glasses in addition to flatware. This, combined with more adjustable tines on the lower racks, provides noticeably more usable space than the KDTM404KPS.
If you constantly find yourself playing "dishwasher Tetris" to fit one last pot or serving dish, the extra capacity of the KDTM604KPS will make a significant difference.
Cleaning Performance & Cycles
Both dishwashers share the excellent ProWash cycle, which automatically adjusts to the soil level for consistently clean results. The key performance upgrade in the KDTM604KPS is the ProScrub option. This feature uses 40 targeted, high-pressure spray jets at the back of the dishwasher to blast away stubborn, baked-on food from casserole dishes and pans. This eliminates the need to pre-soak or scrub these items by hand.
For most daily loads, the KDTM404KPS is more than sufficient. But for home cooks who generate a lot of tough-to-clean cookware, the ProScrub feature on the KDTM604KPS is a true workhorse.
Materials & Construction
You can expect consistent, high-end build quality from both models. Both dishwashers feature durable stainless steel tubs that resist odors and stains while also aiding in condensation-based drying. The racks are sturdy and glide smoothly. The choice between them isn't about quality, as both feel premium and are built to last, it's about the configuration and versatility of the interior-features provided.
Price & Value
The KDTM404KPS offers tremendous value by providing core luxury features like the third rack, ultra-quiet operation, and smart sensor washing at a more approachable price point. For most households, it delivers 90% of the premium experience for several hundred dollars less.
The KDTM604KPS justifies its higher cost with tangible upgrades in capacity and cleaning power. If its features - specifically the larger interior and ProScrub - solve a real problem for you, then the extra investment delivers strong value. However, if those features would go unused, the KDTM404KPS is the better financial choice.
Who Each One Works Best For
The KDTM404KPS is an excellent match for couples and small-to-medium families who want a quiet, efficient, and reliable dishwasher that can handle daily messes without any fuss. The panel-ready design makes it a great choice for renovators aiming for a seamless, high-end kitchen aesthetic.
The KDTM604KPS is built for larger households, serious home chefs, and anyone who hosts frequent gatherings. If your dishwasher loads regularly include large pots, pans with baked-on food, and an abundance of dishes, the extra capacity and ProScrub feature will be invaluable.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are exceptional dishwashers, but they are tailored to slightly different needs and priorities.
Choose the KDTM404KPS if:
- You have a small or medium-sized family.
- You want premium features like a third rack and quiet operation without the highest price tag.
- Your dishwashing needs primarily involve plates, glasses, and regular cookware.
- Getting great value is a top priority in your appliance search.
Choose the KDTM604KPS if:
- You have a large family or entertain guests often.
- You need maximum capacity to fit more dishes, pots, and oddly shaped items.
- You frequently clean heavily soiled pans and dishes with baked-on food.
- You're willing to invest more for top-of-the-line cleaning power and interior flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the KitchenAid KDTM404KPS and KDTM604KPS?
The two main differences are capacity and cleaning cycles. The KDTM604KPS has a larger, more versatile interior with its FreeFlex third rack and also includes the powerful ProScrub option for tough, baked-on messes, which the KDTM404KPS lacks.
Are both models panel-ready?
Yes, both the KDTM404KPS and KDTM604KPS are panel-ready models. This means they are designed to accept a custom cabinet panel and handle to match your surrounding kitchen cabinetry for a fully integrated look.
How quiet are these dishwashers?
Both models operate at 44 dBA, which is considered very quiet. You can comfortably run the dishwasher while being in the same room without it disrupting conversations or other activities. This is about as quiet as a public library.
Is the KDTM604KPS worth the extra cost?
It is if you will regularly use its extra features. For large families or people who do a lot of cooking with heavy-duty pots and pans, the additional capacity and the ProScrub cycle provide a tangible benefit that justifies the higher price. Otherwise, the KDTM404KPS offers better value.
Do both models have a third rack?
Yes, but they are different. The KDTM404KPS has a standard third-level utensil rack for flatware and small tools. The KDTM604KPS has the advanced FreeFlex third rack, which is larger and can also hold 6-inch glasses, mugs, and bowls, significantly increasing its usability.
What does the ProWash cycle do?
The ProWash cycle, available on both models, uses sensors to measure the soil levels in the water throughout the wash. It then automatically adjusts the cycle time and water usage to deliver the most efficient and effective clean, taking the guesswork out of selecting the right cycle.
What is the ProScrub cycle on the KDTM604KPS?
The ProScrub option is a specialized feature on the KDTM604KPS that uses 40 targeted, high-pressure spray jets located at the back of the dishwasher to tackle heavily soiled cookware placed in that zone. It's designed to clean pots, pans, and casserole dishes without any pre-scrubbing.
Are these dishwashers ENERGY STAR certified?
Yes, both the KDTM404KPS and KDTM604KPS are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they meet or exceed federal guidelines for energy efficiency. This helps reduce your utility bills and is better for the environment.
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