The KitchenAid KDTE104ESS and KDFE104DSS dishwashers are nearly identical in appearance, materials, and price, with the main difference lying in their specific features. The KDFE104DSS offers slightly more advanced, automated cycles like ProWash and ProDry, while the KDTE104ESS provides excellent cleaning with more standard high-end cycles like sanitize and extra dry. Both models are quiet, ENERGY STAR certified, and feature a durable stainless steel tub.
Here’s a detailed look at each model to help you decide which one is the right fit for your kitchen.
KitchenAid KDTE104ESS Dishwasher
The KitchenAid KDTE104ESS is a premium built-in dishwasher designed for a seamless, integrated look in modern kitchens. It features a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior and a clean, top-control panel that remains hidden when the door is closed. This model is popular for its extremely quiet operation and efficient, reliable cleaning performance.
- What it is: A fully integrated, 24-inch built-in dishwasher with a stainless steel interior.
- Key features: 14-place setting capacity, ProWash™ Cycle (detects soil and adapts), Sani-Rinse option, fan-enabled ProDry™ System, fold-down tines, and adjustable middle rack.
- Price: Typically ranges from $1,099 to $1,299.
- Noise Level: Operates at a quiet 44 dBA, making it ideal for open-concept kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable stainless steel tub that resists streaks, stains, and odors, plus a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior.
- Style: Sleek and minimalist with a hidden top-control panel for a streamlined appearance that integrates perfectly with cabinetry.
- Pros: Excellent cleaning and drying performance. Very quiet operation. Fingerprint-resistant finish keeps it looking clean. ENERGY STAR certified for efficiency.
- Cons: Premium price point. Feature set is very similar to other KitchenAid models, which can be confusing.
This dishwasher is an excellent choice for households that value quiet operation, energy efficiency, and a clean, integrated aesthetic without needing the absolute latest automated features.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com
KitchenAid KDFE104DSS Dishwasher
The KitchenAid KDFE104DSS is another top-tier dishwasher from the same line, offering powerful cleaning performance and a sleek design that mirrors the KDTE104ESS. Its main selling point is the combination of automated wash and dry systems designed to deliver perfectly clean and dry dishes with minimal user input. It also features a durable stainless steel tub and a quiet 44 dBA sound rating.
- What it is: A 24-inch built-in dishwasher designed for quiet, powerful, and automated cleaning performance.
- Key features: 14-place setting capacity, Advanced Clean Water Wash System, fan-enabled ProDry™ System, Sani-Rinse option, adjustable middle rack, and specific cycles like Express Wash.
- Price: Typically ranges from $1,099 to $1,299, often found at similar price points as the KDTE104ESS.
- Noise Level: Operates at 44 dBA, ensuring it won't disrupt conversations in open living areas.
- Materials/Construction: Made with a resilient stainless steel tub for better drying and longevity, and a durable exterior with a print-shield finish.
- Style: Modern and integrated, with top controls that are hidden from view to create a seamless kitchen aesthetic.
- Pros: Automated ProWash and ProDry systems take the guesswork out of cleaning. Stainless steel tub improves drying and durability. Extremely quiet. Versatile loading options.
- Cons: Differences from the KDTE104ESS are subtle and may not be a factor for all buyers. Carries a premium price tag.
The KDFE104DSS is built for busy households that want advanced, automated cleaning and drying technology in a stylish and durable package.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com
KitchenAid KDTE104ESS vs. KDFE104DSS Comparison
Performance & Features
This is where the subtle differences appear. While both dishwashers offer fantastic cleaning results, the KDFE104DSS leans more on automation with its ProWash cycle, which uses sensors to adjust water and cycle time for optimal cleaning. Both feature a fan-enabled ProDry™ System, ensuring plastics and other difficult-to-dry items come out ready to put away.
The KDTE104ESS provides more standard, user-selected cycles like "Heavy," "Normal," and an "Extra Dry" option. Both models include the Sani-Rinse feature, which eliminates 99.999% of food soil bacteria. At 44 dBA, their sound levels are identical, meaning both are exceptionally quiet.
Dimensions & Capacity
There are no differences here. Both the KDTE104ESS and KDFE104DSS are standard 24-inch built-in dishwashers designed to fit into typical kitchen cabinetry. They share the same interior capacity of 14 place settings and feature flexible loading with an adjustable middle rack and fold-down tines to accommodate large pots, pans, and awkwardly shaped items.
Materials & Construction
Both models are built to last with nearly identical high-quality materials. They each feature a durable stainless steel tub, which is superior to plastic tubs in resisting stains, retaining heat for better drying, and lasting longer over time. The exterior on both is a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel that reduces smudges and is easy to clean, maintaining a sharp look in a busy kitchen.
Price & Value
Positioned in the premium appliance market, the KDTE104ESS and KDFE104DSS sit in the same price bracket, typically between $1,099 and $1,299. Because their prices are so similar, value comes down to which features you prioritize. If you can find one model on sale over the other, it often becomes the better value. Both are backed by KitchenAid's reputation for durability, making either a solid long-term investment.
Style & Aesthetics
Visually, these two dishwashers are indistinguishable. Both feature the same sleek, modern design with a professionally-inspired handle and a fingerprint-resistant finish. The control panels are fully integrated into the top edge of the door, creating a clean, seamless look that allows the dishwasher to blend in perfectly with surrounding cabinets. For aesthetics alone, there is no reason to choose one over the other.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these KitchenAid dishwashers are excellent appliances, but they serve slightly different preferences.
Choose the KDTE104ESS if:
- You prefer having more direct control over setting specific wash cycles manually.
- You want a premium, quiet, and reliable dishwasher and found this model on a better sale.
- You value great performance but don't necessarily need the most automated features.
- The core features like a stainless tub, quiet operation, and adjustable racks meet all your needs.
Choose the KDFE104DSS if:
- You prefer an automated, "set-it-and-forget-it" approach with the ProWash cycle.
- You want the most advanced cleaning technology available in this specific line.
- You wash a wide variety of dishes and want the machine to adapt to soil levels automatically.
- Price is less of a concern than having the top-tier feature set from KitchenAid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the KitchenAid KDTE104ESS and KDFE104DSS?
The primary difference is in the wash cycles. The KDFE104DSS is built around the automated ProWash cycle that adjusts performance based on soil levels, while the KDTE104ESS offers more traditional cycle selections. Otherwise, their construction, noise level, and design are nearly identical.
Are both of these dishwashers quiet?
Yes, both models operate at an exceptionally quiet 44 dBA. This sound level is quiet enough for open-concept kitchens where the kitchen and living areas are connected, as it will not disturb conversations or TV watching.
Do these models have a stainless steel tub?
Yes, both the KDTE104ESS and the KDFE104DSS feature a durable stainless steel tub. This helps with drying performance by retaining heat, resists stains and odors better than plastic tubs, and contributes to the appliance's overall longevity.
Are these dishwashers ENERGY STAR certified?
Yes, both models are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This helps reduce your utility bills and environmental impact.
Which model has a better drying system?
Both models feature the fan-enabled ProDry™ System, one of KitchenAid's most effective drying technologies. This system uses a heating element and a fan to circulate hot air, ensuring dishes, including plastics, come out consistently dry.
How many place settings can these dishwashers hold?
Both dishwashers have a capacity of 14 place settings. They also feature adjustable racks and foldable tines, providing flexibility for loading larger pots, pans, and serving dishes.
Are the control panels visible when the door is closed?
No, both models feature fully integrated top-controls. The control panel is located on the top edge of the door and is only visible when the dishwasher is open, providing a clean, seamless exterior look when closed.
Is one model easier to install than the other?
No, the installation process is identical for both models. They are standard 24-inch built-in dishwashers and follow the same installation requirements, fitting into standard kitchen cabinetry cutouts without any special modifications.
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