Product review (5 stars): KitchenAid Superba is Spectacular... as of March 2013
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/KitchenAid-Superba-Series-KUDS30IXBL/dp/B0049Q0FB0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">KitchenAid Superba Series KUDS30IXBL</a>

Been doing my Consumer Reports and Amazon research to replace a 2 year old GE Profile dishwasher that doesn't clean well and the auto-detergent dispenser failed in the first two months of ownership.(Don't waste money on that option)I prefer a machine with a disposer and self-cleaning filtration system which this machine has. Many companies are getting away from disposers and using owner cleaning required filter systems that unscrew from the front of the wash tub inside the machine.

Over the years I have had Bosch, GE, and Whirlpool dishwashers at high and low price points. I always do the installation myself so I know it is done right. This is my first KitchenAid dishwasher and I must say I am impressed with it on the installation and operational aspects. I also consulted with a sharp appliance person who recommended this model as well.

Installation:
Unlike all the others; the KitchenAid uses a 90 degree garden hose thread fitting to mate with the copper tubing or the steel braided hot water line. (Personally I always use the braided lines). This makes the final water line installation a breeze since the fitting goes on to the water valve easily without having to use a 5/8" wrench under the limited space with the machine installed in the cabinet compartment. The drain line is set up to join the primary line under the front of the machine so you can pre-install the drain hose to your disposal nub (make sure you knock out the plug!). Note- The drain line on the machine will have some water in it from the final assembly test at the factory so plan to have a rag for the small amount of water that will come out when you lower the hose to make the drain line connection. Electrical 120v is standard with the right front area under the machine being the location for the standard 3-wire tie in. Hardwire or use a custom assembled power cord depending on the local electrical code.

This machine comes with the best sound insulation I have ever seen on a dishwasher. The "white blanket" covers all three sides and extends to the bottom of the machine just above the floor. You will also note the lower front panel has very thick insulation custom cut for the underside of the machine. It snugs up nicely and attaches easily with the quarter-turn fasteners to hold it securely after you have conducted your leak checks from the first couple of test runs. This machine has an open underside where the fill valve and pump motors are visible and not totally encased in a waterproof tub like a Bosch machine. You can purchase a 9v power water alarm detector to place under the machine by the water valve if you like a little early warning system for a pending water leak problem.

Last but not least on the install front; the machine has two wheels located on the rear of the washer frame which makes it a really smooth push back into the cabinet hole area. The wheel height can be adjusted and the front frame leveling pins can be adjusted as well. See the online install manual for all the details.

Operational aspects:

Many of the standard control buttons and features are on the front panel and the nice LED blue lights make it easy to see what you have selected. When heated drying takes place a red light will illuminate and finally a green light when everything is done. The instruction manual has a complete list of functions/times/gallons and energy usage data if you need it.

The inside of the machine has a "four blade" lower wash arm, two blade middle, and mini-two blade top arm. What sets this machine apart is the "pot scrubber jets" that are located on the lower back wall of the tub. These blue colored jets will scrub your pots with four nozzles facing into the machine. Be sure to place your pots and casserole dishes with the dirty side facing these jets in the back. Also of note is the upper mini-two blade wash arm which is smaller then normal, but prevents tall glasses etc. from being hit by the arm when it is spinning in the normal operation.

The heated drying works well and my dishes have been coming out spotless while only adding 30 minutes to the run time.

My old machines always had a problem with some tub staining from the hard water in southern California so I have changed detergents and am using Cascade Complete "pillow tabs" which you can get on sale at Amazon or Walmart. They do a great job and leave NO RESIDUE in the machine.

FINAL NOTE- This machine has a "pulse effect wash" in the beginning of the washing cycle where you will hear the washer turn on and off inside. This is normal and does not mean the machine is broken. (Just part of the pre-wash before the main cycle)
Don't let that startle you when you start the first test run.

05/03/2013- 30 day user update: Machine and Cascade pillow tabs are working great. The only shortcoming on the machine would be the lack of a "time remaining" display on the front panel. Not a deal breaker by any means.....

&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Zircon-Leak-Alert-Electronic-Water-Detector-1-Pack/dp/B00004XOVI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Zircon Leak Alert Electronic Water Detector, 1-Pack</a>

06/22/2013- Follow up: Dishwasher still doing great. I found out that about a cup of vinegar in the washer before starting once a week really keeps things sparkling......much cheaper that Rinse-aid .......yeah I know your grandma has been using this homemaker remedy for years....better late than never.....!