Product review (2 stars): Heater element failed after 3 months, and again, and again...
Replaced a solid old Maytag when the motor died. We researched models extensively, tried to sort out all the contradictory reviews, got confused & discouraged, and eventually settled on the Whirlpool Gold plastic tub for the SS look & relative lack of damning reviews out there.

The machine works OK - we use the fancy tablet detergent & always keep the rinse aid thing filled. Not quite as thorough as the old Maytag, but not too bad. Quieter too. Then last week, about 3 months after installation, it started cleaning very poorly and no drying was happening - white residue on everything.

Repairman came out and said the heater element is fried and needs to be replaced. Part is coming in next week, and should fix the issue, but I'm not too impressed with the quality so far. I just replaced the heating element in my 1983 Jennair oven FOR THE FIRST TIME!

Update July 2014: heater element failed again. Burned in two! Repairman replaced.

Update October 2014: heater element not working again. Amazing! I think our extended warranty gets us a whole new dishwasher after three repairs for the same thing. I won't be buying another Whirlpool appliance of any kind. Our whirlpool gold fridge also on its third repair for the same problem (freezing food in fridge compartment).