So, how long do Kitchenaid dishwashers last? A Kitchenaid dishwasher usually lasts about 10 to 13 years. This is the average dishwasher life expectancy for many good brands. But how long your specific Kitchenaid dishwasher lasts can change. Many things play a part in its Kitchenaid dishwasher lifespan. This guide will help you know what to expect and maybe even make it last longer.
Image Source: www.kitchenaid.com
What Affects Your Dishwasher’s Life?
Many things can change how long a dishwasher keeps working well. It’s not just one simple answer. Thinking about these points helps you guess the years Kitchenaid dishwasher lasts.
How Often You Use It
This is a big one. If you run your dishwasher every day, it works harder. Parts wear out faster. If you only use it a few times a week, it might last longer. More cycles mean more stress on the machine.
How You Use It
Loading it the right way matters. Don’t put things in that are too big. Don’t block the spray arms. Using too much soap is bad. Using the wrong kind of soap is also bad. Doing these things the right way helps the machine.
Your Water
The water in your home makes a difference. Hard water has many minerals. These minerals can build up inside the dishwasher. They can block hoses or coat parts. This buildup can make the machine work harder. It can cause problems over time. Soft water is better for dishwashers.
How You Take Care of It
Cleaning your dishwasher helps a lot. You need to clean the filter often. This stops food bits from causing clogs. Wiping down the inside helps too. Running a cleaning cycle now and then removes buildup. Good care can extend dishwasher lifespan. Poor care shortens it.
The Quality of the Machine
Kitchenaid makes good machines. But not all models are exactly the same. Some models might have better parts. Some might be built a bit stronger. This can change the Kitchenaid dishwasher reliability. A more solid machine often lasts longer.
Fixing Small Issues
If a small part breaks, get it fixed. Don’t wait. Small problems can become big problems. Fixing things early keeps the machine running well. It adds to the Kitchenaid dishwasher lifespan.
Average Lifespan: Numbers and What They Mean
People often ask, how many years do Kitchenaid dishwashers last. The general rule is around 10 to 13 years. This is similar to the average dishwasher life expectancy for most brands. But this is just an average number.
Think of it like how long a car lasts. Some cars last 200,000 miles with good care. Others break down sooner. Dishwashers are similar. A Kitchenaid dishwasher that is used gently and cared for well might last 15 years or even more. One that works hard every day and isn’t cleaned might only last 8 or 9 years.
Here is a rough idea:
- Less than 8 years: This is shorter than average. Maybe it worked very hard. Maybe it had bad water. Or maybe there was a problem with this specific machine.
- 8 to 12 years: This is common. It’s in the average range. It got normal use and basic care.
- 13 to 15 years: This is good. It lasted longer than average. It probably got good care and didn’t work too hard.
- More than 15 years: This is excellent. It likely got top care and might have been a really well-built model.
So, while 10-13 years is the number, your experience can be different. The good news is you have some control over it!
How Kitchenaid Stacks Up
Is Kitchenaid dishwasher reliability good? Yes, Kitchenaid is known as a good brand. They make machines that often last a long time. They are usually seen as more reliable than some cheaper brands.
Here is a simple dishwasher lifespan comparison:
| Brand Type | Typical Lifespan (Years) | Reliability Thought |
|---|---|---|
| Very Cheap Brands | 7 – 10 | Can vary a lot |
| Mid-Range Brands | 9 – 12 | Often quite good |
| Kitchenaid | 10 – 13+ | Known for good quality |
| High-End Luxury Brands | 12 – 15+ | Very high quality |
This table shows that Kitchenaid is towards the higher end for how long dishwashers last. They are not usually the cheapest, but they are often seen as a good value. This is because they tend to last longer and have fewer problems than cheaper ones. This strong Kitchenaid dishwasher reliability is why many people choose them.
Why Kitchenaid Often Lasts
Kitchenaid uses good parts. They test their machines well. They are part of Whirlpool, a very large appliance company. This means they have lots of know-how. They often use metal wash tubs, not plastic. Metal tubs are stronger and can handle hotter water. Hotter water cleans better and dries dishes better. Metal tubs also don’t hold smells as much. This build quality helps the Kitchenaid dishwasher lifespan.
But even a good brand like Kitchenaid can have issues. No machine is perfect forever.
Telling If Your Dishwasher Is Getting Old
Machines don’t just stop working one day without warning. There are often signs your dishwasher is dying. Knowing these signs helps you get ready. It tells you that the Kitchenaid dishwasher lifespan might be ending soon.
Dishes Are Not Clean
This is a big sign. If your dishes come out dirty, greasy, or with food bits still on them, something is wrong. Maybe the spray arms are blocked. Maybe the pump is weak. Maybe the heating element isn’t getting hot enough. If cleaning the filter doesn’t fix it, the machine might be wearing out.
Water Stays in the Bottom
After the wash is done, water should drain away. If you open the door and see water sitting in the bottom, it’s not draining right. This could be a clogged drain hose or a bad drain pump. A bad pump is often a sign of an older machine.
Strange Noises
Dishwashers make noise. But new, loud noises are not good. Grinding, buzzing, or loud banging sounds mean parts are having trouble. Motors, pumps, or spray arms could be worn out.
Leaking Water
Finding puddles of water on your floor is a bad sign. Leaks can come from bad door seals, cracked hoses, or problems with the pump or motor housing. Leaks can damage your floor. Fixing leaks can be costly, especially on an older machine.
Door Won’t Latch or Seal
The door needs to close tightly. If it doesn’t latch, the machine won’t start. If the seal around the door is broken, water can leak out. Seals can get old and cracked. Latches can break.
Machine Doesn’t Start or Stops Mid-Cycle
If you press start and nothing happens, or if the cycle stops before it’s done, there’s a problem. This could be the control panel failing. It could be a bad motor or pump. These are often big, expensive fixes.
Dishes Don’t Dry
Most modern dishwashers heat up to dry dishes. If your dishes are still wet after the cycle, the heating element might be broken. Or the vent fan isn’t working. This is less critical than not cleaning, but it’s a sign a part has failed.
Seeing one of these signs doesn’t always mean the end. Some Kitchenaid dishwasher problems can be fixed simply. But if you see several signs, or if the machine is already 10+ years old, it’s telling you its Kitchenaid dishwasher lifespan is near the end.
Common Issues with Kitchenaid Dishwashers
Even with good Kitchenaid dishwasher reliability, problems can happen. Knowing common Kitchenaid dishwasher problems helps you know what to look for and maybe how to fix it simply.
Clogged Filters
This is very common for all dishwashers, including Kitchenaid. Food bits, glass, or paper labels can get stuck in the filter at the bottom. This stops water from cleaning well or draining right.
* Simple Fix: Find the filter (check your manual!). Twist it out. Rinse it under running water. Use a soft brush to clean it well. Put it back in. Do this often!
Spray Arm Clogs
The little holes in the spray arms can get blocked by mineral buildup from hard water or small food pieces. This stops water from spraying everywhere.
* Simple Fix: Take the spray arms off (they usually twist or clip off). Use a thin wire or toothpick to poke through the holes. Rinse them clean.
Drain Pump Problems
If water won’t drain, the drain pump might be bad or blocked. Blocks can be things like broken glass or fruit pits.
* Fix: Check the drain area at the bottom for blocks (make sure the power is off!). If it’s not blocked, the pump might need replacing. This is a bigger fix.
Heating Element Issues
If dishes aren’t drying, the heating element might be broken. It’s a coil at the bottom.
* Fix: You can test it with a tool called a multimeter if you know how. Replacing it is possible but needs some skill.
Control Panel Problems
Sometimes the buttons don’t work right, or the machine acts strange. This can be the control panel or main circuit board.
* Fix: Sometimes just turning off the power at the circuit breaker for a few minutes can reset it. If that doesn’t work, the board might be bad. This is often an expensive fix.
Leaks
Leaks can be from the door seal (gasket), hoses, or a bad pump seal.
* Fix: Check the door seal first. It can be cleaned or sometimes replaced easily. Look for cracks in hoses. Pump leaks are harder to fix.
While some of these Kitchenaid dishwasher problems have simple fixes, others need a repair person. The cost of the repair is important when thinking about repair or replace Kitchenaid dishwasher.
Making Your Kitchenaid Dishwasher Last Longer
You can do things to extend dishwasher lifespan. Good care makes a big difference. It helps you get the most years Kitchenaid dishwasher lasts.
Clean the Filter Often
This is the most important thing. Check your manual, but most filters should be cleaned once a week or every other week. It takes only a few minutes. This stops so many problems.
Rinse Big Food Pieces Off Dishes
You don’t need to wash dishes before putting them in. But scrape off large bits of food, bones, and things like labels. These can block the filter or pump.
Use the Right Soap
Use automatic dishwasher detergent. Do not use hand dish soap! It makes too many suds and can damage the machine. Use the right amount of soap. Too much isn’t better and can leave a film.
Use a Rinse Aid
Rinse aid helps water run off dishes. This helps them dry better. It also helps prevent spots, especially with hard water. It helps the machine dry things more easily.
Clean the Inside
Run a dishwasher cleaner cycle every few months. You can buy special cleaners. Or you can put a cup of white vinegar in the bottom rack (in a safe container) and run a hot cycle with no dishes. Vinegar helps remove mineral buildup and smells.
Check the Spray Arms
Make sure they turn freely. Check the holes for clogs now and then.
Check the Door Seal
Wipe the door seal clean. Look for cracks. A clean, soft seal keeps water in.
Don’t Overload
Stuffing too many dishes in stops water from reaching everything. It also puts stress on the racks and moving parts. Load it right so water can flow.
Run Hot Water First
Before starting the dishwasher, run your kitchen sink tap until the water is hot. Then start the dishwasher. This makes sure the machine starts with hot water right away. It doesn’t have to wait for the water to heat up from cold. This helps it clean better and uses less energy overall in the cycle.
Keep the Outside Clean
Wipe down the door and control panel. This prevents dirt and grime from causing problems with buttons or seals over time.
By doing these simple things, you help your machine run better for longer. This adds to the Kitchenaid dishwasher lifespan.
Repair or Replace: Making the Right Choice
When your Kitchenaid dishwasher has problems, you face a choice: repair or replace Kitchenaid dishwasher. This is often hard to decide. Think about these points.
How Old Is It?
Look back at the years Kitchenaid dishwasher lasts average (10-13 years).
* If it’s less than 8 years old: It’s usually worth fixing. It should have many good years left.
* If it’s 8 to 12 years old: Think carefully. What is the problem? How much does the repair cost?
* If it’s more than 12 years old: It might be time to replace it. It’s already lived a full life or more. Other parts might fail soon.
How Much Is the Repair?
Get a quote from a repair person.
* Compare the repair cost to a new dishwasher. A new Kitchenaid dishwasher can cost from $700 to $1500 or more.
* If the repair costs more than half the price of a new, similar machine: It’s usually better to replace it. You pay a lot to fix an old machine, and another part might break soon.
* If the repair is cheap (a few hundred dollars or less): It might be worth doing, especially if the machine is not too old.
What Is the Problem?
Some Kitchenaid dishwasher problems are simple fixes (like a clogged drain). Some are big fixes (like the control board or motor).
* Simple, cheap fixes: Repair is usually the way to go.
* Big, expensive fixes: Think about replacing it, especially if it’s an older machine.
Are There Other Problems?
Has the machine had problems before? Are there other signs your dishwasher is dying besides the one you’re trying to fix? If it’s needed many repairs, or if it has multiple issues now (not cleaning well and also leaking), replacing it is likely a better choice. This is the idea of dishwasher lifespan comparison on a single machine over time – comparing its current state to its past performance and future potential.
New Features and Energy Saving
New dishwashers use less water and less energy. They might be quieter. They might have features you want, like better racks or special wash cycles. If your old machine is using a lot of energy or doesn’t clean like you want, a new one might be worth it even if the repair isn’t super high.
Here’s a simple guide:
| Situation | Advice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Machine is under 8 years old, cheap repair | Repair | Lots of life left, small cost. |
| Machine is 8-12 years old, cheap repair | Likely Repair | Still potential value, small cost. |
| Machine is over 12 years old, cheap repair | Consider Replace | May face other problems soon, even cheap fixes add up. |
| Machine is under 8 years old, expensive repair | Think Carefully, Maybe Repair | Still young, but check if the repair is a known major flaw. |
| Machine is 8-12 years old, expensive repair | Likely Replace | High cost on a middle-aged machine, high risk of more issues. |
| Machine is over 12 years old, expensive repair | Replace | It’s lived a long life, high cost now is likely not worth it. |
| Multiple problems, regardless of age | Likely Replace | Many signs your dishwasher is dying, maybe cheaper in the long run. |
Choosing repair or replace Kitchenaid dishwasher depends on cost, age, and how many problems it has. Don’t sink too much money into an old machine.
Grasping What “Lifespan” Really Means
When we talk about Kitchenaid dishwasher lifespan or average dishwasher life expectancy, what does that number truly mean? It doesn’t mean the machine will stop working exactly on its 11th birthday.
Lifespan is an average. It’s based on how long many machines of that type lasted for many different people. Some will last longer. Some will last less time.
It also means the time until a major, expensive part is likely to fail. A machine might still run after 13 years, but maybe the cleaning isn’t as good, or it needs small fixes more often. The lifespan number is when it’s common for people to decide it’s not worth fixing the next big problem.
So, if your Kitchenaid dishwasher is 10 years old, it’s not “on borrowed time.” It’s entering the part of its life where you should start thinking about what you’ll do if a big problem comes up. It still might have 5 good years left. Good care is key to getting those extra years. How many years do Kitchenaid dishwashers last is a range, not a fixed point.
Summarizing the Journey of Your Kitchenaid Dishwasher
Your Kitchenaid dishwasher is a workhorse in your kitchen. It cleans dishes day after day. Knowing its likely Kitchenaid dishwasher lifespan helps you plan.
- The average is around 10 to 13 years.
- This average changes based on how you use it, your water, and how well you clean it.
- Kitchenaid is known for good
Kitchenaid dishwasher reliability. They often last longer than cheaper brands. - Watch for
signs your dishwasher is dying, like not cleaning, leaks, or strange noises. - Taking simple steps to care for it, like cleaning the filter, can greatly
extend dishwasher lifespan. - When problems happen, weigh the cost of
repair or replace Kitchenaid dishwasher. Consider the machine’s age and the cost of the fix compared to a new one.
By keeping these points in mind, you can understand what to expect from your Kitchenaid dishwasher. You can help it last as long as possible. And you can make a smart choice when it’s time for a change. The years Kitchenaid dishwasher lasts depends a lot on you!
Frequently Asked Questions
h4 How often should I clean my Kitchenaid dishwasher filter?
Clean the filter often. Check your manual, but cleaning it weekly or every two weeks is a good rule. If you wash many dishes with lots of food bits, clean it more often.
h4 Is hard water bad for my Kitchenaid dishwasher?
Yes, hard water is not good for dishwashers. Minerals in hard water build up inside the machine. This can cause problems over time. Using rinse aid helps. Running cleaning cycles with vinegar helps too. A water softener for your home is the best fix for hard water issues.
h4 My Kitchenaid dishwasher smells bad. What should I do?
A bad smell often means food bits are stuck in the filter or drain. Clean the filter well. Check the drain area for anything stuck. You can also run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or baking soda to make it smell fresh again.
h4 My Kitchenaid dishwasher is only a few years old and needs a major repair. Is this normal?
It is not common for a Kitchenaid dishwasher to need a major repair when it is very young (less than 5-7 years old). Kitchenaid has good Kitchenaid dishwasher reliability. If this happens, it might be a faulty part or a specific issue with that model. You should think about the repair or replace Kitchenaid dishwasher choice based on cost, but a young machine is usually worth fixing.
h4 Do expensive dishwashers last longer?
Often, yes. More expensive dishwashers, like Kitchenaid compared to very cheap ones, often use better parts. They might have metal tubs instead of plastic. They are built to a higher standard. This usually leads to a longer dishwasher lifespan comparison.
h4 Can I use pods or liquid detergent in my Kitchenaid dishwasher?
Yes, Kitchenaid dishwashers work with both pods and liquid detergent made for automatic dishwashers. Just follow the directions on the soap package and in your dishwasher manual for where to put the soap. Do not use hand dish soap.
h4 My dishes have white spots after washing. What is this?
White spots are usually from hard water minerals or not using enough rinse aid. Try using rinse aid if you don’t already. You might need to use more if your water is very hard. You can also try a dishwasher cleaner designed for hard water buildup.
h4 How can I find out the exact age of my Kitchenaid dishwasher?
Look for the model and serial number tag on the dishwasher. This tag is usually around the edge of the door or on the side. You can often find the manufacturing date by looking up the serial number online or calling Kitchenaid customer service. This helps you know the true years Kitchenaid dishwasher lasts or has already lasted.
h4 Is it hard to extend dishwasher lifespan?
No, it’s not hard. The most helpful things are easy, like cleaning the filter and using the right amount of soap. Simple care steps can make a big difference in how long your machine keeps running well.