Considering that Kitchenaid and Whirlpool brands are all owned by Whirlpool Corporation, it can be challenging to choose between their dishwashers. That brings us to the Kitchenaid vs Whirlpool dishwasher debate.
Kitchenaid targets consumers looking for more premium quality dishwashers with a modern, elegant appeal and advanced innovative features. On the other hand, Whirlpool targets consumers prioritizing value for money and practicality over luxury.
Overall, there are about ten clear differences between the two brands, and I’ll share them with you to help you decide which way to go. But just like these dishwasher brands have some differences, they also have many resemblances, especially considering that they belong to the same parent company, Whirlpool Corporation.
Before we can look at their differences, let’s highlight their similarities, and once we compare them, we’ll have an overview of which is better for what type of audience. So, let’s dive in!
In a hurry? Below is a quick side comparison of the Kitchenaid dishwasher vs Whirlpool dishwasher.
Key Difference Between Kitchenaid and Whirlpool Dishwashers
| – | – | Kitchenaid Dishwasher | Whirlpool Dishwasher |
| 1. | Target Consumer | Customers looking for premium quality upscale dishwashers | Customers looking for dishwashers that promise value for money and practicality |
| 2. | Design | Modern and elegant designs for a more customized kitchen feel | Simple but practical designs |
| 3. | Price | Slightly costlier | More affordable |
| 4. | Cleaning and Drying Effectiveness | Employs advanced features and technologies for more effective cleaning and drying | Not as effective as Kitchenaid dishwashers but fairly effective overall |
| 5. | Reliability | Most reliable dishwasher brand overall (according to JD Power) | Among the top 15 most reliable dishwasher brands |
| 6. | Noise Level | Quieter | Quiet but not as much as Kitchenaid |
| 7. | Energy Efficiency | Energy-efficient but not as much as Whirlpool | More energy efficient |
| 8. | Loading Flexibility | Flexible loading but not as much as Whirlpool | More loading flexibility |
| 9. | Heating Element Location | Concealed | Unconcealed |
| 10. | Cupboard and Sink Integration | Easy to integrate with the cupboard but not the sink | Easy to integrate with the sink but not the cupboard |
Similarities between Kitchenaid and Whirlpool Dishwasher
Generally, Kitchenaid and Whirlpool dishwashers have a lot in common. Their most notable similarities include:
- Both are reliable cleaners with a good customer satisfaction score according to the 2023 Customer Satisfaction Study by JD Power
- Both are energy efficient – promising to save more than 245 kWh per year
- The two brands offer a decent 12-month warranty
- They share many features in common, such as Child Lock, Sanitize Cycle, and Third Rack
- Both options allow you to customize settings,
- Both options are low-noise dishwashers
Kitchenaid Vs Whirlpool Dishwasher Compared Side By Side
Kitchenaid and Whirlpool dishwashers may belong to the same parent company, Whirlpool Corporation, but they are very different. Here’s how to compare them:
1. Target Consumer
Kitchenaid dishwashers generally target consumers who are looking for premium quality dishwashers. These dishwashers have an upscale modern appeal, and thus, they suit users who prefer fancy features and luxury but, of course, without compromising quality and functionality.
Meanwhile, Whirlpool dishwashers target customers prioritizing value for money and practicality over fancy features and luxury. And since these dishwashers are not so fancy, they don’t cost much, as we’ll see.
Verdict – Go for Kitchenaid if you want a fancier and more premium dishwasher and Whirlpool if you want a more practical dishwasher that promises value for money.
2. Kitchenaid Vs Whirlpool Dishwasher Design
Kitchenaid dishwashers have a more elegant modern appeal. They come in various designs and color choices, making it easy to customize them to fit your kitchen style.
Whirlpool dishwashers, on the other hand, are simple and more practical. They are less aesthetic and have fewer color choices, making it harder to attain a customized feel.
Verdict – Consider Kitchenaid if you want a more modern and elegant dishwasher, but go for Whirlpool if you want a minimalist option.
3. Whirlpool Vs Kitchenaid Dishwasher Price
Since Kitchenaid dishwashers are high-end, they cost much more than Whirlpool dishwashers. On average, Kitchenaid dishwashers cost $700-$2,000 depending on the model and features, while Whirlpool dishwashers average $300-$1,500 depending on the same factors.
That means you will likely find a Whirlpool dishwasher with a budget of $500 or less, but you’ll need much more to procure a Kitchenaid dishwasher.
Verdict – Whirlpool offers the most affordable dishwashers. So, go for it if you are budget-conscious.
4. Cleaning Effectiveness
Kitchenaid dishwashers employ the most advanced technologies and high-end cleaning and drying features to guarantee the most effective wash. Some of their most notable features include ProScrub, which is best for heavy-duty cleaning, and Dynamic Wash Arms, which guarantee maximum water coverage for an effective wash.
When it comes to drying, Kitchenaid dishwashers employ ProDry for a thorough and streak-free drying.
Meanwhile, Whirlpool doesn’t employ the most high-end features or technologies, which doesn’t make its dishwashers poor cleaners. Its most notable features and technologies include targeted spray jets for an effective water spray and half-load, which allows you to wash dishes half the standard load size.
In terms of dish drying, Whirlpool dishwashers, unlike Kitchenaid dishwashers, employ fan drying technology, which is decent enough but not as effective as Kitchenaid’s ProDry.
Verdict – Kitchenaid dishwashers are better at cleaning and drying dishes.
5. Kitchenaid Vs Whirlpool Dishwasher Reliability
Kitchenaid and Whirlpool dishwashers are reliable, and most customers are happy with their performance. However, according to a 2023 Appliance User Satisfaction Study by J. D Power, Kitchenaid dishwashers have the highest customer satisfaction rate, followed by Samsung and Bosch.
Whirlpool ranks fifth, and below is a breakdown of the top 5.
| Rank | Brand | Number of Satisfied Customers Out of 1000 |
| 1 | Kitchenaid | 880 |
| 2 | Samsung | 877 |
| 3 | Bosch | 874 |
| 4 | LG | 873 |
| 5 | Whirlpool | 868 |
The above table shows that most customers are satisfied with the performance of Kitchenaid dishwashers, and that makes them the most reliable. Some reasons include using premium quality parts, advanced technologies, and user-friendly cycles and programs.
Verdict – Kitchenaid dishwashers are more reliable than Whirlpool dishwashers
6. Noise Level
Kitchenaid and Whirlpool dishwashers aren’t noisy. They produce some manageable, non-distractive noise. However, Kitchenaid dishwashers have a slight edge as they have a lower decibel score of around 40 decibels. That of Whirlpool dishwashers is about 47-51 decibels, depending on the model.
Verdict – Kitchenaid dishwashers are slightly quieter than Whirlpool dishwashers
7. Energy Efficiency
Kitchenaid and Whirlpool dishwashers have the Energy Star label to indicate energy efficiency. You are likely to cut on electricity costs with any of the brands.
However, when it comes to power consumption per year, you are likely to use up to 276kWh with a Kitchenaid dishwasher and 245 kWh with a Whirlpool dishwasher, making Whirlpool dishwashers the most energy-efficient.
Understandably, that’s because Whirlpool has the Eco Boost series, which is the most energy-efficient dishwasher run, and most of its dishwasher employs Eco Boost, which is an energy-saving dishwashing cycle.
Verdict – Whirlpool dishwashers are slightly more energy efficient than Kitchenaid dishwashers.
8. Loading Flexibility
Both Kitchenaid and Whirlpool dishwashers are spacious. They feature adjustable or removable racks, allowing you to load taller items for a quick wash. The difference is that more Whirlpool dishwashers feature the Third Rack than Kitchenaid dishwashers, essential for fitting taller items.
Verdict – Whirlpool dishwashers offer more loading flexibility, thanks to Third Rack.
9. Heating Element Location
The location of the heating element somehow determines the dishwasher’s safety. Usually, the heating element is concealed on Kitchenaid dishwashers, which means it’s not in direct contact with the plastic materials, thus making Kitchenaid dishwashers safer. It’s, however, the opposite with Whirlpool dishwashers, and that could be a safety concern if you aren’t too careful.
Verdict– Kitchenaid dishwashers are slightly safer due to a concealed heating element
10. Cupboard and Sink Integration
Generally, it’s easy to integrate a Kitchenaid dishwasher into an existing cupboard, while it’s challenging to do the same with a Whirlpool dishwasher. On the contrary, it’s easy to integrate a Whirlpool dishwasher into an existing sink, while it’s challenging to do the same with a Kitchenaid dishwasher.
Verdict – It’s a split decision here
Which Is Better Kitchenaid or Whirlpool Dishwasher?
Choosing between Kitchenaid and Whirlpool dishwasher depends on the factors we’ve just shared. Kitchenaid dishwashers enjoy the advantages of being premium quality, modern and elegant, more advanced, quieter, more reliable, safer, and easier to integrate with cupboards.
On the other hand, Whirlpool dishwashers have the advantages of being more practical, affordable, energy-efficient, flexible (in terms of loading), and easier to integrate with sinks.
So, you can’t make a bad choice with any of the two dishwasher brands; it all depends on what matters most for you.
People Also Ask
1. Is Whirlpool and Kitchenaid Dishwasher the Same?
Whirlpool and Kitchenaid dishwashers belong to the same parent company, Whirlpool Corporation. So, they are likely to have some resemblances. However, these two dishwasher brands target two different types of audiences.
Whirlpool targets the masses looking for affordable and practical dishwashers without worrying about fancy features. On the other hand, Kitchenaid positions itself as a premium brand, targeting the upscale market – those who prioritize fancy features, innovation, and luxury.
2. What Are the Most Common Problems with A Kitchenaid Dishwasher?
The most common problem with Kitchenaid dishwashers is that sometimes the dishwasher won’t start, drain, clean, latch, or dry the dishes. Sometimes, the dryer may start leaking, stop mid-cycle, or overflow, and you’ll need to troubleshoot the issues. These issues, however, are not typical; they happen once in a while.
3. What Is the Most Common Problem with A Whirlpool Dishwasher?
Whirlpool dishwashers, like others, fail sometimes. They may suffer a few problems which you must troubleshoot. That includes the dishwasher failing to clean, drain, start, spray water, or dispense soap. Sometimes, the dishwasher may leak or produce an odor – but all issues are fixable.
Concluding Thought on Kitchenaid Vs Whirlpool Dishwasher:
As shared above, there’s much to separate Kitchenaid and Whirlpool dishwashers; it depends on your preference and what matters most. If you don’t mind spending a little extra and want a premium quality, reliable, modernly elegant, and advanced dishwasher, go for Kitchenaid.
However, if you want a more affordable but practical dishwasher with energy efficiency and loading flexibility, you cannot go wrong with Whirlpool. You can refer to the above guide when making the decision.