Kenmore Elite Dishwasher

[sparky823]

I have a Kenmore Elite Dishwasher that is about 5 years old Mdl# 665.16582200. I read somewhere that they have a flow restrictor on them and it is best to always take this out but it didn't say where it is located. I had never heard of this myself. I thought if I took this off it would get more water and possibly do an even better job cleaning? Anything to this? All I could see on these is  where the water enters the interior of the machine has a cover over it whereas all the ones I had before just had a hole in the side. I left it because I was afraid it might be holding something else on to the side of the tank.
Also if you had to get a new one what would you choose: Bosch, Sears or GE Profile?? I had a GE before and it was great-lots of pressure. This one has much less-cleans ok but less pressure. I figure that is what makes the new ones quieter.

[AJ]

Looking at the Sears Chart I see your dishwasher is made by whirlpool.

I can't say I have ever heard of flow restrictor that you could remove.

So your dishwasher just does not do a good job of cleaning?

If I had to get a new one I would maybe give a LG a try. That or stick with something I know and put another Whirlpool one in. We have had our whirlpool dishwasher for about 15 years and it's still going strong.

[sparky823]

I have heard that it is hard to get service/parts for LG?

Do you like the silver basket on the door? I like the idea of more rack room but do they get clean on the door? (on your Whirlpool)

Mine doesn't clean like the GE which had an arm in the bottom that changed paths or something instead of just washing the same place all time and I think that is why it did so well. Also I have some places on the racks that the coating has just flaked off-like on the ends and now they want to rust-just after the 5 year rack warranty!

When I bought this one I was going to get a GE but they didn't have a SS tub except Monogram. Then I was at Sears looking at the KithchenAids and the lady said this Sears was almost identical to the KA but actually had more features(?) so she talked me into it. It is really ok and I think I am glad I got it over the KA cause I have read since that KA seems to have issues with cleaning more so than Sears. Wonder why that is if they are similar?

Thanks

[apptech]

I have heard that it is hard to get service/parts for LG?

This is true as you have to order direct from LG.
This may start to change soon.

[rickgburton]

Hi sparky823,

What kind of problem are you having with your dishwasher, is it just not cleaning well? Are you getting spots on the dishes?

[sparky823]

I guess I am really not having a problem right now. When I first got it I was very displeased. It didn't seem to wash well at all and one day I decided to just really look at it and I noticed that all the spray holes aim toward the middle of the machine. Well I had been used to the GE with the arm that "changed paths" and you could just load anyway in it. When I started turning pans to face the way the jets would be aiming when they passed the certain spot the pan was at it started cleaning better. I guess a lot of it was me. I think these new ones don't use enough water-reason for the restrictor question. All in all I am pretty satisfied but it is no GE of yesterday! But for all I know the new GE's may be no better than the Sears. Do you have any loading hints/tips?? Do you recommend a certain brand or type detergent? I have had to replace the vent already. The motor that closed it quit working and all the noise was coming out the vent. Much noisier than normal so I replaced that and fixed that problem.

Thanks.

[Pegi]

"Do you recommend a certain brand or type detergent?"
Do not use any jells or tablets, these will just make a mess and clog up everything....use Electrol powder and keep it fresh....do not buy those tubs of stuff at the box stores, it will go bad before it can be used up.  Also be sure to run the water at the sink before starting the dishwasher to be sure the water is hot going in from the first or you will have real problems with cleaning also...and needs to be at least 120 degrees going in....

[sparky823]

Thanks for the tips about the detergent. I really like the Cascade Complete liquid (Gel) so I guess that is out. What does that clog? The drain the wash arms, filters, what?? My water is above 120 and I do run the sink before. I run a bottle of Dishwasher Magic through about every 2-3 months. Is that OK for the machine? Seems like it makes the stainless steel tub shinier.

[Pegi]

Liquids and Jells use clay for a thickner....picture this clay clinging to and staying in the parts of your dishwasher or washer??