I love this thing!

I have to admit, after reading all the negative reports here, I was worried about buying this. Then I figured that generally the only people that would report on a high dollar item like this would be those that weren't happy with it. Based on the fact that it comes with a decent warranty, backed by the KitchenAid name, I decided to go ahead with the purchase.

I've installed other dishwashers before, so I did the installation myself. It was straightforward except that the lower drawer needs to be removed during the process. I can see that this needs to be done very carefully as there are electrical and plumbing connections to the drawer. If you aren't careful, it would be easy to cause damage to these connections or to the drawer itself. Lay out an old blanket or towel to protect the drawer and go slow and easy.

The instructions detail how to properly level the dishwasher. Follow these carefully and make sure you get it right or you will have some of the types of problems detailed in other reviews (not draining or cleaning well). I used a 21 inch long 2 x 6 across the bottom slides with a short bubble level for the side to side leveling. The front to back can be done with the same level on either of the lower slides.

Now here's where you need go the extra yard. The instructions give you the option of either attaching just the top of the dishwasher to the counter at 2 points or to use the 4 provided attachment points on the left and right, front and rear of the dishwasher. You must securely anchor this and the only way to do that is to use all attachment points. I learned this the hard way as I only attached it at the top and when both drawers were opened, the bottom of the cabinet kicked in due to the lever effect presented by the extra weight protruding forward. This got it out of level and it did not drain well.

I removed the lower drawer again and after leveling the cabinet again I properly anchored it. I even went so far as to put a board behind the front leveling legs so they can't move backwards. After buttoning it all up, this machine now performs the way it was designed to.

I really like the drawer concept of this machine. I'm a tall single guy who loves to cook and I generally use the top drawer for day-to-day use. I don't have to bend over and the drawer moves in and out easily so it's never in the way. I found that I can get an extra frying pan or spatulas and the like in by putting the plastic coated rack I keep in my sink on top of everything. IMHO, this is a must have for this machine. You will be happy with the results of using this $10 item.

This machine doesn't use the traditional heating element that other dishwashers use. This is good as there are no worries about melting delicate plastic items no matter where you put them. You do have to be careful about anything extending below the rack as it will stop the arm from rotating which will prevent it from cleaning well.

The detergent dispenser is located in the front of the drawer and is a bit tricky to fill. I keep a plastic container full of detergent handy along with a teaspoon measure. After some experimenting I've found that I get very good results with 2 slightly rounded spoons in the main dispenser and 1 slightly rounded spoonful in the pre-wash dispenser.

With regard to how well it cleans, I am very pleased. The instructions stated that I didn't have to rinse anything first and I've been doing my best to prove that statement wrong, but even with 2 day old egg covered plates, everything comes out spotless. Per the instructions, you do have to pay close attention to the filter in the bottom of the drawer. Rinse it out before each run (a very simple procedure - I do it after unloading) and you won't have any problems.

This machine is whisper quite. Yes, the bottom drawer is a bit louder, but that's due to the close proximity to the acoustically reflective floor surface. They could have used an acoustically absorbing treatment here to minimize it, but it isn't really all that bad.

Detracting factor: there is no indication as to how much time is remaining in the cycle or how far into the cycle it is.