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I knew the metre was coming to replace our 16 - twelvemonth - old dishwasher , and as I commence my research into thebest dish washer , I was scheme when I came across the KitchenAid FreeFlex dishwashing machine . KitchenAid has a report for producing eminent - quality kitchen gismo , and itsiconic stand mixeris perhaps its most well - known product . The FreeFlex dishwasher has the unique feature of a third wrack for cup , glasses , shallow bowl , and flat utensils such as spatulas and knives . This extra single-foot was of not bad involvement to me , but the high monetary value shred on the dishwashing machine gave me intermission .

When my old dish washer gave out just 2 weeks before a family get - together that involved a lot of cooking , I was quick to make my leverage , and I was happy to find the FreeFlex on cut-rate sale . The dishwasher receive eminent marks , and I was eager to essay it for myself in a kitchen that sees a lot of action — and a lot of dirty dish aerial . Find out what I most wish about it , things I might change if I could , and my thoughts on it now that I ’ve lived with it for several months .

A photo of the PrintShield Finish stainless steel door of the KitchenAid FreeFlex dishwasher

Photo: Becky Helzer for Bob Vila

KitchenAid FreeFlex Third Rack Top Control 24-Inch Dishwasher: At a Glance

Rating:9.5/10

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What is the KitchenAid FreeFlex dishwasher?

The KitchenAid FreeFlex dishwasher has all the features you ’d anticipate from a lineament dishwasher , but with the added bonus of an angled third rack near the top for glasses and mugs up to 6 inches marvellous and a obliterable utensil tray for knives and spatulas . It also amount with a in-between rack that can be raised or lowered for washing taller items ( like mixing bowls and pitchers ) and a very quiet 44 - decibel noise grade . In addition to its ability to contain 16 place options — quite a boon for those who have big syndicate or like to harbor — it ’s also Energy Star indorse , stand for it uses less vigour .

How easy is the KitchenAid FreeFlex dishwasher to use?

TheKitchenAid FreeFlex dishwashercouldn’t be loose to use . It has five airstream oscillation ( Rinse Only , Express Wash , Normal , Tough , and ProWash , which sense grime levels and adjust water temperature and wash time as needed ) , so it ’s able to cover everything from delicate glasswork to dirty mess and pans with just the touch of a button . The middle rack is easy to adjust to provide more space as needed for tall item , and adjustable tines in the middle and downcast racks can be angled or even folded down so you could wash oversized ravisher ( such as a large KitchenAid social bowl ) . And although the utensil basket took some acquiring used to with slots designated for different types of flatware , I wish how the design help keep the spoons and crotch from nesting together to accomplish a more thorough uncontaminating — and the top part of this hoop can be dispatch if desired . To achieve clean smasher , the dishwasher continuously distribute water over all three racks and uses microfiltration to ensure all intellectual nourishment particle are off . After the wash cycle is finished , a heating component and fan combining to dry the saucer totally ( the only elision here is for dishful that have deep indentations that collect piddle ; the extended heat- teetotal option helps with that , but those type of dish may still need a little manus drying ) .

Does the KitchenAid FreeFlex dishwasher do a good job washing dishes?

It really does . With other dishwashers I ’ve had in the past , I ’ve had to prewash curmudgeonly dishes before loading them to ensure they get clean . With the FreeFlex , though , even when I ’ve permit dishes seat overnight so I could launch the dishwasher with a full load the next mean solar day , I ’ve been impressed with how well it removes food — even peanut butter and broil - on cheese , both of which are notoriously difficult for a dishwashing machine to absent . For well-nigh all types of cleaning needs , the Normal context bewilder the job done ( this cycle takes 2 hours and 40 minutes in total ) . I like how I can lower or reposition portions of the in-between and depressed racks to accommodate odd - shaped mantrap , and I also appreciate that the majority of my dishes derive out of the dishwashing machine virtually wry , although using a rinse aid such as Finish Jet - Dry seems to enhance this physical process .

Is the FreeFlex dishwasher worth the price?

TheKitchenAid FreeFlexis not chintzy . However , with the features it offer ( most notably that commodious third rack and adjustable midway rack ) and the thoroughness with which it make clean peach , I view it deserving the higher cost tag . Additionally , its interior lighting makes it easy to see inside the dishwasher for easier loading and unloading . The PrintShield Finish on the room access resists smudges and fingerprints so well that I seldom have to pass over it , which is quite a contrast with my previous dishwasher , whose untarnished steel ending required day-by-day wiping to keep it free of fingerprints . Also , at a smooth 44 decibel , this dishwashing machine ’s sound is a nonissue ; even in our undefendable - concept house , we can learn television set with the dishwasher flow and not be disturb by the sound at all .

Should you buy the KitchenAid FreeFlex dishwasher?

With the variety of wash hertz , fingerprint - resistive finish , fillip third wrack , adjustable midway single-foot , and very quiet 44 - decibel paygrade , this dishwasher has a lot to like . It see sleek in my kitchen , and it does an excellent job clean the dish , even those with stand by - on or baked - on intellectual nourishment . However , it does come with a high price shred than many other dishwashers . But with the features theKitchenAid FreeFlexprovides , I ’m very pleased with my purchase and would n’t hesitate to recommend it to those who are looking for a dishwasher that comes with some thoughtful and practical extras .

Where to Buy the KitchenAid FreeFlex Dishwasher

Meet the Tester

As the spark advance written matter editor program at BobVila.com for several yr , Becky Helzer reviews virtually all of the content for the ware retrospect team . She ’s an avid dwelling house James Cook with a special interest in baking , and as a result , she regularly generates and wash away a lot of beauty . Through her recent experience of researching and replacing the dishwasher in her kitchen , her end is to provide an honest and thorough reappraisal with easy - to - understand information that is relevant to most consumers .

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The KitchenAid FreeFlex dishwasher viewed from the side with the door open and all three racks out to show its capacity

Photo: Becky Helzer for Bob Vila

The bottom rack of the KitchenAid FreeFlex dishwasher extended with the utensil basket on one side

Photo: Becky Helzer for Bob Vila

The KitchenAid FreeFlex dishwasher with the middle rack fully extended

Photo: Becky Helzer for Bob Vila

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