KitchenAid's KUDU03STSS built-in dishwasher offers the best of both worlds -- a sleek exterior, but one with subtle indicator lights that can be easily seen from outside the dishwasher.

Equipped with fully integrated controls, all the programming buttons on this KitchenAid dishwasher are hidden from sight, but it's still easy to know what's happening inside. Unlike some recent models with lights so minimal they're confusing, this dishwasher offers complete, but discreet and informative indicators.

Continuing this manufacturer's reputation for quietness and attention to detail, the KUDU03STSSS offers the most noise-free operation ever offered on a KitchenAid model. With a sound rating of 48 dBA, it may not be the absolute quietest model you can find anywhere, but it certainly is whisper-quiet.

When it comes to cleaning, this dishwasher doesn't disappoint. It's equipped with more than the usual amount of wash arms -- four to be exact. Check it against many other models with just two or three such arms. For hard-to-scrub items, you'll appreciate the ProScrub cycle. Don't use this cycle on everyday loads, but switch it on when you have pans caked with baked-on soil.

Water usage is fairly efficient in the KUDU03STSS thanks to an onboard sensor that monitors the amount of soil on dishes. The sensor adjusts the cycle to limit wasted water in lightly soiled loads and adds water to those loads with dishes that are heavily soiled.

A versatile machine, this KitchenAid model offers an adjustable upper rack and a culinary tool rack. We took plenty of advantage of the upper rack by lowering it to wash stemmed wine glasses. Similarly, when we washed large stock pots on the bottom, we either adjusted the rack upwardly or removed it all together. And when it came to what to do with whisks, ladles and spatulas, the culinary tool rack made this a no-brainer.

A superb cleaner, with straightforward controls and indicator lights that don't detract from the overall design, this dishwasher also offers the stainless-steel interior we prefer. The KitchenAid KUDU03STSS is a fine choice in this price range.


Pros: Informative, yet discreet indicator lights, lots of wash arms, adjustable upper rack, sensor, stainless tub, quiet, scrubbing cycle
Cons: Expensive

Warranty
1 year, parts and labor; 5 years, nylon racks, wash and drain motor, electronic controls, heating element; lifetine, tub and inner door