KitchenAid KDFE204ESS, KDTE254ESS, KDTE104EBL, KDTE104EBS, KDTE104EWH Owner's Manual

User Guide

Dishwasher

LEARN MORE

In an effort to conserve natural resources, this dishwasher includes a condensed User Guide. A complete User Guide can be downloaded at www.kitchenaid.com/customer-service/manuals/

For future reference, please make a note of your product model and serial numbers. These can be located on a label in the tub along the left outer edge.

Model Number________________________________ Serial Number____________________________________

Register your dishwasher at www.kitchenaid.com. In Canada, register your dishwasher at www.kitchenaid.ca.

Para una version de estas instrucciones en español, visite www.kitchenaid.com.

Your safety and the safety of others are very important.

We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.

This is the safety alert symbol.

This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others.

All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word “DANGER” or “WARNING.”

These words mean:

DANGER

You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t immediately follow instructions.

WARNING

You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t follow instructions.

All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of injury, and tell you what can happen if the instructions are not followed.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: When using the dishwasher, follow basic precautions, including the following:

■Read all instructions before using the dishwasher.

■Use the dishwasher only for its intended function.

■Use only detergents or rinse agents recommended for use in a dishwasher, and keep them out of the reach of children.

■When loading items to be washed:

1)Locate sharp items so that they are not likely to damage the door seal; and

2)Load sharp knives with the handles up to reduce the risk of cut-type injuries.

■Do not wash plastic items unless they are marked “dishwasher safe” or the equivalent. For plastic items not so marked, check the manufacturer's recommendations.

■Do not touch the heating element during or immediately after use.

■Do not operate the dishwasher unless all enclosure panels are properly in place.

■Do not tamper with controls.

■Do not abuse, sit on, or stand on the door, lid, or dish racks of the dishwasher.

■To reduce the risk of injury, do not allow children to play in or on the dishwasher.

■Under certain conditions, hydrogen gas may be produced in a hot water system that has not been used for two weeks or more. HYDROGEN GAS IS EXPLOSIVE. If the hot water system has not been used for such a period, before using the dishwasher turn on all hot water faucets and let the water flow from each for several minutes. This will release any accumulated hydrogen gas. As the gas is flammable, do not smoke or use an open flame during this time.

■Remove the door or lid to the washing compartment when removing an old dishwasher from service or discarding it.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

State of California Proposition 65 Warnings:

WARNING: This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer.

WARNING: This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

1	W10751710A

WARNING

Tip Over Hazard

Do not use dishwasher until completely installed.

Do not push down on open door.

Doing so can result in serious injury or cuts.

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

	■ For a grounded, cord-connected dishwasher:	Check with a qualified electrician or service representative if
	The dishwasher must be grounded. In the event of a	you are in doubt whether the dishwasher is properly
		grounded. Do not modify the plug provided with the
	malfunction or breakdown, grounding will reduce the risk of
		dishwasher; if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet
	electric shock by providing a path of least resistance for
		installed by a qualified electrician.
	electric current. The dishwasher is equipped with a cord
		■ For a permanently connected dishwasher:
	having an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding
	plug. The plug must be plugged into an appropriate outlet	The dishwasher must be connected to a grounded metal,
	that is installed and grounded in accordance with all local
		permanent wiring system, or an equipment-grounding
	codes and ordinances.
		conductor must be run with the circuit conductors and
	WARNING: Improper connection of the equipment-	connected to the equipment-grounding terminal or lead on
	grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric shock.	the dishwasher.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

KEY USAGE TIPS

Filtration System and Maintenance

The filter system consists of two
parts: an upper filter assembly and a	Upper Filter
lower filter.	Assembly
IMPORTANT: To avoid damage to
dishwasher, do not operate your
dishwasher without filters properly
installed. Be sure lower filter is
securely in place and upper filter	Lower Filter
assembly is locked into place. If

upper assembly turns freely, it is not locked into place.

The filters may need to be cleaned when:

■ Visible objects or soils are on upper filter assembly.

■Dishes feel gritty to the touch.

See “Filtration System” in full User Guide for complete removal and maintenance schedule.

IMPORTANT: Do not use wire brush, scouring pad, etc., as they may damage the filters.

Rinse filter under running water until soils are removed. If you have hard to remove soils or calcium deposits from hard water, a soft brush may be required.

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Easy to remove third level rack (on some models)

If additional space is needed in the upper rack, the third level rack can easily be removed

To remove, fully extend rack until it stops. Then open the track stops on each side and lift to remove.

Drying - Rinse Aid is essential.

You must use a drying agent, such as a rinse aid, for good drying performance. Rinse aid along with the Heat Dry option provides the best drying and avoids excessive moisture in the dishwasher interior.

SLIDE

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is gained by extending cycle time and reducing the amount of wattage and water used during your dishwasher’s cycle. All models contain an optical water sensor to determine water and energy consumption. Your first cycle will run longer to calibrate the optical water sensor.

Efficient dishwashers run longer to save water and energy, just as driving a car slower saves on gas.

Press start/resume every time you add a dish.

IMPORTANT: If anyone opens the door (such as, for adding a dish, even during the Delay Hours option), START/RESUME must be pressed each time.

Push door firmly closed within 3 seconds of pressing START/RESUME. If door is not closed within

3 seconds, the start button LED will flash, an audible tone will be heard, and cycle will not start.

A.Track stop

B.Track

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OPERATING YOUR DISHWASHER

1. Prepare and Load the Dishwasher

2. Check that Spray Arms are not Blocked.

Items in the rack can block the spray arms. Be sure that they do not block the upper or lower spray arms.

10-place load - upper rack

10-place load - lower rack

3. Add Detergent

12-place load - upper rack

12-place load - lower rack

IMPORTANT: Remove leftover food, bones, toothpicks and other hard items from dishes. Remove labels from containers before washing.

■Make sure that, when the dishwasher door is closed, no items are blocking detergent dispenser.

■Items should be loaded with soiled surfaces facing down and inward to the spray as shown in the graphics above. This will improve cleaning and drying results. Angle dirtiest dish surface downward, allowing space for water to flow up through rack and between dishes.

■Avoid overlapping items like bowls or plates that may trap food.

■Place plastics, small plates and glasses in upper rack.

■Wash only items marked “dishwasher safe.”

■To avoid thumping/clattering noises during operation: Load dishes so they do not touch one another. Make sure lightweight load items are secured in racks.

■When loading silverware, always place sharp items pointing down and avoid “nesting” as shown. If your silverware does not fit into the designated slots, lift and slide covers off to remove them and mix silverware types to keep them separated.

■Use slots in the covers and suggested loading patterns to keep your silverware separated for optimum wash. See the complete online User Guide for detailed illustrations.

NOTE: If you do not plan to run a wash cycle soon, run a rinse cycle. Do not use detergent.

■Use automatic dishwasher detergent only. Add detergent just before starting a cycle.

■Fresh automatic dishwasher detergent results in better cleaning. Store tightly closed

detergent container in a cool, dry place.

Detergents

Many detergents now come in several forms (gel packs, tablets, or powder

packs).

SLIDE We recommend tablets and packs for

convenience and improved performance. Quality tablets and

packs have been proven better than powder, liquid or gel detergents at reducing filming on dishes. Using tablets and packs over time will start to reduce or eliminate white film. Also, by using a rinse aid, you can minimize repeat buildup of white film. These forms are suitable for all hardness and soil levels. Always place detergents in the main compartment and slide lid to close.

NOTE: Follow instructions on the package when using other dishwasher detergent types. See the online user guide for more information on powder, liquid and gel usage.

To close lid

To open lid

SLIDE

SLIDE

Place selected detergent in the dispenser. Place finger, as shown, and slide lid closed. Press firmly until it clicks.

Push OPEN, as shown, and the lid will slide open.

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4. Add Rinse Aid

■Your dishwasher is designed to use rinse aid for good drying performance. Without rinse aid, your dishes and dishwasher interior will have excessive moisture. The heating and drying options will not perform as well without rinse aid.

■Rinse aid keeps water from forming droplets that can dry as spots or streaks. It also improves drying by allowing water to drain off of dishes after final rinse.

■To add rinse aid, open the dispenser lid by gently pushing in the center of the lid with your thumb while lifting up on the edge.

		Wash	OPEN
	Pre		SLIDE

■Pour rinse aid into the opening until the indicator level shows that it

is full.

NOTE: For most water conditions, the factory setting will give good results.

If you are experiencing poor drying performance, you may want to try a higher setting. Turn the arrow adjuster to a higher setting to increase the amount of rinse aid.

5. Select a Cycle

Efficient dishwashers run longer to save water and energy, just as driving a car slower saves on gas. Typical cycle time is approximately 2¹⁄ hours but can take less or more time to complete depending on selections.

6. Select Options

You can customize your cycles by pressing the options desired. If you change your mind, press the option again to turn off the option. Not all options are available for every cycle. If an invalid option is selected for a given cycle, the lights will flash.

7. Start or Resume a Cycle

Full

Add

SLIDE

■Close dispenser by pushing down gently on the lid.

NOTE: Run hot water at sink nearest your dishwasher until water is hot. Turn off water.

■If Start/Resume button is located on top of door, push door firmly closed within 3 seconds of pressing START/RESUME. If door is not closed within 3 seconds, the Start button LED will flash, an audible tone will be heard, and cycle will not start.

IMPORTANT: If anyone opens the door (such as, for adding a dish, even during the Delay Hours option), the Start/Resume button must be pressed each time.

■If the Start/Resume button is located on front of door, push door firmly closed. The door latches automatically. Select wash cycle and options and then press START/RESUME or press START/RESUME to repeat the same cycle and options as in previous wash cycle.

CYCLE GUIDE

This information covers several different models. Your dishwasher may not have all of the cycles and options described.

	CYCLES	SOIL LEVEL	WASH TIME* (MINS.)		WATER
			W/O OPTIONS		USAGE
			TYPICAL	MAX	GALLONS
					(LITERS)
	The most advanced and versatile cycle. ProWash™ cycle	Light to Medium	110	150	3.8 (14.5)
	senses the soil amount and toughness of soil to adjust the
		Tough/Baked-On	125	190	5.0 (19.1)
	cycle for improved performance using only the amount of
	water and energy needed.	Heavy	125	190	7.7 (29.0)
	Use for hard-to-clean, heavily soiled pots, pans, casseroles,	Heavy/Baked-On	140	205	7.9 (30.0)
	and regular tableware.

This cycle, with only the Heat Dry option selected, and without other options selected, is recommended to completely wash and dry a full load of normally soiled dishes. The energy usage label is based on this cycle and option combination.

Light	110	150	2.8 (10.5)
Medium	110	150	4.0 (15.0)
Heavy	125	190	7.9 (30.0)

Use for lightly soiled items or china and crystal.	Light to Medium	105	145	4.2 (15.2)
	Heavy/Baked-On	120	185	7.7 (29.0)
When you need fast results, the Express Wash will clean	All soil levels	58	64	6.2 (23.5)
dishes using slightly more water and energy. Select the Heat
Dry option to speed drying times.

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	CYCLES		SOIL LEVEL	WASH TIME* (MINS.)		WATER
				W/O OPTIONS		USAGE
				TYPICAL	MAX	GALLONS
						(LITERS)
	Use for rinsing dishes, glasses, and silverware that will not be		All soil levels	17	20	2.4 (9.0)
	washed right away.
	Do not use detergent.
	OPTIONS	CAN BE	WHAT IT DOES	ADDED TIME TO CYCLE		ADDED
		SELECTED				WATER
		WITH				GALLONS
				TYPICAL	MAX	(LITERS)

Dries dishes with heat. This option, with the use of rinse aid, will provide the best drying performance. Plastic items are less likely to deform when loaded in the top rack. Turn the Heat Dry option off for an air dry.

Available with any cycle except Rinse Only

Activates the heating

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52

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element at the end of the wash cycle to speed drying times. Heat Dry defaults to ON when any cycle is selected except for Rinse Only.

(On some models) Lower jets, located behind the lower rack, spray to clean tough, baked-on food soil from pans, casseroles, etc. They eliminate the need for soaking and scrubbing dishes with dirty, baked-on food. The upper rack has two spray zones in the front corners to reach into deeper or oddly shaped items.

Tough

Normal

ProWash™

Activates the	53	73	0 - 3.0
ProScrub® spray jets			(0 - 11.2)

to provide intensified cleaning power to specific wash areas.

	Raises the main wash temperature to	Tough	Raises the main	42	60	0 - 3.0
	improve cleaning for loads containing tough,	Normal	wash temperate			(0 - 11.2)
	baked-on food.	ProWash™	from 105°F (41°C) to
			either 130°F (55C°)
			or 140°F (60C°).
	Sanitizes dishes and glassware in	Tough	Increases the main	53	73	0 - 3.0
	accordance with NSF International NSF/	Normal	wash temperature			(0 - 11.2)
	ANSI Standard 184 for Residential		from 105°F (41°C) to
	Dishwashers. Certified residential		140°F (60°C) and
	dishwashers are not intended for licensed		the final rinse from
	food establishments. Only sanitizing cycles		140°F (60°C) to
	have been designed to meet the		155°F (68°C).
	requirements of the NSF/ANSI 184
	performance standard for soil removal and
	for sanitization efficacy. There is no intention,
	either directly or indirectly, that all cycles on a
	NSF/ANSI 184 certified dishwasher meet the
	NSF/ANSI 184 performance standard for soil
	removal and for sanitization efficacy.
	The Sani indicator glows at the end of the
	cycle if the Sani Rinse option was
	successfully completed. If the indicator does
	not activate, it is probably due to the cycle
	being interrupted.
	Runs the dishwasher at a later time or during	Available	Delays the start of a	240	480	0
	off-peak electrical hours. Select a wash cycle	with any	cycle to the
	and options. Press the Delay button. Press	cycle	specified time.

START/RESUME. Close the door firmly.

Or on some

	models			NOTE: Anytime the door is opened (such as,
				to add a dish), the Start/Resume button must
				be pressed again to resume the delay
				countdown.

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