KitchenAid KDTE104ESS3, KDTE254ESS2, KDTE254EBL2, KDTE254ESS3, KDTE254EBL3 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.

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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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