I need a new dishwasher since my old Kenmore (portable that converted
to a built-in) stopped working we've had it for many years and I'm
happy with it. That is except the part about it not working right
now...

I've been looking at Whirlpool/Kenmore/KitchenAid which I believe are
all made by Whirlpool. I'm leaning towards a P series KitchenAid.

A couple of questions: I'm looking for recent experiences (within the
last couple of years) with KitchenAid dishwashers. I see lots of
compliants from the 2000-2002 timeframe but not many comments in the
last 24 months. Would this indicate that Whirlpool worked out the
issues with the KitchenAid models? I would appreciate any recent
(2003/2004) experience comments.

A second question relates to the Consumer Reports reiliablity ratings
form the 2/04 and 8/04 issues. As I see it KA dishwashers are
Whirlpools with slightly different racks, different control layouts,
and a stainless steel tub. Kennmores are rebadged Whirlpools with
sightly different racks. If Whirlpool/Kenmore/KitchenAid are the same
machines, how come KitchenAid seems to have a worse repair record?

My therory on this is that becuase most of the KA machines would be
higher end models where Whirlpool/Kennmore are a mix of lower (i.e.
simpler) end and higher end models. The KA models tend to sell with
more bells and buzzers so they are more apt to break?

I think this might be true since Consumer Reports' least reilable
brands of dishwashers are all high end models like Bosch and Miele
where they tend to be sold all geeked up with features that might
break. On the other hand, since KAs are supposedy high end models
people are more apt to complain?

Anyway, I would appreciate comments good and bad about recently
purchased KitchenAid dishwashers.

TIA,
Eric