The noise level is rated at the peak amount. So yes the difference is the food disposer/grinder.

I think you need to be a professional in the music/audio equipment business to notice a 5db difference.

Do you hear a critter running on the roof when no one else can? If the answer is no then you won't be able to tell them apart.

I rather have a dishwasher @51db than a dishdisinfector @46db.

A month ago KA had a $200 rebate on their nicer dws including the KUDS50. I am betting they will match that again in the not too distant future. That is when I am buying my KUDS50.

I'm interested in this same comparison. Not worried about noise on either.
We almost always run ours in the middle of the night and never hear our current, very noisy DW.

Is the reason for a manual filter vs self cleaning food disposer only for noise reduction?

Are there any differences in cleaning? Superba EQ vs Superba ?

For that matter why not the KUDS40 ?

Thanks
Tony

Is the reason for a manual filter vs self cleaning food disposer only for noise reduction?

Yes. KA is trying to get Miele quiet.

Are there any differences in cleaning? Superba EQ vs Superba ?

Superba EQ designates their superquiet wash system,ie no hard food disposer.

For that matter why not the KUDS40 ?

The 40 has no cuterly tray. 40 has 4 wash cycles and the 50 has 5.

I am loving the cuterly tray.

Another difference between the two is that the KUDS50 has a 4 arm sprayer and the KUDE60 has a 2 arm.

I just came from the appliance place, and I too think I'm going to decide between KA '50 or '60 or '70, and maybe ASKO.

I've eliminated Miele due to customer service issue fear.

Back to the post topc -
I was told by someone with the '60 that they never find any food in their filter to remove... they do a "normal" scraping of chunks but don't completely remove all food by rinsing, and from the machine's high temp during wash, dissolving in all the water, and affect the soap has, all food is basically dissolved.

So, the disposal isn't really needed. But, I guess it's cheaper (until it needs post-warranty servicing)?

Can someone with the '60 or '70 tell us about how much food they find when they inspect their filter, how often?

I think there is a completely different wash system between the 40/50 and the 60/70. Spray arms are just one of the differences. Wash cycles are another I think. And I am not sure but does the 50 have the cutlery tray on top? I know the 60 and 70 have them. The filter has to be cleaned about one a year, if that. Disposals are an American thing. I guess if you just dump the plate in without any scraping at all it might make sense. Otherwise, with an enzyme detergent, it is not necessary. You will in all probability never find any food in it. Reduced noise is a combination of no disposal and more insulation. Can you hear the difference? Can you hear the difference in 10 db? In 8 db? What is the point that you start to hear a difference? Is it on an outside wall in a closed off kitchen? Inside wall next to an open living area? You have to answer this for yourself.

The KUDE60 is slightly more efficient. Not a big difference but enough for an $80 tax credit in Oregon and maybe some other states. New Mexico?

This could be more than the difference in cost between the two. IMO, if cost was the same, the KUDE60 would be a better dishwasher because it is quieter, more effecient, and a more flexible unit with the cutlery trays.

Both have cutlery trays.

And I am not sure but does the 50 have the cutlery tray on top?

Yes.

60/70 have two long spray arms that swivel around a pivot since there is no food grinder in the way. Whereas the 50 has 4 stationary arms.

The idea that a food disposer is some sort of vestigial organ that serves no purpose but American nostalgia is complete fantasy.

If Miele does not have it must not be any good. ROTHFLMAO

I am enjoying my new KUDS50FVSS. We have really been challenging it and it has cleaned everything we have thrown at it so far, with the exception of day-old crust from an egg casserole. We have been scraping off large solids but not rinsing at all.

Mine does not have a countdown display, as mentioned by the original poster. You can see when it is on by viewing the blue lights that shine on the underside of your countertop, but it gives no indication of actual time remaining.

The trays and racking are highly flexible. And I love the cutlery tray, although my tall everyday glasses don't fit well in the middle rack when it is in.

I believe the primary sound and energy savings between the KUDE and KUDS models is because of the lack of food-grinder in the KUDE. My KUDS is very quiet and I have to put my ear to the door to hear it at times.

BTW, I chose my model and then shopped for the best price online. I printed out the three best online offers and took them to my local Lowes store, where they price-matched plus 10%. I purchased my KUDS50FVSS for just a hair over $900.

Hope this helps!

Sandy

Thanks to all the posters, especially busybme who has the KUDS50 model. The price match plus 10% would pay the local sales tax, excellent.

I generally rinse my dishes, especially since my household is 2 persons and we only run the DW every third day or so. See the comment about stuck-on egg above. Since I rinse before loading, the disposer (KUDS50 model) might be not needed in my home. I've always rinsed dishes, the thought of food and goo flying around the dishwasher (if you didn't rinse) turns me off. I had one appliance salesman tell me I'm doing my dishes all wrong, this did not set well with me.

Sorry for getting OT. I thought the KUDS50 model includes a visible countdown display. Obviously, I need to do further research. And both the KUDS50 and the KUDE60 do have the third rack cutlery trays, this is on my must-have list.

Again, thanks for everyone's comments and insights.

Busybme - I doublechecked the model number, when you said your DW has no countdown display. I made an error, the model I want is the KUDS50SVSS, not the FVSS. Thank you so much for your post, I would have ordered the wrong DW! Too many letters... and too little concentration on my part.

I have had the '70 for three weeks now. Filter is spotless! This is the quietest DW I have EVER owned! The only thing you hear is when the water is going in & out and even that is super quiet. It cleans like a dream & I love the cutlery tray too! The other feature I really like the pot scrubber. I think they might call it ProScrub? Anyway, if you have pots that are really in need of soaking you don't have to. You just angle them towards the back of the machine (tilted rack is included) and back jets blast the thing spotless.

One more tip - I was all set to buy the '60. When I went in armed with internet prices my sales guy told me that they stocked that model, but he thought he could special order the upgrade ('70) for a better price. So I got the '70 for less than the '60. That plus the $200 KA rebate & I got quite a deal. I did also buy a fridge and he has the promise of me buying the rest of my appliances next month, so I'm sure that gave me more bargaining power.

I missed the last round of DW rebates offered by KA--they expired 3/21/10. The rebates ranged from $100 to $200 depending on the model, which is a significant savings. Does anyone know how often KA offers the DW rebates, or when they'll be offering them again? I expect to buy a DW in the next 2 months. I called KA with this question, and they told me they don't know. Perhaps someone on this forum has additional info? TIA.

I'm not clear on the differences between the 70 and the 60.
Can someone explain? Seems to me it is only the noise level ... maybe better insulated? I'm buying one or the other on the 22nd.

BTW, here in NC Sears is giving 30% off Energy Star appliances, then 15% off for the "Cash for Appliances" program. Sales tax is calculated before the 15% off.

Net discount, after tax, works out to 35%. This is 35% off of whatever Sears non-sale price is (in some cases this number can be higher than MSRP). Pretty significant.
This means for the KUDE60FVSS the cost will be $1033 and for the KUDE70FVSS $1072 ... out the door.

tony8109: Difference between the 60 & 70 is (as you pointed out) the lower decibel rating which means the 70 series is better insulated. They have the same exact cycles, spray arms, etc...

Just wanted to let you know that I went on Sears.com today, and Kitchenaid D/W are 40% off.

I suppose if one were to take this information to say, Lowe's, they might price match it plus the 10% difference that they guarantee.

I just checked sears.com and it appears they only have the KUDS40 or KUDS30, and not the KUDS50 or KUDE60 or KUDE70. Am I searching sears.com wrong, or is the 40% off B&M only ("bricks and mortar" - meaning in store)?

try this:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/s_10153_12605_Appliances_Dishwashers_Built-In?sbf=Brand&sbv=KitchenAid&adCell=W3

Here's the 70:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02211833000P?vName=Appliances&cName=Dishwashers&sName=Built-In

Hmm, thanks beekeeperswife, what a find on the 40% off sale. I've decided on the KUDE50SV, since I really want the countdown display. I went straight to the website and did an online chat with "Adam" regarding my questions about pickup.

Since I wouldn't be able to pick up the DW for a couple of weeks, the next time we'll be in NM, he advised me to contact the store directly to see if it's in stock and if they will hold it. This is by far the best price I've seen on the KitchenAid models.

I know, it's pretty amazing isn't it? Plus you can get the energy rebate that is available too. In PA we don't have any (only for converting certain appliances to gas,duh), but the sales rep in Delaware (we live near the line and do all our shopping there (tax free) told us we could send the rebate to a friend's house.

After looking at the KA tonight (KUDE70), I was all ready to go for it--I've been on the fence between traditional and drawers. I think my dh really wants the F&P drawers. So I suppose we will wait and see how it goes this weekend, the sale is on until Tuesday or Wednesday. The sales lady was surprised by the price. Actually, this sales lady was surprised by a lot---I "schooled" her on the Kitchen Aid Dishwashers after reading this article!

Glad I could help.

Thanks to the tip in this thread about the Sears sale I ordered the KUDS50SVSS this afternoon. Price is $929.99, by far the best deal I've found on this model. I bought from a local appliance store in New Mexico, the manager there did a price match on the Sears sale.

I'm currently in Phoenix, so did the order by phone. He made me wait while he looked at the Sears website and verified that the DW was instock for local pickup. This DW qualifies for a $75 rebate from KitchenAid through 4/25, altogether a great deal! I opted for a 5-year service contract for $109 (over $500 cheaper than the Sears one) due to my very remote location in NM. Thanks, beekeeperswife.

Good for you, Dianne! It looks like you got a great deal...hope you like it!

Sandy

If you can get another retailer to price match Sears that's great because the service contract at Sears can be more expensive. Sears offers 3 & 5 yr contracts. When I bought the KUDE60 at Lowes, their 4 yr service contract cost less than Sears service. Too bad that was back before this great deal.

Happy shopping.

Lowes will PM, and so did my high-end appliance showroom place. Just purchased the KUDE60 for $954 (even though the KUDE70 is only $35 more, it's the same technology, only a little quieter (but the 50 and 60 are already so quiet), I couldn't figure out why to pay even such a small amount).

canyonhome-

I replied in the other thread, but basically Lowes did for me what your retailer did for you. $954 is a great price for KUDE60.

Sears.com has the stainless steel KUDE60FV on sale thru 11/20 for $589.00. Is there any reason not to jump on this price? I have waffled about a new dishwasher for ages because so many people seem to be disappointed in their new ones.

dianne47....I know you've already purchased your dishwasher, but I wanted to let you know that the models you listed in your original post are no longer available. KA has discontinued many models and has all new model numbers with FX or HX suffixes. Those of you following this thread may want to check out the current model numbers.

suzy, I just saw that deal as well and I'm very tempted to jump on it. There is a good black friday deal on a GE stainless w/ stainless tub (for $400 on BF) but I think this KUDE60FV is a better machine from everything I've read. If anyone has any input on this, I would also appreciate it.

Suzyq, thanks for the heads up on the sale; just ordered one to be installed Friday. As fiddleddd mentioned this dishwasher has been discontinued. The new model apparently has a different vent. Still seems like a great deal.

I too bought into this great deal. I sure am hoping they don't run out of them; I will be so disappointed and I really don't want to start this process over again.