We are considering a Kitchenaid panel-ready dishwasher. We currently have a Frigidaire that does a great job cleaning the dishes, is 4 years old, and all the wheels have been replaced and are now in very bad shape. It has also popped a few rivets on the side of the stainless steel tub so it is a two handed operation to pull out the rack.

We ordered a KDTM504EPA as that was the only one that was available as a panel-ready Kitchenaid at the time we bought it. We weren't ready to install right away and when we were, we found that the DW was damaged (racks only attached on one side, wash arms broken, etc), likely from a drop at the warehouse.

Looking to replace it, we noticed that there is also a KDTE204EPA that is $500 cheaper. Does anyone have experience with either of these two DWs? Why is one more expensive than the other? The only difference I can see is 2 decibels quieter operation for the more expensive model.

Will either of these models clean as well as the Frigidaire? We are used to putting in items with stuck-on sauces, baked-on cheese, etc, and have no problems with getting clean dishes. We also do not use rinse-aid and our dishes come out dry (using heated dry). Will the Kitchenaid be able to deliver similar results?

We are willing to invest a little more for a dishwasher that has better racks (ie glides instead of wheels) but only if it cleans and dries as well as a cheaper model.

Thanks for any insight you can offer on these two models and Kitchenaids in general!