Comparison Review: KitchenAid KDTM404 vs KDTM604 Dishwashers

Comparison Review KitchenAid KDTM404 vs KDTM604 Dishwashers

KitchenAid is one of the most recognizable dishwasher brands in the world. Offering state-of-the-art cleaning features, spacious racks, and reasonable prices, it’s no surprise why many households use their dishwashers.

Finding the right KitchenAid dishwasher can be pretty overwhelming because of the wide array of options available. But not to worry, that’s what we’re here for.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at KitchenAid KDTM404KPS and KDTM604KPS dishwashers. We’ll go over their similarities and differences so you can find the right choice for you.

KitchenAid KDTM404KPS

KitchenAid KDTM404KPS
BrandKitchenAid 
ModelKDTM404KPS
Dimensions23 ⅞” x 33 ⅝” x 26 ¾” 
Installation TypeBuilt-In
Place Settings16
Noise Level44 dBA
Number of Racks3
Wash ProgramsExpress Wash, Normal, ProWash™, Rinse, Tough
FeaturesPrintShield Finish, ProWash Cycle, FreeFlex Third Rack, SatinGlide Rails,  Advanced Clean Water Wash System
Tub MaterialStainless Steel

Pros

  • Smudge-resistant stainless steel coating
  • Spacious and versatile loading opportunities
  • Low operating noise

Cons

  • Struggles to dry plastic items

KitchenAid’s KDTM404KPS is an entry-level dishwasher with an affordable price and cutting-edge features—most of which you’ll find on the 604KPS models. It is equipped with an advanced clean water wash system, a ProWash cycle, and a FreeFlex rack.

The 404 model is a step up from the 304 models in terms of space and loading opportunities. Featuring a deep, angled third rack, it can fit up to 6” saucers, mugs, and glasses, unlike the standard rack.

This FreeFlex third rack even has rotating wash jets, which ensures that every item on the rack gets thoroughly washed and rinsed every cycle.

We like that all the racks offer ample flexibility, allowing you to accommodate a variety of dishes in a single load. Thanks to its cutting-edge wash system, you can also wash the greasiest pots with the most delicate glassware at the same time.

The ProWash cycle enables the dishwasher to detect the soil level of your dishes. Then, it automatically adjusts the wash time and temperature to give your dishes a thorough clean without wasting too much water and energy.

Combined with an advanced microfiltration system, the dishwasher can filter the food residue from the dishes, preventing them from getting redistributed. This ensures fresh, sparkling clean dishes after every wash.

The 404KPS has a condenser drying system, which uses hot water and heated air to dry the dishes. Although it can fully dry glasses, ceramics, and metals, it does struggle to get plastic items bone dry.

On the bright side, there is a significant difference in performance if you use Rinse Aid and the Extended Heat Dry Option for hard-to-dry plastics.

KitchenAid KDTM604KPS

KitchenAid KDTM604KPS
BrandKitchenAid 
ModelKDTM604KPS
Dimensions23 ⅞” x 33 ⅝” x 26 ¾” 
Installation TypeBuilt-In
Place Settings16
Noise Level44 dBA
Number of Racks3
Wash ProgramsExpress Wash, Normal, ProWash™, Rinse, Tough
FeaturesFan-Enabled Pro-Dry System, PrintShield Finish, ProWash Cycle, FreeFlex Third Rack, SatinGlide Rails, Advanced Clean Water Wash System
Tub MaterialStainless Steel

Pros

  • Advanced microfiltration prevents the redistribution of food residue
  • Smart sensing capabilities
  • Reliable drying performance

Cons

  • No WiFi connectivity

The KDTM604KPS dishwashers are equipped with the best cleaning and drying features that KitchenAid has to offer. Combined with the FreeFlex Third Rack, it offers a lot of space and flexibility, allowing you to fit a wide range of items in a single load.

An advanced microfiltration system ensures the removal of food residue from the dishes, preventing them from getting redistributed throughout the cycle. This very system also circulates clean water across the three racks.

What we like about this wash system is that it enables you to wash the dirtiest cookware with the most delicate glassware. If you have a large household, it saves you a lot of time and energy by washing everything in a single load.

Additionally, it has smart sensing capabilities, which automatically adjust the wash cycles based on the soil level of your dishes. It makes dishwashing quick, easy, and hassle-free for every household.

Aside from its advanced cleaning capabilities, the KDTM604KPS dishwashers are equipped with KitchenAid’s ProDrying system. This uses a heating element and a fan to thoroughly dry your dishes, including plastic items.

The KDTM604KPS dishwashers offer great value for its price even though it lacks WiFi connectivity. Most modern dishwashers, even entry-level models, have such a feature that enables you to remotely monitor and control cycles.

Still, we don’t think it’s a dealbreaker. Even though it lacks remote controls, you can take advantage of its 1-24-hour Delay Start feature to delay the start time of a wash cycle and run the dishwasher during off-peak hours.

Overall, KitchenAid’s KDTM604KPS is a solid choice for large households looking for a reasonably-priced dishwasher with reliable cleaning and drying power.

KitchenAid KDTM404KPS vs KDTM604KPS Dishwasher Comparison

KitchenAid KDTM404KPSKDTM604KPS
Dimensions23 ⅞” x 33 ⅝” x 26 ¾” 23 ⅞” x 33 ⅝” x 26 ¾” 
Installation TypeBuilt-InBuilt-In
Wash SystemAdvanced Clean Water Wash SystemAdvanced Clean Water Wash System
Drying SystemCondenser DryingFan-Enabled Pro-Dry System
Place Settings1616
Noise Level44 dBA44 dBA
Number of Racks33
Stemware Holders24
Delay Times2-4-8-hour delays1 to 24-hour delays
Wash ProgramsExpress Wash, Normal, ProWash™, Rinse, ToughExpress Wash, Normal, ProWash™, Rinse, Tough
FeaturesPrintShield Finish, ProWash Cycle, FreeFlex Third Rack, SatinGlide Rails,  Advanced Clean Water Wash SystemFan-Enabled Pro-Dry System, PrintShield Finish, ProWash Cycle, FreeFlex Third Rack, SatinGlide Rails, Advanced Clean Water Wash System
Tub MaterialStainless SteelStainless Steel

Similarities

  • Stainless Steel Interior – Both 404 and 604 dishwashers have sturdy, stainless steel interiors, making them pretty durable and quiet. They can also retain heat better, which boosts the drying results.
  • Quiet Operation – Since both the 404 and 604 models have stainless steel tubs and durable rack designs, you can barely hear them running during cycles. Even in a small apartment or kitchen, they won’t make loud noises.
  • PrintShielf Finish – The 404 and 604 dishwashers have the same specialized stainless steel coating, which makes them resistant to smudges and fingerprints. This makes them easier to clean and maintain.
  • No WiFi Connectivity So far, KitchenAid dishwashers don’t have WiFi connectivity. On both 404 and 604 models, you can’t use remote monitoring and controls.
  • FreeFlex Third Rack – Instead of the standard third rack, these KitchenAid dishwashers are equipped with the FreeFlex Third Rack, which has a deep, angled design that can fit 6” items like mugs, glasses, and bowls. 

With adjustable middle and lower racks, both 404 and 604 models can accommodate a wide range of dishware in a single load. 

  • Place Settings – Both dishwasher models have three racks with identical rack designs and features. 

They can accommodate up to 16 place settings. They can fit a wide array of dishes in a single load, including clunky cookware and other oddly-shaped items.

Differences

  • Drying system – One of the biggest differences between the KitchenAid 404 and 604 models is the drying system. The former uses a combination of hot air and water to dry the dishes, while the latter uses a heating element and a fan. 

The 604 dishwashers have a superior drying performance because of their drying system. Compared to 404 models, they can dry plastic items better even without extending the drying cycle.

  • Delay times – These two models also differ when it comes to the Delay Start, which is the feature that allows you to start a dishwasher cycle at a later time.

On the 404 models, you can set the delay start feature at 2, 4, and 8-hour intervals. The 604 models, on the other hand, can be set to 1 to 24-hour increments.

  • Price – Since these models have a few significant differences, their prices do vary but by no more than a hundred dollars. You can get 404 models for at least $999 and 604 models for at least $1,099.

Which is Better: KitchenAid KDTM404KPS vs KDTM604KPS Dishwasher

In terms of cleaning performance, the more affordable KitchenAid KDTM404KPS is up to par with the KDTM604KPS models. Since they have the same cutting-edge cleaning system, they can deliver consistent results.

The KDTM604KPS, however, is far superior in terms of drying. Since it has a fan-enabled ProDry system, it is capable of drying thick plastic items while the KDTM404KPS condensation drying system struggles to get them bone dry.

Overall, the KDTM604KPS is better. Although slightly more expensive, we think it’s worth the upgrade because of its reliable drying power.


Dishwashers have become a staple in every modern kitchen. With a wide array of options on the market, finding the right appliance for your kitchen is easier said than done—but not impossible.

Here at ApplianceGeeked, we create comprehensive guides and give honest feedback to help you with your search. Hopefully, we can make this process a lot less tedious so you can find a dishwasher worthy of your hard-earned money. 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *