KitchenAid dishwashers are known for their quality construction and cleaning performance. Two of their most popular models are the KitchenAid 404 and 604.
But what’s the difference between these two dishwashers, and which one is better for your needs?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the key features, performance, reliability, noise levels, capacity, design, and cost of the KitchenAid 404 vs 604 dishwashers.
We’ll also provide pros and cons for each model to help you decide which is the right fit for your kitchen.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Specs | KitchenAid 404 | KitchenAid 604 |
| Price | $549 – $699 | $799 – $999 |
| Capacity | 14 place settings | 14 place settings |
| Cycles | 6 cycles | 7 cycles |
| Racks | 2 racks | 3 racks |
| Tub Material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Drying System | Condensation | ProDry with fan |
| Filtration | Triple filter | Ultra fine triple filter + PureRinse |
| Noise | 44 dBA | 39 dBA |
| Controls | Plastic push buttons | Stainless touch controls |
| Exterior | Multiple colors | Stainless with prints, panel ready |
| Customization | None | Architect panels, handles |
Overview of the KitchenAid 404 Dishwasher
The KitchenAid 404 dishwasher is an entry-level model in KitchenAid’s range. It has a simple, streamlined design and fewer bells and whistles than higher-end KitchenAid dishwashers.
Here are some of the key specs and features of the KitchenAid 404 dishwasher:
- Dimensions: 33 7/8″ H x 23 7/8″ W x 23 3/8” D
- Capacity: 14 place settings
- 6 wash cycles
- Top-control push button controls
- Stainless steel tall tub with nylon racks
- 1 upper rack and 1 lower rack
- 3-stage filtration system
- 44 dBA noise rating
- Energy star certified
The 404 is designed to be an affordable option that still provides quality washing and drying performance.
While it lacks some of the more advanced features and customization options of pricier KitchenAid models, it offers solid cleaning power in a streamlined, easy-to-use package.
Overview of the KitchenAid 604 Dishwasher
The KitchenAid 604 dishwasher is a mid-range model that steps things up with more cycles, better noise insulation, and an enhanced drying system. Here are some of its key specs and features:
- Dimensions: 34 1/8” H x 23 7/8” W x 23 3/8” D
- Capacity: 14 place settings
- 7 wash cycles
- Top-control electronic touch controls
- Fingerprint resistant stainless steel tall tub with nylon racks
- 1 upper rack and 1 lower rack
- ProScrub wash option targeting 20% more stained areas
- Extendable ProDryTM drying system
- Ultra fine water filters with PureRinse
- 39 dBA noise rating
- Energy star certified
With extras like the ProScrub wash, extended drying system, and sound insulation, the 604 brings more functionality and higher-end performance. It’s a solid step up from the 404 model in terms of features and customization.
Comparing Key Features and Performance
Now that we’ve outlined the basics of each model, let’s take a closer look at how the Dishwasher 404 and 604 compare in some important categories:
Wash Cycles
- KitchenAid 404: 6 cycles – Normal, Heavy, Light, Rinse Only, 1-Hour Wash, Quick Wash
- KitchenAid 604: 7 cycles – Normal, Heavy, Light, ProWash, ProDry, Rinse Only, 1-Hour Wash
The 604 adds the ProWash cycle, which uses targeted jets to scrub 20% more stained areas. This gives you more flexibility to customize cycles based on load size and how dirty your dishes are.
Drying Performance
- KitchenAid 404: Condensation drying
- KitchenAid 604: ProDryTM system with fan and reusable moisture vent
The 604’s ProDry system uses an internal fan and vent to pull moisture out of the tub for faster, more efficient drying, especially on plastics.
Noise Level
- KitchenAid 404: 44 dBA
- KitchenAid 604: 39 dBA
The 604 has better noise insulation, making it 5 decibels quieter than the 404 model. This can make a noticeable difference in kitchens where a quieter operation is preferred.
Racks
- Both have nylon coated racks and offer 14 place settings capacity
- 604 has a 3rd upper rack for extra loading flexibility
While both dishwashers can hold the same number of place settings, the 604 has an additional small third rack for fitting more silverware, utensils and small items that allows for more customization when loading dishes.
Filtration
- KitchenAid 404: Triple filter system
- KitchenAid 604: Ultra fine triple filter system with PureRinse
The 604 has the upgraded filtration of KitchenAid’s PureRinse system, which removes more food particles for cleaner water and better washing performance.
Design
- KitchenAid 404: Plastic bottom controls, no handle or trim kit options
- KitchenAid 604: Stainless steel touch controls, architect trim panel options
The 604 has a sleeker fully stainless steel design inside and out. It also offers customizable trim kit options to match your kitchen’s aesthetics.
Reliability and Longevity Comparison
KitchenAid is known for making reliable appliances built to last. Based on consumer reviews and feedback, both these dishwashers offer good reliability and longevity when properly maintained and cared for.
A few slight differences to note regarding durability:
- The 604’s stainless steel construction makes it a bit more durable and scratch-resistant over time compared to the 404’s plastic bottom controls and tub.
- Some consumers report the 604’s drying system holds up better over repeated use compared to the 404.
- The 604’s ultra fine filter may need replacing less frequently than the 404’s filter.
- KitchenAid backs both models with a 1 year warranty. The 604 being the higher-end model may warrant extended coverage from KitchenAid in some cases.
Overall, both dishwasher models should provide approximately 9-12 years of reliable service when used normally in a residential setting.
The 604 has a slight edge from its upgraded materials and components. But both are still solid choices in the reliability department when cared for properly.
Noise Level Comparison
An important consideration for any kitchen appliance is noise level, especially for dishwashers which run at night when kitchen background noise is lower.
As mentioned previously, the KitchenAid 604 dishwasher has a distinct edge when it comes to noise levels:
- KitchenAid 404 noise level: 44 dBA
- KitchenAid 604 noise level: 39 dBA
Decibel levels give us a more objective look at the noise difference. To put these numbers in perspective, a normal conversation is about 60 dB. For dishwashers, anything less than 45 dB is considered quiet.
So while both models are relatively quiet, those extra 5 decibels of insulation make the 604 noticeably quieter to owners. It’s far from soundless, but it won’t be as disruptive at night or interrupt conversations as much as the 404.
If sound is a major factor for you, the 604 is the way to go. Noise insulation technology has improved over time, and you can really tell comparing these two models.
Dishwasher Capacity Comparison
For most families’ daily dish loads, capacity shouldn’t be an issue with either dishwasher model. Here is how they compare:
- Place settings: Both 404 and 604 have 14 place setting capacity
- Racks: Both have a top and bottom rack. The 604 adds a third small upper rack.
- Tub: Similar tall tub dimensions, made from durable stainless steel.
The overall rack dimensions and tub sizes are nearly identical between the dishwashers, with one small exception—the 604’s additional third rack for silverware and small items.
This basically translates to similar standard capacity in terms of plates, bowls, mugs that both dishes can accommodate. You’ll just get a bit more loading flexibility with the extra rack in the 604.
One note when comparing capacities—the 604’s ProDry system requires some open space for air circulation, which may slightly limit space for larger items. But this is a worthwhile tradeoff for the enhanced drying ability.
Overall, both models are equipped to handle typical dish loads for families of 4-6 people with some room to spare. If you routinely wash very large or bulky items, the 404 may have a bit more free tub space.
Design and Style Comparison
While performance and features take priority when shopping for dishwashers, design and style play a role in finding the right look for your kitchen. Here’s how the aesthetics of the KitchenAid 404 and 604 compare:
Exterior
- 404 doors available in white, black, stainless, stainless with prints
- 604 doors available in stainless, stainless with prints, panel ready
The 404 offers more color options for its exterior door, while the 604 focuses on stainless with prints or a custom panel-ready option.
Interior Tubs
- Both tubs made from rust-resistant stainless steel
Controls
- 404: Plastic bottom controls
- 604: Brushed stainless steel touch controls
The 604 has a sleeker full stainless steel look. The plastic controls on the 404 help keep costs lower.
Handle Styles
- 404: No handle, just integrated grip
- 604: Offers architect handle customization
Only the 604 has handle options to tie in your kitchen hardware finishes.
Customization
- 404: No trim kit options
- 604: Optional trim kits and accessories
Trim kits allow covering the gap between the dishwasher and cabinetry. The 604 offers more ways to blend seamlessly into cabinetry.
Overall Look
- 404: Simple, streamlined
- 604: Higher-end finishes
The 604 definitely has a more premium look and feel with full stainless, customizable trim and handles. But the 404 still offers classic KitchenAid styling at an affordable price point.
Cost Comparison
When it comes to upfront purchase price, the KitchenAid 404 is the more budget-friendly option by a good margin. Here’s an overview of the typical retail cost of each model:
- KitchenAid 404
- MSRP range: $699 – $799
- Sale price range: $549 – $699
- KitchenAid 604
- MSRP range: $1,099 – $1,199
- Sale price range: $799 – $999
However, the 604’s higher-end construction, features and performance do merit the higher price tag for many owners. Sales and promotions can also help offset the pricing gap between the two models throughout the year.
Over the full lifetime of use, the 604 may save owners money with slightly lower:
- Repair costs
- Filter replacements
- Electricity and water bills from efficiency
However, exact long-term savings will depend on individual usage patterns. In general, the 604 still represents a meaningful jump in upfront investment, but does deliver upgraded performance and features that some buyers find worthwhile.
KitchenAid 404 Pros and Cons
KitchenAid 404 Pros:
- Simple, streamlined operation
- Energy and water efficient
- Affordable purchase price
- Light and quiet enough for most kitchens
- Quality construction and durability
- Suitable capacity for average household needs
KitchenAid 404 Cons:
- Fewer cycles and settings than pricier models
- No custom drying options
- Some noise insulation lacking compared to new models
- Plastic bottom controls less durable than stainless
- No trim kit or handle options
- Lower resale value than pricier KitchenAid models
KitchenAid 604 Pros and Cons
KitchenAid 604 Pros:
- Excellent cleaning and drying performance
- Very quiet 39 dBA operation
- Sleek fully stainless steel aesthetics
- Custom trim and handle options for built-in look
- Extra 3rd rack adds loading flexibility
- Anti-fingerprint stainless finish
- More wash customization with ProWash
- Better moisture removal with ProDry system
KitchenAid 604 Cons:
- Higher upfront purchase price
- Overkill features for light, simple cleaning needs
- Small 3rd rack can block bottom access somewhat
- No major capacity differences from 404
- Less color variety for exterior door
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main differences between the 404 and 204 dishwashers are:
Capacity: 404 holds 14 place settings vs 12 for the 204
Rack design: 404 has an upper and lower rack with nylon coating. 204 has 2 wire racks.
Tub material: 404 has a stainless steel tub while the 204 is made from plastic
Control type: 404 has mechanical push buttons. 204 has a rotating dial selector.
Efficiency: 404 is Energy Star certified, 204 is not.
Dry: 404 uses a condensation drying method. 204 relies on heat dry only.
Noise: 404 is quieter at 44 dB vs 48 dB for the 204
The two main types of dishwashing machines are:
1. Built-In Dishwashers: These permanently integrate into kitchen cabinetry for a seamless look. They connect directly to the home’s plumbing and electricity.
2. Portable Dishwashers: These have casters for easy portability and often attach to the kitchen faucet. They can be stored out of sight when not in use.
The average life expectancy for a KitchenAid dishwasher is approximately 9-12 years with proper installation and maintenance. Higher-end models with stainless steel tubs and better warranties often last closer to 12-15 years.
Bosch and KitchenAid both make high-quality dishwashers. In terms of cleaning and drying performance, Bosch and KitchenAid are considered on par with each other.
Some differences that may make Bosch better for some consumers:
1. Even quieter operation – Bosch is considered the quietest in the industry
2. SHP water softener helps minimize spots
3. ADA compliance with low to ground controls
4. Stable SimpleRack racking system
KitchenAid advantages can include:
1. Iconic branding preferred by some consumers
2. Slightly lower purchase cost
3. Aesthetics and custom trim kits
4. American-based manufacturing
So in choosing between Bosch and KitchenAid, consider noise needs, budget, and visual appeal most carefully. Both deliver outstanding performance and reliability.
Closing Remarks
In summary, the 604 costs more but upgrades drying performance, sound insulation, filtration, racks, and aesthetics. The 404 provides good basic cleaning at a more affordable price point.
Use this table to compare the Dishwashers’ specs and decide which model best fits your needs and budget.
