Review: Whirlpool "Quiet Partner I" Dishwasher, Model DU1030XTXB

After over a decade of service, the builders' grade General Electric dishwasher finally gave out, and the ailing machine's replacement was well past due. There are many brand names to choose from these days, many are old familiar names while other are relatively new. Unlike decades ago, foreign made brands are now abundant. Sadly, American brands are not necessarily even made in America any more. Just the same, I wanted a brand I was familiar with and not some upstart company in China. I wanted a Whirlpool even though they are now made in Mexico. I considered buying a stainless steel model, as it is the rage these days but elected to go with the more economical black. White is just too cheap and generic looking.

There are half a dozen or so Whirlpool dishwasher models to choose from, ranging in price from $350 to $870. The prices for any particular model can vary by more than $100 depending on the retailer. Competition among retailers is fierce these days and bargain prices can be found. The Whirlpool "Quiet Partner I", model DU1030XTXB is advertised from $325 to $419. I was able to purchase this same model through a local discount appliance store for $296 plus tax. I love a bargain!

The Whirlpool dishwasher comes with a well-illustrated installation manual, and unless this is a new installation, a few common hand tools are all you need. Installation of the new dishwasher was an easy task except for the water line. Perhaps a new trend in the industry, the water line attaches via a garden hose type of screw on connection. You have to purchase the adaptor separately as it does not come with the machine. In my case, I had to buy a universal installation kit because the adaptor is made for 3/8" tubing, and my original dishwasher was installed with ½" tubing. The universal installation kit also came with a 5' flexible, reinforced hose that was much easier to work with than the copper tubing used for the installation of my original dishwasher.

The "Quiet Partner I" is just as the name implies. I was a little dubious at the time of purchase because, unlike many of the other brands, the Whirlpool model did not come with a sound-deadening blanket to cover the machine. My old GE dishwasher had one of these and still made enough noise to wake the dead. I was pleasantly surprise by how quietly the new Whirlpool dishwasher ran without a sound-deadening pad. So quiet that my wife was in doubt that the dishwasher was really working.

The Whirlpool "Quiet Partner I", model DU1030XTXB, is well designed. The upper tray has its own spray arm and does not take space away from the lower tray, leaving room for more dishes. It has five different washing cycle options ranging from heavy duty "Pots & Pans" to "Rinse Only." These primarily affect the run time of the dishwasher. The "Pots & Pans" setting is a rather lengthy 3-1/2 hour process. In a hurry for clean dishes? This model offers a one-hour express cleaning. Among the operating options are "High Temp" and "Sani Rinse." These options preheat the incoming water to a higher temperature than supplied by your household water heater. Typical of most dishwashers, heat dry can be turned on or off. Turning both of these heat options off will save on your utility bill.

An interesting feature on this model is the 4-hour delay. Convenient for those who want to delay the dishwasher's start while they use hot water for other household activities such as washing cloths or bathing. With this option you will not forget to start the dishwasher later. There is also a locking feature. The locking feature does not lock the dishwasher door, but it does prevent anyone from inadvertently turning on the dishwasher. If you have little children, you know how they love to push buttons and turn knobs, so this could be a very useful option.

I am very pleased with my selection of the Whirlpool "Quiet Partner I", model DU1030XTXB. It is quiet, efficient and has ample room for dishes.