What's this? Based mainly on washing, it also factors in noise, energy and water use, loading, and more. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.
Price range:
$291.60 - $399.00
Summary:
This Maytag dishwasher has
• A soil sensor.
• A delayed-start feature.
• A self-cleaning filter.
• A plastic tub.
• No hidden controls.
• Ample flatware slots.
The Maytag MDB4409PA[W] is part of the dishwasher
test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, dishwasher
models like the MDB4409PA[W] are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.
Washing:
Assessed by running the normal or equivalent cycle to clean a full load--10 place settings of very dirty dishes that were scraped but not rinsed. We examine the dishes and glassware for residual food after cleaning.
Energy use:
For a normal cycle. The largest portion is needed for heating water, both at the water heater and in the machine.
Noise:
Judged during fill, wash, and drain, mainly by a listening panel.
About This Brand
A Whirlpool-owned brand, Maytag introduced a steam model in 2008 and will introduce a dishwasher-drawer model later this year. The company positions its products as durable, but its dishwashers have been relatively repair prone, according to our Annual Product Reliability Survey. Prices range from $300 to $900.
Sensor A sensor adjusts water usage and cycle time to the amount of soil on the dishes. This should make a dishwasher use water more efficiently, but we found that wasn't always the case. Moreover, a sensor can increase a machine's running time.
Sensor
Yes
Self-cleaning filter A filter that cleans itself is convenient, but it can add to noise. Note that it's often the costly foreign brands that lack self-cleaning filters and require periodic manual cleaning of the filter.
Self-cleaning filter
Yes
Stainless-steel tub Unlike a plastic tub, a stainless-steel one won't discolor, but it does increase the cost of a dishwasher by about $100.
Stainless-steel tub
No
Hidden controls Controls along the top edge of the door contribute to a sleeker look. Some models hide all controls; others hide only some controls.
Hidden controls
No
Ample flatware slots Flatware baskets with lids provide individual slots for most of the utensils in our silverware load. Such lids prevent "nesting" and thus improve flatware cleaning. It is more time-consuming to load the cutlery into individual slots, though, so you can remove the lids if you prefer.
Ample flatware slots
Yes
Adjustable upper rack Most models hold cups and glasses on the top rack, plates on the lower rack, and silverware in a basket. The ability to adjust the upper rack up or down an inch or so allows for more flexibility in loading items such as tall glasses.
Adjustable upper rack
No
Stainless/SS-look option Stainless steel is stylish, but it shows fingerprints. Another option: a vinyl-covered metal finish that gives you a stainless-steel look but resists smudging.
ANNOYING THAT IT DOES A '''VERY POOR''' JOB OF DRYING THE DISHES AND GLASSES. At about 40 days usage....not satisfied. Poor drying is the worst thing about it. All other features work well. It cleans well. It looks nice. Runs quiet...but poor on drying.... and I give this model MDB4409 the absolutel LOWEST ratings when it comes to drying the dishes. ( Yes, we read the destruction manual, and tried different settings). <br /><br />We have set this dishwasher on the high-temp cycle, normal cycle, and light...and on all cycles, dishes end up still wet and annoying...and we have to dry them off before storing them on the shelf. <br /><br />We have repeatedly set the control to '' Heated Dry '' and the results are repeatedly poor. By comparison, our 21-year-old Hotpoint did a far, far better job of completely drying the dishes.