9 Dishwashers Not to Buy in Kenya: Common Mistakes to Avoid Leave a comment
Dishwashers have become an essential appliance in the kitchen for many households in Kenya, but not all dishwasher brands are created equal.
It can be frustrating to invest in a dishwasher that doesn’t live up to expectations, leaving dishes unclean and water spots on glasses.
It’s important to know which dishwashers to avoid to save yourself time, money, and headaches.
In this blog post, I’ll share with you eight dishwashers to steer clear of and common mistakes to avoid when shopping for the perfect dishwasher.
So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!
How to identify the worst dishwasher brand in Kenya?
Before you make a purchase decision on a dishwasher, it’s important to keep in mind a few key indicators of an unreliable brand.
To help you make an informed choice, here are some factors to take into consideration.
- The primary factor to consider is the efficiency of the dishwasher in cleaning dishes. Typically, dishwashers in Kenya have two ratings, cleaning power, and washing power. If the machine’s cleaning power rating is higher than its washing power, it is likely that its performance will not meet your expectations.
- Be mindful of the duration it takes for the dishwasher to clean. If you observe that the cleaning time is excessively long, it could indicate that the dishwasher is not functioning optimally. Consequently, you may need to consider replacing it in the near future.
- When selecting a dishwasher, keep an eye on its power usage in comparison to other brands. Additionally, take note of the number of cycles it employs. Opting for a dishwasher with fewer cycles could lead to decreased electricity costs over time.
- When it comes to longevity, certain dishwasher brands have a tendency to experience malfunctions. To ensure that your dishwasher remains functional in the long run, it’s advisable to purchase from reputable brands.
- If you’re in the market for a dishwasher in Kenya, it’s wise to seek out a warranty that covers both parts and labor.
- The level of customer service offered by the manufacturer can be a good indicator of their reputation. It’s worth investigating whether they provide a guarantee for all of their products.
List of Dishwashers Not To Buy in Kenya
According to consumer reviews, the following are the least reliable dishwasher brands.
#1. Frigidaire
Ranked high among the top appliance brands in the market is Frigidaire.
Many consumers appreciate the brand for its superior quality standards.
However, despite its satisfied customers, there is also a long list of disappointed users.
One of the biggest drawbacks of this brand is its poor customer service. Many consumers have taken to various forums to complain about the lack of after-sale support.
Such non-responsiveness from a top-rated company can be frustrating and lead to significant repair costs.
In fact, the Frigidaire FGIP2468UF model has received the most negative feedback from users.
Before you consider purchasing a Frigidaire dishwasher, be aware of the following drawbacks:
- Flimsy door with springs that can come out in just a few months
- Poor dish-drying performance in normal settings
- Interior made of plastic, which many users dislike
- Noisy operation
- Unreliable customer support
#2. Samsung
Samsung has left its users disappointed with their dishwasher performance and reliability.
While the brand is known for its durability in the appliance business, homeowners have expressed concerns about the quality of their dishwashers.
The Built-in dishwashers from Samsung in Kenya have received the lowest rating from users despite having features such as a 15 place settings capacity, 5 wash cycles, extra rack space, and easy-touch digital controls.
Some of the issues customers have reported include leaking, breakdowns after just two months, average build quality, frequent error codes, and poor drainage.
Additionally, customer support staff is notorious for rarely giving a response.
#3. Bosch Dishwasher
Many users have been disappointed by the high failure rates of Bosch dishwashers in Kenya, especially considering the brand’s luxury status and the high expectations that come with it.
Despite being a German manufacturer, Bosch actually produces almost all of its dishwashers in North Carolina, with only a few models in the Benchmark Series being made in Germany.
The major issue with Bosch dishwashers is their reliability, with costly repairs and servicing often required after only 6 months of use.
In fact, rough estimates suggest that Bosch dishwashers have a failure rate of around 36%.
Among all the models, the Bosch SHE3AR75UC has received the most complaints from users.
However, if you’re still interested in purchasing a Bosch dishwasher, you can refer to their complete dishwasher troubleshooting guide.
Before making a purchase, it’s important to consider the following drawbacks of Bosch dishwashers:
- Frequent failure within 6 months of use
- Expensive repair costs
- Less sturdy build quality compared to the price
- Poor rack design that doesn’t allow for larger items like casseroles, bowls, and cookie sheets
- Door often gets stuck.
#4. Fisher & Paykel
This particular dishwasher brand may not be on your radar, but it’s worth noting that Fisher & Paykel is actually a top-selling luxury brand in the market today.
Their products are often not well-known to the general public due to their high-end positioning.
Unfortunately, the costs associated with owning a Fisher & Paykel dishwasher can be quite steep for the average consumer, both in terms of the initial purchase price and repair expenses.
Given the premium price tag, you might expect these dishwashers to be durable and have minimal maintenance needs.
However, many users have reported dissatisfaction with their Fisher & Paykel purchases.
One common issue is a lack of durability, with some users experiencing the need for repairs within just six months of purchase, similar to Bosch dishwashers.
Other prevalent issues reported by users include loud sounds during the draining process, difficult installation that may require plumbing line changes, and problems arising within the first year of use.
All in all, owning a Fisher & Paykel dishwasher in Kenya can come with a hefty price tag, both in terms of initial purchase and ongoing repair costs.
#5. Miele Dishwasher
It’s best to steer clear of Miele dishwashers in Kenya.
While they are generally known for high-quality products, their dishwashers have not been performing well.
A staggering 20% of purchasers have reported issues with their machines, which is alarming for a company typically associated with reliability.
Also, Miele’s customer support leaves something to be desired.
Many buyers have complained about long wait times and difficulties reaching after-sales service.
There are also concerns about the controls within Miele dishwashers, which can fail and pose a significant risk given their high cost compared to similar models.
To sum up the key points about Miele dishwashers in Kenya:
While the brand is typically associated with quality, their dishwashers have a reputation for being problematic, with 20% of owners reporting issues.
While these machines can last a long time, they may require frequent repairs.
#6. Whirlpool Dishwasher Brand
Whirlpool is undoubtedly an immensely popular dishwasher brand in Kenya known for its striking colors and remarkable finish.
However, despite its exterior appeal, Whirlpool dishwashers have received negative feedback from numerous users, making it one of the dishwasher brands to avoid.
One of the models from the brand, the WDT750SAKZ, has left users dissatisfied with its washing and drying performance.
One of the most common complaints includes water spots on dishes, and despite having some useful features like an adjustable upper rack and delay start, it falls short in other areas, such as its lengthy 155-minute wash cycle.
Despite its shortcomings, the Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ managed to perform well in wash tests, effectively eliminating baked-on food from dirty dishes, making it a good option for those seeking a powerful dishwasher.
However, its poor drying performance led to an overall Consumer Reports score of 51.
The Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ is an energy-efficient dishwasher that has a solid Energy Star rating.
However, when compared to other dishwasher brands, none of the Whirlpool models scored higher than 71 in Consumer Reports, with their drying capabilities being the primary issue leading to the poor ratings.
#7. Avoid Kitchen Aid Dishwasher Brand
Customers have been candid about their dissatisfaction with the product.
Owners have stated that they have had to rewash their dishes several times to get them clean.
The model that is being reviewed is the KitchenAid KDTE334GPS.
As a brand, KitchenAid has a higher owner satisfaction rating, but a much lower product reliability rating.
While some Kitchen Aid models perform well, this particular model falls short.
It does have some notable strengths, like energy efficiency and low noise levels, and its washing performance is average to good. However, its drying performance is subpar.
Poor cleaning performance is a common complaint among owners.
Many have had to rewash their dishes multiple times, which is unacceptable for a 160-minute wash cycle.
Considering the price point of over $1200 (KES 160K), owners expected better performance.
Drying performance is also a problem with this model, as well as other Kitchen Aid models.
On the positive side, the Kitchen Aid KDTE334GPS does perform quietly and is an energy-efficient dishwasher.
However, energy efficiency alone is not enough if the dishwasher cannot clean dishes properly.
#8. Amana Dishwasher Brand
Looking for an affordable dishwasher in Kenya to make your life easier?
Amana offers some sleek appliances with basic features, but be aware of some drawbacks.
Unlike other dishwashers, Amana lacks an adjustable upper rack, delay start, and a self-cleaning filter, making it an unappealing choice.
Consumer Reports ranked Amana in the middle of the pack for predicted reliability, but the owner satisfaction rating was significantly lower over the past three years.
While the Amana models did perform well in cleaning heavily soiled dishes using a full washer, the 166-minute wash cycle times and 6-gallon water efficiency were subpar compared to other budget dishwashers.
One major downside is the noisy operation of standard Amana dishwasher models, which may be disruptive.
However, given its price point of around KES 45K, this is to be expected.
Another common complaint is that the Amana dishwasher in Kenya doesn’t effectively dry dishes, as reported by online reviews.
Many owners still have to towel dry their dishes after a cycle.
Overall, even for an affordable option, Amana’s owner satisfaction ratings are poor.
Keep these factors in mind when considering this brand.
#9. Hot Point
As you conduct your research on dishwasher brands to avoid in Kenya, make sure to include Hot Point on your list.
Although the brand is considered budget-friendly, its two models, HDF330PGRWW and HDF310PGRWW, have scored a respectable 63 on Consumer Reports in terms of performance, surpassing some of the more reputable brands mentioned before.
However, it should be noted that the overall quality of the Hot Point brand is poor, with an owner satisfaction and product reliability rating of only 2 out of 5, as reported by Consumer Reports.
This low rating is due to several faults that can end up costing you a lot of money in the long run.
One of the main drawbacks of these HotPoint dishwasher models in Kenya is their limited features.
They lack an adjustable upper rack, a delay start feature, and have a manually cleaned filter.
Additionally, they tend to be somewhat loud during use, with noise and drying being the primary factors contributing to the overall low rating.
Moreover, this particular Hot Point dishwasher is not Energy Star rated, which means it may consume more energy and resources to operate.
Its price is around KES 37K or less, which makes it an affordable option, but it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks before making a purchase.
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