Oh say can you see, by the Dawn's early light. Day before the 4th of July, I purchased this new GE Profile dishwasher.
Why a new one:
Two years back I reviewed a similar model I had purchased in 2000 - the
GE Triton Profile GSD5630. Three recall letters delivered on Monday (the 2nd) warning of a possible fire hazard was just a little too much. My older model had served me very well with the exception of one repair in 2005. A great performer, I liked the look of my old GE Profile and would probably never have had a problem with it, but for someone adding too much dishwasher soap which had eventually caused a small plastic valve to go bad. The part was $13.55, but the bill came to $184.31 at that time. The old GE even still looks new and I've always liked the electronic controls it uses - and overall I've had good luck with GE appliances through the years, but the prospect of any more unexpected repairs was a good reason to buy a new model over my seven year old machine.
With a five year warranty on the electronic control panels of each model, my old unit was well out of warranty for any free replacement of that. The small repair two years back was almost $200, and the recall offered a $300 rebate on a new Profile model or a free repair. The repair was a simple one, inside the door, near the Jet Dry dispenser. For some reason a few fires had been caused by the use of the Jet Dry dispenser, and mine has always been filled with it and used. For this reason, GE recommended my electronic maid be retired for a repair or replacement.
Okay, I liked my electronic "maid", but the risk of a kitchen fire was just too much to tolerate from any protest by my low paid helper. Repair or replace? Replace was the obvious best solution due to the age of my helper and the nice rebate. My local Lowes had the new dishwasher for $748 and I had a card for $50 off on any store purchase of $500 or more. Of course, my luck was what I wanted was not in stock, but Lowes took care of that by quickly ordering the dishwasher. Let's see now that's $748 - $50 = $698 - $300 rebate = $398. Now that sounds really good for a brand new appliance - but the reality was $698 + $59 delivery + $68.13 tax = $825.13. Well wait a minute, that's $825 - $300 rebate = $525 - $50 delivery rebate = $475. Alright, that's still not bad for a brand new warranted appliance - so I bought my new kitchen slave on the spot and unseen. I already knew this model has automatic detergent dispensing, as well as a much deeper upper basket, and space for a 16 place setting of dishes as compared to the 10 place my old unit could hold. The deeper baskets alone would mean larger pots could also be washed at the same time with my dishes and not separately in the sink as often happened before.
Unlike the picture above, I ordered my PDW7900N in white. That gave my machine the added designation WW to the model number. A black model is the PDW7900NBB, and a bisque model is the PDW7900NCC.
Disclaimer: Right enough my new "slave" is white - but electronic. Well, on second thought, some might say that of me. Wait a minute - for the lack of better words, that doesn't make me a white slaver. So please don't be directing law enforcement officials to my door. Okay?
Set-up:
You probably guessed it, I decided Friday evening to install my new helper myself - using all 220 lbs. of aging body and bad back. The unit was slid around easily as it comes attached to a small wooden frame that one detaches by unscrewing the four adjustable feet and re-installing them to the washer once the protective wooden frame is out of the way. I just laid my unit on its back and took care of this after removing the protective cardboard and box. Not a big deal, the dishwasher is light - but then again, I didn't try lifting it to see just how heavy it is. The instructions for the install also have you check the balance of the door and tell how to adjust it if needed. Mine was perfectly neutral and easy to move, so that was a step I didn't need to use.
I got down in the floor and crawled under my sink with a few hand tools, turned off the water valve there, and disconnected the old washers drain and hot water connections, then carefully sliding it out (the power cord is designed to disconnect on its own from the wall outlet behind the unit). I had also removed the two lower front access panels it had, and removed the water line connection there, so the old unit could be moved out of the way with no strain.
I removed the lower 90 degree brass water fitting from the old washer, applied new thread tape to the threads and tightened it correctly into the new machine. Then I removed the power cord and installed it to the new machine using wire nuts and electrical tape - and the supplied cover and screw. I had to re-use the electrical clamp and nut from the old washer to secure the cord properly. Looking carefully at the supplied drain hose clamp, I remembered problems using the the factory clamp years ago - it had allowed a leak at the drain line that required pulling that machine back out. Sure enough, this one was just like it - so I tossed that sucker and used a proper stainless steel automotive clamp to secure the supplied new drain hose to the new machine.
I then measured for and set the height of the four adjustable feet on the unit and slid it carefully and partially in place while guiding the lines into place. I then applied the four supplied gasket strips to the outer edges of the tub for the seal in the cabinet space. About halfway in, I used an access panel under the sink and plugged in the power cable. Carefully making sure the cord, water line, and drain line were not getting pinched or in any bind - I slid the washer home by the sides of the door while also watching the insulating cover blanket didn't snag on anything (you want to be sure not to push on the center of the door or you could damage it, according to the instructions). I then opened the washer door and, using the two attached upper brackets and supplied screws, I screwed the unit solidly to the underside on the counter top.
I'd say that was the hard part finished, but then getting up and down in the floor and under cabinets is really rough on me. Anyway, I got down again and routed, then connecting, the drain pipe back in place where the old one been at the sink drain - using another stainless steel automotive clamp. Next, I connected the water line loosely to the valve under the sink. At this point I moved to the front lower access of the dishwasher and massaged the copper water line into position. Using a 3/4 wrench, I tightened it snugly and returned to the valve under the cabinet to tighten the line there also. I then opened the water valve under the sink and, using a flashlight, I checked for any leaks. So far, so good, I had no leaks. I opened the unit and removed tape and any packing left behind. I then shut the door, with an easy solid click, and the panel lit up. Following the instructions in the manual, I pressed "Rinse Only" and then "Start". I could barely hear the water running, but I saw the time counting down from 10 on the LED display. The unit made incredibly little noise throughout the cycle - and I again checked for leaks to happily find none. Using the two white screws supplied with the access panel cover, for below the door, I attached the panel in place to the washer and retired to a recliner in my bedroom to rest my now aching bones - satisfied my new dishwasher was properly in place for use.
In use:
No one used the new washer until the next day, which was Saturday. Breakfast left only a few dishes, so we waited until after lunch was finished to try out the washer with a full load - deliberately including larger pots that would never fit in the old dishwasher with the dishes.
I filled the Jet Dry dispenser and set it to its minimum dispensing setting (done by turning a small plastic switch where you actually pour in the Jet Dry) as I knew my treated well water is soft. Filling it is simple as you just watch a small line indicator as all of its segments change from clear to blue from the Jet Dry - then replacing the small cover with a light twist. The small container for the Cascade dishwasher soap we use was very small by comparison to the one on the older GE Triton Profile washer but, after reading the manual, I filled it only to the lowest level - which looked to be about two or three level tablespoons of soap, and much less than I have ever used before. I pressed the "Anti-Bacteria" cycle, "Heated Dry", and then "Start" (the same cycle and settings we always used on the older model). Again the New GE Triton Profile was extremely quiet - and I wondered if it would really clean everything well, and if it was really on. While the older washer was quiet, this one is really hard to hear unless you are in the room while its drain pumps are running. I watched intermittently as the timer ran back from 105 minutes. In reality it only took about an hour as the cleaning sensor adjusts the time actually needed during cycles. When the machine was finished, I was standing by it and heard only two very quiet beeps. I wouldn't have heard them had I not been standing right there.
I found it incredible how quiet this machine was and continues to be. The results on the pots and pans and dishes were and have been excellent, as they have been spotless after each washing. We have all been amazed at how quiet the machine is. The only thing any of us can really notice is the small water draining sound in the kitchen sink, as the machine drains during cycles, and a very subdued small buzz like a magnetic motor can make when the unit is washing - we guess. Everything is so quiet, we really can't tell what it is doing. We do know it cleans everything as spotlessly as it should be. With the additional "Pre-Wash" control, we've yet to try, I have no doubt even the most soiled or baked on foods will be cleaned off our pots and pans - and with the nine hour timer, we don't even have to be around after all the dishes have been placed in the machine. It will just wait until the proper time, and do them - further saving water and soap with less frequent washings needed during the day.
Less water, less soap, and extremely little noise - who would have thought it would work so well? We didn't, but it certainly does - and better, probably due to the third washer arm above the top rack. Hey, if you don't look closely - you'll miss that one. The manual stresses less soap is needed if your hot water temperature is above 120 degrees - and due to my
Whirlpool 50 Gallon Energy Smart Lifetime Water Heater, I have no shortage of evenly heated hot water at this temperature (GE recommends not to have the supplied water over 150 degrees). I already knew less was needed if your water is softer. Once I run out of the three large boxes of Cascade powdered soap, and the Cascade sample provided with the new machine, we're going to start using this machines 40 ounce automatic door dispenser for liquid gel soap. Just keep the dispenser full, a little red LED light on the washer tells when it is low, and it regulates how much is needed - after you set the machine for how hard your water is using a supplied test strip. The liquid soap dispenser cover is removed by pressing down and turning counter clockwise and tightened by turning the opposite. It almost reminds me of the gas cap on a late model car with its "ratchet" action - but it is wide and isn't difficult to use either. With my arthritic hands, not having to twist or struggle with caps or lids is very necessary. Just using my hands to install this machine caused them to ache for days, but if I don't use them, I know I would lose the ability I still have - the trick is to avoid straining myself. Still, I'm sure most others should and will prefer to have a plumber install their own dishwasher.
Specifications courtesy GE:
APPROXIMATE DIMENSIONS (HxDxW)
34 in x 25 1/4 in x 24 in
FEATURES
*Door Appearance - One-Piece color wrap contour door
*Exterior Style - Traditional
*Door Style - Long door/Tall tub
*Energy Star® Qualified - Yes
*Tub and Door Liner - PermaTuf
*Type/Style Built-In
*Control Type - Electronic Light-Touch
*Sensor - CleanSensor™
*Automatic Temperature Control - Yes
*Bulk Detergent - Liqiud Dispenser With Refill Light & *Powdered Detergent Dispenser - only use one at a time
*Dual Pumps and Motors - Yes
*Food Disposer - Piranha™ Hard Food Disposer
*Last Cycle Memory Yes
*Turbidity CleanSensor Technology - Yes
*Wash Arm - Lower Level - Yes
*Wash Arm - Mid-Level - Yes
*Wash Arm - Upper Level - Yes
*Wash Arms - 3-Direct Feed
*Wash Levels - 6
*Wash System - BrilliantClean™
*Water Filtration System - 100% Triple Filtration
CYCLES
*Anti-Bacteria (NSF Certified) - Yes
*China / Crystal - Yes
*Cookware - Yes
*Glasses - Yes
*Normal Wash - Yes
*Rinse Only - Yes
Selections/Enhancements - Variable
*SpeedCycle™ (Wash and Dry) - Yes
*Convection Dry - Yes
*Delay Start - 1-9 Hr. with Countdown
*Heated Dry On/Off - Yes
*Hi-Temp Rinse - Auto with Added Heat
*Hi-Temp - Wash Added Heat
*HotStart™ Automatic
*Lock Pad - Yes
*PreWash - Yes
*Start / Cancel / Reset Pad - Yes
*Accessory Basket - ExtraBasket
*CleanTip™ Tines - Yes
*Cup Shelf - 4 Upper
*Fold-Down Tine Flexibility 100% Fold Down Lower/4 Upper w/2 Multi-Position
*Lower Rack - Towerless with 100% Fold-Down Tines
*Racking System - Nylon Towerless
*Silverware Basket - 3 Piece with 2 Cell Covers and Swivel Handle
*Upper Rack - Tiered with Fold-Down Tines
*Upper Rack- Adjustable with CleanTip Tines 4-Position, deep tiered
*Utility Shelf - 4 Plastic with StemSafe
*Cycle Countdown - 3 Digit Display
*Cycle Progress Indicators - 3 Digit Display with Countdown/6 Status Lights
*Touchpads / Knobs - 12 Touchpads
*120 ° Inlet Water Capability - Yes
*Calrod Heater - Multi-Wattage
*Child Lock - Yes
*Drain Hose - Yes
*Hard Countertop Installation - Included
*Latch - Squeeze
*Leveling Screws - Yes
*NSF Certified to Sanitize - Yes
*Rinse Aid - Dispenser With Indicator and Adjustment
ECONOMICAL / QUIET
*Active Vent System - Yes
*Door Insulation and Mastic Insulation and Mastic
Outer Wrap Full-wrap Blanket
*PermaTuf® Tub and Door Liner - Yes
*Quiet Detergent Cup - Yes
*Quiet Water Valve - Yes
*QuietPower™ Motor - Yes
*Sealed Toe Kick - Deluxe
*Sound Insulation Package - QuietPower™ 4
54 dBA
*Tub Collar Trim - Yes
APPEARANCE
Installation - Hard Countertop Ready
Color Appearance - White on White
Color Appearance - Code WW
Long Door Design - Yes
Other Colors Available - BB, CC, SS (Stainless Steel)
Upscale Flush Design - Yes
WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS
Approximate Shipping Weight 100 lb
Net Weight (lbs.) 95 lb
Overall Depth 25 1/4 in
Overall Height 34 in
Overall Height With Legs Extended (In.) 35
Overall Width 24 in
POWER / RATINGS
Calrod Heater Watts 875 Max.
Volts/Hertz/Amps 120V ; 60 Hz ; 9.1 A
Warranty:
Parts Warranty:
Limited 1-year entire appliance
Limited 5-year racks/electronic control board
Limited lifetime of product tub/door liner
Labor Warranty:
Limited - 1-year entire appliance
Limited lifetime of product - tub/door liner
In Summation:
The PDW7900N has several points over the older GSD5630 despite both are GE Triton Profile models. Added cycle features are nice, and the fact the new machine uses less hot water, less soap, and is much quieter to almost silent. The LED countdown timer is even welcome, but necessary to let you know when the machine is done - as it is so quiet. But, what really gets my attention is the larger basket containment. The older GE model has a tube that extends through the center of the lower basket under water pressure, when operating. That always meant we had to keep the center of that lower basket open from dishes to prevent interference as the tube extended to the upper washer arm in use. The upper basket was also shallower and that meant only smaller items could fit in it. This new model GE eliminates these design issues with an extended interior tub depth (from top to bottom), elimination of the center tube extension, and a redesigned upper washer arm that is attached to the bottom of the now deeper upper basket. Just why this is more important to me, is the fact we will no longer have to wash larger and heavier pots and pans by hand in the sink as often - as most everything will fit in the dishwasher, even after larger meals. For someone with a bad back and arthritic hands, that is a blessing - and when my house help is available, I prefer they clean and care for my home elsewhere instead of washing our dirty dishes by hand. The GE PDW7900N dishwasher takes care of that easily and much better than the older model could. I ended up with a good deal all the way around, and wouldn't have realized the improvements had I not received the recall notice from GE. My thanks to GE - a company interested in my safety, and still worthy of my trust.
Check to see if your dishwasher has a recall. Many brand names are affected by the Jet Dry dispenser recall problem. The GE recall can be learned of here: http://www.geappliances.com/products/recall/dw07/ 
