Friday, December 13, 2024

Frigidaire FPHD2491KF

Frigidaire FPHD2491KF Review

Dishwashers

Product Grade
Report Card Grade
0 Reviews
Best Feature:
Attractive, quiet dishwasher with good cleaning performance
Worst Feature:
Repair-prone dishwasher with some design flaws
Best Uses:
In a budget-conscious home with proactive upkeep
Pricing:
$575 - $750 (see review for warranty information)

Where to Buy

Store Name
Price
$799.99
ABT
$799.99
$799.99

Overview

The Frigidaire Professional 24" Built-In Dishwasher (FPHD2491KF) is an exceptionally quiet, ENERGY STAR® certified dishwasher with a deep, stainless steel tub and flexible rack design that can accommodate up to fourteen place settings. To provide a superior cleaning, the FPHD2491KF features Frigidaire's DishSense™ cleaning technology, which uses sensors to monitor the soil level, load size and water temperature throughout the wash cycle and make automatic adjustments when necessary. The dishwasher also has a space-saving 5-level direct feed wash system with stainless steel spray arms and a dual stainless steel filtration system. While one of the filters requires manual cleaning, the other is a self-cleaning food disposer that helps to keep the dishwater clean and prevent food debris from depositing on dishes.

The interior of the FPHD2491KF dishwasher is designed according to Frigidaire's SpaceWise® Organization. It has an adjustable two-rack system with exceptionally flexible storage space and a silverware basket that can fit over 180 items. Coated with Nylon TufRacks™ for durability, the racks can easily accommodate any type of load from delicate glassware to oversized pots and pans or cookie sheets. The FPHD2491KF has a six wash cycles, which is relatively standard and includes "PowerPlus®" (pots & pans), "Normal", "Light", "Energy Saver", "China Crystal" and "Rinse Only". It also offers three options that you can choose to add to a particular cycle including "Hi-Temp Wash", "Sanitize" (NSF® certified) or "Air Dry" (energy efficient alternative to the heated dry default). Since the FPHD2491KF is equipped with the SilentDesign™ Sound Package (51.0 dB), it will remain incredibly quiet regardless of the cycle and won't disturb normal household activities. That said, if you prefer to run the dishwasher when you are out of the house or during off-peak hours, the FPHD2491KF can be programmed to delay the start of a cycle by any amount of time between 1 and 24 hours.

The exterior of the FPHD2491KF dishwasher is designed with functionality and style in mind. It has a concealed ProSelect™ touchpad control panel where you can easily program wash cycles and delay the start time (if necessary). While the control panel doesn't have a status indicator, it does have a digital display that provides an estimate of the amount of time remaining in each cycle, and it also has a small light that illuminates when the rinse aid needs to be replenished. A concealed control panel contributes to the appliance's sleek, modern look, but, alongside the child-lock feature, it is especially convenient for households with small children because it prevents little ones from changing the cycle or opening the door mid-cycle. Lastly, the FPHD2491KF has a smooth, smudge-free stainless steel finish and a pull-latch door handle with hinges designed to keep it in place at any angle.

You can purchase the Frigidaire Professional 24" Built-In Dishwasher (FPHD2491KF) online for about $799 (MSRP).

Product Report Card Grade

We give the Frigidaire Professional 24" Built-In Dishwasher (FPHD2491KF) a B- because it is an attractive dishwasher that offers a good cleaning performance without making a lot of noise or blowing a hole in your budget. However, we had to deduct points because it has received very mixed feedback from customers including repeated complaints about its poor quality, durability and design flaws. If you get a great deal on this dishwasher and decide to buy it, we highly recommend getting the extended warranty and treating it with a little extra care (pre-rinsing dishes, regular filter cleanings, etc.) to help avoid some of the issues other customers have experienced.


 
This Product
Best Budget Dishwasher
Overall Score
64%
71%
64%
Our Awards
Best Budget Dishwasher
Date Reviewed
April 2013
September 2014
March 2013
Pros
Relatively affordable; ENERGY STAR® certified; exceptionally quiet operation; good cleaning performance; adjustable dishrack system; attractive, modern design; concealed control panel with child lock
Relatively quiet; ENERGY STAR® certified; good cleaning performance; child lock; well-respected brand
Relatively affordable; ENERGY STAR® certified; good cleaning performance; optional heated dry is convenient when drying plastic items; American made
Cons
Many complaints about manufacturing quality, the dishwasher being repair-prone, soap dispenser door not opening properly and the lower rack falling off its tracks easily; manual filter needs regular cleaning; some complaints about the bottom of the silverware basket wearing out; uncovered heating element; a few reports that the dishwasher isn't flush with 24" cabinetry
Some complaints about dry cycle; complaints about lower rack falling off hinges and being poorly designed; stainless steel finish not smudge-proof
Some issues with control panel breaking after the 1st year; dishrack system doesn't offer much loading flexibility; some complaints about the wash cycles being long; control panel doesn't display time remaining countdown
Type
Standard Built-In (24" wide)
Standard Built-In (24" wide)
Standard Built-In (24" wide)
Capacity (place settings)
14
14
14
Price (MSRP)
$575 - $750
$535 - $739
$535 - $739
Warranty
1-year limited warranty
1-year limited warranty on parts & labor for the entire unit and a 10-year limited warranty on parts for certain components including the racks, stainless steel tub, and chopper (+ 30-day 100% satisfaction guarantee)
1-year limited warranty on parts & labor for the entire unit and a 10-year limited warranty on parts for certain components including the racks, stainless steel tub, and chopper (+ 30-day 100% satisfaction guarantee)
Overall Width x Depth x Height (Range)
24" x 25" x 34" - 35"
23.75" x 24.63" x 33.5"
23.88" x 24.5" x 33.88" - 34.5"
Depth with Door Open at 90°
49.25"
unknown
49.5"
Weight (est.)
78 lbs
90.8 lbs
92 lbs
Cleaning Technology
It has a 5-level direct wash system, 2 stainless steel spray arms and a dual stainless steel filtration system.
It has a dual filtration system, 2 spray arms and a 5-level wash system.
It features a 5-level direct wash system, 2 spray arms and a self-cleaning filter with 4 stainless steel blades.
Wash Cycles / Options
It has 6 wash cycles - "PowerPlus®", "Normal", "Light", "Energy Saver", "China Crystal" and "Rinse Only". It also has 2 options - "Sanitize" and "Hi-Temp Wash".
It has 5 cycles including "Power Scrub", "Normal", "Delicate", "Quick" and "Upper Only". It also has 3 options including "Sanitary", "Extra Rinse" and "Extra Dry".
It has 6 wash cycles - "JetClean® Plus Steam", "Auto Clean", "Normal", "Light", "Quick Wash" and "Rinse Only". It also has 3 options - "ToughScrub™", "Hi Temp Wash" and "Steam Sanitize".
Dry Cycles
"Heated Dry" is the default, but you also have an "Air Dry" option that is more energy efficient and won't damage delicate plastic items.
It only features an air dry option.
"Heated Dry" is the default, but it is optional.
Cycle Times (est.)
Cycle times vary, but Frigidaire estimates a "Normal" cycle will range from about 105 - 130 minutes.
A normal cycle should run around 141 minutes.
Cycle times vary, but Maytag estimates a "Normal" cycle will range from about 90 to 250 minutes
Delayed Start
Yes, you are able to delay the start of the wash cycle between 1 hour and 24 hours.
Yes, you can delay the start of a cycle by up to 19 hours.
Yes, you are able to delay the start of the wash cycle by 2, 4 or 8 hours.
Rack System
The SpaceWise® Organization system features 2 dishracks made with Nylon TufRacks™ for enhanced durability.
It has a 2-tier rack system with nylon coated racks and features LG's EasyRack Plus system.
It has 2 Duraguard® nylon racks with 1 Split & Fit™ silverware basket in the lower rack.
Control Panel
Concealed
Exposed
Exposed
Power
It uses 280 kWh/year. Frigidaire estimates that it will cost about $30 a year to run.
It uses 279 kWh/year and LG estimates that it will cost around $27/year to run.
It uses 294 kWh/year. Maytag estimates it could cost about $31 a year to run.
Noise
51.0 dB
48 dB
53 dB
Exterior/Finishes
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel (MDB7749SAM)
Black (MDB7749SAB)
Bisque (MDB7749SAQ)
White (MDB7749SAW)
Stainless Steel (MDB7749SAM)
Black (MDB7749SAB)
Bisque (MDB7749SAQ)
White (MDB7749SAW)

ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review


Pros And Cons

Pros

  • Relatively affordable
  • Exceptionally quiet operation
  • Good cleaning performance and features sensor technology and a food disposer
  • Many customers love the adjustable rack system
  • Attractive, modern design with a coated stainless steel finish that is easy to keep clean
  • Stainless steel tub helps to dry contents faster and more efficiently
  • Concealed control panel and child lock convenient for households with small children
  • Control panel indicates when rinse aid is low

Cons

  • Many complaints about manufacturing quality and the dishwasher being repair-prone
  • Very short limited warranty (1-year)
  • Pre-rinsing dishes may be required and filter seems to need regular manual cleaning
  • Many complaints about the lower rack being poorly designed and falling off its tracks easily
  • Many complaints about soap dispenser door not opening properly. (While some customers didn't realize it, this issue is caused by a poor design that put the dispenser too close to the dishes, which can obstruct its door from opening.)
  • Some complaints about the bottom of the silverware basket wearing out. Silverware that dropped through would then block the spray arm
  • Heating element is uncovered and will melt any plastic that falls through the racks
  • No water softener
  • Concealed control panel may make it difficult or impossible to see time remaining in the cycle (no status indicator)
  • A few reports that the dishwasher isn't flush with 24" cabinetry
  • Some customers felt the wash cycles were long

Key Features

Dishwasher Type
The FPHD2491KF is a full-size, built-in dishwasher.
Product Size
It measures 24" x 25" (W x D). Its height ranges from 34" - 35", and its depth with the door open at 90° is 49.25". It weighs 78 pounds.
Capacity
It has enough capacity for 14 place settings.
Cleaning Technology
To ensure an exceptional cleaning and maximize useable capacity, the FPHD2491KF features DishSense™ sensor technology and a 5-level direct feed wash system with 2 stainless steel spray arms and a dual stainless steel filtration system (a manual filter and a self-cleaning food disposer).
Wash Cycles & Options
The 6 wash cycles include "PowerPlus®" (heaviest wash), "Normal", "Light", "Energy Saver", "China Crystal" and "Rinse Only". If you select a "PowerPlus®", "Normal" or "Light" wash, you also have the option to add a "Sanitize" step to the cycle. It is an NSF® certified sanitization process that uses 155° water in the final rinse to remove 99.9% of common household bacteria. With a "Normal" or "Light" wash, you could also opt to include a "Hi-Temp Wash", which uses 140® water to more effectively clean away food residue. ("Hi-Temp Wash" is automatically selected in the "PowerPlus®" cycle.)
Dry Cycles
The dishwasher defaults to a heated dry unless you want to select the more energy efficient "Air Dry" option. The tub is stainless steel, so it naturally retains heat and helps to condense water droplets to make the dry cycle faster and more efficient.
Control Panel
It has a fully-integrated, ProSelect™ touchpad control panel that is concealed. From the control panel, you can program the wash cycle and start time, and you can also see when the rinse aid is low. The control panel doesn't show which stage of the wash cycle the dishwasher is in, but it has a digital display that counts down the estimated time remaining in the cycle. The number of minutes is subject to change mid-cycle, however, if the Smart Sensor detects food/residue remaining.
Delay Wash
Yes, you can delay the start of a wash cycle between 1 hour and 24 hours.
Cycle Times
Including dry time, here are some timing estimates for different wash cycles:
  1. "PowerPlus®" wash cycle ranges from about 100 - 150 minutes.*
  2. "Normal" wash cycle ranges from about 105 - 130 minutes.*
  3. "Light" wash cycle ranges from about 105 - 130 minutes.*
  4. "China Crystal" wash cycle is about 87 minutes.
  5. "Energy Saver" wash cycle is about 100 minutes.
  6. "Rinse Only" cycle is about 19 minutes.
* The cycle times for PowerPlus®, Normal and Light washes will vary depending on the detected soil level, the options you select and the temperature of the incoming water.
Rack System
Its SpaceWise® Organization system offers a flexible 2-rack storage and a large silverware basket with multiple compartments. The adjustable upper rack can be 9" - 7" high and has 2 cup shelves with foldable bowl tines and stemware holders. The lower rack can have 11" - 13" of overhead space and has 2 rows of foldable tines. The racks are all coated with Nylon TufRacks™ for enhanced durability, and it has an extra-large silverware basket that is able to hold over 180 items.
Power
The dishwasher is ENERGY STAR® certified and uses 280 kWh/year. Frigidaire estimates that it will cost about $23 a year to run (estimate based on natural gas water heater, 4 wash loads per week and average electricity costs from 2007).
Noise
The FPHD2491KF dishwasher features the ultra-quiet SilentDesign™ Sound Package. Its decibel level is about 51.0 dB (as a point of reference, some people equate this noise level to a normal conversation between 2 people who are 3 feet apart).
Product Design
It has a contemporary look with a flat, smooth exterior and a concealed, digital control panel. Its door has a pull latch handle design and will stay in place at any angle. It is only available in a stainless steel finish, but the stainless steel has a protective coating on it that helps reduces the appearance of fingerprints/smudges and makes it easy to clean.
Warranty
The FPHD2491KF dishwasher is covered by a 1-year limited warranty.

Reputation

The Frigidaire Professional 24" Built-In Dishwasher (FPHD2491KF) has received very mixed reviews from customers online including a 3.8/5 on HomeDepot.com (69 reviews), a 4.06/5 on Frigidaire.com (63 reviews), a 3.6/5 on BestBuy.com (63 reviews), a 2.8/5 on Lowes.com (55 reviews), a 4.2/5 on AJMadison.com (32 reviews), a 5/5 on Applianceconnection.com (25 reviews) and a 2/5 on Amazon.com (20 reviews). Among Best Buy customers, 63% said they would recommend the FPHD2491KF dishwasher to a friend, while only 44% of Lowes' customers said they would recommend it. A lot of customers were happy with the FPHD2491KF's cleaning performance, exceptionally low noise level, sleek appearance and flexible storage, but there were also many customers who were extremely dissatisfied with the dishwasher.

Some of the biggest complaints were related to major repairs and design flaws inside the dishwasher that hindered its performance. Anecdotal feedback from customers indicated faulty motors, pumps and control panels that started to cause problems even within the first year of owning the dishwasher. A 2012 Consumer Reports Annual Product Reliability survey confirmed that Frigidaire dishwashers are the 3rd most repair-prone dishwashers among major brands. In a 2012 JD Power & Associates survey on customer satisfaction with different dishwasher manufacturers, Frigidaire also received lower than average marks in overall customer satisfaction (2/5).

In terms of design flaws, there were multiple complaints about the lower rack coming off its tracks, about the overall durability of the rack system/silverware basket (rusting and breaking), and about the exposed heating element melting plastic utensils that fall through the racks. While there were also complaints about the soap dispenser door occasionally not opening properly due to its proximity to the lower rack, it seems like that problem could be remedied by loading dishes away from the dispenser. Another small issue that came up, which may or may not be a concern for all customers, is the fact that you can't see the concealed control panel when the dishwasher is running without opening the door.

Overall, the FPHD2491KF is a relatively inexpensive, attractive and quiet dishwasher, and you might be able to avoid some of the issues other customers have faced if you don't mind treating the dishwasher with some extra care. We suggest that you always lightly pre-rinse dishes and clean the filter regularly to prevent clogs and/or the buildup of food particles that can then redeposit on dishes. When you load the dishwasher, try not to bend the tines and be sure that the dishes on the lower rack do not block the soap door from opening. Also, for optimal cleaning, always use the recommended detergent and rinse aid and run the kitchen faucet nearest to your dishwasher before starting the wash cycle to ensure that the incoming water is hot. Lastly, if you do decide to buy this dishwasher, we highly recommend that you purchase the extended warranty given its spotty reliability record.


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