Maytag MDB4651A

Note: In June 2010, following about a dozen reports of dishwashers catching fire during the heated dry cycle, Maytag Corp. issued a recall notice for several dishwasher models, including the Maytag MDB4651A. More information on the recall can be found at www.repair.maytag.com.

For the most part, the Maytag MDB4651A is a no-frills dishwasher, but it does include a few nice extras including a sensor wash cycle, five wash levels, built-in food disposal and sanitary rinse. Most of the owner reviews we read for this model indicate that it does a good job cleaning and is reasonably quiet, but a few owners say it could work better and some thought it was noisy. The most common complaints we read, however, centered on flimsy plastic parts that owners say can break even without rough handling. This dishwasher is Energy Star-rated and is available in white, black, bisque and stainless steel (for $100 more). This dishwasher is no longer available, but the Whirlpool Tall Tub Dishwasher DU1300XTVQ (Discontinued) costs about the same as the Maytag did and receives stronger reviews overall.

The Maytag MDB4651A isn't included in professional tests, but we found owner reviews for this model at Buzzillions.com, ABT.com and AJMadison.com. Maytag (as a whole) receives above-average ratings in the latest J.D. Power and Associates customer satisfaction survey on dishwashers.