The Maytag MDB8959AWS is a top of the line dishwasher within the Maytag series of stainless steel dishwashers. It’s an under counter dishwasher that comes with a host of useful and convenience features. The sleek design and hidden controls of the dishwasher makes it stands out in any kitchen style. Overall, the Maytag MDB8959AWS is a sophisticated high end dishwasher that is worth considering since it’s reasonably priced and has good performance.

In terms of appearance, the Maytag MDB8959AWS has a clean look on the front since all the controls are hidden on the top of the door. On the front, the dishwasher has a single, horizontal handle across and an easy pull down door. The stainless steel door makes the dishwasher looks premium and trendy and will certainly attract the attention of anyone in the kitchen.

Maytag MDB8959AWS Dishwasher
Maytag MDB8959AWS Stainless Steel Dishwasher

A useful feature in the control panel that I like is the push buttons and a digital timer that gives a countdown of the remaining minutes in a cycle. The timer is useful in the sense that it makes you aware of what the dishwasher is doing and how long the cycle has been running. Moreover, the Maytag MDB8959AWS unit has as many as 6 cycles, ranging from auto clean to light to rinse-only. In addition to the 6 cycles, the dishwasher also has 5 options including the steam clean and heat dry that can go along with any selected cycles.

The Maytag MDB8959AWS has several standard features I’d expect at this price point, like a delayed start and the ability to lock the controls, but the real question is how well this dishwasher cleans. The answer? It works very effectively. The combination of powerful jets, Silverware blast spray jets, steam clean and flexible racks makes it one of my favorites. It has a thermal-drying option that adds heat to the drying time and results in less water left behind.

Maytag MDB8959AWS Wash Cycles
Maytag MDB8959AWS Wash Cycles and Options

Other features that are worth mentioning are the rust-resistant stainless steel interior and adjustable top bottom racks in the Maytag MDB8959AWS model. I especially like the adjustable fold flat tines in the top rack that is extremely useful in fitting odd-shaped items into the dishwasher. You can even remove the top rack entirely for fitting over-sized bowl and pots.

There is also a feature I don’t often see in other dishwasher: convertible tines designed to securely hold bowls of varying sizes on the lower rack. Although handy if you’re washing cereal bowls versus dessert cups, it isn’t a must-have feature. The flatware caddy has a few improvements over the standard version; it has clips to hold lightweight items in place, and it can be split into two parts.



MDB8959AWS Adjustable Upper Rack



MDB8959AWS Utensil Basket


In terms of energy usage and water saving features, the Maytag MDB8959AWS stainless steel dishwasher is Energy Star qualified. The estimated yearly electricity used is 291kWh which translates to about $31 per year at 10.65 cents per kWh. Features such as InstaWash Cycle and energy-saving sensor that indicates whether dishes need an extra rinse are a real help in terms of energy conservation and water saving.

Overall, this Maytag model cleans well and has many extra features I haven’t found on more expensive models. The dishwasher’s performance, clean lines and hidden controls make it one of my top choices.

Pros: Sleek design, hidden controls, quiet, adjustable racks and extremely good in cleaning heavily soiled dishes and silverware.

Cons: The lack of built-in food disposal requires manual cleaning of food waste and particles before loading dishes into the dishwasher.

Summary of Maytag MDB8959AWS 24” Stainless Steel Dishwasher:

  • Better built to clean your toughest jobs
  • Silverware blast spray jets
  • Steam clean option
  • 100% stainless steel tub interior
  • Energy star qualified
  • Fully integrated control
  • Twice the life motor
  • Quiet Series 400 Sound Package
  • Jet Clean Plus Wash System
  • InstaWash Cycle

Additional Features:

  • Auto Clean plus cycles
  • Adjustable upper rack
  • Oversize Capacity Plus Tall Tub
  • Premium Dark Duraguard Nylon Racks
  • NSF Certified Sanitize Option
  • Strong Gripped Tiered Upper Rack
  • Split & Fit Silverware Basket
  • 14 Place Settings
  • Fold-Away Tines
  • Heavy Wash Cycle
  • Normal Wash Cycle
  • Light Wash Cycle

Click Here to Compare Prices of Maytag Jetclean Plus MDB8959AWS Fully Integrated Dishwasher with 6 Wash Cycles, DuraGuard Nylon Racks, 6 Hour Delay Start, Silverware Blast Spray Jets and Silen

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