The GE Café CDT845P2NS1 is a premium-style built-in dishwasher designed for homeowners who want a combination of strong cleaning performance, flexible loading, quiet operation, stainless-steel construction, and an upscale kitchen appearance. It sits within Café’s higher-end dishwasher lineup and was positioned as a substantial step above basic and mid-range models, particularly because of its extensive wash system, third rack, bottle jets, sanitation option, adjustable racks, and premium exterior design.

The CDT845P2NS1 is also an interesting model to review today because it is no longer in current production. GE lists the model as having been manufactured from April 2019 through February 2024, so buyers will generally encounter it as remaining inventory, a refurbished appliance, an open-box unit, or a used dishwasher rather than as a current-generation model.

That does not automatically make it a poor purchase. In fact, discontinued premium appliances can sometimes represent excellent value when they are available at the right price. The important question is whether the CDT845P2NS1’s cleaning system, drying technology, rack design, noise level, capacity, repairability, and feature set still make sense compared with newer dishwashers.

This detailed review examines those areas individually and also considers what the model means for homeowners in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

GE Café CDT845P2NS1: Quick Review

Feature	GE Café CDT845P2NS1
Dishwasher type	Built-in, top-control
Brand	Café
Interior	Stainless steel
Exterior	Stainless steel
Width	Approximately 23.75 inches
Nominal cabinet size	24 inches
Height	Approximately 34 inches
Depth	Approximately 24 inches without handle
Capacity	Up to 16 place settings
Sound level	45 dBA
Number of racks	3
Third rack	Yes
Cleaning system	Ultra Wash with 90+ jets
Lower wash arm	Reversing quad-blade
Bottle jets	Yes
Silverware jets	Yes
Wash zones	Upper or lower
Steam + Sani	Yes
Drying	Ultra Dry
Adjustable upper rack	Yes
Fold-down tines	Yes
Leak protection	Active Flood Protect
Hard-food filtration/disposal	Yes
Filter	Removable
Wi-Fi	Optional on this model
ENERGY STAR	Yes
NSF sanitation certification	Yes
Status	Discontinued

Specifications can vary slightly by production documentation and market, so buyers should verify the exact model number and installation documentation before purchasing remaining inventory or a used unit.

What Is the GE Café CDT845P2NS1?

The CDT845P2NS1 is a 24-inch built-in top-control dishwasher from Café. It was designed around the idea that a premium dishwasher should do more than simply spray water at dishes.

Its wash system uses more than 90 cleaning jets, multiple wash levels, a reversing quad-blade lower wash arm, dedicated bottle jets, and deep-cleaning jets for silverware. The dishwasher also includes a third rack, adjustable upper rack, flexible lower-rack tines, wash-zone selection, Steam + Sani, and an Ultra Dry system.

This makes the CDT845P2NS1 particularly interesting for households that regularly wash a mixture of plates, bowls, cookware, tall glasses, bottles, utensils, and heavily soiled items.

The model also has the visual characteristics associated with Café appliances: a stainless-steel exterior, a substantial Café handle, concealed top controls, and a design intended to integrate cleanly into higher-end kitchen cabinetry.

One important distinction is that the CDT845P2NS1 should not be confused with the more expensive CDT875P2NS1. The CDT875P2NS1 offered additional premium technology, including Dual Convection Ultra Dry and built-in Wi-Fi, while the CDT845P2NS1 used Ultra Dry and offered Wi-Fi as an optional capability through an additional module.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that stands out about the CDT845P2NS1 is its appearance.

Rather than looking like an inexpensive appliance inserted between kitchen cabinets, the Café dishwasher was designed to look like part of a premium kitchen installation. The long stainless-steel door and substantial handle give it a more upscale appearance than many conventional dishwashers.

The controls are located along the upper edge of the door. This is an important design choice because it keeps the exterior relatively clean while also reducing the chance of accidentally pressing buttons when someone walks past the dishwasher.

The stainless-steel interior is another advantage.

A stainless-steel tub is generally desirable because it provides a durable, heat-resistant interior and helps create the type of premium construction expected from a dishwasher in this class. It also works well with heated drying because the metal interior can retain heat during the drying portion of a cycle.

The CDT845P2NS1 also incorporates substantial insulation and quieting measures around the tub and door. GE rated the model at 45 dBA, placing it comfortably within the quiet-dishwasher category.

Is 45 dBA Actually Quiet?

Yes.

A 45 dBA dishwasher is quiet enough that most households can operate it during normal kitchen activities without the machine becoming a major distraction.

It will not necessarily disappear acoustically. You may still hear water movement, pump operation, or occasional changes in motor speed. However, compared with older dishwashers that could operate well above 50 dBA, 45 dBA represents a significant improvement.

For an open-plan kitchen, apartment, condo, or home where the dishwasher is located close to a dining or living area, this is a useful specification.

Cleaning Performance: The Main Strength of the CDT845P2NS1

If there is one area where the CDT845P2NS1 makes the strongest argument for itself, it is the wash system.

GE designed this dishwasher around a 90+ jet wash system. Instead of depending on one simple spray pattern, the machine uses multiple spray locations and specialized jets to improve water coverage.

This matters because dishwasher cleaning is fundamentally a water-delivery problem.

Detergent alone does not clean dishes. The dishwasher needs sufficient water temperature, detergent concentration, mechanical action, adequate contact time, and effective spray coverage.

The CDT845P2NS1 attempts to improve that mechanical action through its multiple spray levels and specialized jets.

Reversing Quad-Blade Wash Arm

The lower wash arm is another important part of the cleaning system.

The CDT845P2NS1 uses a reversing quad-blade lower wash arm. The rotating arm changes its spray pattern as it operates, helping distribute water across the lower portion of the tub.

The significance of the design is not simply the number of blades.

What matters is how effectively the wash arm distributes pressurized water around plates, cookware, bowls, and other objects. Dishwasher racks naturally create shadows. One dish can block another dish from direct spray, especially when large plates, pans, or cutting boards are incorrectly positioned.

The broader spray coverage provided by the dishwasher’s wash system helps reduce these problems.

Of course, no spray system can compensate for severely overloaded racks. Proper loading remains critical.

90+ Cleaning Jets

The 90+ jet system is one of the CDT845P2NS1’s defining features.

Rather than using a small number of broad spray outlets, the dishwasher uses numerous water jets throughout the wash system. This gives the dishwasher more opportunities to deliver water to difficult areas.

For everyday dishes, this can help with food residue around plate edges, bowls, cups, utensils, and cookware.

For heavily soiled cookware, the benefit becomes even more noticeable when the appropriate cycle and options are selected.

However, it is important not to interpret “90+ jets” as meaning that every dish receives direct high-pressure spray simultaneously. Dishwasher spray systems work dynamically, and water is distributed through different arms and outlets throughout the cycle.

The value of the design is better overall water coverage rather than simply the numerical jet count.

Bottle Jets: A Useful Feature for Tall Containers

The CDT845P2NS1 includes four bottle wash jets.

These are positioned to direct water into narrow containers such as bottles, tall glasses, jars, and similar items.

This is one of those dishwasher features that can be surprisingly useful in everyday life.

A normal spray arm can have difficulty cleaning the interior of a narrow bottle because water may not enter the opening with enough useful coverage. Dedicated bottle jets attack the inside of these objects directly.

This makes the feature particularly useful for:

Water bottles
Reusable drink bottles
Narrow glasses
Baby bottles where dishwasher-safe
Jars
Travel mugs
Tall containers

The actual effectiveness still depends on positioning. If the opening is blocked or the container is placed incorrectly, the jet cannot do its job effectively.

Deep Clean Silverware Jets

Another specialized feature is the dedicated silverware cleaning system.

Silverware can be difficult for a dishwasher because forks, spoons, and knives can nest together. When utensils overlap, food residue can remain trapped between them.

Dedicated silverware jets provide additional water coverage around the utensil area.

The dishwasher also has a removable third rack that can be used for silverware and other flat items.

This combination is one of the better aspects of the CDT845P2NS1’s loading system.

Third Rack: A Major Advantage

The third rack is arguably one of the most useful features on this dishwasher.

Instead of forcing all utensils into a traditional basket at the bottom, the uppermost rack provides a dedicated area for smaller items.

You can use it for:

Cutlery
Cooking utensils
Spatulas
Measuring spoons
Small lids
Serving utensils
Flat kitchen tools

This effectively creates another loading level without requiring additional floor space.

The third rack also helps free up room in the lower rack.

For families, this can be especially valuable because a dishwasher with a good third rack can often accommodate more useful items per cycle.

Adjustable Upper Rack

The upper rack is height adjustable.

This is important because not every load contains the same type of cookware.

On one day, you may have several tall wine glasses or bottles. On another day, you may need additional clearance for a large pan or serving dish in the lower rack.

The adjustable upper rack lets you move the rack to accommodate different combinations.

The available rack configuration provides clearance for taller items, with GE documentation indicating that the adjustable upper rack can accommodate items around 10.5 inches in the appropriate configuration.

This is one of the practical features that becomes more valuable over years of ownership because it allows the dishwasher to adapt to different household needs.

Fold-Down Tines and Loading Flexibility

The CDT845P2NS1 also has fold-down tines in the racks.

Fixed tines are fine for standard plates, but they become frustrating when you need to wash large cookware or unusually shaped objects.

Fold-down tines allow you to create wider open spaces.

This can be useful for:

Frying pans
Mixing bowls
Serving bowls
Large plates
Baking dishes
Pots
Casseroles

The key advantage is flexibility rather than capacity alone.

A dishwasher can advertise 16 place settings, but practical capacity depends heavily on how easily the racks can accommodate irregular objects.

The CDT845P2NS1 performs well in this respect.

Capacity: Up to 16 Place Settings

GE rates the CDT845P2NS1 for up to 16 place settings.

That places it firmly in the large-capacity category for a standard 24-inch residential dishwasher.

For a large family, the additional capacity can reduce the number of cycles required during a busy week.

However, capacity ratings should not be interpreted literally as “16 complete meals fit regardless of what you load.”

Large cookware consumes considerably more space than ordinary plates and cups.

The practical benefit of this dishwasher comes from the combination of:

Large tub
Three racks
Adjustable upper rack
Fold-down tines
Third rack
Flexible loading arrangement

That makes it easier to handle mixed loads.

Ultra Wash & Dry System

The CDT845P2NS1 combines its cleaning system with an Ultra Dry system.

Drying is often where otherwise good dishwashers disappoint.

Cleaning dishes is relatively straightforward because the dishwasher can use water pressure and detergent to remove food. Drying is more complicated because water must be removed from different surfaces and materials.

Plastic containers are especially difficult because they do not retain heat as effectively as ceramic or metal.

The CDT845P2NS1 uses a heated drying system designed to improve drying performance.

For glassware, plates, stainless-steel cookware, and ceramic dishes, the system can provide strong results when the dishwasher is correctly loaded and rinse aid is used.

How Good Is the Drying?

The answer is: good, but not magical.

Ceramic plates and metal cookware should generally dry better than plastic.

Plastic containers often retain droplets because their surfaces cool quickly and do not transfer heat as effectively.

Rinse aid can make a meaningful difference because it reduces water’s tendency to remain in large droplets on dish surfaces.

This is particularly important for households in areas with hard water.

If you notice persistent water spots or poor drying, check:

Rinse-aid level
Dishwasher loading
Water temperature
Cycle selection
Plastic item placement
Filter cleanliness
Spray-arm movement

A dishwasher’s drying system works best when the entire wash-and-dry process is functioning properly.

Steam + Sani

The CDT845P2NS1 includes a Steam + Sani option.

The steam portion is designed to help loosen difficult soils before the main cleaning action.

This can be useful for dried-on food, baked-on residue, and loads that have been sitting for some time.

The sanitation portion is designed to raise the wash conditions to the temperatures required for a sanitizing performance.

The model was certified to the applicable residential dishwasher sanitation standard, making this more than simply a marketing label.

For households with young children, people who want an additional sanitation step, or anyone washing heavily soiled dishes, the option can be useful.

It should not be necessary for every load.

Using intensive sanitation and high-temperature options for lightly soiled dishes can consume additional energy and may lengthen the cycle.

Wash Zones

One particularly useful feature is upper- or lower-rack wash-zone selection.

Suppose you have only a small number of dishes but need to run the dishwasher.

Instead of waiting until both racks are full, you can select the appropriate wash zone.

This is particularly useful for:

Small households
Couples
Apartments
Evening cleanup
Partial loads
Households that run the dishwasher frequently

It can also reduce unnecessary water and energy use compared with running a full-load configuration when only one section needs cleaning.

Filtration and Hard-Food Handling

The CDT845P2NS1 uses a filtration system combined with hard-food handling.

This is important because food particles removed from dishes have to go somewhere.

Modern dishwashers generally rely on filtration and controlled drainage rather than simply sending every piece of food directly through the drain system.

The CDT845P2NS1 uses 100% filtration with a removable filter along with hard-food handling.

The removable filter is an advantage for maintenance.

A dishwasher filter should not be ignored.

Over time, grease, starch, mineral deposits, and food debris can accumulate. A dirty filter can contribute to:

Poor cleaning
Odors
Dirty water circulation
Residue on dishes
Reduced wash performance

Cleaning frequency depends on household use and how heavily soiled the dishes are.

Active Flood Protect

The dishwasher also includes Active Flood Protect.

This is designed to detect an excessive water level and respond by pumping water out when necessary.

Leak protection is particularly valuable in a built-in appliance because dishwasher leaks can damage:

Cabinets
Flooring
Subflooring
Baseboards
Adjacent appliances

However, flood protection should not be interpreted as a guarantee that a kitchen can never experience water damage.

Supply-line leaks, drain-hose failures, door-seal failures, plumbing problems, and other external issues can still occur.

Good installation remains essential.

Installation and Dimensions

The CDT845P2NS1 is designed around the standard North American 24-inch dishwasher format.

Its approximate dimensions are:

Width: 23.75 inches
Height: 34 inches
Depth: 24 inches without handle
Depth with handle: approximately 26.3 inches

The minimum installation height is approximately 33.375 inches, while the adjustable legs can accommodate a somewhat taller opening.

This is important when replacing an existing dishwasher.

Do not assume that “24-inch dishwasher” means every 24-inch model will automatically fit.

Before purchasing a used or remaining-stock CDT845P2NS1, measure:

Cabinet opening width
Opening height
Available depth
Door clearance
Flooring height
Water-supply location
Drain connection
Electrical connection
Countertop clearance

A dishwasher can have the correct nominal width but still be difficult to install if the plumbing or electrical connections are positioned differently.

Is the CDT845P2NS1 Suitable for UK and Canada?

The CDT845P2NS1 was primarily designed around the North American appliance market.

That makes it a much more natural choice for the United States and Canada than for the United Kingdom.

The United States and Canada commonly use the electrical and plumbing configuration associated with North American built-in dishwashers.

The UK uses different electrical standards, appliance installation practices, dimensions, plugs, and plumbing conventions.

Therefore, someone in the UK should not simply import a U.S.-market CDT845P2NS1 and assume it is a direct replacement for a British dishwasher.

For U.S. and Canadian buyers, the model’s standard 24-inch configuration is much more straightforward.

For UK readers researching the model, the review remains useful for understanding its technology and performance, but electrical compatibility and installation must be checked independently before considering importation.

Energy Efficiency

The CDT845P2NS1 carried ENERGY STAR certification.

That means the dishwasher met the applicable efficiency requirements at the time it was certified.

Modern dishwasher efficiency is not simply about how little water enters the tub.

A dishwasher uses energy primarily for:

Heating water
Operating pumps
Running controls
Drying dishes
Standby operation

The most efficient way to operate the appliance is generally to run full loads rather than repeatedly running small loads unnecessarily.

The CDT845P2NS1’s wash-zone feature can nevertheless be useful when a smaller load genuinely needs to be cleaned.

Water Consumption and Dishwasher Efficiency

It is important not to compare water usage between dishwashers based only on advertised numbers from different generations.

ENERGY STAR test requirements have changed over time, and modern models can be evaluated under updated testing procedures.

The CDT845P2NS1 belongs to an earlier generation of ENERGY STAR-certified dishwashers, so current buyers should be careful when comparing its historical specifications directly with a newer dishwasher tested under current requirements.

In practical use, loading efficiency is just as important.

A dishwasher that uses somewhat more water per cycle but allows a household to wash significantly more dishes in one load can potentially be more useful than a smaller dishwasher that requires multiple cycles.

Smart Features and Wi-Fi

The CDT845P2NS1 was designed as part of Café’s smart-appliance ecosystem, but there is an important distinction.

Unlike certain higher-end Café models with built-in Wi-Fi, this model used optional Wi-Fi connectivity through an additional module.

That means buyers should not assume that every CDT845P2NS1 automatically has smart connectivity.

If you are buying a used model, confirm whether the Wi-Fi module is actually installed.

Smart functionality can be useful for:

Cycle monitoring
Notifications
Remote control
Appliance diagnostics
Maintenance information

However, Wi-Fi should not be the main reason to purchase this dishwasher.

Its strongest qualities are mechanical: cleaning, loading flexibility, drying, capacity, and wash-system design.

Controls and User Experience

The top-control configuration provides a clean exterior.

You can generally load the dishwasher without accidentally activating the controls because the control panel is located on the top edge of the door.

This also means you need to open the door slightly to see the controls.

Some homeowners prefer this arrangement because it produces a cleaner appearance. Others prefer front controls because they can see the remaining cycle information without opening the door.

The CDT845P2NS1 is therefore particularly attractive for kitchens where appearance is important.

GE Café CDT845P2NS1 Reliability

Reliability is harder to judge than specifications.

A dishwasher can have excellent engineering but still develop problems because of:

Installation errors
Hard water
Poor maintenance
Electrical problems
Drain restrictions
Pump wear
Water-quality issues
Normal component aging

The CDT845P2NS1 has a relatively sophisticated wash system, which means there are more components involved than in a basic dishwasher.

That is not necessarily a reliability problem.

In fact, the presence of a removable filter, established GE service documentation, model-specific parts information, and manufacturer support materials is helpful for long-term ownership.

Because this model is discontinued, however, prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the condition of used units.

A heavily used dishwasher with an unknown history should be evaluated differently from a new old-stock appliance.

Common Maintenance Areas

Owners should regularly inspect the following:

1. Filter

Remove and clean the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Spray arms

Make sure spray-arm openings are not blocked by food particles or mineral deposits.

3. Door gasket

Check for food residue, cracking, distortion, or deterioration.

4. Detergent dispenser

Make sure the dispenser opens correctly and is not obstructed by large dishes.

5. Drain area

Check for debris and standing water.

6. Rinse aid

Keep rinse aid properly filled if you want the best drying and spotting performance.

7. Third rack

Make sure nothing prevents the third rack from sliding smoothly.

8. Water inlet

If water flow becomes slow, the inlet screen and household supply should be checked by a qualified technician where appropriate.

Hard Water: An Important Consideration

Hard water can have a major impact on dishwasher performance.

Minerals such as calcium and magnesium can accumulate on:

Spray jets
Tub surfaces
Heating components
Filters
Glassware
Interior components

If your home has hard water, periodic maintenance becomes more important.

Hard-water users should pay particular attention to rinse aid, detergent selection, filter maintenance, and mineral buildup.

In areas with exceptionally hard water, a household water-softening system may provide benefits beyond the dishwasher itself.

This is particularly relevant in parts of the United States and Canada where groundwater hardness can be substantial.

Pros of the GE Café CDT845P2NS1

Excellent cleaning system

The 90+ jet system, reversing quad-blade wash arm, multiple wash levels, bottle jets, and silverware jets give this dishwasher an impressive cleaning architecture.

Excellent rack flexibility

The third rack, adjustable upper rack, and fold-down tines make it easy to accommodate mixed loads.

Large capacity

The 16-place-setting rating makes it suitable for larger families and households that frequently entertain.

Quiet operation

At 45 dBA, the dishwasher is quiet enough for most kitchens.

Strong bottle cleaning

The dedicated bottle jets are particularly useful for narrow containers.

Stainless-steel interior

The stainless tub gives the dishwasher a premium feel and supports heated drying.

Sanitation option

Steam + Sani adds an additional high-temperature cleaning option for appropriate loads.

Leak protection

Active Flood Protect provides additional protection against certain overfill situations.

Premium appearance

The Café styling works particularly well in upscale kitchen installations.

Cons of the GE Café CDT845P2NS1

It is discontinued

This is the biggest consideration for anyone buying one today.

The model was manufactured through February 2024, so availability is now limited.

Wi-Fi is optional

Some buyers may expect a premium Café dishwasher to include built-in smart connectivity. This model requires an optional module for Wi-Fi functionality.

45 dBA is quiet but not class-leading

Newer premium dishwashers can operate at lower sound levels.

Drying plastics can still be challenging

Even with Ultra Dry, plastic containers may retain moisture.

Complex feature set

More components can mean more things that may eventually require service.

Used units require careful inspection

Because the model is discontinued, used-market purchases need more attention to age, condition, service history, and remaining parts availability.

GE Café CDT845P2NS1 vs More Expensive Café Models

One of the most important comparisons is with the Café CDT875P2NS1.

The CDT875 series moved further toward premium drying and smart features.

The CDT845P2NS1, however, already contains many of the features most homeowners actually care about:

Third rack
90+ jets
Bottle jets
Silverware jets
Adjustable rack
Steam + Sani
Wash zones
Ultra Dry
16-place-setting capacity
Stainless interior

Therefore, someone buying an older CDT845P2NS1 at a significant discount may get much of the practical performance of a higher-priced dishwasher without paying for every premium feature.

Is the GE Café CDT845P2NS1 Good for Families?

Yes.

For families, the combination of capacity and rack flexibility is one of the dishwasher’s strongest selling points.

The third rack allows more utensils and smaller items to be loaded separately.

The adjustable upper rack provides flexibility when washing tall items.

The lower rack can accommodate cookware after the tines are repositioned.

And the 16-place-setting capacity means a family can potentially complete a large dinner cleanup in one cycle.

For a household that cooks frequently, these practical features are more valuable than cosmetic features.

Is It Good for Apartments and Condos?

It can be.

The 45 dBA noise rating makes it considerably more appropriate for open kitchens and connected living spaces than many older dishwashers.

The main limitation is physical installation.

Apartments and condos may have:

Smaller openings
Restricted plumbing access
Building-specific installation requirements
Electrical limitations
Flooring height differences

Therefore, dimensions should be confirmed before purchasing.

Is the GE Café CDT845P2NS1 Worth Buying Used?

This is where the model becomes particularly interesting.

A used CDT845P2NS1 can be worthwhile if it is in good mechanical condition and priced appropriately.

Before purchasing, test:

Door operation
Rack movement
Third rack
Spray arms
Drain operation
Water filling
Heating
Drying
Detergent dispenser
Leak protection
Control panel
Wash-zone functions

Look inside the tub for:

Heavy mineral deposits
Rust
Cracked components
Damaged racks
Broken tine clips
Standing water
Excessive odor

A dishwasher that has been sitting unused for a long period deserves additional inspection because seals, pumps, valves, and other components can develop problems after extended inactivity.

How Long Can the CDT845P2NS1 Last?

There is no guaranteed lifespan for an individual dishwasher.

A realistic expectation for a well-maintained premium dishwasher is that it can provide many years of service, but the actual lifespan depends heavily on:

Frequency of use
Water quality
Installation
Maintenance
Detergent
Repair history
Component failures

The fact that the model is discontinued does not mean every machine is nearing the end of its useful life.

A relatively lightly used machine manufactured in 2023 can obviously have a very different remaining service life from a heavily used machine manufactured several years earlier.

When buying used, condition matters more than the model’s age alone.

Who Should Buy the GE Café CDT845P2NS1?

The CDT845P2NS1 makes the most sense for someone who wants:

A premium-looking dishwasher
Large capacity
Three racks
Strong cleaning performance
Bottle washing
Good silverware cleaning
Flexible loading
Quiet operation
Stainless-steel construction
Sanitation capability
A dishwasher suitable for frequent family use

It is especially attractive if you find a new old-stock or lightly used unit at a substantial discount.

Who Should Avoid It?

You may want to look elsewhere if:

You want the newest smart-home technology
Built-in Wi-Fi is essential
You want an extremely quiet dishwasher
You want the latest drying technology
You need a current-production model
You want long-term availability of a brand-new unit
You are in the UK and need a direct UK-compatible appliance

For these buyers, a current-generation dishwasher may make more sense.

Final Verdict: GE Café CDT845P2NS1 Review

The GE Café CDT845P2NS1 remains an impressive dishwasher despite being discontinued.

Its biggest strengths are not gimmicks. They are the practical features that affect everyday dishwashing: a powerful multi-jet wash system, reversing quad-blade lower spray arm, bottle jets, silverware jets, third rack, adjustable upper rack, fold-down tines, large capacity, Steam + Sani, wash-zone control, heated Ultra Dry, stainless-steel construction, and 45 dBA operation.

The machine is particularly well suited to households that cook frequently and need a dishwasher capable of handling large, complicated loads.

The third rack and flexible loading system are especially valuable. Instead of simply increasing the advertised place-setting number, Café gives users several ways to reorganize the dishwasher depending on what they are washing.

The 90+ jet system is also a meaningful engineering feature. While the number itself should not be treated as proof of superior cleaning, the overall combination of multiple wash levels, specialized jets, and the reversing quad-blade wash arm gives the dishwasher a strong mechanical-cleaning foundation.

The major weakness today is its age and discontinued status.

If you are purchasing one new from old stock, verify the warranty and exact manufacturing date. If you are purchasing one used, inspect it carefully and test all major functions before paying.

Overall rating

Category	Rating
Cleaning performance	9/10
Drying performance	8/10
Rack flexibility	9.5/10
Capacity	9/10
Noise	8.5/10
Features	9/10
Build/design	9/10
Energy efficiency	8/10
Smart features	7/10
Long-term ownership	8/10
Current-market value	8/10
Overall	8.7/10

Bottom line: If you can find a well-maintained GE Café CDT845P2NS1 at a reasonable price, it can still be an excellent premium dishwasher. Its cleaning system and rack flexibility remain its strongest arguments, while the discontinued status and optional smart connectivity are the main reasons to consider a newer model instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GE Café CDT845P2NS1 a good dishwasher?

Yes. It is a premium built-in dishwasher with a strong wash system, third rack, adjustable racks, bottle jets, silverware jets, sanitation capability, heated drying, large capacity, and 45 dBA operation.

Is the CDT845P2NS1 discontinued?

Yes. The model was manufactured from approximately April 2019 through February 2024. It is no longer a current-production Café dishwasher.

How many dishes can the CDT845P2NS1 hold?

The dishwasher is rated for up to 16 place settings.

How loud is the GE Café CDT845P2NS1?

It is rated at 45 dBA. That is considered quiet for a residential dishwasher, although newer premium models can be quieter.

Does the CDT845P2NS1 have a third rack?

Yes. It has a full third rack that can be used for cutlery, utensils, lids, spatulas, and other smaller items.

Does the CDT845P2NS1 have bottle jets?

Yes. It includes four dedicated bottle-wash jets designed to direct water into narrow containers.

Does it have a stainless-steel tub?

Yes. The dishwasher has a stainless-steel interior.

Does the CDT845P2NS1 have a heated drying system?

Yes. It uses GE’s Ultra Dry system with a heated drying element.

Does it dry plastic containers completely?

Not necessarily. Plastic generally remains more difficult to dry than glass, ceramic, and metal because it does not retain heat as effectively. Rinse aid and proper loading can improve results.

Does the dishwasher have a sanitize cycle?

Yes. It includes Steam + Sani and was certified to the applicable residential dishwasher sanitation standard.

Does it have Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi connectivity was optional rather than a standard built-in feature on this model. An appropriate optional module is required.

Does it have leak protection?

Yes. It includes Active Flood Protect, which is designed to respond to excessive water levels.

Is the CDT845P2NS1 ENERGY STAR certified?

Yes. The model was ENERGY STAR certified.

Is the dishwasher suitable for hard water?

Yes, but hard-water areas require more attention to maintenance, detergent selection, rinse aid, and mineral buildup.

Is the GE Café CDT845P2NS1 good for a large family?

Yes. Its 16-place-setting capacity, third rack, adjustable upper rack, fold-down tines, and wash-zone options make it particularly suitable for larger households.

Is 45 dBA quiet enough for an open kitchen?

For most households, yes. At 45 dBA, it should be considerably quieter than many older dishwashers and is suitable for many open-plan kitchens.

Can the upper rack be adjusted?

Yes. The upper rack can be repositioned to create additional clearance for taller dishes and cookware.

Can I wash only one rack?

Yes. The dishwasher has upper- and lower-rack wash-zone functionality for partial loads.

Is the CDT845P2NS1 better than a basic dishwasher?

In terms of features, rack flexibility, wash-system design, capacity, and construction, it is substantially more sophisticated than a basic dishwasher. Whether it is worth the additional cost depends on the purchase price and how much you value those features.

Is a used CDT845P2NS1 worth buying?

It can be, particularly if it is in good condition and significantly cheaper than a comparable current dishwasher. Check the pump, drain, heating, racks, controls, seals, filter, and overall condition before purchasing.

How long will a GE Café CDT845P2NS1 last?

There is no guaranteed lifespan. Maintenance, water quality, usage frequency, installation quality, and repairs all influence longevity. A lightly used and well-maintained unit can potentially provide many years of service.

Is the CDT845P2NS1 suitable for the UK?

The model was primarily designed for the North American market. UK buyers should not assume that a U.S.-market unit can simply be installed in a British kitchen. Electrical, plumbing, dimensional, and installation compatibility must be confirmed before importing one.

Is the CDT845P2NS1 suitable for Canada?

Yes, it was marketed in the North American market and was available in Canada. Canadian buyers should still verify the exact model’s electrical requirements, installation dimensions, warranty, and local service availability.

What is the biggest advantage of the CDT845P2NS1?

Its biggest advantage is the combination of strong cleaning technology and highly flexible loading. The 90+ jet wash system, specialized jets, reversing wash arm, third rack, adjustable rack, and fold-down tines work together rather than relying on one headline feature.

What is the biggest disadvantage?

The biggest disadvantage for buyers today is that the model is discontinued. That makes availability, warranty coverage, replacement parts, and comparison with newer models more important than they were when the dishwasher was originally sold.

Final recommendation

If you find a GE Café CDT845P2NS1 in excellent condition at a good price, it remains a dishwasher worth considering. Its core washing and loading technology is still competitive, and many of its features remain genuinely useful rather than purely cosmetic. For a brand-new purchase at a high price, however, it is sensible to compare it against current-generation Café and competing premium dishwashers before making a final decision.