Kenmore Dishwasher Model Guide: Should You Get a Kenmore?

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Barry began to teach himself to repair appliances as a teenager. In later years, his love of cooking led Barry to learn to troubleshoot kitchen appliances around his home. His background in education allows him to combine his love of repair work and passion for writing to bring the most helpful troubleshooting and repair guides to this site. He encourages appliance owners to plan ahead, think about their goals, and always read the manual!

Types of Kenmore Dishwashers

Kenmore has two types of dishwashers in their lineup: built-in dishwashers and portable dishwashers.

Built-in Dishwashers

These types of dishwashers are the most common. They are designed to tuck into your kitchen’s cabinetry under the countertops. Don’t confuse these with under-the-sink dishwashers, which are designed to be installed specifically under kitchen sinks. Kenmore doesn’t sell these models, at least not at the time of writing.

Some argue that built-in dishwashers aren’t ideal for small kitchens as they take up storage space. Others say that they’re best for small kitchens since they don’t take up floor space and they’re out of the way. I think this depends on your kitchen’s design; you might have a compact kitchen with loads of storage or a compact kitchen with barely any cabinets.

Before opting to buy a built-in dishwasher, think about where you’ll have it installed and whether you’re okay with giving up the extra storage real estate.

Since built-in dishwashers are permanently installed, try and avoid them if you might move houses in the near future. Also, if there’s currently no accommodation for a built-in dishwasher in your kitchen, you may need to alter the cabinetry to make room for the dishwasher – your landlord may have something to say about this. If you’re in this position, consider a portable dishwasher.

Check out Kenmore’s built-in dishwasher models here.

Portable Dishwashers

Portable dishwashers are easy to install: just connect it to a faucet, plug it in, and you’re good to go. They have wheels at the bottom so that you can easily shift them to whichever part of your home that you choose. The top of these models has a countertop-like finish, so you get extra worktop space on the dishwasher. If you’re wild enough, you could opt to use your portable dishwasher as a trolley when it’s not cleaning your utensils; I advise that you don’t.

If you’re renting, these are the best dishwashers for you. They do take up some floor space, so you’ll need to find a good place to stand them when they’re not in use. Take a look at the available portable Kenmore dishwashers here.

What to Consider When Looking for a Kenmore Dishwasher

Sizes

You can only get a 24-inch Kenmore dishwasher. If you’re looking for a standard-sized model, this isn’t an issue. However, those looking for compact dishwashers will have to look elsewhere. Consider Whirlpool dishwashers if you’re looking for an 18-inch model. Check out our Whirlpool dishwasher model guide.

Consider a 24-inch dishwasher with at least 12 place settings if you have a household of three or more. More on dishwasher place settings later. To install the standard-sized dishwasher, make sure the opening has a width of about 24 to 25 inches, a height of about 34 to 35 inches, and a depth of between 25 to 26 inches, give or take a couple of inches.

Noise Levels

As we mention in this article, we like to consider dishwashers with a decibel level of 52 dBA or less when looking for dishwashers. At this level, you’ll be able to hear the dishwasher in the background, but it won’t be too distracting.

Kenmore has categorized its dishwashers into standard, quiet, and whisper-quiet. The standard models have a noise level of 51 dBA and over; quiet models are rated at 46 to 50 dBA; whisper-quiet Kenmore dishwashers emit 45 dBA and below.

Kenmore’s loudest dishwasher has a sound level of 56 dBA. This isn’t overly loud, but it might be distracting if you have an open-plan space. These are also the lowest-priced models.

The company’s quietest models are part of the Kenmore Elite sub-brand, with a noise level of 39 dBA. At this level, you’ll barely hear the dishwasher running. However, they’re the most expensive dishwashers in Kenmore’s lineup.

You can strike a balance between cost and silence by opting for the ‘quiet’ line of dishwashers that have a noise level of up to 50 dBA.

Washing and Drying Performance

Find out, by reading user reviews, whether your preferred dishwasher does a good job. Look for complaints like food particles left on dishes at the end of a cycle, soap streaks on dishes, and so on.

Look out for features like hard-food disposers, dishwasher filters, and sensor cleaning—this helps improve the dishwasher’s performance. Also, consider the number of wash arms; the more the arms, the greater the area reached by water and vice versa.

The company’s dishwashers have different drying modes with varying levels of effectiveness. Consider one with sensor drying if you’re looking for a model with excellent drying performance. These are also the most expensive. Other models have unheated air drying or heated drying.

Tub Material

Consider a dishwasher with a plastic tub if you’re on a tight budget. However, you’ll have to contend with a lower heat threshold, meaning they potentially have lower washing and drying performance.

Plastic is also not as durable as stainless steel, so expect a shorter lifespan for these dishwashers. Stainless steel tubs are more popular because of their strength and resistance to high heat. They’re also better at absorbing dishwasher noise, making these models quieter than their plastic counterparts.

Dishwashers with stainless steel tubs are more expensive than plastic-tub models but consider these options since they will give you more years of use.

Place Settings and Racks

Consider the number of racks in the dishwasher, based on your household size and the number of dishes you have to wash each day. You want a dishwasher that can hold all your dishes irrespective of shape or size.

Kenmore’s dishwashers have at least 12 place settings with the higher-end models boasting up to 16 place settings. One place setting consists of 10 kitchen items. Check out this article to find out exactly how many of each kitchen item makes up a place setting.

If you have lots of cutlery and flatware, consider a dishwasher with a third rack. Also, look for a model with adjustable racks to enable you to make room for larger dishes when you need to.

Price of Kenmore Dishwashers (And Your Budget)

Kenmore’s lowest-priced dishwashers cost between $550 and $720. On the lower end, you will only get a dishwasher with a plastic tub. However, if you have a budget of $720, you can get a stainless steel model. The company mid-range models cost from about $780 to $1000. At this budget, you’ll have more options for stainless steel dishwashers as well as some fancy features like SmartWash.

The most expensive dishwasher in Kenmore’s lineup costs about $2000. If you’re ready to spend over $1000 then you’ll get features like a third rack. The company’s portable dishwashers all cost about $1040.

Unique Features of Kenmore Dishwashers

Micro Clean: This is a filtration system that effectively removes particles from the water through a four-step process. The filtered water is then recycled to boost efficiency. Kenmore tells us that dishwashers with Micro Clean save up to two gallons of water.
UltraWash® Wash System: This feature is a more advanced version of Micro Clean found in high-end Kenmore washers. Kenmore tells us that UltraWash is able to filter out particles as small as a grain of fine sand.
PowerWave Spray Arm: This spray arm rotates and sprays water on all sides of dishes, offering greater water coverage and, consequently, better washing performance.
SmartWash®: This is a wash cycle found in higher-end Kenmore washers that uses sensors to determine the soil level of the dishes and automatically selects the right wash settings for the load.
SmartDry Plus: This drying cycle automatically selects the appropriate drying settings for the load, depending on the wash cycle you used.

Recommended Kenmore Dishwasher Models

Selection Criteria

Value for money: I considered dishwashers that offer the best features and performance in their class.

Reliability: These dishwashers on this list are among the most reliable in Kenmore’s lineup, based on user reviews and build quality.

Performance: I looked for dishwashers with a wide array of unique features that make them top performers in their class.

User ratings: The recommended models have positive user reviews on Sears, Kenmore’s official retailer.

Kenmore Elite 22-14875 24″ Built-In Dishwasher

There’s no better model to open our list than one from the company’s premium line, Kenmore Elite. This model – the 14875 – sits on the higher end of the price spectrum, costing just above $1800. However, it’s deserving of its premium price tag, as it’s equipped with top-of-the-line features that make it one of the company’s best.

I can’t go any farther without mentioning its noise level (or lack of it); it emits just 39 decibels. This is whisper quiet and is almost totally imperceptible when running. This model also boasts a spacious interior with three racks, offering a total of 16 place settings.

The dishwasher’s exterior underscores its high-end pedigree, with a stainless steel finish. The tub is also made of stainless steel but that goes without saying at this price point.

Main Features

This Kenmore Elite dishwasher has a width of 24 inches.
It has a third rack with a dedicated spray arm.
The dishwasher can hold up to 16 place settings.
It has both SmartWash and SmartDry cycles.
Its noise level is 39 dBA.
The dishwasher has a leak detection system.
Its controls are placed on the door’s top edge.

Pros

This is a stylish dishwasher.
It’s very quiet.
You can fit lots of dishes.
It has a light that turns on when the cycle ends.

Cons

It has no WiFi connectivity.

Kenmore 14573 24″ Dishwasher with Third Rack and PowerWave Spray Arm

This dishwasher is perfect for those who want flagship features without having to spend close to $2000. Costing slightly more than 1000 bucks, the Kenmore 14573 looks almost similar to the Kenmore Elite model featured above, with a stainless steel body and controls on the door’s top edge.

However, at its price, you won’t get the low sound level of the previous one – this model is rated at 48 dBA. Still, this is quite enough so I’m not complaining. Inside, there’s a stainless steel tub and three racks offering a total of 13 place settings.

Kenmore gave this model a PowerWave Spray Arm to make it one of the best performers in its class. Underscoring its performance are the sensor-controlled SmartWash Cycle and the Sanitize Rinse Cycle.

Main Features

The Kenmore 14573 is a 24-inch dishwasher.
It has three racks with up to 13 place settings.
Its controls are on the upper edge of the door.
You can get it in three colors, white, black and stainless steel.
This model has a sound level of 48 dBA.
It has a PowerWave Spray Arm.
It has a Sanitize Cycle.
There’s also a SmartWash Cycle.

Pros

This is a good-looking dishwasher.
It’s quiet.
There’s a third-level rack for cutlery and flatware.

Cons

There’s no quick wash cycle.
It doesn’t have air drying.

Kenmore 22-14169 24″ Built-In Dishwasher w/ Stainless Tub

If you’re looking for a model that costs less than $1000 – albeit slightly – this is one to consider. It deviates from the design we’ve seen in the first two dishwashers on this list; this one has a pocket handle. However, the controls are still on the top edge of the door, leaving the front bare, save for the handle.

Inside, you only get two racks but it can hold up to 16 place settings – you’ll have room for all your dishes. This model has a sound level of 50 dBA, which isn’t whisper-quiet, it’s more like the sound of light rain in the background. Still, it’s not distracting at all, even if you have an open kitchen. In terms of performance and this dishwasher is at the top of its class, with features like Kenmore’s UltraWash Filter, SmartWash, and Sanitize Cycle.

Main Features

The Kenmore 14169 has two racks and up to 16 place settings.
Its sound level is 50 decibels.
The tub is made of stainless steel.
There’s a SmartWash cycle.
This model has a leak detection system.
It has Kenmore’s UltraWash Wash System with UltraWash Filters.

Pros

It has a large capacity and an adjustable upper rack so you can easily fit large dishes.
It has heated dry.
This model is reasonably priced.

Cons

There’s no WiFi connectivity.

Kenmore 22-14145 24″ Built-In Dishwasher w/ Stainless Tub

This dishwasher has a premium look and finish that translates to a premium price tag. Don’t get me wrong, it’s no Kenmore Elite dishwasher but it is one of the company’s higher-priced models, costing around $1100. For this price, you get features that are a staple in this class: SmartWash, UltraWash Filter, and leak detection.

Such features make this a top-performing dishwasher that offers value for money. Its sound level is rated at 48 decibels, which is certainly quiet. Inside, you get two racks (sorry, no third-level rack) and the capacity to hold up to 16 place settings. It also comes with a delay start – a common feature at this price point. In this model, you can delay the start of a cycle for up to 24 hours.

Main Features

This Kenmore dishwasher has a stainless steel tub.
It has two racks with up to 16 place settings.
The upper rack is adjustable.
There’s the UltraWash Wash System.
It has heated dry.
The washer also has an Extra Dry cycle.
It has a noise level of 48 dBA.

Pros

The dishwasher leaves dishes spotless thanks to the sensor technology and the UltraWash Filters.
It has a light indicator to let you know when the cycle has ended.
It is Energy Star certified.

Cons

There’s no third rack.

Kenmore 13222 Dishwasher with Steel Tub/Power Wave Spray Arm

This is my value recommendation, the lowest-priced Kenmore dishwasher on this list. It is, however, not the cheapest dishwasher in Kenmore’s lineup – the cheapest one has a plastic tub, which is difficult for me to recommend.

This model boasts a stainless steel tub and a $700 price tag. It offers some features that are also found in higher-end models, like SmartWash and Heated Dry.

These make it a top-performing dishwasher in its class and an easy one to recommend. It also boasts Kenmore’s PowerWave Spray Arm that makes sure water reaches all parts of the tub. Speaking of the tub, it has two racks and can hold up to 13 place settings. At this price point, this is standard.

Main Features

The Kenmore 13222 dishwasher has a stainless steel tub.
It has a sound level of 50 dBA.
The dishwasher has a SmartWash cycle.
It also has a Sanitize Rinse cycle.
There’s a PowerWave Spray Arm.
There are two racks; the upper one is adjustable.
It has a capacity of 13 place settings.
It has Heated Dry.

Pros

This Kenmore dishwasher is affordable.
It is energy efficient.
It’s quiet.

Cons

Dishes don’t dry completely at the end of a drying cycle.

Alternative Dishwasher Models

Budget Alternative: Amana ADB1400AGS Dishwasher with Triple Filter Wash System

Kenmore doesn’t offer any dishwasher for those on a tight budget so this Amana alternative should fill that gap. It’s a sub-500-dollar appliance that’s not only loved for its affordability but also for its functionality. This model has two racks – expected at this budget – and there are a total of 12 place settings.

It offers cycles like a one-hour wash as well as a high-temperature wash. However, there are a couple of tradeoffs. First, its noise level is at 63 dBA, much higher than our recommended 50 dBA, and it has a plastic tub. Still, these are expected at this price point.

Find out more about Amana’s dishwasher models in this article.

Amana ADB1400AG | Amazon

$550.00

This Amana dishwasher helps you clear off every crumb thanks to the Triple Filter Wash System. A combination of three wash filters removes even tiny food particles from the wash water.

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03/07/2024 08:32 am GMT

Under-the-Sink Dishwasher Alternative: GE Spacemaker® GSM2200VWW Under-the-Sink Dishwasher

Under-the-sink dishwashers are great for those who want to utilize the space under the sink and save on cabinet space. This GE model is one to consider as it comes with the brand’s reputation for reliability as well as a couple of bells and whistles that make it a top performer.

For starters, it has a hard food disposer so you shouldn’t worry about a clogged drain. However, its design is a bit spartan as it rocks a knob and a door latch. It’s also costly, as is the case for an under-the-sink dishwasher, priced at over $1000.

Find out more about GE’s dishwasher models in this article.

GE GSM2200VWW Spacemaker Under-The-Sink 24-Inch Dishwasher | Amazon

The Hot Start option provides the optimal water temperature for dependable performance. This dishwasher features two-stage filtration with an extra fine filter to keep the water clean. The Piranha hard food disposer grinds food into small particles that are washed away.

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Compact Dishwasher Alternative: Frigidaire FFBD1831US 18″ Built-In Dishwasher

If you’re looking for a compact dishwasher, then consider this Frigidaire model. It has a sleek stainless steel exterior with a control panel placed on the front face. This model also comes in black or white colors, costing less than the stainless steel option.

Sadly, you’ll have to pay over 900 bucks for this compact Frigidaire dishwasher. You get a stainless steel tub, eight place settings, heated drying, and a sound level of 52 decibels for this price. It also rides on Frigidaire’s reliability track record, making it a compelling choice.

FRIGIDAIRE FFBD1831US Dishwasher | Amazon

$698.00

The Frigidaire 18 in. Built-In Dishwasher is ADA Compliant and features a dual spray arm system that delivers a thorough clean every time. While the space-saving design allows you to clean up to 8 place settings in one cycle.

Buy at Amazon

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03/07/2024 09:36 am GMT

FAQs

Question: How long do Kenmore dishwashers last?

Answer: Kenmore dishwashers are expected to last from 10 to 13 years.

Question: How long is the warranty on Kenmore dishwashers?

Answer: Kenmore offers a general warranty of 13 months on all its dishwasher models.

Question: Are Kenmore dishwashers quiet?

Answer: Most Kenmore dishwashers are quiet. The quietest one has a sound level of just 39 dBA, which is almost completely imperceptible when running.

Bottom Line

Kenmore’s dishwashers are well-built appliances that offer years of use. Since you’ll have it in your home for about a decade, consider models that offer features that will age well. So, I would recommend avoiding models with plastic tubs and high noise levels of more than 52 decibels. Look for features like hard food disposers and particle filters to get the best performance from your dishwasher.

Before you go, check out this Samsung dishwasher model guide for more options from one of the most reliable brands.