Best Reviewed
Dishwashers
- Best-value dishwasher Maytag JetClean Plus MDB8959AWW *Est. $660
- Best luxury dishwasher Kenmore Elite 13962 *Est. $1170
- Best basic dishwasher Maytag JetClean Plus MDB7749AWW *Est. $550
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- Energy Star-rated
- Sensor wash cycle
- Built-in food disposal
- Excellent cleaning ability
- Hidden controls
- Plastic wash tub
- Heated drying only
- No gentle wash cycle
In terms of price and features, the Kenmore SmartWash 13892 is one of the better values. With sleek looks and hidden controls, it has the modern design that's typical in kitchen renovations, yet it lacks fancier performance features like a glassware cycle, a half-load wash cycle and adjustable racks. It is Energy Star-compliant and includes a sensor wash cycle, self-cleaning filter, built-in food disposal, fold-down tines and sanitary rinse cycle. However, the inner tub is plastic instead of stainless steel, and drying is heated only -- there's no air-dry option. Owners say this dishwasher does a good job of getting dishes clean and is quiet (even though its 57 decibel rating isn't as quiet as others), especially considering its price. However, we did read a few isolated reports of early breakdowns.
If you like the look of hidden controls but want extra flexibility, the Maytag JetClean Plus MDB8959AWW (*Est. $660) has more cycles, a stainless-steel wash tub and an adjustable top rack.
The Kenmore 13892 is included in the latest roundup from ConsumerReports.org, where it is tested and rated against almost 50 other dishwashers. We also found owner reviews for this model at Sears.com.
Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
ConsumerReports.org editors test the Kenmore 13892 and a few other Kenmore models in their test of nearly 50 dishwashers. This site also allows readers to write their own reviews and posts the results of a survey on brand reliability. No user reviews have been contributed for the Kenmore SmartWash 13892, however.
Review: Dishwashers: Ratings, How to Choose, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Aug. 2010
2. Sears.com
The Kenmore receives an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars in more than 40 user reviews for the white version, and another 60 for other colors. Owners say the dishwasher cleans well and is very quiet, but there are a few complaints about early breakdowns.
Review: Kenmore White 24" Built-In Dishwasher With SmartWash Cycle (1389) Energy Star, Contributors to Sears.com
In a survey of more than 3,300 dishwasher owners, Kenmore gets average scores. However, it's worth noting that survey respondents weren't asked to name their specific model, only brand, so owners could have been reporting results for anything from $300 bare-bones Kenmore dishwashers up to $800 fancier models.
Review: 2010 Home Appliance Study: Dishwasher, Editors of J.D. Power and Associates
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