Looking for a New Dishwasher

You should go to the library and review the most recent ratings on dishwasher in Consumer Reports. They will tell you how well a brand performed, how quiet is runs and how much is should cost.

I hope to replace my cheap builder grade dishwasher in the near future. We will probably look at a Fisher Paykel. When I checked last & went to several appliance companies they got excellent reviews. 5 different salespeople from different stores said they arent a big household name, but they should be & they are usually in high end homes. We have had a fisher paykel washer & dryer for 5 years now & they are the best in my opinion.

I'm sorry to say, but I think the new life span of most appliances is 10 years. I doubt you will find anything built to last longer than that.

Get a Bosch. Quietest thing in the world. Cleans great. Love mine. Worth every penny.

Hello, this is info I sent to my sister and mom when we picked a dishwasher for my mom....

The ones with stars are in the top 10 from consumer reports, I believe. I spoke with a great salesperson at sears, and got to look at each of these. (Dave at Fox Valley Sears)

*Kemore 137339
This is the same dishwasher that had been number 1 with Consumer Reports, except it doesn't have jets in the back. (I didn't think the jets in the back would be important, and they were an extra $100). It has some nice features. The top rack can move up or down to make more room on the bottom if you need it for a load. It seemed pretty easy to move. One of the rows on top folds down if needed to accomedate wider items. It have a flip down thing for
stem wear if you want to use it. Runs $515.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02213739000P?key...

Kemore 13579
Same as above, but without the moving parts (top rack stays in up position, rows are fixed, no stem wear feature.) Runs $440.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02213579000P?key...

Kemore 13593
Same as above, but top rack is in down position, so plates don't fit in the middle row on the bottom. (This is like our dishwashe. It's plenty good, but the next step up would be much better.) Runs $430
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02213593000P?key...

All the Kenmores have the silverwear basket to the right side of the bottom rack. It looks the same as ours and works great (sits stable when you pull it out to unload, etc).

*Another possibility I looked at was Bosche 17279 I believe it have stainless steel tub (on the sides), where as the Kenmore ones have a plastic tub. It rated well with consumer reports. It has a filter though instead of a disposal. It is better for wells and makes the dishwasher quieter, but you have to clean it about once a month. It wasn't hard to remove and clean, but I though it could be a hassle, especially if mom's shoulder is hurting, etc. It also has a different drying mode. You have to leave it shut for 15-20 minutes after the cycle, and jet dry is
recomended. I don't know how mom and dad feel about the chemicals in jet dry. Runs $531.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02217279000P?key...

Sears has $150 Install, with $10 haul away service - but there is a $35 rebate. Delivery is $65, but there is a $65 rebate for it. We may also need to purchase a $12 waterline.

There is a 30 day return policy, and (if it's been used) 15% restocking fee. It has a one year parts and labor warrenty. You can purchase 3 and 5 year plans. but they seemed pricy ($179-129).

We need to make sure their is at least 34 inches to the counter, and they are standard 24 inches wide.

All that to say, I think the Kenmore 13739 would be the best option for mom and dad. Unless they like the bosche model and don't mind the filter system.

P.S. The one I recommended for my mom will be replaced in the next few weeks. I don't know what the new model will be like, but it will be harder to find reviews on a newer model and it won't have the reliability history.

I ruled out whirlpool because the silver wear tray is on the door. I don't like that - space issues with the bottom rack, and tipping possibility when setting the rack on the counter.

Mom wanted the step down Kenmore from what I recommended. It was ordered last Monday and installed Thursday. She likes it a lot. Kenmores don't have the stainless steel feature though. We'e had a Kenmore that has worked well for us, and has been reliable for about 10 years, and it's still going.

Ten years is about its lifespan and I even buy higher end appliances. My last dishwasher was a KitchenAide but.....LOUD! LOUD! LOUD! after 8 years! Was very disappointing.

Like your previous post, I have a Bosch. It's the quietest dishwasher that I have ever heard. Just amazing (my husband needed that feature.) You can stand right next to it, at times and not realize it's running. Does a great job cleaning dishes - the only drawback is there is still a little some minor water residual on top of dishes on the "quick 1/2 cycle" because it doesn't have a dryer/heat element (something like that) that you will find on other diswashers, making it more energy efficient. I had a long conversation with someone who didn't like that feature - hasn't bothered me. Sometimes I do have to wipe the the bottom of my dishes.

Purchased mine at Lowes, last May 2008, and they had the best prices. They will price match - they took off an additional 10% because Sears was running a large appliance sale at the time (they probably are now, too, as it's the same time of the year). They were prompt and professional.

I also like Lorenz Appliances out in Homewood, IL. We originally bought all of our large home appliances from there but for the price that we paid, it wasn't worth going out that far.

Good luck.

My repair guy says ALL dishwashers eventually leak, and none are really made anymore to last "forever" like they used to be. Ask a repairman to help you out. I've always like Whirlpool, which is also Kenmore. Kitchenaid has also been good to me. xo