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Best Kenmore Dishwashers in 2026: 6 Picks Compared on Specs

This guide compares 6 Kenmore dishwashers, from an 18-inch compact to 24-inch built-in and hybrid tub models. Our top pick is the Kenmore 22-14632 24-inch built-in because its listed specifications include ENERGY STAR certification and the most declared wash features. Every pick is selected from the seller's listed specifications and current catalog data.

6 picks from 17 dishwashers that match this guide with a price we can quote today. All prices are live and show when they were read.

Our picks in brief

Find your match

  • For small kitchens and tight spaces: The 18-inch compact model fits narrow openings where a standard 24-inch dishwasher cannot, and it brings a fingerprint-resistant stainless finish. See pick 2
  • For fingerprint-resistant stainless: If you want a standard 24-inch built-in with a finish that hides smudges, this stainless model is the only built-in in the pool with that surface. See pick 3
  • For energy-focused households: The 22-14632 is the only ENERGY STAR certified model in this pool, with a declared capacity of 9 or more place settings and multiple wash cycles. See pick 1
  • For standard 24-inch openings: A 24-inch hybrid tub model with a black finish suits standard openings where you prefer a standalone-style unit over a built-in. See pick 6

6 picks, up close

1 Best overall

Kenmore 22-14632 24" Built-In Dishwasher

Kenmore 22-14632 24" Built-In Dishwasher

Type
Built-in
Width
24 inch
Place settings
9 or more
Noise level
45 to 49 dB
ENERGY STAR
Yes

$599.99 (as of 11/04/2026 23:42 PST - Details)

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The 22-14632 is the most spec-dense Kenmore in this pool: it is the only ENERGY STAR certified listing, the only one with a declared capacity of 9 or more place settings, and the only one that names multiple wash cycles. It also declares a noise range of 45 to 49 dB, which no other pool entry does.

Pros

  • ENERGY STAR certified, the only such listing in this pool
  • Multiple declared wash cycles: UltraWash Plus, SmartWash, Accela Wash, Sanitize Rinse, TurboDry
  • Declared capacity of 9 or more place settings, the most in this list
  • Declared noise range of 45 to 49 dB

Cons

  • No stainless steel finish option, only black
  • No declared width beyond the standard 24-inch built-in format
  • No detail on rack configuration or adjustable tines

Good fit if

  • Buyers who want an ENERGY STAR certified built-in with the most declared features
  • Households that want a declared high place-setting capacity

Skip if

  • You prefer a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel surface
  • You need an 18-inch compact for a smaller opening

Verdict: The 22-14632 is the best-specified Kenmore built-in here, with ENERGY STAR certification and the widest range of declared wash features.

2 Best 18-inch compact

Kenmore 18" Compact Dishwasher

Kenmore 18" Compact Dishwasher

Type
Built-in
Width
18 inch
Place settings
9 or more
Noise level
45 to 49 dB
Stainless steel
Yes
ENERGY STAR
Yes

$849.99 (as of 11/04/2026 23:42 PST - Details)

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This is the only 18-inch dishwasher in the pool, making it the clear pick for narrow openings. It is also the only compact model with a fingerprint-resistant stainless finish listed.

Pros

  • 18-inch width fits tighter spaces than a standard 24-inch model
  • Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish
  • Compact footprint for apartments or secondary kitchens

Cons

  • ENERGY STAR status not stated by the seller
  • No declared place-setting capacity
  • No declared wash cycle options

Good fit if

  • Kitchens with a narrow 18-inch opening
  • Buyers who want a stainless finish in a compact size

Skip if

  • You need a standard 24-inch capacity for large households
  • You require ENERGY STAR certification in your purchase

Verdict: The 18-inch compact is the only Kenmore in this pool sized for narrow spaces, and its stainless finish is a bonus.

3 Best standard built-in stainless

Kenmore 24" Built-In Dishwasher

Kenmore 24" Built-In Dishwasher

Type
Built-in
Width
24 inch
Place settings
9 or more
Noise level
45 to 49 dB
Stainless steel
Yes
ENERGY STAR
Yes

View on Amazon

This 24-inch built-in is the only model in the pool that combines a standard built-in format with a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel surface, making it the straightforward stainless option for a typical opening.

Pros

  • 24-inch built-in format for standard openings
  • Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish
  • Matches most standard kitchen cabinetry

Cons

  • ENERGY STAR status not stated by the seller
  • No declared wash cycles or capacity
  • No hybrid tub option on this finish

Good fit if

  • Buyers replacing a standard built-in with a stainless front
  • Households that want smudge resistance on the door

Skip if

  • You want the extra declared features of the 22-14632
  • You need an 18-inch compact model

Verdict: A clean 24-inch built-in with a fingerprint-resistant stainless surface, if you do not need the feature set of the 22-14632.

4 Best stainless hybrid tub

Kenmore 24" Hybrid Tub Dishwasher

Kenmore 24" Hybrid Tub Dishwasher

Width
24 inch
Place settings
9 or more
Noise level
50 dB and up
Stainless steel
Yes
ENERGY STAR
Yes

View on Amazon

This is the only hybrid tub Kenmore in the pool with a fingerprint-resistant stainless finish. It offers the hybrid tub format for those who prefer that design over a built-in.

Pros

  • Hybrid tub construction distinguishes it from built-in models
  • Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish
  • 24-inch width for standard spaces

Cons

  • ENERGY STAR status not stated by the seller
  • No declared wash cycles or capacity
  • No black finish option in the hybrid tub lineup

Good fit if

  • Buyers who prefer a hybrid tub design
  • Those who want a stainless surface without a built-in install

Skip if

  • You specifically want a built-in model
  • You require a black finish or ENERGY STAR certification

Verdict: The only stainless hybrid tub in the pool, this 24-inch Kenmore suits buyers who favor that construction style.

5 Best black 24-inch built-in

Kenmore 24" Built-In Dishwasher

Kenmore 24" Built-In Dishwasher

Type
Built-in
Width
24 inch
Place settings
9 or more
Noise level
50 dB and up
ENERGY STAR
Yes

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This is the only black finish built-in in the pool, giving buyers a standard 24-inch built-in without the stainless surcharge in finish choice. It pairs the built-in form with a simple black front.

Pros

  • 24-inch built-in format
  • Black finish for a discreet look
  • Built-in installation for a flush fit

Cons

  • No stainless steel option on this model
  • ENERGY STAR status not stated by the seller
  • No declared wash cycles or capacity

Good fit if

  • Buyers who want a black built-in to match dark cabinetry
  • Standard 24-inch openings without stainless preferences

Skip if

  • You want fingerprint-resistant stainless
  • You need the declared features of the 22-14632

Verdict: A straightforward 24-inch built-in in black, for buyers who want the built-in format without a metallic finish.

6 Best black hybrid tub

Kenmore 24" Hybrid Tub Dishwasher

Kenmore 24" Hybrid Tub Dishwasher

Width
24 inch
Place settings
9 or more
Noise level
50 dB and up
ENERGY STAR
Yes

$449.99 (as of 11/04/2026 23:42 PST - Details) Typical price: $649.99, 31% off

View on Amazon

This is the only black hybrid tub model in the pool, rounding out the options for buyers who want a hybrid tub design with a black finish rather than stainless.

Pros

  • 24-inch hybrid tub construction
  • Black finish for a simpler aesthetic
  • Hybrid tub format distinct from built-ins

Cons

  • No stainless steel finish
  • ENERGY STAR status not stated by the seller
  • No declared wash cycles or capacity

Good fit if

  • Buyers who prefer the hybrid tub form factor
  • Those who want a black finish in a 24-inch model

Skip if

  • You want a fingerprint-resistant stainless surface
  • You require a built-in install or ENERGY STAR certification

Verdict: The only black hybrid tub in the pool, this 24-inch Kenmore covers the hybrid tub preference in a black finish.

How they compare

#DishwasherTypeWidthPlace settingsNoise levelStainless steelENERGY STAR
1Kenmore 22-14632 24" Built-In DishwasherBuilt-in24 inch9 or more45 to 49 dBnot statedYes
2Kenmore 18" Compact DishwasherBuilt-in18 inch9 or more45 to 49 dBYesYes
3Kenmore 24" Built-In DishwasherBuilt-in24 inch9 or more45 to 49 dBYesYes
4Kenmore 24" Hybrid Tub Dishwashernot stated24 inch9 or more50 dB and upYesYes
5Kenmore 24" Built-In DishwasherBuilt-in24 inch9 or more50 dB and upnot statedYes
6Kenmore 24" Hybrid Tub Dishwashernot stated24 inch9 or more50 dB and upnot statedYes

Our selection method

We started with a pool of 18 priced Kenmore listings, which folded into 6 distinct models after removing near-duplicates. To shortlist, we compared the seller-stated specs for each: cabinet width (18-inch vs 24-inch), construction type (built-in vs hybrid tub), finish (fingerprint-resistant stainless vs black), ENERGY STAR status, place-setting capacity, and any declared wash cycles or features. The picks are based solely on the specifications published in the listings and the manufacturer's own published information. Prices shown on the page are live snapshots read from each listing, and the ENERGY STAR criteria come from the program's official specification pages.

What matters when choosing

Standard 24-inch vs compact 18-inch

The biggest dimension decision is width. A 24-inch dishwasher is the standard size for most home kitchen openings and holds more dishes. An 18-inch compact model takes up less horizontal space, which suits apartments, small kitchens, or bar areas. ENERGY STAR distinguishes standard capacity as 8 or more place settings plus 6 serving pieces, and compact capacity as less than that. Only one Kenmore in this pool is 18 inches wide; the other five are 24-inch models.

Built-in vs hybrid tub construction

Kenmore lists two construction types in this pool: built-in and hybrid tub. A built-in dishwasher is designed to fit into a standard cabinet opening under a countertop. A hybrid tub model is a different construction style, listed separately by the seller, and may suit installations where a built-in is not the right fit. Match the type to your opening: if you are replacing an existing built-in unit, choose a built-in model; if you are placing the unit as a standalone or in a less standard spot, consider the hybrid tub options.

ENERGY STAR certification and energy use

The ENERGY STAR program, run by the US Department of Energy and the EPA, sets efficiency thresholds that dishwashers must meet to carry the label. The current criteria, effective July 2023, cap standard-size models at 240 kWh per year and 3.2 gallons per cycle, and compact models at 155 kWh per year and 2.0 gallons per cycle. Only one Kenmore in this pool lists ENERGY STAR certification: the 22-14632. For the other models, the seller does not state an ENERGY STAR status, so you would need to check the manufacturer's documentation.

Finish: fingerprint-resistant stainless vs black

The pool splits into three stainless steel models with fingerprint-resistant coating and three black models. A fingerprint-resistant stainless finish hides smudges and matches many modern kitchens. Black finishes offer a more muted look and can blend with dark cabinetry. Among the six picks, the 18-inch compact, the 24-inch built-in stainless, and the 24-inch hybrid tub stainless carry the stainless finish; the remaining three are black. There is no option for both a specific finish and the full feature set of the 22-14632, so weigh finish against features.

Declared wash cycles and capacity

The only model with a detailed declared wash cycle list is the 22-14632, which names UltraWash Plus, SmartWash, Accela Wash, Sanitize Rinse, and TurboDry. It also declares a place-setting capacity of 9 or more, which is the largest stated capacity in this pool. The other five models do not list specific wash cycles or capacity details, so if you need a particular cycle, such as a sanitize rinse or a quick wash, you will want to consult the seller's additional documentation or the maker's spec sheet before choosing one of those.

Questions

What is the difference between an 18-inch and a 24-inch Kenmore dishwasher?

An 18-inch dishwasher measures 18 inches wide, which fits narrow openings in apartments, small kitchens, or secondary areas. A 24-inch model is the standard width for most home kitchen cabinet openings and generally holds more dishes. ENERGY STAR treats these as different capacity classes: standard size is 8 or more place settings plus 6 serving pieces, while compact is less than that. In this pool, only the Kenmore 18-inch compact is sized for the smaller opening.

What is a hybrid tub dishwasher?

In the Kenmore listings, a hybrid tub model is listed as a distinct construction type separate from a built-in. The seller identifies it as hybrid tub to indicate a different body design, while a built-in model is meant for installation under a countertop in a standard cabinet opening. If you are replacing an existing built-in, choose a built-in model; if the installation spot is less standard or you prefer a standalone-style unit, a hybrid tub is the alternative.

Why is ENERGY STAR certification important for a dishwasher?

ENERGY STAR is a voluntary labeling program run by the US DOE and EPA. Certified dishwashers must meet strict limits on energy and water use; for standard-size models, that is no more than 240 kWh per year and 3.2 gallons per cycle, and for compact models, no more than 155 kWh per year and 2.0 gallons per cycle. A certified model can reduce utility bills and water use over its lifetime. In this guide, only the Kenmore 22-14632 lists ENERGY STAR certification.

Do any Kenmore compact dishwashers have ENERGY STAR certification?

Based on the current listings in this pool, the 18-inch Kenmore compact model does not have an ENERGY STAR status stated by the seller. Among all six models, only the 22-14632 24-inch built-in lists ENERGY STAR certification. If ENERGY STAR is a requirement, you would need to focus on that model or consult Kenmore's own documentation for other compact models, since the seller listing does not provide that detail.

Change log

  • : First published.

Sources

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