What's this? Based mainly on washing, it also factors in noise, energy and water use, loading, and more. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.
Approximate retail price:
$319.99
Summary:
This Kenmore conventional dishwasher has
• A plastic tub.
• No hidden controls.
The Kenmore 15112 is part of the dishwasher
test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, dishwasher
models like the 15112 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.
Washing:
Assessed by running the normal or equivalent cycle to clean a full load--10 place settings of very dirty dishes that were scraped but not rinsed. We examine the dishes and glassware for residual food after cleaning.
Energy use:
For a normal cycle. The largest portion is needed for heating water, both at the water heater and in the machine.
Noise:
Judged during fill, wash, and drain, mainly by a listening panel.
About This Brand
Kenmore, the largest dishwasher brand in this country, is known for its reliability and dependability and has three lines: Kenmore, Kenmore Elite, and Kenmore Pro. Prices range from approximately $250 for a basic Kenmore model to $1,600 for the double-drawer dishwasher in stainless steel ($1,400 in white). Major features such as the TurboZone power-scrubbing mode tend to be shared among the higher-priced Kenmore models ($650 and up) and the Elite models. Kenmore recently introduced steam cleaning, hidden-control models as well as top-rack-only wash on some Elite models.
Sensor A sensor adjusts water usage and cycle time to the amount of soil on the dishes. This should make a dishwasher use water more efficiently, but we found that wasn't always the case. Moreover, a sensor can increase a machine's running time.
Sensor
No
Self-cleaning filter A filter that cleans itself is convenient, but it can add to noise. Note that it's often the costly foreign brands that lack self-cleaning filters and require periodic manual cleaning of the filter.
Self-cleaning filter
No
Stainless-steel tub Unlike a plastic tub, a stainless-steel one won't discolor, but it does increase the cost of a dishwasher by about $100.
Stainless-steel tub
No
Hidden controls Controls along the top edge of the door contribute to a sleeker look. Some models hide all controls; others hide only some controls.
Hidden controls
No
Ample flatware slots Flatware baskets with lids provide individual slots for most of the utensils in our silverware load. Such lids prevent "nesting" and thus improve flatware cleaning. It is more time-consuming to load the cutlery into individual slots, though, so you can remove the lids if you prefer.
Ample flatware slots
No
Adjustable upper rack Most models hold cups and glasses on the top rack, plates on the lower rack, and silverware in a basket. The ability to adjust the upper rack up or down an inch or so allows for more flexibility in loading items such as tall glasses.
Adjustable upper rack
No
Stainless/SS-look option Stainless steel is stylish, but it shows fingerprints. Another option: a vinyl-covered metal finish that gives you a stainless-steel look but resists smudging.
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Sensor
