January 2008
Kenmore (Sears) Elite 1334 dishwasher drawer: First Look
This model offers the convenience of two drawers, but its performance is only so-so
CONVENIENT CLEANER The Kenmore Elite 1334 offers two drawers but it's not a stellar cleaner.
Price we paid: $1,400
Date of Consumer Reports full report: March 2008
What it is. This 24-inch Kenmore dishwasher features two independently controlled drawers, allowing you to select different cycles at the same time-say a quick wash in one drawer and a heavy-duty cycle on the other. The controls are located on the top of each drawer, and each is equipped with a light on the front to indicate the cycle status.
What we liked. This 24-inch Kenmore Elite presents a sharp, contemporary look with partially hidden controls. (We tested model 1334[2], which has a white finish.) The ability to choose a different cleaning cycle for each drawer is a nice bonus.
What we didn't like. Some significant problems have arisen in our initial testing. Wash performance so far appears mediocre. And one drawer in two different dishwashers we bought did not drain completely. What's more, cycle time in the normal cycle is a long 2 hours, and water consumption is high-the 10 gallons consumed by both drawers with dirty loads is significantly higher than it is for other models we're testing.
Our initial take. This double-drawer dishwasher looks good, and it's a plus to be able to run each drawer independently. But its high price and the lackluster performance and drainage problem revealed in our preliminary testing make this Kenmore Elite a middling appliance.
Use our free buying advice if you're in the market for a new dishwasher. And find out which cleaners do best in our tests in "Dishwasher detergents: Which shine?"
Date of Consumer Reports full report: March 2008
What it is. This 24-inch Kenmore dishwasher features two independently controlled drawers, allowing you to select different cycles at the same time-say a quick wash in one drawer and a heavy-duty cycle on the other. The controls are located on the top of each drawer, and each is equipped with a light on the front to indicate the cycle status.
What we liked. This 24-inch Kenmore Elite presents a sharp, contemporary look with partially hidden controls. (We tested model 1334[2], which has a white finish.) The ability to choose a different cleaning cycle for each drawer is a nice bonus.
What we didn't like. Some significant problems have arisen in our initial testing. Wash performance so far appears mediocre. And one drawer in two different dishwashers we bought did not drain completely. What's more, cycle time in the normal cycle is a long 2 hours, and water consumption is high-the 10 gallons consumed by both drawers with dirty loads is significantly higher than it is for other models we're testing.
Our initial take. This double-drawer dishwasher looks good, and it's a plus to be able to run each drawer independently. But its high price and the lackluster performance and drainage problem revealed in our preliminary testing make this Kenmore Elite a middling appliance.
Use our free buying advice if you're in the market for a new dishwasher. And find out which cleaners do best in our tests in "Dishwasher detergents: Which shine?"
