Kenmore 22-14605 Dishwasher Review

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A dishwasher can clean well and still frustrate you with cramped racks, wet plastics, or distracting noise. The Kenmore 22-14605 addresses those concerns with three wash arms, sensor-controlled cleaning, fan-assisted drying, and a removable third rack. Its 45 dBA sound rating also makes it suitable for kitchens connected to living or dining areas. This review explains where the appliance performs well, what you should confirm before installation, and when a competing model may suit you better.

What Is the Kenmore 22-14605?

The Kenmore 22-14605 is a full-size built-in dishwasher with a stainless-steel finish, touch controls, and room for up to 15 place settings. It targets larger or busy households that need more loading flexibility than a basic two-rack machine offers.

Its main feature package combines UltraWash Plus cleaning, SmartWash soil sensing, TurboDry, and an EasyFlex third rack. You also receive a height-adjustable middle rack, which helps you create clearance for taller glasses above or cookware below.

This is not a portable or countertop appliance. It requires a suitable cabinet opening plus electrical, water-supply, and drain connections.

Who Should Buy It?

Cleaning Technology and Cycle Options

UltraWash Plus Spray Coverage

UltraWash Plus uses three pressurized spray arms to direct filtered wash water through the tub. The three-level approach helps reach plates, glasses, utensils, and cookware placed across the racks.

The practical benefit is broader coverage than you receive from a simple wash system with fewer spray zones. You still need to keep the spray-arm paths clear, since a large pan or hanging utensil can block movement and reduce cleaning performance.

SmartWash Soil Detection

SmartWash uses sensors to assess the load and adjust water temperature, pressure, and cycle time. This can reduce the need to choose a cycle manually when you have a mixed load with different soil levels.

Sensor control does not remove the need for proper loading. Scrape away large food pieces, keep dishes separated, and face dirty surfaces toward the spray action.

Accela Wash, Half Load, and High-Temperature Options

Accela Wash is the speed-focused choice for times when you need dishes available sooner. It makes the most sense for recently used plates, cups, and utensils rather than cookware with heavily dried residue.

The Half Load option can be useful when you do not have enough dishes for a full load. High Temp and Sani Rinse provide additional heat when a load or household routine calls for it. Check the care instructions on delicate glasses, plastics, and decorated dishes before selecting a high-temperature option.

TurboDry Performance

Kenmore equips this model with TurboDry, which combines a built-in fan and heating element. The system removes warm, moist air and adds heat to improve drying after the wash and rinse stages.

This setup gives the 22-14605 a stronger drying design than machines that rely only on passive condensation. Plastics can still hold droplets because their light surfaces cool quickly and often have recessed areas where water collects.

For better results, use a compatible rinse aid, select the appropriate drying option, and angle bowls or containers so water can drain. Allowing a short cooling period before unloading can also reduce the chance of transferring water from upper-rack items onto dishes below.

Interior Design and Space Management

EasyFlex Third Rack

The removable EasyFlex third rack adds a separate loading area for flat utensils, serving tools, and other shallow items. Kenmore states that it provides 35% more space for utensils and large tools.

Moving cutlery and cooking tools to the upper level can free room in the lower cutlery basket. You can then use more of the bottom rack for plates or cookware. The third rack is shallow, so it is not designed for tall bowls, mugs, or bulky containers.

MoreSpace Adjustable Rack

The MoreSpace middle rack can be raised or lowered to change the clearance between rack levels. Lowering it creates room for taller glasses and similar items in the middle. Raising it opens more space below for pans, platters, and other tall pieces.

Rack adjustment is most useful when your loads change from day to day. You may still need to remove or hand-wash oversized pieces that prevent the spray arms from rotating freely.

Interior Feature	Practical Benefit	Limitation
EasyFlex third rack	Separates utensils and frees space below	Best for shallow items
Adjustable middle rack	Changes clearance for glasses or cookware	May require adjustment between loads
15-place-setting capacity	Supports larger daily or entertaining loads	Actual capacity depends on dish shapes and loading

Noise, Controls, and Safety Features

45 dBA Operation

At 45 dBA, the Kenmore 22-14605 sits in the quiet range for a full-size dishwasher. You should generally be able to run it during normal conversation, television viewing, or evening cleanup without the motor dominating the room.

The QuietWash option provides another choice when reduced disturbance matters. However, competing premium models can operate below 40 dBA, so this Kenmore is quiet rather than class-leading.

Touch Controls and Delay Start

The touch-control panel and LED display provide access to seven cycles and multiple wash or drying options. Delay Start lets you schedule the cycle for a later time, such as after dinner or during off-peak utility hours where applicable.

Top or integrated controls can create a cleaner appearance, but their position may make cycle selection less visible when the door is closed. Review the control layout in the product images before choosing this model.

Leak Detection

The built-in Leak Detection system is designed to sense excess water and drain it. This adds a useful layer of protection, but no leak system can replace correct hose connections, routine inspections, and proper installation.

How It Performs in Real Use

For Daily Family Loads

The 15-place-setting capacity and three-rack layout suit households that wash mixed loads each day. Plates and cookware can stay below, cups and glasses fit in the middle, and flat utensils can move to the third rack.

SmartWash is the logical starting cycle for mixed soil levels. Correct spacing remains essential because tightly nested bowls and overlapping utensils can keep water from reaching dirty surfaces.

For Pots and Pans

The adjustable middle rack helps you create lower-rack clearance for taller cookware. UltraWash Plus and the High Temp option support heavier cleaning tasks, but burnt or heavily dried residue may still need soaking or manual treatment.

Place cookware at an angle and check that it does not prevent a spray arm from spinning. Avoid positioning a large pan where it shields the detergent dispenser or blocks water from reaching other items.

For Quick Turnaround

Accela Wash can help when you need cups, plates, or serving items again on the same day. It is better suited to fresh, moderate messes than to a tightly packed load of baked-on cookware.

Cycle duration and results can vary with the selected options, incoming water temperature, soil level, and load arrangement. Adding high-temperature or extended drying options may increase the total run time.

For Open-Plan Kitchens

The 45 dBA sound rating makes the dishwasher a reasonable choice for kitchens connected to dining or living areas. You may hear water movement, draining, or occasional mechanical sounds, but the appliance should be less intrusive than many basic models rated above 50 dBA.

Loading and Setup Tips

• Check spray-arm movement: Rotate each accessible spray arm by hand before starting the cycle to make sure no pan, plate, or utensil blocks it.
• Use the third rack for shallow tools: Place spatulas, serving spoons, and flat cutlery where water can reach their dirty surfaces.
• Angle containers downward: Position bowls, cups, and plastic containers so water drains instead of collecting in recessed areas.
• Adjust the middle rack before loading: Set the rack height based on your tallest upper and lower items rather than forcing dishes into place.
• Use automatic dishwasher detergent: Follow the detergent and appliance instructions. Do not use ordinary hand-washing liquid, which can create excessive suds.
• Maintain the filter and spray areas: Inspect and clean accessible components according to the use-and-care guide.

Installation and Maintenance Considerations

A built-in dishwasher connects to household electricity, a hot-water supply, and a drain. Experienced homeowners may be able to replace an existing unit, but a qualified installer is the safer choice when connections, wiring, cabinet dimensions, or local codes are uncertain.

After installation, inspect the supply and drain connections for moisture during the first cycles. Clean the filter, spray arms, door edges, and seals as directed in the manual. Regular maintenance helps prevent odors, drainage problems, and reduced spray performance.

The fingerprint-resistant exterior should need less frequent polishing than untreated stainless steel. Use a soft cloth and a cleaner approved for the finish rather than abrasive pads or harsh chemicals.

Pros and Cons

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Is It Worth the Price?

The Kenmore 22-14605 sits above a basic entry-level dishwasher because it combines three-rack loading, sensor-controlled cleaning, fan-assisted drying, leak detection, and quiet operation. It offers the most value when you expect to use those features regularly rather than choosing cycles and loading configurations only occasionally.

It is worth considering for a larger household that needs adaptable rack space and wants better drying support than a passive system provides. A simpler two-rack dishwasher may offer better value if your loads are small, you rarely wash cookware, or you do not need a third rack.

Compare the appliance price together with delivery, installation, removal, required parts, and local service access. Those costs can change the value calculation more than a small difference in the listed purchase price.

How It Compares to Alternatives

A Bosch 300 Series dishwasher is worth comparing if you prefer Bosch’s rack system, PrecisionWash sensors, and PureDry design. Sound ratings differ by exact Bosch model, with several full-size versions listed around 46 to 48 dBA. The Kenmore offers a similar quietness range while emphasizing TurboDry and a 15-place-setting capacity.

The KitchenAid KDFE204KPS may suit you better when sound level is the main priority. It is rated at 39 dBA and includes a third-level utensil rack, adjustable middle rack, and sensor-controlled ProWash cycle. The Kenmore makes more sense when you prefer its UltraWash Plus, EasyFlex, and TurboDry feature package or find better installation and service support for it locally.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

The Kenmore 22-14605 is a strong choice for households that need a quiet, full-size dishwasher with flexible racks, sensor-controlled washing, and active drying. Consider another model if you need a compact format, want operation below 40 dBA, or cannot arrange suitable built-in installation and service support.