Kenmore or Midea? Dishwashers Compared in 2026
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When you compare kenmore vs midea dishwasher options, you are looking at two very different appliances. Both models are Energy Star certified and designed for clean dishes. The main difference lies in their size and installation. The Kenmore is a built-in unit for standard kitchens, while the Midea is a portable countertop model. This guide breaks down the specs to help you pick the right fit for your space.
Key differences
| Aspect | Kenmore 24-Inch Hybrid Tub Dishwasher | Midea 6-Place Setting Countertop Dishwasher |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Type | Built-in | Countertop, Portable |
| Capacity | 12 place settings | 6 place settings |
| Width | 23.6 inches | 22 inches |
| Noise Level | 54 dBA | 52 dB |
| Wash Cycles | SmartWash with sensor adjustment | 6 cycles (Auto, Heavy, Normal, Quick, Rinse, Delicate) |
| Tub Material | Hybrid Tub | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Kenmore 24-Inch Hybrid Tub Dishwasher if
- You need to wash up to 12 place settings for a full family.
- You want a built-in appliance that fits under a standard counter.
- You prefer automatic soil sensing to adjust water temperature and pressure.
Choose Midea 6-Place Setting Countertop Dishwasher if
- You live in a dorm, RV, or apartment with limited space.
- You need a portable unit that connects directly to a faucet.
- You want a lower noise level at 52 dB for small spaces.
Verdict: Choose the Kenmore if you have a permanent kitchen setup and need high capacity for larger households. Pick the Midea if you require portability for smaller living spaces like dorms or RVs. The decision depends entirely on your installation constraints and daily load size.
Kenmore or Midea Dishwasher Showdown
Installation type
You need to decide how these units fit into your space. The Kenmore is a built-in dishwasher designed for standard kitchen cabinetry. It requires permanent installation and connects to your home plumbing. The Midea is a portable countertop model. You place it on a counter or in a cupboard. It connects directly to a faucet using an adaptor. This makes the Midea ideal for rentals, dorms, or RVs where you cannot install a built-in unit. Your choice depends entirely on whether you have a fixed kitchen setup or need a flexible, movable appliance.
Capacity
The difference in washing volume is significant. The Kenmore holds up to 12 place settings. This larger capacity suits families or households that generate many dishes per meal. The Midea holds only 6 place settings. It is designed for two to three people. The Midea can fit up to 70 pieces of tableware and plates up to 10 inches in diameter. If you cook for a large group, the Kenmore handles the load better. For small households or light use, the Midea’s smaller tub is sufficient and saves water.
Noise level
Sound output matters if your kitchen is near a living area. The Kenmore operates at 54 dBA. This is described as conversation level quiet. You can sing along to music without interruption. The Midea operates at 52 dBA. This is slightly quieter than the Kenmore. Both levels are low enough for normal household use. The Midea has a slight edge in decibels, but the difference is minimal. You likely will not notice the two-decibel gap in daily operation. Both units allow you to run a cycle without significant background noise.
Wash cycles
Cycle options affect how you clean different types of dirt. The Midea offers six distinct cycles: Auto, Heavy, Normal, Quick, Rinse, and Delicate. It also includes extended dry and power wash functions. You can delay startup for one to 24 hours. The Kenmore uses sensor technology to detect soil levels. It automatically adjusts water temperature, pressure, and cycle time. It also offers a Sani Rinse option for high-temperature cleaning. The Kenmore does not list specific cycle names in the data. The Midea gives you more manual control over cycle selection.
Dimensions
Physical size determines where you can place the unit. The Kenmore is 23.6 inches wide, 33.7 inches high, and 22.6 inches deep. It weighs 69 pounds. This fits standard under-counter spaces. The Midea is 22 inches wide, 17.3 inches high, and 20 inches deep. It weighs only 25.3 pounds. The Midea is much shorter and lighter. This makes it easier to move or store. The Kenmore requires a dedicated cabinet space. The Midea fits on any flat surface with a nearby faucet. Your counter space availability dictates which size works for you.
Which Kenmore or Midea fits your needs
Families needing large built-in capacity
The Kenmore handles 12 place settings with a hybrid tub. Its adjustable upper rack lifts or removes for awkward items. SmartWash sensors adjust water pressure and temperature automatically. The 54 dBA noise level keeps conversation easy. You get a permanent, high-capacity solution for standard kitchen cabinetry.
Small households or renters with counter space
The Midea fits on any counter and holds six place settings. It connects directly to a faucet using an adapter. The 52 dB operation is quiet for small spaces. You can wash 70 pieces of tableware efficiently. This portable unit suits dorms, RVs, or apartments where built-in installation is not possible.
Users prioritizing the quietest possible operation
The Midea operates at 52 dB, which is lower than the Kenmore's 54 dBA rating. Both are quiet, but the Midea offers the lowest noise spec available in this comparison. You get effective cleaning with a 360-degree spiral spray. This makes it ideal for open living areas where sound matters most.
Those wanting flexible cycle options and drying
The Kenmore includes a Sani Rinse option for extra sanitation and a heated dry feature. The UltraWash system uses two spray arms for thorough cleaning. You can choose specific cycles for different soil levels. The 3-stage filter captures fine particles. This model offers more specialized cleaning and drying features for heavy use.
The products compared
Kenmore 24-Inch Hybrid Tub Dishwasher
Best for: flexible storage and automatic soil sensing
- Width
- 23.6 inches
- Capacity
- 12 place settings
- Noise Level
- 54 dBA
- Tub Material
- Hybrid
- Features
- Energy Star
- Color
- Black
View on Amazon: Kenmore 24-Inch Hybrid Tub Dishwasher Affiliate link
This Kenmore 24-inch dishwasher features a hybrid tub and holds 12 place settings. Its 54 dBA noise level keeps conversations uninterrupted. SmartWash sensors adjust water pressure and temperature based on soil levels. The MoreSpace upper rack lifts or removes for tall items. It includes a Sani Rinse option and heated dry. This model suits those needing flexible storage and automatic soil detection in a standard footprint.
Pros
- 12 place setting capacity with flexible rack design
- 54 dBA noise level for quiet operation
- SmartWash sensor adjusts cycle based on soil levels
- Hybrid tub construction
Cons
- 54 dBA is louder than the 48 dBA competitor
- Hybrid tub is less durable than stainless steel
- No app control or remote monitoring listed
Good fit if
- You need to wash large or awkwardly shaped items
- You want automatic soil detection to adjust cycles
- You prefer a quieter operation under 60 dBA
Skip if
- You require a fully stainless steel interior
- You need ultra-quiet operation under 45 dBA
- You want smart home integration or app control
Verdict: Kenmore 24" Hybrid Tub Dishwasher offers flexible rack space and automatic soil sensing. It fits households prioritizing capacity and convenience over premium materials or silent performance.
Midea 6-Place Setting Countertop Dishwasher
Best for: small households and RVs
- Installation Type
- Countertop
- Width
- 22 inches
- Capacity
- 6 place settings
- Noise Level
- 52 dB
- Wash Cycles
- 6
- Target Space
- Apartments, RVs
View on Amazon: Midea 6-Place Setting Countertop Dishwasher Affiliate link
This Midea countertop dishwasher holds six place settings, making it suitable for two to three people. It measures 17.25 by 22 by 20 inches and weighs 25.3 pounds. The unit operates at 52 dB and uses 2.77 gallons of water per cycle. It features Energy Star certification and offers six wash cycles plus two additional functions. You can connect it directly to a faucet with an adapter for easy installation on a counter.
Pros
- Holds 6 place settings for small households
- Energy Star certified with 2.77-gallon water usage
- Quiet operation at 52 dB noise level
- Includes 6 wash cycles and delay start
Cons
- Limited to 6 place settings capacity
- Requires a faucet adapter for installation
- Power Wash cannot run with Auto or Rapid cycles
Good fit if
- You need a compact appliance for a dorm or RV
- You want an Energy Star certified unit
- You prefer quiet operation under 55 dB
Skip if
- You need to wash more than 6 place settings
- You require a built-in installation
- You need to use Power Wash with other cycles
Verdict: Midea 6-Place Settings Countertop Dishwasher fits small households or RVs needing a quiet, water-efficient cleaning solution. It suits users who value low noise and certified energy savings over high capacity.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Kenmore 24-Inch Hybrid Tub Dishwasher | Midea 6-Place Setting Countertop Dishwasher |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Type | not stated | Countertop |
| Width | 23.6 inches | 22 inches |
| Capacity | 12 place settings | 6 place settings |
| Noise Level | 54 dBA | 52 dB |
| Wash Cycles | not stated | 6 |
| Tub Material | Hybrid | not stated |
| Target Space | not stated | Apartments, RVs |
| Features | Energy Star | Energy Star, Quiet |
| Color | Black | Silver |
| Dimensions | 22.6 × 23.6 × 33.7 inches | 20 × 22 × 17.3 inches |
| Weight | 69 pounds | 25.3 pounds |
| Model | 2214789 | MDC22P2ASS |
Frequently asked questions
Can I install the Kenmore dishwasher myself?
No. The Kenmore 24-Inch Hybrid Tub Dishwasher is a built-in unit designed for standard kitchen cabinetry. It requires permanent installation and connection to your home plumbing. You will likely need a professional to ensure proper electrical and water line hookups. This model is not portable or countertop-ready.
Does the Midea dishwasher require permanent plumbing?
No. The Midea 6-Place Setting Countertop Dishwasher is portable and sits on your counter. It does not need permanent installation or hardwiring. You can connect it to your faucet for water intake and drain it into your sink. This makes it ideal for RVs or small households without built-in spaces.
How many dishes fit in each model?
The Kenmore handles 12 place settings using its hybrid tub design. The Midea holds 6 place settings. The Kenmore offers double the capacity of the Midea. Choose the Kenmore for larger families. Choose the Midea for couples or single occupants who prioritize space-saving over volume.
Which dishwasher is quieter during operation?
The Midea is designed for quiet performance. It is rated for low noise operation, making it suitable for open living areas or RVs. The Kenmore operates at 54 dBA. While acceptable, the Midea generally offers a quieter experience for users who prioritize silence over high capacity.
What cleaning features does the Kenmore offer?
The Kenmore includes automatic soil sensing via SmartWash technology. It adjusts water pressure and temperature based on how dirty the dishes are. The upper rack is adjustable or removable to accommodate awkward items. These features help optimize cleaning cycles without manual intervention.
Which model is more energy efficient?
Both models are Energy Star certified. The Midea is specifically noted for certified energy savings. It is designed for water-efficient cleaning. The Kenmore also meets Energy Star standards. Both units prioritize efficiency, but the Midea highlights this benefit for users focused on minimal resource usage.
What are the physical dimensions of the Kenmore?
The Kenmore measures 23.6 inches wide, 33.7 inches high, and 22.6 inches deep. It weighs 69 pounds. Its black color matches many modern kitchen aesthetics. These dimensions fit standard 24-inch kitchen cabinetry. Ensure your space allows for this width and height before purchasing.
What are the physical dimensions of the Midea?
The Midea measures 22 inches wide, 17.3 inches high, and 20 inches deep. It weighs 25.3 pounds. Its silver finish complements various countertops. These compact dimensions allow it to fit easily on kitchen counters or in RV storage. It is significantly smaller and lighter than the Kenmore.