A stainless steel built-in dishwasher can give your kitchen a clean, coordinated look, but the right choice depends on more than the finish. Capacity, rack flexibility, noise level, drying style, and fit all affect how well a model works in your home. These five 24-inch options range from feature-rich machines with three racks to a simpler front-control model. Compare their listed features below, and confirm the exact model details and installation dimensions before ordering.
Quick Comparison
| Dishwasher | Capacity and racks | Notable features | Listed noise level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenmore 24-Inch Fingerprint-Resistant Dishwasher | Up to 15 place settings; adjustable upper rack and third rack | UltraWash Plus, TurboDry, Express Cycle, leak detection | 49 dBA |
| Three-Rack Dishwasher with Stainless Steel Tub | Up to 15 place settings; three racks | Smart Wash, stainless steel tub, ENERGY STAR certification | 49 dBA |
| Stainless Steel Tub Dishwasher with Seven Wash Options | Up to 14 place settings; two racks | Sanitize, high-temperature wash, express cycle, multiple drying modes | 49 dBA |
| Empava 24-Inch Dishwasher with Auto Door Drying | Up to 15 place settings; three racks | Eight cycles, six options, auto-opening door, ENERGY STAR 7.0 certified | 49 dB |
| Frigidaire Front-Control Tall Tub Dishwasher | Capacity and rack count not specified | DishSense sensor technology and four wash cycles | Not specified |
Our Picks: Best Built In Dishwasher Stainless Steel reviews
Kenmore Fingerprint-Resistant Dishwasher: Best for Flexible Loading
This 24-inch Kenmore is designed for households that want room for a full load and options for changing rack layouts. Its listed capacity is up to 15 place settings, and the adjustable upper rack can be raised or lowered to make space for taller cookware or stemware. A removable third rack adds a separate place for utensils.
UltraWash Plus uses three spray arms and filtered water, while SmartWash adjusts the cycle to the load. For drying, TurboDry combines a fan and heating element. The listed Express Cycle takes 50 minutes, and the Half Load option is useful when you have fewer dishes to wash. At 49 dBA, it is positioned as a quieter choice, though that figure alone cannot predict how noticeable it will be in every kitchen.
The fingerprint-resistant exterior is a practical choice if you want to reduce the appearance of smudges on the front. One limitation is that the feature set is extensive, so shoppers who mainly need basic wash cycles may not benefit from every option. The listing also does not provide installation dimensions, so check fit before buying.
Pros:
- Up to 15 place settings and flexible rack adjustments
- Third rack and Half Load option support different load sizes
- TurboDry and Sani Rinse add drying and cleaning options
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior
Cons:
- Installation dimensions are not included in the supplied details
- May be more feature-rich than needed for shoppers seeking a basic machine
Verdict: Choose this Kenmore if adjustable loading, a utensil rack, and several wash and drying choices matter more to you than keeping the controls simple.
Three-Rack Stainless Steel Tub Dishwasher: Best for Large Loads
This full-size built-in model is listed with room for up to 15 place settings, a stainless steel tub, and three racks. Its removable third rack and adjustable second rack give you more ways to arrange utensils, tall items, and cookware. The stainless steel interior is described as retaining heat, resisting odors, and supporting drying.
Smart Wash uses a soil sensor to adjust temperature, pressure, and cycle time. The listing also identifies the dishwasher as ENERGY STAR certified and gives a noise level of 49 dBA. That combination may suit a busy household looking for a large-capacity machine with automatic cycle adjustments.
There is an important detail to verify before purchase: the product title names Kenmore, while the supplied brand information identifies Koolatron. Confirm the exact brand, model, warranty, and included installation information on the product page. The supplied details also do not specify a drying system or installation dimensions.
Pros:
- Capacity for up to 15 place settings
- Three racks, including a removable third rack
- Stainless steel tub and soil-sensing Smart Wash
- Listed as ENERGY STAR certified and rated at 49 dBA
Cons:
- Product title and supplied brand information do not match
- Drying details and installation dimensions are not specified
Verdict: This model looks promising for large loads and flexible rack use, but verify its brand and model information carefully before deciding.
Two-Rack Stainless Steel Tub Dishwasher: Best for Cycle Choice
This built-in dishwasher is listed with a stainless steel tub and capacity for up to 14 place settings. Its two-rack layout includes an easy-lift upper rack and fold-down cup shelves, which can help accommodate glasses, mugs, and taller items. It has fewer racks than the 15-place-setting options above, but its listed capacity may still work well for many everyday household loads.
The seven wash options and drying modes include sanitize, high-temperature wash, express cycle, delay start, and fresh air storage. The listed 49 dBA noise level makes it a quieter-style option on paper. The product title describes the unit as Kenmore, while the supplied brand field says Koolatron, so confirm the exact manufacturer and model before ordering.
Compared with the three-rack models, this one puts more emphasis on cycle selection than on maximum rack flexibility. The supplied information does not specify ENERGY STAR certification or installation dimensions, so check those details if they are important to your purchase.
Pros:
- Stainless steel tub and capacity for up to 14 place settings
- Seven wash options and several drying modes
- Adjustable upper rack with fold-down cup shelves
- Listed noise level of 49 dBA
Cons:
- Two racks instead of a third utensil rack
- Product title and supplied brand information do not match
Verdict: Consider this option if you value cycle and drying choices over a third rack, after confirming the listing’s brand and model details.
Empava Three-Rack Dishwasher: Best for Auto Door Drying
The Empava is a 24-inch built-in dishwasher with a stainless steel tub and capacity for up to 15 place settings. It includes three racks, including a dedicated third rack for utensils. Its hidden top controls and pocket handle give the front a streamlined look, while the listed dimensions provide useful information for checking a cabinet opening.
For cleaning, the listing specifies three spray arms, 28 jets, eight cycles, and six custom options. Auto Door drying opens the door at the end of a cycle to release steam. It is also listed as ENERGY STAR 7.0 certified, uses 3.2 gallons per load, and operates at 49 dB. These stated specifications make it one of the more detailed options in this group.
Before buying, compare the listed cutout range—33 7/8 to 35 inches high, 23 7/8 to 24 inches wide, and 24 inches deep—with your own space. The auto-opening door may also need room to open freely, so consider nearby cabinets and walkways. Its listed feature set is broad, which may be unnecessary if you prefer a simpler appliance.
Pros:
- Three racks and capacity for up to 15 place settings
- Eight wash cycles and six custom options
- Auto Door drying and stainless steel tub
- Listed dimensions and water use help with planning
Cons:
- Auto-opening door may need clearance in your kitchen layout
- Many cycle choices may be more than a basic-use household needs
Verdict: The Empava is a strong fit if you want three racks, auto door drying, and detailed published fit specifications; measure your opening before ordering.
Frigidaire Front-Control Tall Tub Dishwasher: Best for Simple Controls
This Frigidaire is a 24-inch front-control, tall-tub built-in dishwasher with a stainless steel exterior. Its listed features include DishSense sensor technology and four wash cycles. Front controls are easy to see and reach, unlike hidden top controls, so the design may appeal if you prefer a straightforward interface.
The supplied product information is brief compared with the other options. It does not state the tub material, place-setting capacity, rack arrangement, noise level, drying method, or installation dimensions. That makes it difficult to compare the Frigidaire on load flexibility and everyday operating details.
Because fewer specifications are provided, check the full listing and installation documentation before choosing it. If capacity, quiet operation, or a third rack is a priority, the other models offer more clearly stated information to compare.
Pros:
- Front-control design keeps settings visible and accessible
- DishSense sensor technology is listed
- Four wash cycles offer a simple set of options
Cons:
- Capacity, rack layout, noise level, and drying details are not specified
- Installation dimensions are not included in the supplied information
Verdict: This Frigidaire may suit shoppers who want visible front controls, but confirm its capacity, noise, drying, and fit details before comparing it with more fully specified models.
How to Choose a Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
Measure the Opening Before You Shop
Check the height, width, and depth of your cabinet opening, then compare those measurements with the dishwasher’s installation requirements. A 24-inch label describes the general product size, but it does not replace the exact cutout dimensions. Of these picks, the Empava listing provides a cutout range; for the other models, look up the required measurements before placing an order.
Match Capacity and Rack Layout to Your Household
Place-setting capacity is a useful starting point, but rack design affects what you can fit in a real load. A third rack can separate utensils from dishes, while an adjustable upper rack can make room for tall glasses or cookware. Choose a layout that suits the items you wash most often, not just the highest capacity number.
Compare Noise Levels Carefully
Four models list a noise level of 49 dBA or 49 dB; the Frigidaire listing does not provide one. Noise can matter more in open kitchens or when you run a cycle while people are nearby. Use the listed figure to compare models, but check the manufacturer’s full specifications for consistent testing details.
Think About Drying and Cycle Options
Drying methods vary across these picks. The Kenmore lists a fan and heating element, the Empava opens its door at cycle end, and the two-rack model lists several drying modes. If you wash plastic containers, cookware, or delicate glasses often, look for cycle and drying settings suited to those loads rather than assuming all machines dry the same way.
Check the Tub and Exterior Details
A stainless steel exterior affects the appliance’s visible finish, while a stainless steel tub describes the interior. Do not assume that a stainless exterior means the inside is also stainless steel. If an interior tub material matters to you, confirm it in the product specifications. A fingerprint-resistant finish may also help reduce visible smudges on the door.
Verify Energy and Water Information
Look for a stated certification and water-use figure if efficiency is part of your decision. The supplied Empava details list ENERGY STAR 7.0 certification and 3.2 gallons per load; another model is listed as ENERGY STAR certified. Confirm that the current product information matches those claims, and compare operating details across any models you are considering.
Confirm the Exact Model and Installation Requirements
Check the manufacturer, model number, warranty terms, and included installation information on the product page. This is especially important when the product title and brand information do not match, as they do in two of the supplied listings. Also confirm that your kitchen has the required water, drain, and electrical connections using the manufacturer’s installation instructions or a qualified installer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “built-in” mean for a dishwasher?
A built-in dishwasher is installed beneath a countertop and connected to the kitchen’s plumbing and electrical service. Before buying, confirm that the unit’s cutout dimensions and connection requirements match your space.
Is a stainless steel exterior the same as a stainless steel tub?
No. The exterior finish and the material inside the dishwasher are separate specifications. Check the listing for each one rather than assuming the tub is stainless steel because the door is.
Is 49 dBA considered quiet?
Four of the listed models specify 49 dBA or 49 dB, which gives you a point of comparison. Noise perception can vary with your kitchen layout and the surrounding room, so treat the number as a specification rather than a guarantee of how quiet a dishwasher will seem at home.
Do you need a third rack?
A third rack can provide a separate place for utensils and small items, and it may free up room in the lower racks. If you rarely wash many utensils at once, a well-designed two-rack model may be enough for your needs.
What is the benefit of an adjustable upper rack?
An adjustable rack can be raised or lowered to create space for taller glasses, cookware, or dishes. Check how the rack adjusts and whether the arrangement works with the items you commonly load.
Which model has the most detailed installation dimensions?
The Empava listing includes a height and width range for the cutout, along with a depth measurement. Still, compare those figures with the complete installation guide and measure your opening before ordering.
Final Recommendation
For a feature-rich option with a third rack, adjustable loading, and several wash and drying features, the Kenmore fingerprint-resistant model stands out on paper. The Empava is a good alternative if auto door drying and published cutout dimensions are priorities. If you are considering either listing with mismatched brand information, verify the exact model and manufacturer first. For every pick, check the full specifications and measure your opening before you buy.