We installed a SS Kenmore DW in our recent kitchen renovation. It cost about $645 on sale. (Sears has sales several times a month) We've had it for several months and so far we are pleased. It holds a lot, gets the dishes clean, and is reasonably quiet. Can't speak to reliability yet, but the Kenmore in our previous home is still running after 10 years.

Hope this helps.

Here is a link that might be useful: kenmore dishwasher

Just installed this Kenmore dishwasher yesterday (Link at the bottom of the page). Obviously I don't have an informed opinion on it yet, we've only run one cycle. It's manufactured by Whirlpool as are most other domestic made dishwashers it seems (that aren't made by GE).

It has the "TurboZone" jets in the back, aka "PowerScour" on Whirpool branded units. The rear most set of tines can be tilted back, and you can lay a heavily soiled pot or casserole against it facing the rear of the dishwasher, and some high pressure jets will scrub it clean. Haven't run this feature yet but seems like a good idea in principle.

The only other upgrade I can figure from the next step down pricewise in the same line, is the easy lift upper rack. Just have to press a button on either side of the rack, and then press down on the rack or pull up to adjust it to low and high positions.

It has a heating element for drying, but still recommends the use of a rinse agent to aid drying, which most, if not all current gen units seem to recommend because of Energy Star requirements.

After you start looking at a lot at the various brands under the Whirlpool umbrella, it becomes apparent that they are mostly variations on the same platform, especially if you are comparing models across the various brands that are in the same price/feature category. There are comparable Whirlpool Gold and Kitchenaid models to this one, they may just have a different spray arm, or a stainless tub, or stemware holders and bottle clips. Just have to find the unit that has the features that are important to you.

It seems there are some Samsung and Bosch models that would be in your price range, but I'm not in a position to offer an opinion on them. I did notice that some of the Bosches have smaller racks, which may be caused by a smaller overall footprint, but perhaps it has thicker walls and more sound dampening material (ours is not particularly quiet)

Here is a link that might be useful: Kenmore Dishwasher

BTW, paid $599 for this unit on sale last week (was 20% off)