Sharp SDW6504MS Stainless Steel Dishwasher, 24-inch Pocket Handle, 52 dB, Hybrid Tub, 12 Place Settings, 5 Cycles, Heated Dry vs Sharp SDW6736MS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher, Third Rack, Library Quiet 47 dB, Power Wash Sprayer

Price and Value Comparison

The Sharp SDW6504MS is about 31% cheaper than the Sharp SDW6736MS, priced at $399.00 compared to $579.00. This $180 price difference represents a significant savings for buyers prioritizing cost efficiency without sacrificing core functionality. While the SDW6736MS offers premium features like a third rack and quieter operation, the SDW6504MS delivers strong value for its lower price point. The SDW6504MS has a bestseller rank of 132, indicating strong market demand, while the SDW6736MS ranks at 964—suggesting it’s less frequently purchased despite its higher feature set. For budget-conscious shoppers seeking reliable performance, the SDW6504MS provides compelling value.

Noise Level and Quiet Operation

The Sharp SDW6736MS operates at a quieter 47 dB, making it 5 dB quieter than the SDW6504MS, which runs at 52 dB. This 5 dB difference translates to a noticeably more peaceful kitchen environment, especially in open-concept homes or during evening use. Both models utilize Library Quiet technology, but the SDW6736MS achieves a superior noise level, ideal for households sensitive to appliance sound. The SDW6504MS still performs well at 52 dB, which is considered whisper-quiet by most standards, but the SDW6736MS clearly outperforms it in acoustic comfort. For those who prioritize silence above all else, the SDW6736MS justifies its higher price with a measurable improvement in noise reduction.

Interior Design and Capacity

The Sharp SDW6736MS offers a larger capacity of up to 14 place settings, surpassing the SDW6504MS’s 12-place setting limit. This extra space is enabled by its innovative adjustable third rack, which slides left to right to create additional room for flatware, utensils, and cooking tools. In contrast, the SDW6504MS features an adjustable upper rack that moves up or down by 2 inches to accommodate taller dishes. While both models provide flexible loading options, the SDW6736MS’s third rack adds unique versatility not found in the SDW6504MS. The SDW6736MS also includes a stainless steel tub, whereas the SDW6504MS uses a hybrid construction with a stainless steel interior and heavy-duty plastic floor. The SDW6736MS thus offers a more premium internal build and greater overall capacity.

Cleaning Performance and Spray Technology

The Sharp SDW6736MS features a specialized Power Wash sprayer designed to deliver enhanced cleaning power for heavily soiled pots and pans, a feature absent in the SDW6504MS. This targeted spray system improves performance on tough messes, offering a distinct advantage for users who frequently wash cookware. Additionally, the SDW6736MS includes soil sensors that automatically optimize each cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning based on load conditions. The SDW6504MS relies on standard spray arms and lacks this advanced sensor technology. Both models offer heated dry, but only the SDW6736MS includes the Wash Zone feature, allowing smaller loads to be cleaned efficiently on either rack—reducing water and energy usage. These enhancements make the SDW6736MS better suited for demanding cleaning tasks.

Rack Flexibility and Loading Options

The Sharp SDW6736MS introduces a unique third rack that slides horizontally, providing unmatched flexibility for organizing flatware, serving utensils, and small kitchen tools. This design allows users to customize their loading layout dynamically, maximizing space utilization. The SDW6504MS instead offers vertical adjustment of its upper rack by 2 inches, enabling accommodation of taller items like wine glasses or large bowls. While both models include fold-down tines for accommodating various dish shapes, the SDW6736MS’s horizontal third rack offers a fundamentally different and more versatile approach to loading. The SDW6504MS’s solution is effective but limited to vertical adjustments, making the SDW6736MS more adaptable for diverse kitchenware.

Control Interface and User Experience

The Sharp SDW6736MS features top-touch controls, offering a sleek, modern interface that enhances usability and visual appeal. It also includes 6 wash cycles and 7 options, giving users greater customization over their cleaning process. The SDW6504MS, meanwhile, has a back-lit front control panel with fewer cycling options. While both models include a child lock and sanitization cycle, the SDW6736MS’s expanded control suite supports more precise operation. The SDW6504MS’s back-lit panel is functional but less advanced in terms of interface sophistication. For users who value intuitive, high-end controls and extensive program selection, the SDW6736MS provides a more refined user experience.

Which should you buy?

Choose the Sharp SDW6504MS if you want a reliable, quiet dishwasher at a lower price—$399.00 versus $579.00—with solid performance for everyday use. Its 52 dB operation, 12-place setting capacity, and adjustable upper rack make it ideal for compact kitchens and budget-focused buyers. However, opt for the Sharp SDW6736MS if you need maximum capacity (14 place settings), superior quietness (47 dB), and advanced features like the Power Wash sprayer, adjustable third rack, and top-touch controls. Despite being $180 more expensive, it offers tangible upgrades in noise reduction, cleaning power, and loading flexibility. If your priority is premium performance and long-term convenience, the SDW6736MS justifies its higher cost.