After much research and completing a top-to-bottom home renovation, we decided to purchase Sears' top-of-the-line Kenmore dishwasher, and also purchased the extended warranty.
After a few months the dw stopped draining. A technician visited and determined that the pump had burnt out. The pump was replaced 1-2 weeks later. The exact same thing happened three more times. After the fifth pump was installed (the original and four replacements) along with a new timer, the dishwasher flooded my walnut floor and continued to leak out from under my kitchen cupboards.
After numerous calls to the service department and corporate customer service, I learned that they will only replace the machine under their the Lemon Clause if this happens four times in one year! Apparently three complete breakdowns and a flood within twelve months is normal operation and completely acceptable for a Sears appliance.
So, a two-year-old top-of the-line Kenmore dishwasher, an extended warranty, ten days off work to accommodate ten service appointments, countless hours on the phone with Sears, at least two months of having no dishwasher, a flooded kitchen and Sears still will not replace the machine.
Stay away from Sears, and don't bother with the extended warranty - they honor nothing.
Also, a side note - at the same time we purchased the dw, we also purchased a Kenmore deep freeze. After a week of operation, the freezer died and we lost all of the contents. Strangely Sears did replace that appliance...