Dishwasher Buying Guide
Choose the perfect dishwasher with our guide of models and features.
Whether you are throwing weekly dinner parties or just looking to expedite dinner cleanup, our dishwasher buying guide will help you find the right one for your kitchen.
1. Determine the Best Dishwasher Type
From built-in to portable, there are a variety of dishwasher types. You should consider which model meets your needs and fits within your kitchen.
Built-In: Built-in models have unfinished sides, so they need to be installed under a counter or against a wall. These are the best dishwashers if you're looking to install one into an existing counter. Built-in dishwashers are typically the most popular type of dishwasher because of their seamless look and ability to store 12–16 place settings.
Countertop: Countertop dishwashers are an excellent choice if you live in an apartment or don't have space to install a built-in dishwasher. These small dishwashers sit on the countertop and operate next to the sink. This type of dishwasher connects to a sink faucet and empties into the drain. Countertop dishwashers are affordable and efficient, making them an economical option. Though they are small, newer models now have some enhanced washing cycles and heated drying.
Portable: The best dishwashers for small kitchens or apartments, portable dishwashers only need a faucet adapter to run. Simply connect the portable dishwasher to the faucet using a faucet adapter and place the second hose in the sink for drainage. Portable dishwashers are often smaller than built-in models so that they can be moved and stored easily. One of the benefits of portable dishwashers is that they can be wheeled in and out to be used whenever you need.
The two most common dishwasher widths are 18" and 24". Though the average height is 35" and depth is 24", these dimensions can vary based on the manufacturer. It’s important to take careful measurements so that your new dishwasher fits seamlessly. Read our guides How to Measure a Dishwasher and Dishwasher Sizes: How to Find the Best Dishwasher Size for Your Kitchen for helpful sizing tips.
Dishwashers are equipped with plenty of convenient, time-saving features.
Delay Wash: This setting allows you to set the dishwasher to start cleaning on a timer. This is great if you want to load the dishwasher, set the delay start to begin washing in an hour, and take a shower in the meantime.
ENERGY STAR–Certified: These washers are the best dishwashers for energy efficiency since they use less water and energy than a standard dishwasher. If you're looking for a more eco-friendly option or want to keep your energy bill low, ENERGY STAR–certified dishwashers are a great choice for your home.
Cycle Indicator Light: This shows you what part of the cycle it is in, such as washing, drying, or clean.
Hard Food Disposal: This feature uses a blade to pulverize food into particles so they move down the drain easier. This eliminates the need to pre-rinse dishes. The blade is typically made of stainless steel and will not rust.
Stainless Steel Tub: Dishwasher interior tubs are available in stainless steel or plastic. Generally, stainless steel models are more energy efficient because their high-heat retention allows the interior to dry faster. Stainless steel is more stain-resistant and does not hold on to odors like plastic alternatives.
Third Rack: A third rack feature allows more space and flexibility when loading. It is great for larger kitchen utensils, oddly shaped or small items, and other cooking tools that you may have trouble finding space for in a regular dishwasher.
Self-Cleaning Filters: Filters collect food waste so the food doesn’t transfer back on to the plates. There are two types of filters: self-cleaning and manual. Self-cleaning filters have a grinder that pulverizes the debris and flushes it down the drain. While convenient, it can be noisy. A manual-clean filter doesn’t have a grinder, so you need to clean it regularly to avoid odors.
ADA-Compliant: ADA-compliant dishwashers are designed to ensure optimal accessibility. ADA-compliant dishwashers feature wide, easy-to-open doors and rack space that can be loaded and unloaded entirely from the front to maximize accessibility. These dishwashers are operable with one hand and don't require any tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.
Wi-Fi Connected: This feature allows you to control your dishwasher remotely and connect with other smart appliances for streamlined ease. With this feature, you can start a dishwashing cycle, select different programmable options, or adjust the settings from your smartphone or another device connected to your Wi-Fi network.
Panel-Ready: An appliance with this feature allows for a custom cover to be installed over it – allowing your dishwasher to match your kitchen’s style and aesthetic.
Smudge-Resistant Finish: Say goodbye to fingerprints on your appliance with a smudge-resistant finish.
There are a variety of design options that can impact the overall appearance and functionality of your new dishwasher.
Control Options
Full Console / Front Control: The control panel is fully visible on the front of the dishwasher door. This type of panel is easy to access and allows you to view the controls clearly when the dishwasher is fully closed.
Fully-Integrated / Top Control: Fully-integrated controls are on the top lip of the dishwasher, completely hidden from view when the dishwasher is closed. This can be a useful feature if you have small children who love to push buttons.
Exterior Finishes
When you’re buying a dishwasher, you can choose a model to match the existing decor of your kitchen. The most popular options are white, black, and stainless steel.
Handle Options
In addition to control panels and exterior finishes, handle styles also affect the appearance and functionality of your dishwasher. There are four main handle options: bar, recessed, scoop, and pocket.
Bar: This style features a towel-bar handle that is easy to grasp and allows you to hang a towel over the bar. It is often paired with a hidden control panel.
Recessed: Recessed handles are typically combined with a front control panel and have a reach-in design for a flush look. With a full-console control panel and wide handle, this style is straightforward and provides plenty of room to grab the handle.
Scoop: Though this type of handle is similar to the recessed option, scoop handles are paired with a hidden control panel to give the dishwasher a sleek profile. Because scoop handles are combined with a hidden control panel at the top of the door, scoop handles have an unobtrusive design ideal for timeless kitchens.
Pocket: Pocket handles have a small, reach-in design that creates a streamlined look. This handle style is much smaller than the other handle options. Pocket handles can come with front control or top control panels to match your preference.
5. Look at Sound Ratings
Dishwashers are available with different sound ratings, which are measured in decibels. The quietest dishwashers are rated with low decibels – the lower the decibel, the quieter it is. The three most common sound ratings are: ultra-quiet (45 or fewer decibels), quiet (46–50 decibels), or standard (51 or more decibels). Ultra-quiet dishwashers are the quietest dishwashers as they are almost silent, quiet dishwashers can be heard from a few feet away, and standard dishwashers can be heard from across the room.
Installing a dishwasher requires significant knowledge of plumbing. It is crucial that all of the hoses and plumbing are connected to avoid leaks and water damage. We recommend hiring a professional to install your built-in dishwasher.
However, some dishwasher types, like portable and countertop, do not require a plumber, as they often require a simple hook-up to the local water line. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to properly hook up portable and countertop models. For DIY installations, a dishwasher hook-up kit is essential. The kit includes all of the necessary components, such as valves and hoses, to help you install your dishwasher.
In addition to plumbing, check your home to see if you have a 3-prong or 4-prong outlet. Larger appliances like dishwashers have 3- or 4-prong plugs instead of the 2-prong plugs that smaller appliances have. Homes built after 1996 have 4-prong outlets as part of a safety mandate to reduce the potential for electrical shock. No need to worry if your home has an outlet that doesn't match your new dishwasher – you can find an adapter that converts the outlet easily. The adapter features one side that plugs into the existing outlet and another side that works as the new converted outlet, allowing you to use a 3-prong outlet with a 4-prong plug or a 4-prong outlet with a 3-prong plug.
Tip!
Whether you’re looking for signs that it’s time to replace your appliance or tips for extending the lifespan of a new one, our guide How Long Do Dishwashers Last? covers it all.
