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How to Choose the Right Dishwasher

A good dishwasher is more than a luxury - it’s a time-saving, energy-efficient kitchen essential. Whether you're in a small apartment or a large home, there’s a perfect match out there for you.

Types of Dishwashers

1. Built-in Dishwashers

Built-in dishwashers have unfinished sides and are designed to be installed under a countertop. These are the most common dishwasher type in homes, typically located near the sink for easy plumbing.

Many built-in dishwashers have a tall-tub design, which provides more interior space for larger loads and tall items, like cookie sheets and platters.

Built-in dishwashers come in two main sizes: standard (34’’H x 24”W) and compact (18-inch). If you have a smaller kitchen or need a dishwasher for an office or a second area in the home, compact built-ins will suit you.

2. Countertop Dishwashers

Countertop dishwashers are designed to sit on your kitchen counter. These machines easily hook up to a kitchen faucet with a hose which releases the dirty water into the sink and usually needs a nearby outlet to run.

3. Portable Dishwashers

Portable dishwashers are perfect for small homes, apartments, RVs, or renters. Most portables stand on four wheels, so you can roll them out of the way when dishwashing is complete. These units are slightly larger than countertop models, but still need to connect to the sink for water and drainage like countertops.

Design and Finishes

When shopping for a new dishwasher, think about how it will fit in with the style and design of your kitchen. Here’s what has a large impact on how your new dishwasher will look:

1. Exterior finishes

Dishwashers come in a variety of colors and materials to match your existing appliances and decor: black, black stainless, white, bisque (off-white), stainless steel or stainless-look finishes.

Stainless-steel and stainless-look finishes both deliver a beautiful, modern look, but there are a couple of important differences. Real stainless steel is usually not magnetic and tends to show fingerprints easily. While stainless-look finishes are magnetic, fingerprint-resistant and easier to clean.

2. Control panels

  • Front controls (semi integrated): Control panel will be located on the front of the dishwasher, visible and easy to access.
  • Top controls (fully integrated): Control panel is hidden when the door is closed, providing a clean look and keeping buttons out of reach of your kids.

Remember that if you choose a model with hidden controls, look for dishwashers that have a time-remaining display. Some dishwashers shine a light beam on the floor to let you know your dishwasher is still running or when it's done.

3. Handles

Dishwasher handles come in a variety of styles, including recessed, pocket and bar handles. Recessed and pocket handles make it easy to clean the front of your dishwasher.

4. Interior finishes

Interior tubs come in either stainless steel or plastic.

Plastic tubs, mainly found on more affordable dishwashers, are very durable.

Stainless steel tubs usually cost more than a plastic tub model, also more durable, more stain-resistant and more odor-resistant than plastic. They can help reduce energy costs because they retain heat longer, making dishes dry faster.

Design and Finishes

Quiet Performance

Do you move your conversation to another room or volume up your TV when your dishwasher is running? Modern dishwashers are much quieter than they used to be. With some, you can barely hear them while they are running.

Most models come with sound-reducing features like layers of insulation, a solid base that absorbs sound, a motor designed with fewer moving parts or more.

The main feature to look for when comparing dishwasher noise level is the decibel level or dBA rating. Dishwashers with a rating between 40 and 50 are fairly quiet. The lower the number, the quieter your dishwasher is while in use.

If noise level is a concern, skip a dishwasher with a hard food disposer or self-cleaning filter. Instead, go for one with a manual-clean filter. It’s quieter and still keeps your dishes clean, just needs the occasional rinse.

Easy Loading

Say goodbye to the days when you avoided putting certain things in your dishwasher, like larger utensils and odd-shaped dishes. Look for the following flexible loading features on your new dishwasher, and cleanup after meals will be a breeze.

1. Third racks

Third racks provide a lot more space and are great for larger utensils and cooking tools, even odd-shaped and small items, like espresso cups, baby bottle caps and measuring cups. Some third racks include silverware tines to keep silverware separated for a better clean.

2. Adjustable or removable racks

With adjustable upper and/or lower racks, you can easily move racks up or down to accommodate tall glasses, large plates and cookie sheets.

3. Adjustable or fold-down tines

Give large pots and pans and bigger bowls more room by using fold-down tines. They can also hold lighter items in place so that they don’t flip over and collect water.

4. Silverware caddies

Some silverware caddies are movable, so you can change the location from one load to the next depending on where it fits best. Covers on some caddies ensure small items stay put during the wash cycle.

Getting Dishes Clean

1. Wash systems

Most dishwashers use three spray arms to clean dishes from top to bottom. More arms and spray tiers mean better coverage. Some models add extra jets or turbo zones, great for pots and pans. Newer designs aim to reach every corner for a thorough clean.

2. Wash cycles

Basic cycles like Light, Normal, and Heavy handle everyday needs. For more control, look for special options like:

Why You Should Trust Us

We understand choosing the right dishwasher is truly a big deal. We’ve done the dish duty so you don’t have to.

At RetailCoupons.com, we carefully evaluate each dishwasher to identify what matters most, such as type of dishwasher, design and finishes, cleaning performance. Our recommendations are completely unbiased, free from sponsored influence, and based on thorough research and expert knowledge.

Each model we feature has undergone a serious selection process to ensure you get reliable guidance for making the decision. You can trust our advice and then find a high-quality dishwasher that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the most suitable dishwasher can revolutionize your kitchen routine. Our guide has covered the top-tier dishwashers that fit anything you need, from compact countertop models to full size built-ins. Whether you have a small apartment or a big family, the perfect match is out there to save you time and effort.

You can consider our all-around recommendation, KoolMore KM-DW1852-PR, a compact and energy-efficient model that delivers thorough cleaning with quiet operation.

Farberware Mini Countertop is a space-saving solution, ideal for small spaces. It’s easy to use, quiet and surprisingly powerful for its size.

FAQs

1. Do dishwashers save water?

Yes! Most modern dishwashers use significantly less water than handwashing.

2. Is a third rack worth it?

Absolutely. A third rack adds more space for utensils, lids, and small items, helping you load more efficiently and improve overall cleaning performance.

3. Do all dishwashers need hot water?

Yes. Most dishwashers connect to a hot water line for better cleaning performance. However, some models heat the water internally to ensure optimal temperature for sanitizing and dissolving detergent.

4. Can I install a dishwasher myself?

Yes. It’s possible if you're comfortable with basic plumbing and electrical work. However, for built-in units, professional installation is often recommended to avoid leaks or electrical issues.

5. What size dishwasher do I need?

A standard built-in dishwasher is usually 24 inches wide. Smaller kitchens or apartments might benefit from an 18-inch model or a portable/countertop unit.