How to Choose the Best Dishwasher for Your Needs

Finding the best dishwasher suitable for your particular needs and lifestyle can be tiring and intimidating, especially when there are so many brands, models, factors, and requirements to look out for. Although they might appear just the same in appearance, different dishwasher models come with different, specific, and intrinsic features that are necessary to take a look at before making a purchase.

Choosing the appropriate dishwasher type, design, capacity, and more that matches your budget is a huge shopping choice, whether you’re finally making the switch from hand-washing or simply seeking to upgrade.

To help you out, I have listed the major factors, brands, and requirements that will make your dishwasher shopping much easier in this article. Keep reading to find out!

Types of Dishwashers

Dishwashers come in various types, sizes, and dimensions. There are three main types of dishwashers, which are:

1- Countertop Dishwashers

Countertop dishwashers are typically designed to be placed over a counter or a kitchen island. These are compact, apartment-sized dishwashers, perfect for people with limited kitchen space. Its dimensions are 20 to 24 inches in width, 22 to 24 inches in depth, and 25 to 28 inches in length.

A countertop dishwasher attaches to your sink’s faucet and draws water in before draining it via a drain line that flows into your sink. Countertop dishwashers may fit neatly on your kitchen counter since they’re approximately the size of a microwave, however, some people choose to put theirs on a rolling cart for more counter space.

• Small, compact, some models are portable.
• Perfect for small kitchen and living spaces.
• Four to six-place settings, budget-friendly, and easy to wash.

2- Built-in Dishwashers

The most popular type of dishwasher is built-in. Built-in dishwashers are the ones that are supposed to fit below your kitchen countertop. These are mostly located near a kitchen sink as they are connected to the plumbing. These are widely used around the world.

These models come in two sizes: portable and compact. Its dimensions are about 34 inches in length, 24 inches in width, and between 24 to 28 inches in depth. The water in a built-in dishwasher is heated, detergent is applied, and your filthy dishes are sprayed.

• Accommodates between 12 to 16 and 8 to 10 place settings per wash.
• Comes in various modes and options.
• Fits perfectly and blends well in the kitchen.

3- Portable Dishwashers

Portable dishwashers are suitable for people living in rented places and small houses. These are slightly bigger in size than countertop dishwashers. Like countertop units, these also need to be connected to the kitchen sink for water source and drain. Portable units come in two sizes: mini and full size.

These dishwashers also provide more countertop space, which is useful if you need it. Their typical dimensions range from 20 to 25 inches in width, 27 to 30 inches in depth, and 34 to 38 inches in height.

•  Accommodates eight to 12 place settings per wash.
• Can be moved easily as wheels are present and stored easily when not in use.
• Easy to install and use.

Factors to Look Out While Buying Dishwasher

1- Exterior Finish

The exterior finish of a dishwasher plays a vital role in unifying and completing the final look of your kitchen. Always choose a dishwasher according to the style, layout, and color of your kitchen. Dishwashers are available in various colors such as black, white, silver, and grey and finishes such as stainless, brushed, and slate.

2- Control Panel Location

The location of control panels varies in different dishwashers. Some have it mounted on the door facing the front, some have it hidden on the top of the dishwasher door. This feature is purely aesthetic-based. The letdown of having the control panel on the door is that keys might get pressed unintentionally especially if kids are around and that of having it on top of the door is not being able to see the timer.

3- Size and Capacity

Size and capacity depend upon the type of dishwasher in question and it is measured by the plate settings offered by a dishwasher. Builtin and portable dishwashers are larger in size as they have more place settings available as compared to countertop dishwashers which have lesser. Due to limited space, a compact dishwasher is a preferable alternative for flats or smaller homes. High-end dishwashers have less space between tines so more dishes can fit. A dishwasher’s capacity is often listed on the manufacturer’s website.

4- Tub Material

Dishwasher tubs come in two kinds of material, either stainless steel or plastic tubs. Stainless steel tubs are more resistant to stains and smells, dry quicker, and are more robust. However, getting a dishwasher with stainless steel tub is more pricey while one with a plastic tub is much more budget-friendly. Plastic tubs are equally as sturdy as metal tubs, but they are not as stain-resistant. However, the material of the tub has little to no effect on cleaning power.

5- Noise Level

Decibel levels indicate the noisiness of a dishwasher when it is operating. A grade of 45 or below is almost silent— comparable to a whisper. Decibel levels between 45 and 50 resemble a waterfall. Ratings of 50 or above are considered to be on par with the level of a normal conversation. The price of a dishwasher is directly related to the level of its noise.

6- Water Usage

An average standard-sized dishwasher uses about 4.2 gallons of water per wash cycle while a compact dishwasher uses 3.5 gallons of water per wash cycle. Whereas, energy star certified standard dishwashers use 3.2 gallons of water and compact dishwashers use 2.7. The energy star certification criteria will help you find the best, most water-efficient dishwasher easily.

7- Energy Efficiency

Energy star-rated dishwashers are water and energy-efficient which means that they utilize much less water and energy and preserve them as compared to non-certified dishwashers. Head on to the energy star website to find more about energy-efficient dishwashers.

8- Speed and Cycles

Dishwasher cycles provide personalized washing of various sorts of dishes, from pots and pans to fine china. A dishwasher displays light, normal and heavy settings. Dishwasher wash cycle options vary, and one with programmed or built-in modes such as normal, quick wash, light wash, delicate, rinse and hold, sanitize, heavy, high temperature, pre-wash, and sensor washing cycles.

9- Drying Performance

The drying performance of dishwashers varies from one another. Most dishwashers save heat from the tub to dry dishes while saving residual heat is not enough in some cases. Some dishwashers come with a heating element and a fan to make the drying process more convenient.

10- Dishwasher Filters

Every dishwasher contains a filter, which should be checked on a regular basis. Some are detachable and washable with warm water. There are two types of dishwasher filters, namely: Self-cleaning filters which contain a grinder to get rid of food residue, and manual filters that are needed to keep a check on to avoid blockage. most dishwashers now come with self-cleaning filters.

Extra Features

• Adjustable racks help you customize the configuration of your dishwasher’s racks according to the dimensions of your dishes.

• The third rack is a movable tray that is often situated at the top of the tub and increases the usable area and functionality of your dishwasher. This third rack has plenty of space for your silverware, wine glasses, and utensils.
• Rinse and Hold Cycle enables you to rinse dirty dishes in order to eliminate smells and keep food residue from setting.

Additional Features to Consider

• Sensors: Wash cycle periods are adjusted using soil level sensors. Temperature sensors guarantee that the water is at the right temperature. Water sensors ensure that the machine has the right quantity of water. Detergent sensors regulate the quantity of dishwashing liquid released into the wash cycle. Water damage to your flooring may be avoided with the use of leak sensors.

• Smart Technology enablesyou to program your washing routine using a computer or a smartphone.

Top Dishwasher Brands in 2022

With so many dishwasher brands in the market, it gets very hard to find a trustworthy one. Here are some of the best dishwasher manufacturers and brands in 2022, which produce quality dishwashers, are trustworthy, and are available widely.

1- GE Appliances

GE Appliances does not specialize in any one market segment, preferring to provide a diverse selection of dishwashers with varying features, finishes, rack sizes, and configurations, but all of them exhibit the same high level of workmanship and durability.

These dishwashers are built to withstand strong-willed children and adults tugging open and slamming shut the doors. Additionally, they often have stain- and dent-resistant exteriors to help avoid dishwashing damage and maintain the kitchen’s beauty. Price Range: 399$ to 1549$

2- Bosch Dishwashers

Bosch Dishwashers create hygienically clean and sparkling results by using green technology, technical accuracy, high dependability, and low energy consumption. Its technique eliminates bacteria and germs from dishes and the machine itself. It’s at the top of our list of best-rated dishwashing brands because of its excellent production standards and cutting-edge engineering. Bosch has the best stainless steel dishwashers. Price Range: 549$ to 2000$

3- Whirlpool Dishwashers

Whirlpool manufactures dependable, durable dishwashers in a variety of sizes that normally have the Energy Star label, signifying the appliance’s eco-friendly and sustainable operation. Whirlpool and its subsidiaries’ global presence makes it simple for consumers to locate replacement parts and economical service professionals. Price Range: 556$ to 999$

4- LG Dishwashers

LG’s emphasis has always been on innovation and technical advancements, so it’s unsurprising that LG dishwashers prioritize eye-catching features above basic functionality, which sadly increases the price of these appliances. While some may find the variety of additional capabilities on LG smart dishwashers superfluous, the world is changing, and many people appreciate the ability to initiate wash cycles or monitor dishwashing progress through mobile applications or even via smart-home integration via voice commands. Price Range: 600$ to 2000$

5- KitchenAid Dishwashers

KitchenAid does not specialize in any certain sort of appliance or even dishwasher, preferring to provide a variety of sizes, designs, and functions. The product line’s adaptability enables consumers to choose a dishwasher that delivers the ideal combination of features and price for their household, eliminating the need to pick between an expensive, high-end model with features they’ll never use and a cheap, basic dishwasher devoid of any additional functions. Price Range: 1000$ to 2000$

6- Samsung Dishwashers

The name attracts more attention than the actual performance of the dishwashers. Customer evaluations and industry surveys demonstrate that most Samsung dishwashers have a similar problem with quality and, in many instances, misrepresent their capabilities. Spares are expensive and not always accessible, and their dishwasher range is limited. Price Range: 549$ to 1099$

7- Maytag Dishwashers

The company’s dishwashers are designed for large families, assisting in the management of dishes, cutlery, and cookware after each meal. Third racks choices are prevalent, and some devices have roomy top racks for items that do not fit in regular dishwashers, such as wine glasses, travel mugs, and shaker bottles. These dishwashers are quite robust, and Maytag is fast to supply new parts, owing to its vast domestic presence and a large network of service sites that can quickly resolve any issues. Price Range: 300$ to 700$

8- Amana Dishwashers

Typically, Amana dishwashers lack premium features like a Wi-Fi connection or a high-end aesthetic look. However, the primary reason most people purchase a new dishwasher is to increase the speed with which they clean their dishes, and Amana dishwashers are more than capable of meeting that need. Amana customers can count on high-efficiency products at affordable pricing, making them suitable for budget-conscious families. Price Range: 499$ to 649$

How to Install a Dishwasher

When ordering a dishwasher for delivery and installation, you’ll need to acquire a dishwasher supply line and, in some cases, a power wire. Within six feet of the appliance’s placement, there must be a shut-off valve for the water supply. Unplug and unload your old dishwasher before the installer’s arrival. Ascertain that the route to the installation place is clear of obstructions and keep any pets away from the area.

Tips to Maximize Dishwasher’s Life

1. Never run your dishwasher at half load, always wait for it to be fully loaded before running a wash cycle and load your dishwasher correctly.
   
2. Clean your dishwasher regularly with hot water.
   
3. Check for blockages in spray arms, limescale, and food residue to avoid standing water. Use a toothpick or toothbrush to clean the spray arms.
   
4. Clean filters regularly and keep the dishwasher clean from debris to avoid drainage problems.
   
5. Keep your dishwasher mold and bacteria-free by letting the dishes air dry and maintaining cleanliness.
   
6. Allow dishes to air dry. By avoiding hot drying, you may save electricity. If your dishwasher lacks an air-dry function, just prop the door open once the cycle is complete.

Tips to Improve Dishwasher Cleaning

1. Keep the spray arms, filters, dishwasher air gap, and drain hose clean.
   
2. Dishwashers need a specific water temperature to function effectively. Make sure the temperature of the hot water is around 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
   
3. Detergents have a direct effect on the cleaning power of dishwashers, use a good quality detergent for better cleaning performance. Here is the list of the best dishwasher detergents.
   
4. Use the right detergent suitable for the type of water in your house, use a soft water suitable detergent if water is soft, and hard water suitable detergents and a water softener if the water is hard. (link article related to soft and hard water detergents)
   
5. Use a quick cycle to clean lightly soiled dishes, sanitize cycle for baby bottles and teethers, and wash fragile dishes and delicate china with lower water pressure in the light wash cycle.

Tips to Improve Dishwashers Drying

1. Load the dishwasher correctly, don’t overload the washer to create enough space for the wash water to pass through.
   
2. Leave the dishwasher’s door open after each cycle and allow it to air-dry to get rid of the moisture.
   
3. Use a rinse-aid or use a detergent with rinse-aid added to it for quality cleaning.
   
4. Start unloading dishes from the bottom rack all the way to the top rack, to avoid water falling onto it.
   
5. Choose cycles that make use of warm water. Increased heat in the washing cycle may help speed up the drying process.

Things to Not Wash in a Dishwasher

Dishwashers are beloved devices that take a lot of weight from our shoulders but there are certain things you should never wash in a dishwasher

1. Ceramics
2. Wooden utensils and cutting boards
3. Cast iron pots and pans
4. Aluminum cooking ware
5. Graters and sieves
6. Knives
7. Copper pans
8. Non-stick cookware
9. Acrylic and melamine dishes
10. Thermal containers

want to know the reasons? Why shouldn’t wash these items in your dishwasher read-out the comprehensive guide on THINGS THAT CAN DESTROY YOUR DISHWASHER where I’ve mentioned every single reason that could shorten the life of your dishwasher.

Conclusion

In conclusion, purchasing a new dishwasher can be a hectic job and it requires great commitment to look through and get the best one. There are certain things that need to be taken care of before you proceed with your shopping. This article will help you find the right dishwasher according to your needs.

Happy shopping! 😉

Read Next: Easy Ways to Save Water While Using Dishwasher

Most Frequently Asked Questions