Dishwasher Buying Guide

The best dishwashers are the appliances you don’t know are there. They work quietly in the background of the kitchen to keep your family healthy and your home clean, providing sparkling dishware with every load.

These dishwashers are within easy reach when you know what to look for. Dishwashers don’t just make meal cleanup a breeze; they also use less water per cycle than you would waste by washing and rinsing dishes by hand. So really, you’re saving time and making an environmentally friendly choice all at once.

Explore different types, designs, features and more to help you choose the best dishwasher for your kitchen.

Types of Dishwashers

The kind of dishwasher that is right for your family depends on how often it will be used, what sort of dishes you usually wash, and the space available, among other factors. For instance, a family of four would use their dishwasher differently than workers in a business office break room would. Consider the details of built-in, portable, and countertop dishwashers to see which type is the best fit for your home.

Built-in Dishwashers

The most common type of dishwasher is the built-in dishwasher. These are designed to fit in an open space in the kitchen countertop cabinets. Built-in dishwashers are available in standard 35" heights to fit under the countertop and variable widths to match the space in the room.

• Standard size: A standard built-in dishwasher is 24" wide and can wash anywhere from 12 to 16 place settings in a single load, making it ideal for a family or avid home chef with a lot of dishes to clean. 
• Compact size: Smaller kitchens call for a more compact design. These full-height dishwashers measure only 18" wide and can clean between eight and 10 place settings per load. 
• Drawer dishwashers: When accessibility is important, drawer dishwashers provide an innovative solution for washing dishes. Drawer dishwashers measure the standard 24" wide but only half the standard height, allowing you to integrate them in among lower cabinetry. The slide-out design can be loaded up with around seven place settings.

Portable Dishwashers

Portable dishwashers are fully enclosed, compact dishwashers designed to be moved where they are needed when the kitchen size might not allow for built-in installation. Portable dishwashers have a wheeled base to make them easier to move, and they use a standard power source, such as a wall outlet. They connect to the kitchen faucet and drain to the sink in order to operate. The smaller size means they can wash eight to 12 place settings per load.

Countertop Dishwashers

When you’re renting your home, or even looking to make cleanup quicker in the office break room, adding a built-in dishwasher may not be an option. If that’s the case, shop for countertop dishwashers to conveniently clean your dishes. With a compact design that sits right on top of your countertop, they eliminate the need to alter cabinetry. Typically, countertop dishwashers can accommodate up to six place settings per load.

Choose the Best Dishwasher Design

Unlike the centerpiece appliances such as the oven, or even the kitchen sink, dishwashers aren’t meant to be noticed. As you shop for the right one to fit your space and wash dishes to a sparkling clean, consider the aesthetics of the design and the functionality of the dishwasher itself. Design choices include tub material, finish, handles, control panels, and noise levels.

Tub Material

Dishwashers are available in two tub types: either stainless steel or plastic tubs. Both offer durable, long-lasting quality. Stainless steel tub dishwashers provide a more stain-resistant interior that retains heat from the wash cycle to help heat the drying cycle, saving on energy usage and helping prevent mold and mildew.

Finishes

The key to a beautifully designed kitchen is to make sure the appliances you select coordinate with one another, as well as with the overall design of the space. Built-in dishwashers are available in a wide range of colors, making it easy to match the new appliance to the others you already have in place. Keep it classic with black, white, or stainless steel. When you’re looking for something more daring, check out the more eye-catching finishes, such as greens, oranges, and reds.

There are even panel-ready dishwashers that you can customize with the same cabinet fronts you use for your kitchen. Panel-ready appliances are perfect for concealing these useful elements of your kitchen and getting that professionally designed look.

Handles

Getting access to your clean dishes is all about handle design. Dishwashers allow different styles of door handles. Choose from the easy-to-clean recessed or pocket handles or the more traditional look of the bar across the top. Be sure the bar handle doesn’t stick too far out into the walkway.

If you want to customize the look of your new built-in dishwasher, look at the collections you used for your cabinet hardware for larger appliance pulls that match the hardware you already feature in your kitchen.

Options for Top vs. Front Control

The lights and buttons that make the dishwasher operate every day make up the control panel. The control panel can be found in a few different styles.

• Top-control options have the panel hidden along the top edge of the door, inside the door seal. They make the dishwasher door easier to clean and provide a uniform look with other appliances, such as stoves, coolers, and refrigerators. The hidden control panel also makes it less likely for children in the home to accidentally hit buttons and change settings.
• Front-control options display the time, the cycle, or when the door lock is engaged right on the front. These control panels take up a few inches across the upper portion of the door, and they’re easily visible and accessible.

Some top-control dishwashers also incorporate lighted alerts along the lower edge to show when the cycle is complete and the door can be safely opened.

Noise Level

For a quiet kitchen, look for a dishwasher with a decibel level below 50 dB. To help you find quieter options, learn more about decibels and the factors that can contribute to a loud dishwasher.

Dishwasher Decibels: How to Find the Quietest Dishwasher

All types of dishwashers can be loud, from the jets splashing water to the grinding of debris in the hard food disposals. Noise is measured in decibels, or dB. The lower the decibel, or dB, the quieter the noise.

Sometimes, decibels are measured as dBA units, which filter out higher and lower frequencies to be more representative of the way humans hear noise. Using dBA units, sound monitors can accurately reflect what noise frequencies the human ear will be sensitive to.

Dishwashers can be as loud as 80 dB or as quiet as 38 dB, with most falling between 45 to 60 dB. On the surface, this noise level may seem high, but this is loud enough to interrupt a normal conversation.

For a better understanding of how loud that can be, here are some common sounds with the average decibel rating for each:

How Many Decibels Is a Quiet Dishwasher?

Even just one decibel can make a difference. Pay close attention to the decibel rating of your dishwasher, because if your model has a dB of 60, you’ll likely end up competing with the dishwasher to hear your dinner conversations.

A lower range—around 38 or 40 dB is considered a silent model—means the dishwasher can run anytime day or night without disrupting normal household activities. Some newer models rely on lighted alerts to indicate they’re washing, because they can be so quiet that you may not even realize they’re running at all.

4 Factors That Determine How Quiet a Dishwasher Is

Most manufacturers will provide the decibel rating for their dishwashers, but here are the most common factors that can play a role in how loud or quiet your dishwasher is:

1. Design

When your dishwasher was built, how it was built, and what materials it was built with all contribute to the sound level it reaches when it is running. Even dishwashers from just 10 years ago are usually louder than newer models; this can be because of materials used, innovations in dishwasher design, and the way houses are currently arranged.

With the popularity of open floor plans growing around the world, manufacturers focused on how loud their dishwashers really are. It’s one thing if you can hear the dishwasher running in the kitchen, but it’s entirely different if you can hear it from across the house. Designers are taking this into consideration when developing newer dishwashers, making today’s models quieter to run and less disruptive to the household as a whole.

2. Quality of Materials

The biggest factor in lower dishwasher decibel ratings lies in the quality of materials used within the assembly.

Dishwashers contain insulation in the sides and front of the machine, and the higher the quality of the insulation, the lower the decibel rating will be. Likewise, thicker insulation also plays a role in lowering the decibel rating. As an extra benefit, better insulation can also increase the energy efficiency of your machine. If you already own an older model dishwasher or a machine that is too loud, you can purchase sound-deadening material, similar to insulation, which is wrapped around the top and sides of the dishwasher to help reduce noise for a quieter kitchen.

Dishwashers with stainless steel interiors can be more expensive upfront, but they are typically quieter than models with plastic tubs. Stainless steel tubs are more capable of absorbing sounds from the water spraying around inside the unit.

3. Construction

The basic construction of your dishwasher also affects sound levels. If your machine’s motor is attached to the base of your dishwasher, it is likely to be quieter than models where the pump and motor are attached to the tub. Unfortunately, dishwashers that have the motor built into the base of the unit tend to cost a bit more due to the price of materials.

4. Additional Features

Supplementary convenience features in dishwasher models can also contribute to the overall noise level of the machine. Disposal systems, additional spray arms, added jets, and certain dishwasher filters can all make a difference in the decibel rating of your appliance.

Dishwashers that contain a disposal system tend to be louder than those without, as the chopping and pulverizing of food particles will contribute to the noise level.

Additional spray arms and added jets will also create more noise than other models simply because of the extra water shooting around inside of your machine. Certain spray jets are designed to shoot water only at your dishes and are engineered for the water not to reach the sides of the machine, but these specially designed jets also add cost.

Every dishwasher has a filter that catches food particles and prevents them from attaching to just-washed dishes. If your dishwasher contains a self-cleaning filter, it also contains a motor that will pulverize any food bits and wash them down the drain. You won’t have to clean it yourself, but that extra process will also mean extra noise. Manual filters need to be cleaned every few months, but they can help reduce the noise level of your machine.

Dishwasher Features to Look For

The best dishwasher for your household will depend on the design and capacity, certainly, to ensure the right load size and keep up with the regular demand for clean dishes. Another important consideration is the dishwasher features. The right selection of cleaning cycles or having the freedom to program the timing of the wash can make all the difference in the effectiveness of your home routines. Here are a few features to keep in mind as you shop for a new dishwasher.

Interior Features

At the end of the day, the dishwasher you choose is going to be loaded up with your dishes. No matter which type of dishwasher you select, make sure it meets your dishwashing needs by checking out the interior design features of each option.

• Soil sensors determine the length of time in a cycle, using more or less energy as needed to clean the dishes thoroughly.
• Specialized washing zones allow targeted cleaning for larger dishes and items such as pots and pans. Some models even feature bottle cleaners.
• Water filtration systems help ensure that dishes are washed and rinsed with clean water.
• Hard food disposers keep food debris from sticking to clean dishes or clogging up the plumbing.

Cleaning Cycles

There are a variety of cycles and sensors to help clean even the most fragile dishes your household uses, on your schedule. The names may change between brands and models, but the function will be similar.

• Rinse and hold: When there aren’t enough dishes to justify a full load, rinse and hold allows you to set a quick rinse-only cycle of five to 10 minutes to keep food debris from sticking to the dishes.
• Delayed wash: Set the dishwasher to run during off-peak hours or while the household is less likely to be disturbed by the noise.
• Quick wash: Also called eco-wash, this uses less water and has a shorter wash cycle.
• Pots and pans: Targeted water jets and hot water offer a scrubbing action to clean away leftover food grime from cooking.
• Steam clean: Offers a way of “soaking” stuck-on food debris with directed hot steam.
• Sanitizing rinse: This cycle utilizes hot water and heating elements to kill germs and bacteria with heat after cleaning away food debris.
• Crystal and glass care: Lower water pressure and cooler-temperature cleaning and drying cycles allow fragile dishes, such as crystal glass and china, to be washed in the dishwasher.
• Drying: This uses heat from internal fans or the rinse cycles to dry the dishes.

Smart Dishwashers

If you enjoy the benefits of a smart home system, consider choosing a smart dishwasher. These dishwashers can connect to your smartphone, allowing you to adjust the automatic detergent dispensing system, begin a cycle, schedule start times and detergent deliveries, and more.

Optimized Water and Energy Usage

Even with the full selection of features, ENERGY STAR® certified dishwashers help you save money as they get the job done. To earn that certification these dishwashers must not exceed specific criteria for energy and water consumption, depending on whether they’re standard or compact models. Some models may even qualify for rebates, so check local regulations.

Measuring for Your Built-in Dishwasher

Built-in dishwashers are installed under the counter, along with your lower cabinetry. To ensure a great fit, take a moment to measure the height, width, and depth of the open space you have available. Write down those measurements to reference as you look at the dimensions of the dishwasher you’re considering.

• Compare the dimensions of the dishwasher to the measurements of the space you have available, making sure to allow a little extra room for the water connections and electrical supply.
• Make sure there’s enough room for the dishwasher drawer to open fully without hitting any other obstructions in your kitchen, such as other appliances or cabinets.
• If you have limited space, try narrowing your search by looking for compact dishwashers that are more likely to fit within the area you have available.

Tips for Dishwasher Use and Maintenance

Once you’ve chosen the right dishwasher for your household, it’s important to keep it working at its best. You can even prevent the most common leftover dirty-dish problems with just a little change in the daily habits.

Here are a few proven tips to make the familiar chore a little easier:

• Scrape food debris off the dishes before loading them.
• Don’t overload or overlap dishes. Leave extra space between the dishes to allow the water jets to more effectively clean and to provide plenty of room for the water to roll away during the drying cycle.
• Load silverware individually and be sure they don’t stick together.
• Use dish detergent within a few months of purchase and store it in a dry place. Moisture ruins the effectiveness of even the best detergent.
• Use a rinse aid to help the dry cycle more effectively, which helps reduce spots and water rings on the cleaned dishes.
• Open the door promptly after the completion of the last cycle to let the heated air dissipate rather than pool on the dishes.
• Unload the bottom rack of the dishwasher first. This will help keep them dry as they are put away, rather than risk items from the top rack dripping water down.

Even with great maintenance, sometimes dishwashers malfunction. Find out how to know if you just need a repair or a new dishwasher.

9 Signs You Need a New Dishwasher

As with any other kitchen appliance, the dishwasher has the potential to malfunction and will eventually start to show signs that it should be replaced. Many of these may just be slight annoyances that could be resolved with a simple fix. But some signs could indicate that the dishwasher is about to completely fail.

To help you troubleshoot whether you need a new dishwasher, here are nine common signs that it may be time for a replacement.

1. Your Dishwasher Is Old

The age of your dishwasher is a telling sign in itself. If yours is older than 10 years, it might be time to upgrade, especially if you have a lower-end model.

Many older models are just not efficient, so upgrading to a new dishwasher may save you money in the long run through a dramatic cut in your water and electric bills. The 10-year guideline depends on how well you clean and maintain the unit, but it’s a good way to assess your dishwasher.

2. It’s Starting to Rust

Although a few specks of rust on the outside of the dishwasher might not require an immediate replacement, if you start to see rust on the inside of your dishwasher, you want to upgrade as soon as possible.

Rust is a significant sign that there is a water leak or some other serious problem. Not only does this mean that certain areas are breaking away—exposing the underlying metal—it’s also very possible that small specks of rust are contaminating your clean dishes.

In some cases, the rust you see might just be left over from a cycle where your dishes touched the tub, or maybe you have some rusty pots and pans. To be sure it is the dishwasher, run an empty cycle and add some citric acid to see if that clears up the rust.

3. Water Remains After a Wash

It’s possible to find a small amount of water inside a mug or bowl or see that your plastic dishes are still somewhat wet. But you should never see standing water inside your dishwasher after the cycle has completed.

A pool of water at the bottom of the dishwasher indicates that the dishwasher drain is clogged. Often, a small amount of food has created a minor blockage, and this is easy to both fix and prevent.

But if that isn’t the case, there could be an issue with the drain that may require you to call a plumber and possibly replace your entire dishwasher.

4. The Door Doesn’t Lock

A broken latch or lock will often require you to repair or replace your dishwasher, because the appliance is typically unable to run a wash cycle if the door is not securely latched. This protects you from the water leaking out and causing a bigger mess.

Depending on the brand and model you have, this could be a very simple and inexpensive repair. Additionally, if it’s a relatively new dishwasher, then a broken latch might even be covered by the warranty. But if your dishwasher is pretty old, you may find it difficult to find the necessary repair parts.

Before you buy a new dishwasher, explore whether your current appliance can be repaired. However, if your dishwasher has gone beyond that 10-year guideline, you might find that the better investment is to upgrade to a more efficient model.

5. The Dishes Are Not Hot After a Cycle

It doesn’t matter whether you use the drying option on your dishwasher or just run a quick wash cycle, your dishes should be hot to the touch immediately after the cycle is complete. If you notice that your dishes don’t feel hot, then they might not be as clean or sanitary as you want. Hot water, no less than 171°F, is required for properly sanitized dishware.

If your heating coil is not working properly, you may need to have the dishwasher repaired or replaced.

6. It’s Starting to Crack

One of the biggest disasters waiting to happen with a broken dishwasher is a leak that causes water damage in your kitchen. This could lead to expensive repairs as you replace flooring or cabinets that have been warped or now have mold or mildew on them.

Typically found in the interior tub of your dishwasher, cracks or major scratches are a pretty good sign that you should replace your dishwasher. These may be from general wear and tear or, more likely, damage from an item that was put through a wash cycle.

If you notice any cracks in your dishwasher, we strongly recommended that you stop using the appliance. Turn off the water supply, if possible, and immediately look into repairing or replacing it before it leads to something much worse.

7. Water Leaking on the Floor

Another telltale sign that you need to buy a new dishwasher is when it starts to leak water all over the floor, even if you didn’t notice a crack. No matter where the water may be leaking from, you should never see water coming out of the unit.

If you do start to notice water around your dishwasher, make sure to handle it as soon as possible to avoid a much bigger problem. Turn off the water and immediately start to dry all surfaces. It would also be wise to use a dehumidifier or powerful fan to ensure that all moisture has been removed.

At this point, call a plumber to see if it’s the dishwasher or something else. While it might be a simple fix, in many cases you’ll have to replace the appliance.

8. Your Dishes Are Spotty or Dirty

There are many reasons why you might end up with cloudy, spotty, or dirty dishes after a wash cycle. Most of these can be easily prevented and aren’t usually a sign that you need a new dishwasher. Common causes include:

• The wrong detergent
• Improperly loaded dishes
• Hard water
• Caked-on food

In these cases, you don’t need to replace the dishwasher, but evaluate other ways to resolve the issues. Most of the time, the problem is just how the dishes were loaded or arranged inside the unit. Other common solutions include:

• Switching the type of dishwasher detergent you’re using
• Adding a rinse aid to the wash cycle
• Installing a water softener in your home
• Soaking dishes to remove all food residue

If your dishes are still coming out dirty or cloudy after implementing these solutions, it may be a sign that it’s time to consider a new dishwasher.

9. It’s Making Unusual Noises

One of the most prevalent signs that your dishwasher is about to go out is when it starts to make unusual noises, beyond the typical sounds of daily use.

Sometimes these noises come from dishes hitting one another or something stuck in the mechanisms. But if not, these are generally due to problems with the motor. If this is the case, then you may find that replacing or repairing the motor is more expensive than simply upgrading your machine to the newest model.

Do You Need to Repair or Replace Your Dishwasher?

In general, if you notice any of the signs listed above, you will likely want to replace the appliance. But before you go out and buy a new model, look into whether you are covered under the warranty.

However, some of the issues listed above may also be a simple repair job. This may be the better option. Just make sure that you factor in the cost of time, parts and labor, as well as the potential life left in the appliance after it has been fixed. You may find that buying a new dishwasher is the wisest use of your resources.