Buyer’s Guide to Dishwashers

Get expert advice on the pros and cons of different dishwashers to help you find the perfect match for your home.

Are you in the market for a new dishwasher that will efficiently tackle your kitchen cleanup while also complementing your space? Selecting the perfect dishwasher can be a crucial decision for your home. To ensure you make the right choice, we've put together this comprehensive dishwasher buying guide.

Plus, putting in the extra effort to take good care of your kitchen appliances will help ensure they continue working well for the long haul.

From determining the right size to understanding energy efficiency and additional features, we've got you covered.

Ensuring a Perfect Fit

Measure Twice, Buy Once

When it comes to dishwashers, size matters. Ensuring a perfect fit is essential for both functionality and aesthetics.

Follow these steps to make sure you get the right size dishwasher:

• Measure your space: Begin by measuring the height, width and depth of the space where you plan to install the dishwasher. Take note of any obstacles like cabinets, countertops or plumbing.

• Consider capacity: Determine how many place settings you typically need to accommodate. Dishwasher capacity is typically measured in terms of place settings, with standard models holding around 12 to 14 place settings.

• Built-in vs. portable: Built-in dishwashers are installed under your countertop, while portable ones are standalone and can be moved. Ensure you have enough space for your chosen type.

• Check door clearance: Make sure there's enough clearance for the dishwasher door to open fully without any obstructions.

• Look for adjustable racks: There are some dishwashers with adjustable racks, allowing you to customize the interior to accommodate larger items or various types of dishes.

Types of Dishwashers

Built-In

Most people looking for a new dishwasher usually want a standard built-in model that's about 35 inches tall and 24 inches wide. These dishwashers have unfinished sides and are designed to fit under a countertop. Many of them have large interiors, so you can wash a lot of dishes and fit tall items like cookie sheets.

If you have a small kitchen or need a dishwasher for another part of your home, like a bar area, you can get a smaller built-in dishwasher that's 18 inches wide. Sometimes, the space under your countertop is less than the usual 34 inches tall because of new flooring or ease of use for people with disabilities. In that case, you should look for a short dishwasher or one that meets ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards to make sure it fits correctly.

Shop built-in dishwashers.

Portable

If you don't have space for a built-in dishwasher, a portable model is a good option. These are convenient because they can easily connect to your kitchen faucet. Plus, most portable dishwashers have four wheels, so you can roll them away when you're done with the dishwashing.

Shop portable dishwashers.

Designs and Finishes

When on the hunt for a new dishwasher, it's essential to factor in how it complements your kitchen's overall style and design. The finishes, handles and control panels all play a role.

Exterior Finishes

You can choose from black, black stainless, white, bisque (off-white), stainless steel or stainless-look finishes.

• Stainless vs. stainless-look: Both stainless steel and stainless-look finishes offer a sleek, modern appearance. However, there are key differences to note. Genuine stainless steel is generally non-magnetic and tends to capture fingerprints. Conversely, stainless-look coatings are magnetic, more fingerprint resistant and easy to clean.

Control Panels

The control panel is either on the front of the dishwasher (semi-integrated) or hidden along the top edge of the door (fully integrated), making it invisible when the door is closed.

Hidden control panels create a clean look and keep buttons out of reach, which is particularly useful if you have curious children who enjoy pressing buttons. With hidden control panels, you may not always know the current cleaning cycle stage. In such cases, consider dishwashers equipped with a time-remaining display if you find this feature important. Some models even use a light beam to signal whether the dishwasher is still running or has completed the cycle.

Handles

There are different types of handles for dishwashers, such as recessed, pocket, and bar handles. Recessed and pocket handles make it simple to keep the front of your dishwasher clean.

Interior Finishes

Dishwasher tubs are available in either stainless steel or plastic. While models with stainless steel tubs come at a higher price point, they can contribute to energy savings by retaining heat for faster drying. Additionally, they offer increased durability and resistance to staining and odors compared to plastic tubs. Plastic tubs, commonly found in more affordable dishwashers, are also highly durable.

Energy Efficiency: Reducing Bills and Environmental Impact

All new dishwashers are a lot more efficient than models from a decade ago. However, energy efficiency varies by dishwasher model.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star rating is a good place to start when shopping. Having the Energy Star label means that a product is in or around the top 25% of the market in terms of efficiency.

Typical energy consumption can add up to a $50 to $60 difference per year. To see which models are most efficient, look at the EnergyGuide labels of the dishwashers you’re considering. Then compare the annual operating costs and the kilowatt-hours used per year.

Additionally, modern dishwashers come equipped with various energy-saving technologies to optimize their performance while minimizing energy consumption.

Keep an eye out for these features:

• Cycle selection: Opt for models with shorter wash cycles and energy-saving modes to reduce water and electricity consumption.

• Sensor technology: Dishwashers with soil sensors can detect how dirty your dishes are and adjust the wash cycle accordingly, saving resources on lightly soiled loads.

• Water heating: Models with efficient water heaters can heat water more quickly, reducing energy consumption during the wash cycle.

Additional Features to Consider

When shopping for a dishwasher, keep an eye out for these additional features that can enhance your overall experience:

• Quiet operation: Look for dishwashers with noise ratings below 50 decibels for quieter operation.

• Adjustable racks: Racks that can be adjusted or removed make it easier to fit large pots and pans.

• Delayed start: Allows you to schedule your dishwasher to run during off-peak hours, saving on energy costs.

• Child lock: A safety feature to prevent children from accidentally starting or tampering with the dishwasher.

• Smart features: Some modern dishwashers offer smartphone connectivity, enabling you to control and monitor your dishwasher remotely.

Find the Right Dishwasher for You

Armed with this dishwasher buying guide, you can confidently make an informed decision when selecting the perfect dishwasher to meet your needs and match your kitchen's style and space.

For further guidance, visit our Madison or Janesville showrooms today and let our experts help you with the selection process. We will consider factors such as your cooking habits, available space and budget to find the perfect dishwasher for your home.

With Brothers Main, you can trust that you'll find the best products and customer service in the industry. Not to mention the lowest prices.

Browse, shop and compare in-store or online today.

*This information does not replace, modify or change in any manner the manufacturer product manuals that accompany each appliance purchased from Brothers Main.