Best Dishwashers for Your Kitchen
Choosing the Best Dishwasher for Your Needs
When it comes to choosing the best dishwasher for your kitchen, you have a wide variety of features and dishwasher sizes to choose from. Dishwasher units range in price from just under $300 to more than $1,000, so understanding the current landscape of available models can be quite helpful. Take into careful consideration the long-term benefits of each dishwasher as well as the initial cost. Some dishwasher units that come with a higher price tag have increased efficiency that can cut utility bills providing extra savings over the life of your dishwasher. Other units have bonus features like quiet operation or advanced cleaning capabilities that can save you time.
| Tip: For new dishwasher installations, remember to pick up a dishwasher hook-up kit. When professionally installed by a Home Depot installer, the dishwasher hook-up kit is provided. |
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Types of Dishwashers
Start by selecting the best type of dishwasher for your kitchen. The most common installation is the built-in dishwasher model, which fits directly under your kitchen counter. Standard dishwasher units measure 24" across with a variety of features and options. Portable or Small Dishwashers are a great option for smaller kitchens and measure anywhere from 18” to 24” across.
Dishwasher Sizes & Capacity
Dishwasher capacity is typically measured in terms of the number of place settings that will comfortably fit. Small dishwashers can handle around 8 place settings while larger dishwashers can hold as many as 16 settings. When assessing your capacity requirements you will also want to take into consideration oversized or unusually shaped items that require frequent washing. Tub size is a helpful capacity indicator, with most standard tubs holding up to 12 place settings and tall tub configurations holding up to 16 complete sets. If you are a small household with only one or two people or you have limited kitchen space, consider a compact dishwasher or apartment sized dishwasher.
Dishwasher Type
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Installation
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Features
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| 24" Built-In Dishwasher |
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| Compact 18" Built-In Dishwasher |
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| Portable Dishwasher |
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Dishwasher Cleaning Capabilities
Dishwashers are often equipped with advanced cleaning functions designed to take the work out of washing dishes. Wash systems with multiple tiers and washer arms provide thorough coverage that blasts away baked-on cheese, grease, egg and other food debris. New sensor technologies automatically monitor soil levels in the dishwater and ensure that your cycle does not stop until your dishes are clean and clear. Special cycles and options also add extra cleaning power with settings such as a heavy soil or sanitizing rinse.
- Wash systems with multiple tiers and various washer arms provide full coverage
- Cycles and options let you choose the right settings for every load
- Sensor technologies automatically adjust the wash cycle to ensure reliable results
- Filters and hard food disposals eliminate pre-rinsing
Energy Star Dishwashers
Over the past decade dishwashers have made incredible strides toward more effective and efficient operation. Contemporary models use less energy and water, lowering your utility bills and conserving valuable resources. The energy conscious consumer will want to look for the added savings that come with units featuring the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR dishwashers exceed federal standards for energy use by 25% or more. Not only does this save you money by reducing utility bills, it is also gentler on the environment so you can feel good about keeping your kitchen clean.
- Dishwashers manufactured in recent years meet aggressive federal guidelines for energy efficiency
- Delay start feature allows you to program your dishwasher to run during off peak hours
- Units with features such as sensor technologies and rapid wash cycles offer added efficiency
Dishwasher Features
Sensor Technologies |
Many modern dishwashers are now employing sensor technologies that monitor the soil level and/or temperature of your dishwater to provide just the right amount of cleaning power for efficient operation and thorough results. These sensors help take the guess work out of operating your dishwasher and allow you to set the cleaning process in motion with just one simple press of a button. |
Quietest Dishwashers |
There are a variety of noise reduction packages available that include features such as quieter motors and improved insulation measured in decibels or dBA. The lower your dBA rating the quieter your dishwasher will be - dishwashers with a rating of 0 to 50 are considered the quietest. The higher end units tend to have the most advanced sound dampening systems, but even washers in lower price categories incorporate some level of noise reduction. |
Specialty Cycles |
In addition to standard everyday cycles, many dishwashers offer specialty cycles designed to tackle specific tasks. Delicates and china allow you to carefully run hand-wash items through the dishwasher. Tough soil and pot scrubbing cycles get rid of stuck-on cheese, grease and more. A rinse and hold option keeps your dishwasher fresh and clean in between cycles, perfect for households where it takes a couple days for a full load to build up. Quick wash cycles speed up the process to give you clean dishes faster. A sanitizing rinse uses extremely high temperatures to kill bacteria and reduce the risk of spreading germs and illness between family members. |
Adjustable Racks |
Adjustable racks allow you to raise or lower the height to fit oversized dinner plates, long-stemmed glasses, bulky serving dishes and more. Units with a removable top rack make it easy to wash oversized pots or pans. Racks with removable or fold-down tines let you configure your dishwasher to hold all your dishes for a perfect fit every time. |
Hidden Controls |
As controls become more simple and intuitive, they are also becoming less obvious. New electronic control panels placed along the top strip of your dishwasher door are visible when the door is open and hidden from sight when it is closed, leaving nothing but a smooth surface for a sleek, clutter-free kitchen. |
Delay Start |
Using the delay start feature, set your dishwasher to run when it is most convenient for you. Models vary in their time ranges giving you anywhere from 1 to 24 hours of delay time depending on the dishwasher. |
Stainless-Steel Tubs |
Stainless-steel interiors offer lasting, durable performance and better sound dampening than their plastic counterparts. Because of their metal interiors they reflect heat for more energy efficient drying and can withstand the high temperatures of sanitizing rinses. |
Nylon Racks |
Will not chip or discolour over time. |
Smart Dispense® |
Available on some GE models only. Fill the liquid detergent reservoir once and you need not worry about refilling for two months. |
Filters and Food Disposals |
Skip the sink, and put your dirty dishes straight in the dishwasher when you choose a model that has a filtration system and disposal that work together to remove and eliminate leftover food particles from the water. Self-cleaning filters ensure hands-off maintenance. |
Heat Booster |
Dishwashers equipped with an internal heat booster raise water temperatures to the appropriate level, allowing you to keep your hot water heater at a lower temperature for even greater savings that won't sacrifice performance. |
Finish and Style |
Choose from a wide array of materials, finishes and colours to match your kitchen décor. Whether you are looking for the clean, familiar lines of a standard white dishwasher or the sophisticated style of a stainless-steel exterior, you'll find exactly what you are looking for. Some units can even be fitted with wood panelling that blends right in with your cupboards. Specialty colours and painted panels are an option with some manufacturers for a completely customized look. |
Rinse Aid Dispenser |
Rinse aid dispensers hold a special solution that helps prevent spotting on dishes and is especially useful in areas with hard water. Indicator windows let you keep an eye on how much is available for easy filling at any time. |