How to Choose a Dishwasher

If you’re in the market for a new dishwasher, you may have already discovered that there’s a lot to think about when shopping for one. With so many options and features to consider, finding the right model can feel daunting. Have no fear, because Parts Town is here to help make the decision easier for you! We’ve broken down the dishwasher shopping process into 5 simple steps to help you determine which unit is right for you.

Measure Your Space

Dishwashers come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, and it’s important to know what kind of space you’re working with in your kitchen before buying one. Before you start shopping around, take measurements of the space you’re planning on installing it, including height, width and depth. 

If you’re planning on buying a built-in or drawer-style dishwasher, make sure you measure an appropriate space in your kitchen around the counters, drawers and cabinets. If you’re looking at countertop models, take measurements of the counter or table space it’ll be housed on to make sure it’ll sit firmly in place. 

Many standard undercounter dishwashers measure either 18” or 24” wide and 24” deep, so keep in mind that your space should accommodate that size plus an extra inch or two for some wiggle room. 

Choose Your Dishwasher Style

Now that you know the size of your space, it’s time to choose a dishwasher type. There are 4 kinds of dishwasher styles to choose from:

Built-In

Built-in dishwashers are undercounter units that are most commonly seen in homes. These slide into place just under the kitchen counter and are installed by a certified technician. Built-ins are connected to your home’s electrical and water supplies for ease of use.

Portable

Similar to built-in models, portable dishwashers are their moveable counterparts, and they don’t require any installation. Because they can be easily moved, portable dishwashers are perfect for renters and RV enthusiasts. They’re usually about the same size as built-ins but can be hooked up to your sink and an electrical outlet for use.

Drawer

Drawer dishwashers are a type of built-in style that’s sized like, well, a drawer. They hold a smaller amount of dishes compared to other full-size styles but are perfect for more compact kitchens and those living on their own.

Countertop

Perfect for apartments, camper vans and college students alike, countertop dishwashers are essentially mini dishwashers. They can take up about a square foot of space, making them great companions for your microwave or air fryer. Countertop dishwashers can either connect to your faucet or can be filled with water for use and can accommodate around 6 or more place settings.

Take Your Lifestyle Into Consideration

When shopping for a dishwasher, it’s important to think about your everyday lifestyle. How many people are in your household? How many dishes do you usually wash on a daily basis? Are you away from home for long periods of time? These are questions you should ask yourself when shopping for a new dishwasher. 

For example, if your household uses a variety of dishes on a daily basis—like drinking glasses, bowls, plates, utensils and cookware—you’ll want to pick a standard size or larger dishwasher that can accommodate all of those dishes and is readily available for use. On the other hand, if you have very few dishes that need washing and you live on your own, you should consider a smaller dishwasher. Thinking of these factors can help lead you to your perfect unit.

Pick Your Favorite Features

Now that you’ve found the size and style of dishwasher that will work best for you, it’s time to find the one with all the bells and whistles you crave. Nowadays, dishwashers come with a whole host of features, which can get overwhelming. To start, look at your must-have features like the material it’s made of, what kind of racks you’d prefer, the location of the control panel and what wash cycles it has. 

After you’ve identified your must-haves, it’s time to consider your wants. Many dishwashers nowadays can have pretty cool features like wi-fi connectivity, self-cleaning filters and soil sensors. Consider which of these would be worth the extra cost and make life easier for you and your household.

Note the Noise

How quiet do you want your dishwasher to be? Typically, dishwashers emit a noise level of between 40 to 50 decibels (dBA), which is equivalent to the sound of rainfall outside. While this is relatively quiet, you may want something even quieter. If that’s the case, you’ll want to look for dishwashers that have certain features that help keep your unit running quietly. 

Look for the type of material that the dishwasher is made of; stainless steel models are oftentimes much quieter than their plastic counterparts. Additionally, you’ll want to take a look at the type of insulation the dishwasher comes with. Finally, consider the water flow settings and disposal of your dishwasher. These two factors can contribute to excessive noise.  

Water & Energy Consumption

Compared to handwashing, dishwashers are far more water-efficient, but if you’re looking to save more water and keep your electric bill down, it’s recommended that you look for ENERGY STAR models. On average, an ENERGY STAR-labeled dishwasher uses 30% less water and 12% less energy than a typical one. That equates to around 8,000 gallons of water saved each year when compared to handwashing alone. Not only that, but you can save between $35-$50 annually if you opt for an ENERGY STAR model. So, if you’re looking to save on cost and help the planet, definitely consider an efficient dishwasher.

In the market for more kitchen appliances? Check out our guide on choosing the right refrigerator for your space.