Best dishwashers of May 2024: ranking and price comparison

How to choose the best dishwasher

The best dishwashers of 2017 are the ones with the ability to give perfect cleaning to your filthy dishware and cutlery items using strong technology and minimising strenuous manual efforts. They are, in fact, the best-integrated dishwashers that save you from tough cleaning challenges which you’re obligated to face every day otherwise. Dishwashers are found in various types: for instance, built-in dishwashers are immovably fixed into your kitchen. Similarly, there are compact dishwashers which are ideal for small kitchens as they occupy only a small area of the kitchen. Below are detailed descriptions of different types of dishwashers:

Types of dishwashers

Built-in dishwashers: Just as the name explains, these models are built-in to your kitchen, unlike freestanding dishwashers which stand alone and can be moved around the kitchen. Meaning, they are permanently fixed beneath your counter and are connected to water supply. You can look out for competent built-in devices such as Kitchen Aid KDFE104DSS, Electrolux IQ-Touch EI24ID50QS and LG Studio LSDF9962ST in the market.

Compact dishwashers: If you already know about compact dishwashers, it’s pretty much obvious that you will do know about compact devices such as Frigidaire FFBD1821MS and Kenmore Elite 14683. Generally, a compact dishwasher is as small as 18 inches wide and due to its very smallness, it can be conveniently placed inside the cabinet of your kitchen. In case, you are worried about not having enough space for installing one, a compact one is just the right fit for you.

Countertop dishwashers: Countertops are tiny models with competitive performance for they can clean 4 plates with great effectiveness and efficiency although being in size as that of a microwave oven. The 17 inches tall appliance fits well between countertop and cabinetry and can do a significant number of dishes, although only a few at a time, with a significantly lesser amount of water. SPT SD-2201W has a compact design and unmatched power and is well-appreciated in apartments and small kitchens.

In-sink dishwashers: In-sink dishwashers are ideal for cleaning a few numbers of dishes with double the speed of a standard dishwasher. The good thing about in-sink dishwashers is that they can be used both as sink and space for food preparation. KitchenAid Briva is an in-sink dishwasher which is popular in places like small apartments requiring only a few dishes to clean.

Portable dishwashers: If you don’t want to remodel your kitchen just to install a dishwasher, a portable dishwasher is what you exactly need as it doesn’t require you to make such unwanted change. Since such dishwashers are mobile, you have the flexibility to carry or move them from one place to another as you desire. They just need to be connected to power, water and drainage points to work just like built-in dishwashers. Portable Danby DDW1801MWP has never failed to impress anyone staying in condos and apartments.

Under-sink dishwashers: Under-sink dishwasher is another compact yet efficient device that fits perfectly under sink leaving enough space for pipe fittings. In spite of its compact design, it still holds the maximum of 10 place settings. You might want to check GE SpaceMaker if you’re looking for one of the kind.

Most important properties

Since there are a number of dishwasher options available for you in the market and each type is suited more for a specific purpose, you must first understand the most important properties, in general, to ensure that you make the right decision while purchasing a dishwasher. So here are the properties you must know:

Self-cleaning: The internal system of a dishwasher is powered by a self-cleaning filter which helps in keeping the device clean by disinfecting the machine from various harmful agents. Also known as automatic cycle, this feature is particularly responsible for evacuating the filter containing waste food materials and also cleans inner part of a dishwasher. Moreover, the centre of the filter consists of a glass trap for collecting pieces of straws, bones, glass, etc. which can be removed by lifting out the trap by holding handle.

Sanitising: Sanitising process is carried out after the cleaning process in order to remove any harmful micro-organisms still present in the equipment or utensils so that consumers are not infected with diseases. The process is carried out in two different steps: at first, utensils are sanitised by eliminating soil, heat and chemical. Secondly, they are further sanitised by using heat or chemicals.

Heat: Heat is used in the form of hot water or steam by passing it through food equipment for required time duration, usually 5 to 15 minutes, under required temperature which may range from 171 F to 200 F.

Chemical: Sanitising solutions of Iodine, Chlorine or Quaternary Ammonium are generally used in certain concentrations under rinse temperatures ranging from 75 F to 120 F for chemical or final sanitization. Furthermore, it is important to note that the chemical sanitizers which are to be used match the requirements of 21 CFR 178.1010.

Number of cycle programs: Most dishwashers possess automatic sensor for detecting soil, dirt, etc and rinsing cycles and re-adjusting them until the dishes are perfectly clean. A standard dishwasher provides three wash cycles of three different levels: light, normal and heavy; each level differing in speed, temperature, pressure and number of washes.

Light wash cycle: Light wash cycles are for lighter washes.  Since washing is done at a low pressure and low heat, it helps to clean fine and delicate dishes without cracking and breaking them. 

Normal wash cycle: Normal wash cycle is for doing normal washing that is neither too hard nor too delicate.

Heavy wash cycle: Heavy wash cycle is the toughest wash cycle used for cleaning tough dishwares like pots and pans by using highest of temperature and pressure and for longest period of time.

However, sometimes people with large households, frequent hosts, etc might need additional or special cycles. In those cases, one can integrate extra wash arms into the dishwashers.

Load sensor: Load sensors are responsible for detecting loads or dishes, their number and type, allowing dishwashers to adjust cycle duration and water temperature needed to give perfect cleaning to your dishes. In other words, they help you to minimise usage of the amount of water and energy whenever it is possible.

Energy usage: Many dishwashers are eco-friendly as they help you to save up to 20-25% energy usage as their advanced sensor system is smart enough to gauge soil level in wash water and thus automatically omit fresh water fills when they are not required. Features like load sensors and some eco-options also help to minimise energy usage by adjusting cycle duration and water temperature while ensuring maximum efficiency, thus saving both your time and money eventually.

Water usage: As explained above, since dishwashers’ ability to analyse soil level or clarity of water with the aid of smart sensors help to determine the number of water cycles, it regulates and controls the amount of water needed for the cleaning process. Extra water is not refilled if no further cleaning is required, thus minimising the water usage.

Delayed start: Delayed start is a scheduling option available in dishwashers like Bosch in which one can set a time within 24 hours and let the machine do all the washing even when you are not physically present in front of it. This is especially helpful if you need to be somewhere else while the cleaning task needs to be done simultaneously. Moreover, by running the device during off-peak hours in the evening, you can even save money on electricity bills.