The 5 best dishwashers in 2024
Dishwasher size
The size of your dishwasher is the first decision you’ll make, as not all kitchens have the space to accommodate a full-size model. Most standard models are 24 inches wide and about 35 inches high, and kitchens are generally designed to accommodate a model of that size, but there are slimmer dishwashers for smaller spaces.
A standard dishwasher measures 61 x 89 cm, but there are also compact and custom-made models for smaller spaces.
Dishwasher style
Most dishwashers come in stainless steel, which matches most kitchen designs. Many models also come in white, black, and other finishes. You won’t find many color options, but Samsung offers a tailor-made line which includes unique finishes such as navy blue steel and brown Tuscan steel.
Samsung has a line of custom-made major kitchen appliances that let you add a pop of color to your kitchen.
Higher-end models, including Bosch and KitchenAid, tend to have sleek, minimalist front doors and bolder interior designs. Budget-friendly brands like Whirlpool and Maytag tend to have a more traditional aesthetic.
Dishwasher racks and rack placement
This is an easily overlooked feature that makes a significant impact on your daily laundry. A new trend is the small third flat rack at the top, which provides space for extra cutlery, utensils and other smaller items. They are usually an addition to an upright cutlery holder on the bottom rack. If you find yourself frequently filling or overfilling a standard cutlery holder, this feature will help you wash everything and keep everything neat and tidy.
The trendy third rack offers extra space for cutlery, kitchen utensils and other small items.
Many dishwashers now also have adjustable racks to provide extra space for pots and dishes, even if they are an odd or abnormally large size. If you have ever had trouble fitting large items into your dishwasher, you should consider a model with adjustable racks.
Different dishwasher programs and functions: are they important?
There are dishwasher programs that come standard on almost every model – normal, rapid, heavy, delicate – but higher-end machines have even more specific programs like mineral-assisted wash and pre-soak. These extra programs can be nice, but I wouldn’t let them weigh too heavily in your purchasing decision. Ultimately, you’ll use the standard programs a lot more than the niche programs.
Here’s a quick one guide to dishwasher cycles and when to use them.
Don’t get obsessed with the different cycles. You’ll probably only use two or three.
Drying cycles: condensation versus electric drying
Most dishwashers have one of two ways of drying dishes after washing. Many dishwashers use a condensation process where the dishwasher uses very hot water to heat the dishes at the end. Then, as the tub cools with the hot dishes, condensation will form and water will drip off the dishes.
Other dishwashers, including some KitchenAid models, use an electric heating element to heat the air and dry the dishes at the end. This may be a more thorough way to dry dishes, but it is also less hygienic, less energy efficient, and will melt plastic items, such as plastic containers on the bottom rack, because they are so close to the element.
Dishwasher noise level
Dishwashers generally have more in common than they differ, but noise levels are one area where they differ and can affect your overall satisfaction with a particular appliance. Most modern dishwashers are quite quiet, reaching only 40 or 50 decibels. Some of the quietest models, such as the Kitchen aid KDFE204KPShave advanced technology to keep the machine as quiet as 39 decibels while running. If you look at the specifications section of each model, this information should be clearly stated.
