Best 6 ADA Compliant Dishwashers: A Handicap-Friendly Kitchen Appliance

Have you been trying to find the best ADA-compliant dishwasher?

Then keep reading my post!

The 6 models I found and reviewed in this post will provide you with amazing performance and versatile features. Check them out, compare their designs and prices, and find out which model works the best for you.

The Rundown

What Does ADA Compliant Mean?

ADA compliance is a short term for the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design. That means that a product is accessible to those with disabilities or to put it simply, is disabled-friendly.

What Makes A Dishwasher ADA Compliant?

ADA dishwashing machine refers to the height of the product itself. Such a model is approximately 32 inches tall, for comparison, classic ones are 33-34 inches in height which is a standard height on most models. Dishwashers with ADA compliance also have legs that can be adjusted.

What Are ADA Requirements For Dishwashers?

In order to be considered ADA compliant, a dishwasher needs to meet the following criteria.

• The maximum reach for controls can be 48 inches for high forward and 15 inches for low forward.
• All controls must be workable with a single hand and should not need any grasping, twisting, or pinching.
• All racks have to be reachable from the machine’s front for loading and unloading dishes.

How Is It Different From Non-Certificated Models?

Basically, only in the already mentioned height. In the terms of other specifications, cycles, noise levels, and designs, dishwashers that are ADA compliant are pretty much the same as standard models.

What Sizes Are We Talking About, Besides Height?

We’re talking about classic 18 and 24-inch dishwashers. These numbers present the dishwasher’s width which is a standard one and it fits every standard-sized kitchen and its cabinetry.

What Dishwasher Model Options Do I Have?

Built-in models and maybe some freestanding ones, if they meet all the height requirements. However, it is desirable to get a model that is placed in the cabinetry. Countertop dishwashers, for example, aren’t preferable as they sit too high on the countertop or table.

What Brands Produce ADA Compliant Models?

Some of the models that produce reliable dishwashers that are disabled-friendly are Bosch, Miele, and GE.

Price Range

The price range for this dishwasher type is pretty high. It goes from $800 to as high as $2,500. The final price really depends on the model and brand.

Do I Need An ADA Dishwasher?

For this model, it is necessary that it offers great benefits for its users. Here are a couple of key components you can count on and which will help you make a decision on do you really need to get such a dishwasher.

• The primary benefit of this dishwasher model is its superior access for individuals that have some physical limitations.
• Thanks to the lower height, it offers easier access for persons who use a wheelchair.
• Comes with an easy-access interior.
• User-friendly controls make this dishwasher simple for users of all backgrounds to operate.
• All controls require a maximum of 5 pounds of strength to activate so the experience is even more efficient.

Dishwasher’s Guide Through Functions

Besides all the specifications the dishwasher needs to meet in order to be an ADA compliant kitchen appliance, it also needs to have all the standard functions and specs to provide impeccable performance, both for cleaning and drying of the dishes. Here is what you need to know before you buy such a dishwasher.

Strong Design & Construction

The best construction for a dishwasher is the one that is made from stainless steel. Now, this material of the making is the best one on the market. It is strong and durable, resistant to time, high temperatures, odors, and stains. It also contributes to better cleaning and drying results. Besides steel, you can also get a hybrid dishwasher that is made from a combination of steel and plastic, or a classic plastic-constructed dishwasher. These construction options are also quite strong and durable, however, there aren’t as favorable as clean steel.

What Interior Capacity Options Do I Have?

With 24 and 18-inch units, you have great capacity options as they can hold between 10 and 16 place settings. Thanks to that, this dishwasher model is ideal for big households and large families.

Adjustable Racks

This feature will let you customize your dishwasher’s interior. That means that you will be able to rearrange the compartments, baskets, and racks so that you can fit in any awkwardly shaped dish or cookware.

Can I Have A Third Rack Too?

Absolutely. A third rack will give you a great additional space in your dishwasher. This drawer feature is designed to hold utensils, flatware, cooking or serving tools, and other small items.

Multiple Cleaning Cycles & Options

With this model, you can count on a great cycle option. Of course, the final number of cycles, as well as the type of the wash depends on the model you get. However, some of those possible cycles are rinse only, ECO mode, normal, heavy, and light wash, delicate, baby care, and more.

2 Drying Possibilities

You can choose between heated drying and air drying.

• A heated drying option uses a fan or some other heated element to dry the dishes. It is fast and efficient, however, it uses a lot of energy during that drying operation.
• An air-dry function is an eco-friendly option. It uses room air that then circulates inside the dishwasher. It needs a bit longer time to dry the dishes but it does it effectively. It also uses 15% less energy than the heated drying function.

What Is The Noise Level Of These Models?

You can get a dishwasher that features a noise level between 40 dB and 55 dB. Thanks to that, you can get a pretty quiet model. Just remember, the lower the decibel level, the quieter dishwasher will be. Stainless steel interior also contributes to quieter performance, so bear that in mind too.

Eco-Friendly Appliance

To save water and energy, go with an Energy Star dishwasher. Models without that certificate use up to 15 gallons of water and 1.59 kWh of energy per load. If you go with a dishwasher that has an Energy Star certificate, it will:

• use only 3 gallons of water per load;
• and only 0.87 kWh of energy per load.

Best 6 ADA Compliant Dishwasher

Fisher Paykel DD24SAX9 Dishwasher

Sleek Design
This ADA-compliant designed dishwashing machine features a very sleek and elegant design. It is made out of high-quality stainless steel material, has a recessed door handle, and a full console control panel in its top-right corner.

Cleaning & Drying Performance
With its multiple cleaning cycles, SmartDrive technology, and fan-assisted drying cycle, this dishwasher will provide you with amazing cleaning and drying performance. It is even Energy Star certified. This means that it consumes much lower energy and water amounts per cleaning cycle.

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GE PDW1860KSS Dishwasher

Slim Design
Due to its 18-inch size, this ADA dishwashing machine with a narrow design features a bit more narrow design. It is a perfect fit for those who live in smaller homes. With its built-in design, it will fit perfectly next to your other kitchen appliances.

Touch Control Panel
Its simple touch control panel is located atop the machine’s door to ensure that you can easily access it and program according to your needs. It provides you with versatile cleaning cycles and options thanks to which you can clean both delicate glassware and heavily soiled pots and pans.

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Bosch SGX68U55UC Dishwasher

High Loading Capacity
Because of its size, this dishwasher will provide you with a very high loading capacity. It features 3 separate dish racks and with 3 different height levels and 9 possible rack positions.

Water Softener
What makes this accessible dishwasher such an amazing choice for households with hard water is its specially designed water softener. Because of it, you can be sure that the machine will provide you with sparkling cleaning results. You can forget all about the hard water stains on your glassware.

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Summit Appliance DW2435SSADA Dishwasher

User-Friendly Control Panel
This is a reliable dishwasher model that comes with a user-friendly control panel with a convenient digital time display. It provides you with very simple programs and a few amazing features such as half-load and time delay. You can even lock it up to ensure that no one can tamper with it.

Low Noise
Due to its advanced sound absorption technology, this ada model 32 height model will produce minimal noise during the cleaning cycle. More precisely, around 49 DBs.

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Fisher Paykel DD24SI9N Dishwasher

Small Size
This is another drawer-style accessible dishwashing machine that comes in a somewhat smaller size. However, you will still be able to fit up to 7 place settings at once. Its flexible racking design will allow you to fit versatile size dishware inside the tub.

Knock To Pause
The amazing thing about this small designed dishwasher is that it provides you with a highly convenient knock-to-pause feature. It allows you to stop the cleaning process by simply knocking on the dishwasher’s door.

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Bosch SGV68U53UC Dishwasher

Panel-Ready Design
As opposed to the previously reviewed models, this dishwasher features a panel-ready design. This makes it a highly convenient choice for people who love to have a customized kitchen interior. Its control panel is top-mounted on the door ensuring easy access and providing the machine with a more sleek look.

Leak Protection
With its powerful AquaStop Plus leak protection system, this ADA panel-ready dishwasher will keep your home safe from water damages at all times. Additionally, with its RackMatic system, this machine will allow you to clean larger dishware inside the tub.

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ADA Compliant Dishwasher With Additional Safety Features

Features such as strong leakage protection, safety lock, light indicators, alarm buzzer, and well-designed and stable bottom, ensure safe usage and handling. Some models may also feature a double-wall flow-through heater for safe heating and double doors for additional protection.

Is The Installation Of This Dishwasher Harder?

No. Call a professional that will do the proper building-in and plumbing. You can try and do it for yourself too, however, you do need to have some electrical and plumbing skills. Also, make sure to follow the official instruction to do a proper job.