Hand washing the dishes can really be overwhelming sometimes. So, is there a simpler way to get rid of the dirt on your favorite China porcelain dinnerware?
Yes, there is – getting a home dishwasher that will save you both time and money!
This article contains 6 of the best home models on the market. Read more about their design and price, compare their beneficial features, and find the advice on features you need to take into consideration when deciding which dishwasher is the perfect match with your household.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
The Rundown
★★★★★
A powerful dishwasher that comes with specially designed bottle jets and a hard food disposer.
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★★★★☆
Profesional built-in dishwasher that comes with a height-adjustable upper rack and requires very little maintenance.
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★★★★☆
A smart dishwasher that features a double drawer design and provides independent controls for each compartment.
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Home Dishwasher: What To Expect?
A dishwasher is a standard kitchen appliance designed to save time and effort, to minimize breakage through reduced handling of dishes, while the kitchen remains neater and more clutter-free. Nowadays, dishwashers are modern and innovative, they come with great smart options and appealing design while having an eco-friendly certificate and providing a simplified cleanup.
Types Of Household Dishwashers
Dishwashersdesigned for home use can be freestanding or built-in. A freestanding model is a small countertop dishwasher that is portable and suitable for apartments or RVs. More often, dishwashers will be built-in models. Such appliances are integrated into your kitchen, they are permanently installed into the dishwasher cavity.
Why Is A Dishwasher A Great Choice?
Before we get into all the functions and specifications, let’s talk about the advantages of owning and using a dishwasher. There are some great factors that should be taken into account when thinking of buying a dishwasher. Here are the details.
Time-Saving Appliance
Did you know that people spend 60 minutes per day only hand washing the dishes? To load a dishwasher, you’ll need 9 minutes.
Eco-Friendly
By hand washing the dishes, you actually spend a lot more water than a dishwasher would. Actually, using a dishwasher reduces water consumption by 74%. Energy Star certified models can use less than half the energy of washing dishes by hand. So, in the end, the dishwasher saves you time, money, and the environment.
High Levels Of Hygienic
To properly clean the dishes, the water needs to be above 140 Fahrenheit degrees. For comparison, when washing up by hands, water typically reaches just around 80 Fahrenheit. The water inside a dishwasher is heated up to 167 degrees, so your dishes will be both impeccably clean and hygienic.
Adjustable Cycles For Specific Dishes
The dishwasher adjusts to different temperatures and washing programs in order to be kind to the specific cookware and efficient in washing them. With hand washing, you may do a bit more damage to dishes such as glasses, pans, and pots.
Price Range: Suitable For All Budgets
Dishwashers can be priced from $200 to more than $1500. Here is what you’ll get with each price range.
- Dishwashers For $500 Or Less. These models come with basic but efficient features. That means that they have adjustable washing cycles and soil sensors. Stainless steel interior is rare but can be found. Budget-friendly models are relatively noisy.
- Dishwashers For $500 To $1000. Models are quieter and they provide superb cleaning. They come with more convenient features such as adjustable racks, flexible flatware slots, and stainless steel interior.
- Dishwashers For $1000 Or More. Expensive dishwashers come with more stylish and modern designs. They have innovative features such as WiFi connectivity, as well as special wash zones for heavily soiled items.
What To Know About Dishwashers For Home Use?
Besides the key factors we already mentioned as the dishwasher’s biggest advantages, you should also know about functions such an appliance can offer you. Here are all the details you need to bear in mind before buying.
Construction: Strong & Durable
Stainless steel models are the best choice. Such models are highly resistant to stains, scratches, dents, and even rust and corrosion. Besides steel, you can also go for iron dishwashers.
What Is The Size Range For Dishwashers?
Most built-in models are about 24 inches wide and deep, while their height goes to about 35 inches. These are the standard specifications suitable for most cabinet openings in residential kitchens. Freestanding models can vary from 15 to 30 inches, and they are suitable for placement on most of the countertops.
Capacity Of The Unit
Built-in models usually accommodate between 8 and 16 standard-size place settings, depending on the size of the appliance. Portable countertop models usually accommodate between 4 and 8 standard-size place settings.
Customizable Interior
This is a great feature of built-in dishwashers. It allows you to adjust the height of the interior racks to ensure that you can fit some of the larger pieces in, such as pots and pans.
Dishwasher’s Power: What Should I Know?
Most dishwashers use an average of 1,800 watts. Such a model for an hour-long load use approximately 1.8 kWh of electricity. When we’re talking about voltage, dishwashers usually need 110/120 V.
Control Panel: User Friendly & Modern
Appliances for home use are designed to minimize the cleaning process with an easy-to-use operation. Nowadays, dishwashers are modern and innovative, and they often feature digital touch controls for simpler use.
Number Of Cycles: How Many Do I Need?
Most dishwashers have about 4 cleaning cycles. That usually includes normal, heavy, quick, and auto cleaning. These cycles are basic but they are all that you need. Additional options a dishwasher could have are ECO and rinse programs.
Does My Dishwasher Need A Special Drying Function?
No. Heated air may potentially be damaging to your dishes, so an air-drying option is a better choice. Plus, air drying uses 15% less energy than heated drying.
Delay Start Feature
This is a great feature for dishwashers. It let you adjust the time when you wish to start the cleaning. With this function, you can schedule the exact time you want the dishwasher to start. Usually, the delay start includes 3, 6, or 9 hours.
Best 6 Home Dishwashers
All listed dishwashers are perfect for every household. The first one comes with a built-in unit and spacious capacity for 16 place settings. On the other hand, the last model is compact and portable, suitable for a family of 6.
GE GDF650SSJSS Dishwasher
SPECIFICATION:
Material: Stainless Steel
Voltage: 110 V
Noise: 46 dB
Capacity: 16 Place Settings
Spacious Interior
This dishwasher will provide you with a very spacious interior. It can accommodate up to 16 place settings and it features a height-adjustable upper rack to ensure that you can easily create additional loading space for larger dishes.
AutoSense Cycle
You can be sure that this large capacity dishwasher will provide you with highly efficient cleaning performance. It features a specially designed AuoSense cycle that uses sensors to detect soil levels inside the dishwasher’s tub. It will automatically adjust the water consumption and duration of the set cycle according to the results.
Bottle Jets
Another amazing thing about this dishwasher is that it comes with built-in bottle jets that are specially designed to spray high-pressure water jets inside your bottles. Thanks to that feature the bottles will come perfectly clean straight out of the dishwasher.
Hard Food Disposer
Thanks to the hard food disposer that comes with this dishwasher you never have to worry that small food particles might get into the wash pump. It is designed to collect and dispose of all the food particles that fly around the tub during the cleaning cycle.
Quality:
Funcionality:
Capacity:
PRICE RANGE
from $1,200 to $1,400
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon), and discounts
REASONS TO BUY:
- Great interior capacity
- AutoSense cycle for efficient performance
- Energy Star certificate
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Expensive model
- Doesn’t come with a power cord
Electrolux Frigidaire FPID2498SF Dishwasher
SPECIFICATION:
Material: Stainless Steel
Voltage: 120 V
Noise: 47 dB
Capacity: 14 Place Settings
Fully Integrated Design
This dishwasher comes with a fully integrated touch control panel and it features a highly practical built-in design. Measure the free floor space inside your kitchen and compare it to the dishwasher’s measurements to ensure that you don’t experience any installation problems.
Height-Adjustable Upper Rack
Another great thing about this dishwasher is that it comes with a height-adjustable upper rack. Thanks to that feature you will be able to create additional interior space. Simply move the rack upwards or lower it down a little to add more space to the desired section of the dishwasher.
Professional Performance
Thanks to the multiple cleaning cycles that this dishwasher comes with, you can be sure that it will provide you with very powerful, professional cleaning performance. Everything you need to do is load it up, set the desired operating mode, and let it do the rest o the job for you.
Low Maintenance
The best thing about this home-use dishwasher is that it requires very little maintenance. It is entirely made out of stainless steel material which is spill-proof and resistant to all kinds of damages. You can simply wipe its exterior surface with a clean cloth every once in a while and that’s it.
Quality:
Funcionality:
Capacity:
PRICE RANGE
from $900 to $1,200
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart), and discounts
REASONS TO BUY:
- Sturdy stainless steel construction
- Powerful cleaning performance
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Too many programs so it may be confusing to use
Fisher Paykel DD24DDFTX9N Dishwasher
SPECIFICATION:
Material: Stainless Steel
Voltage: Not Specified
Noise: 44 dB
Capacity: 14 Place Settings
Double Drawer Design
Unlike other dishwashers in this post, this dishwasher features an amazing double drawer design. That means that you will be able to easily load up the unit and organize its loading space much better. For example, you can load plates and larger pieces in one drawer, while you load delicate glassware in the other.
Independent Controls
The best thing about this dishwasher is that it features separate and independent controls for each drawer. Thanks to that feature you will be able to run different cycles in the drawers or even run only one of the drawers.
“Hidden” Control Panel
You can be sure that no one will be able to tamper with the settings of this dishwasher with under-counter design. Its touch control panel is located on the inner side of the dishwasher. This feature also ensures a much more sleek and modern look of the unit.
Half-Load Option
This smart dishwasher also provides a true half-load option. This is an amazing feature because it means that you can easily run a smaller load and still expect amazing results. The dishwasher will adjust its power and water consumption accordingly and ensure highly efficient performance.
Quality:
Funcionality:
Capacity:
PRICE RANGE
from $1,400 to $1,800
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart), and discounts
REASONS TO BUY:
- 2 separate compartments with individual controls
- Energy Star certificate
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Contains plastic materials
Bosch SHX3AR75UC Dishwasher
SPECIFICATION:
Material: Stainless Steel
Voltage: 120 V
Noise: 50 dB
Capacity: 14 Place Settings
Stainless Steel Construction
Like most of the models, I reviewed in this post, this dishwasher also features stainless steel construction. This is a great thing because it means that the dishwasher will provide you with amazing durability and resistance to rust, corrosion, and all other damages.
Delay Start Feature
Another great thing about this dishwasher is that it provides you with a delay start feature that allows you to delay the start of the cleaning process up to 3. 6, or 9 hours. You will finally be able to schedule the exact time you want the dishwasher to start.
Sanitizing Performance
Because of the use of high temperatures, this dishwasher will provide a very powerful sanitizing performance. It will remove up to 99% of all household bacteria and provide perfectly clean and sanitized dishes with every use.
Light Indicator
This domestic dishwashing machine comes with a built-in warning light indicator that lights up every time the dishwasher runs out of the rinse aid. Everything you need to do is refill the rinse aid compartment and the dishwasher will work perfectly once again.
Quality:
Funcionality:
Capacity:
PRICE RANGE
from $800 to $1,000
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart), and discounts
REASONS TO BUY:
- Powerful sanitizing performance
- Aid warning indicator light
REASONS TO AVOID:
- A bit louder model
Samsung 24-Inch Dishwasher
SPECIFICATION:
Material: Stainless Steel
Voltage: 120 V
Noise: 51 dB
Capacity: 14 Place Settings
24-Inch Design
This home model comes in a somewhat larger 24-inch design. It features three separate racks and a cutlery basket to ensure that it can easily fit around fifteen standard size place settings. This makes it a great choice for a large family or anyone in a need of a large dishwasher.
Digital Touch Controls
Another great thing about this dishwasher is that it features simple digital touch controls that allow you to choose and set the desired operating mode. The control panel is located at the top of the dishwasher making it reachable and very easy to operate.
Four Different Cycles
Once you load up the dishwasher, you can choose between four cleaning cycles that include normal, heavy, express 90, and auto. Each cycle is specially designed to ensure that it provides you with the most amazing cleaning results.
Adjustable Options
This residential dishwasher also provides four different options that include high temp wash, heated dry, and sanitize. Additionally, the delay start feature will help you schedule the dishwasher according to your schedule.
Quality:
Funcionality:
Capacity:
PRICE RANGE
from $900 to $1,200
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon), and discounts
REASONS TO BUY:
- Simple digital touch control panel
- 5 wash cycles and 4 options
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Some customers have experienced bad drying
hOmeLabs Mini Dishwasher
SPECIFICATION:
Material: Stainless Steel
Voltage: 120 V
Noise: Not Specified
Capacity: 6 Place Settings
Mini Countertop Design
This is the only dishwasher on this list that features a mini countertop design and can accommodate up to 6 standard size place settings. This makes it the perfect choice for everyone who doesn’t have too much space or needs a more portable dishwasher.
Simple Control Panel
Another great thing about this unit is that it comes with a simple control panel that features a display with light indicators and small control buttons on each side of the display. Because of that feature, you will be able to easily set desired cleaning cycles and options.
Warning Light Indicators
Thanks to the built-in warning light indicators that are located on the control panel, you will always know when something is wrong with the dishwasher. For example, if a small faucet lights up simply check that the faucet is turned on and that all connections are super tight.
Freestanding Unit
Since this home countertop dishwasher features a completely freestanding design, the whole installation process will be super easy. Everything you need to do is hook it up to your kitchen faucet using a water hose and a faucet adapter that comes included with the dishwasher.
Quality:
Funcionality:
Capacity:
PRICE RANGE
from $400 to $700
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon), and discounts
REASONS TO BUY:
- Requires no permanent installations or plumbing
- Practical small countertop design
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Small interior capacity
Home Dishwasher: Safety First
Every electric kitchen appliance, not only the dishwasher, needs to meet the highest safety standards. Here are some of the safety features every dishwasher for home has in order to ensure safe operation.
Warning Light Indicators
This feature lights up every time the dishwasher runs out of the rinse aid, when the salt levels are too high, and similar.
Buzzer Alarm
The feature warns you once the cleaning process is finished.
Cut-Off Feature
This component shuts off power from the dishwasher to prevent overheating.
Fire-Resistant Components
Inner and outer doors are made of metal shieldings that are fire-resistant in case the unit gets on fire.
Cleaning Your New Kitchen Appliance
Even though the dishwasher is actually cleaning itself, over time, bits of grease, food, undissolved detergent, and water minerals build up on the dishwasher’s interior walls and filter. Now, if the dishwasher isn’t clean correctly, it can’t fully do its job. So here are the easy instructions for cleaning your new home appliance.
- To clean the inside of the door, just wipe away any residue and spots with a gentle sponge or microfiber cloth.
- For the filter, unlock it and remove it from the dishwasher. Rinse it under hot running water and then with a soft toothbrush scrub the mesh screen, and plastic frame in order to remove any grease or particles. Rinse again the filter, and lock it back to its place.
- Once a month, deep clean your dishwasher. Place a bowl filled with one cup of white vinegar on the top rack and turn on the dishwasher to run a normal hot cycle. For extra freshening, you can combine vinegar and baking soda. Place vinegar at the top rack and sprinkle a cup of baking soda at the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a short hot cycle.
Regular Cleaning Is The Key
Here are a few notes on how to clean your dishwasher on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
- Daily. Remove bits of food.
- Weekly. Wipe down the gasket and door. Clean the filter.
- Monthly. Deep clean the interior of the dishwasher.
- Clean exterior and buffing when needed.
Assemble Your Household Dishwasher
The dishwasher comes with instructions and a manual for assembling so it isn’t that hard to install it. Plus, you can always ask the plumber or other artisan to help you out with that procedure. Here are the most frequently asked questions regarding the assembling.
Do I Need To Have Some Skills For This?
You don’t need to have any advanced plumbing or electrical skills. All you need is manual and standard equipment for assembling. Read the manual before you start the installation so you know what tools you may need.
Can The Dishwasher Be Placed Under The Sink?
Yes, if you have enough space for plumbing. Plus, there are some models that are specially designed to be placed under the sink.
What About Next To The Oven?
It can be installed next to the oven however, there must be a couple of inches of clearance between the dishwasher and the oven.
Don’t Place The Dishwasher Next To The Fridge
The fridge will have to work harder when the dishwasher is running because of the heat it emanates.
To Wrap It Up
A dishwasher is one of the best kitchen appliances any home kitchen can have. It eases up the cleaning of the dishes, saves water and energy, and provides simply impeccable cleaning results. With all the model choices you have, you will easily find the one that suits your needs and preferences. Enhance the cleaning experience!
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