5 Best Half-Load Dishwashers Ideal When You Have Less Mess In The Kitchen

Are you interested in buying a half-load dishwasher?

Then keep reading this post.

I reviewed six of the best dishwashers with small load options. Check out their design, compare their features, and find a dishwasher that fits perfectly into your budget.

The Rundown

What Is A Half-Load Dishwasher?

Half-load means you only need to fill the top or bottom half of your dishwasher before running a cycle. While the cycle is running, the dishwasher turns off the jets of the unused dishwasher drawer.

How Does This Dishwasher Type Work?

These dishwashers are built-in models as they are big and actually have enough spacious interior for a half-load cleaning cycle. However, there are 2 design options to choose from.

• The classic built-in dishwasher can have a half-load option. That means that it has one interior split into 2 parts, the bottom, and the top. By choosing the half-load function, you choose which section rack of the dishwasher you wish to clean. Some models have different buttons for choosing the rack while others will offer you the option by simply choosing the half-load function.
• The double drawer built-in dishwasher has 2 separate compartments so you can choose which compartment you want to use. You can use both of them at the same time or just one at a time. Such a model can either have individual control panels for each drawer or one panel where you choose which of the drawer you wish to use.

Can I Run Standard Dishwasher Half Empty?

No. If you run your dishwasher partially filled, you’re wasting water. You’re also risking breakage as your dishes bump around.

What Is The Price Range For These Models?

These models are a bit expensive and aren’t really budget-friendly. Their price goes from $1,200 to over $2,000.

Best Advantages Of Having A Half Dishwasher

Before we get into all the functions and specifications of these dishwasher models, here are 3 key advantages of owning such an appliance.

Save Water, Energy, Money

The half-load option uses less water compared to regular cycles since water is only spraying one-half of the appliance. By using a half-load function, you’ll save 10 to 25 % on water and energy.

Usage For The Dish Amount You Need

Sometimes you do have only 3 dirty dishes and 2 forks. Do you need to use your entire dishwasher to clean these dishes? No. This dishwasher is excellent for cleaning small amounts of dishes. And wait – the next day you have 8 place settings ready for a cleaning? No problem, use just a normal cleaning cycle without the half-load function.

Excellent Additional Features

You can find many dishwashers with small load options that come with amazing additional features. These may include wireless controls, smart-sense technology that can detect soil levels, a powerful filtration system, automatic door, interior lights, and more.

Half Load Cleaning Performance & Other Specifications

So, what functions can you count on by choosing this type of dishwasher? Basically, on rather standard specifications you can find out in any other classic dishwashers.

Steel Construction

In order to be strong and durable, most of these dishwashers are constructed from stainless steel. This is the best material of the making, perfect for dishwasher’s longevity, low noise operation, and drying function.

Standard Size Options

When it comes to these dishwasher models, they come in rather standard-sized units, 18 inches, and 24 inches. These size options are suitable for all standard-sized kitchens and their cabinetries.

Place Setting Capacity

As they come in standard sizes, the dishwashers are pretty big so they can fit between 12 and 16 place settings. Quite ideal for large families and big households.

Multiple Cycle Choice

When the dishwasher has multiple cycles, you are able to adjust the performance of the dishwasher according to your needs and the type of cookware. Some of the cycles every dishwasher has are normal, hard, and light washes, rinse only, and quick cycle. Usually, most models feature between 6 and 16 cycles and cleaning options.

Noise Level Range

Most modern dishwashers operate at a much lower decibel level. And that is a great thing because it means that you won’t have too much background noise inside your kitchen. Everything less than 50 to 52 dB is ideal. And with these models, you can choose between 40 to 50 dB options.

Energy-Efficiency Option

Since all these dishwashers are half-load models, you can already adjust both power and water consumption according to the load size, so no energy will go to waste. However, if you get a model that also comes with an Energy Star certificate, you’ll save even more water and energy. If you can’t find such a dishwasher, get the one that has ECO cycle mode. That is a great alternative for the certificate.

Best 5 Half-Load Dishwashers

Fisher Paykel DD24DV2T9N Dishwasher

Easy To Load/Unload
Unlike other dishwashers in this post, this dishwasher model features a double drawer design. This makes it much easier to load up and to unload. You can open the drawers as much as you need and the best thing is that you don’t have to bend or squat down and lift heavy loads of dishes.

Spacious Interior
Even though this dishwasher comes with two separate smaller drawers, it will still provide you with a pretty spacious interior. Each drawer has enough room to accommodate both larger and smaller plates, glasses, cups, and a small cutlery basket.

Independent Controls
This dishwasher provides you with a user-friendly control panel that is located on the inner side of the dishwasher drawer. The best thing is that each unit has independent controls. That means that you will be able to set different cleaning cycles in the two compartments.

Real Half Load
The best thing about this unit is that it provides you with a real half load option. That means that you will be able to run only one compartment at a time and the dishwasher will adjust the power and water consumption accordingly.

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LG LDP6797ST Dishwasher

Stainless Steel Construction
You can be sure that this dishwasher features highly durable construction. It is entirely made out of high-quality stainless steel material. Thanks to this feature the dishwasher’s interior is highly resistant to rust and corrosion while the exterior surfaces are resistant to scratches, dents, and fingerprint stains.

Large Capacity
This dishwasher provides you with a large and spacious interior. It is designed to accommodate up to fifteen standard place settings and provides three separate racks. These features make this dishwasher the perfect choice for a larger family.

Top Mounted Controls
Another great thing about this dishwasher is that it comes with a user-friendly control panel that is located atop the dishwasher’s door. That means that you will be able to easily choose and set the perfect cleaning cycle and operating mode.

Powerful Drying Performace
Thanks to the powerful drying performance, that this dishwasher provides, you can forget about drying your dishes manually. Once the dishwasher completes the cleaning and drying cycle you can simply unload the dishwasher and store your dishes away.

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Bosch SHEM63W52N Dishwasher

Tall Tub Design
This dishwasher features a highly practical tall tub design. That means that this dishwasher is a bit higher and provides you with more interior space. It provides you with three separate racks and a cutlery basket to ensure that all of your dishes get a thorough wash.

Multiple Cleaning Cycles
Like all other dishwashers in this post, this model also comes with multiple cleaning cycles. These include heavy, auto, normal, speed, and rinse. That means that you will be able to easily adjust the performance of the dishwasher according to the dishes you are cleaning.

Different Options
You can also choose between different cleaning options that include delay, half load, sanitize, and extra dry. Sanitizing option ensures that you will get perfectly clean and bacteria-free dishes while the extra dry option eliminates any need for drying the dishes manually with a kitchen towel.

Delay Start Feature
The time delay option allows you to load up the dishwasher, set the desired cleaning cycle, and program the exact time when you want the dishwasher to start with the cleaning process. You will finally be able to program the dishwasher according to your schedule.

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Thermador DWHD650WFM Dishwasher

Adjustable Upper Rack
This dishwasher is the perfect dishwasher for a larger family. It comes with three separate racks and provides a spacious interior. The upper rack can be adjusted into three different height levels to ensure that even larger dish pieces can fit inside the unit.

Sense A Wash
Another great thing about this dishwasher is that it comes with a specially designed “sense a wash” technology. Thanks to that feature the dishwasher will be able to detect the soil level inside the unit and adjust water consumption and duration of the cycle accordingly.

Powerful Filtration System
You never have to worry that this dishwasher might get clogged up. It comes with a three-stage advanced filtration system that is made to collect all the small food particles that accumulate inside the tub during the cleaning cycle. The filters also prevent debris from getting inside the dishwasher’s pump.

Home Connect
The best thing about this Thermador dishwasher with a small load option is that it provides you with a “home connect” option. Everything you need to do is download the designated app onto your smartphone, connect it to the dishwasher, and you will be able to control its functions via your smartphone.

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Beko DIS25841 Dishwasher

18-Inch Dishwasher
This dishwasher features a bit slimmer, 18-inch design and it provides you with the capacity of eight standard size place settings. It may not be as large as other units in this post, but it provides you with many amazing beneficial features.

Fully Integrated Control Panel
One of these features is defiantly the fully integrated control panel that is located atop the dishwasher’s door. The panel also features a small LED display that allows you to check the remaining time the dishwasher needs to complete the set cleaning program.

Concealed Heating Element
Another amazing thing about this dishwasher is that it comes with a concealed heating element that will improve the drying function even further. You will get perfectly clean, dry, and sanitized dishes every time you use the dishwasher.

Low Operating Noise
The best thing about this dishwasher with a small load option is that it produces very low operating noise, more precisely, around 48 dBA. This makes it a very quiet dishwasher that will allow you to enjoy a much more peaceful kitchen environment than some of the other models on the market.

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What Safety Measures Are Included?

Every dishwasher model is designed to be safe to handle and use. The same goes for half-load models. They have standard leakage protection and a safety lock for locking up the control panel. Some of them also have alarm buzzers and light indicators that warn you when the cleaning cycle is done.

One part of the safe handling is regular cleaning too. These models don’t require anything special in the terms of cleaning. Just use 2 cycles, one with vinegar and the other one with baking soda, and your dishwasher is good to go.