Best 6 Top Control Dishwashers: Hidden Panel For Safe Use & Clean Design

Are you having trouble finding the best top control dishwasher?

Then check out this post.

I reviewed six of the best models that are currently available for sale. Check out their design and the beneficial features they have to offer and find the perfect model that fits all of your needs.

The Rundown

What Is Actually A Top Control Dishwasher?

A top control model or a fully integrated dishwasher is designed with the controls tucked away on the top edge of the dishwasher door. As the buttons are hidden, this model has a sleek and seamless appearance that contributes to the modernity of the kitchen.

Front Control vs. Top Control: Difference

Often there is a discussion on what model is better. In the end, the only differences between these two models are design and the control placement. But here are the details.

• The front control dishwasher has the control on the outside front of the door so they are visible with the door closed. Such a model usually has a pocket handle, also known as a pull latch, in the center of the door for opening the dishwasher.
• The dishwasher with top control has the controls on the top of the door. They are not visible from the front once the door is closed. This model can feature a handle on the door or a pocket handle.

Do These Dishwashers Stick Out?

Yes, like any other model does too. Top control types may stick out more if they feature a handle.

How Far Out Should This Dishwasher Be Placed?

When we’re talking about a top control model, it should stick out 2 to 3 inches from the counter. For comparison, a front control dishwasher usually sticks out about 1.5 inches.

Can I Have A Top Control Model?

Absolutely. If you want an appliance that won’t stand out from the rest of the kitchen, while it still brings a touch of modernity and smooth lines, a top control model is a way to go.

Top Control Models: Pros & Cons Of Getting This Modern Kitchen Appliance

Besides functions and specifications, there are a couple of more details you might want to consider before getting a dishwasher with top control feature.

Pros:

• Seamless look. With a fully integrated model and top control, you’ll have an aesthetic and minimalistic appliance that will elevate the look of the entire kitchen.
• Kids are less likely to be invited to play with the buttons. As the controls are out of sight, that also means they are out of mind so your kids won’t mess with them.
• The external handle may be used as a hanging rack for dish towels. Which is a great additional feature!

Cons:

• It may be hard to tell when a washing cycle is over. As you don’t see any indicator light, you may open the door of your dishwasher and interrupt a cycle. With that in mind, you’ll want to track the cleaning time or go for a model that has a buzzer alarm or some visible indicator that will ease up the knowing when the operation is done.
• The controls are smaller in size. There is not a lot of room on the top edge of the door so the controls are limited when it comes to their size.
• These dishwashers are expensive. As they feature a modern and innovative design, these models also come with a price of at least $700.

Dishwashers With Hidden Controls: Construction, Efficiency, Functions

Every dishwasher type comes with different but efficient components that will meet all your needs. Here are the key factors of these top control models.

High-Quality Design

Stainless steel models are the best choice as they present a high-quality construction and durable design. Steel is welcomed on the exterior and interior.

Dimensions: What Can I Expect?

Top control designed models can come in sizes between 18 and 24 inches. This is a usual size range of standard models so they can fit any kitchen.

Cleaning Performance

When we’re talking about a dishwasher’s cleaning performance, we mean high temperatures that provide crystal clear and bacteria-free results. And top control models come with a great temperature range of up to 160 Fahrenheit degrees.

What About Cleaning Cycles?

This depends from one model to the other, but most of these dishwashers have at least 6 different cycles. That usually includes additional options such as ECO and rinse.

Drying Options

This feature comes in very handy, especially when you don’t have enough time to dry your dishes manually. Most models have multiple drying settings that can be adjusted to accommodate the volume of dishes.

What Does Filtration Do?

Saves your dishwasher. If you’re not the kind of person that rinses dishes before placing them in the dishwasher, make sure that your unit has a powerful filtration system. That way you will never have to worry about clogging the dishwasher with small food particles.

Water Softener

If you have trouble with hard water, go for a dishwasher that has a water softener. That is a specially designed feature that will soften up the hard water and won’t leave any water spots on the cutlery and glassware.

Noise Levels: Efficient & Quiet

Most dishwashers come with a dB range between 40 and 60 dB. However, this mostly depends on how much you are willing to spend on a dishwasher. Affordable models are louder and they usually have around 55 dB which is a bit too loud. On the other hand, expensive dishwashers that are priced from $1000 and up, can feature between 38 to 43 dB.

Adjustable Racks: What Does It Mean?

That basically means that you can move the racks up and down in order to adjust the interior of the dishwasher to be suitable for different types of cookware. With adjustable racks, you can easily organize the interior.

Best 6 Top Control Dishwashers With Buttons

LG LDT7797ST Dishwasher

Three Separate Racks
This dishwasher features three separate racks and it can accommodate up to fifteen place settings. The best thing is that the third rack is height-adjustable. That means that you can easily lower it down or lift it up to create more space for your dishes.

User-Friendly 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. It features nine different cycles, eight cleaning options, and a small time-display that lets you know when the dishwasher will be done.

Multiple Options & Cycles
Thanks to the multiple cleaning options and cycles that this dishwasher provides, you will be able to easily set the perfect cleaning mode. If you don’t have a full dishwasher you can even set the half load dishwasher option to ensure that your dishwasher doesn’t waste any water and your dishes get perfectly clean.

Low Operating Noise
The best thing about this dishwasher with controls on top of the door is that it produces very low noise levels, to be more precise, around 44 dBA. That means that you will be able to enjoy a peaceful environment without too much background noise even while the dishwasher is on.

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Samsung DW80K5050US Dishwasher

24-Inch Dishwasher
This top control model fits into the 24-inch category but its actual size is 23.875-inches. This makes it the perfect dishwasher for a large family because it is designed to fit a larger amount of dirty dishes. It features a fully integrated design thanks to which you can be sure that it will perfectly fit inside your kitchen.

Stainless Steel Design
Like all other dishwashers that are listed in this post, this model is also entirely made out of stainless steel material. Thanks to that feature you never have to worry that the inside of the unit might start to rust or corrode. Also, because of its durability, the outside won’t get scratched or damaged.

Storm Wash Technology
The best thing about this dishwasher is that it comes with a specially designed Storm Wash technology. It is made to spray blasts of water from every angle and remove all the dirt from your dishes. This means that you never have to rinse your dishes before you put them in the dishwasher.

Energy Star Rated
You can be sure that this dishwasher with StormWash will provide you with powerful cleaning performance. Thanks to the Energy Star certificate that comes with this unit you never have to worry about high water or electricity consumption.

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Bosch SGX68U55UC Dishwasher

Different Cleaning Cycles
Just like other user-friendly dishwashers in this post, this one also provides different cleaning options. These include rinse, Eco, normal, auto, express, and heavy. Simply set the perfect cycle depending on how dirty your dishes are and turn the dishwasher on.

Multiple Options
Additionally, it also provides multiple cleaning options such as sanitize, extra shine, delicate, half load, and time delay. The time delay option will let you set the exact time when you want the dishwasher to start with the cleaning process.

Water Softener
The best thing about this hard water dishwasher is that it comes with a specially designed water softener that will soften up the hard water. Because of this feature, you can forget all about the small water spots that usually remain on glassware and cutlery.

Leak Protection
Thanks to the powerful AquaStop leak protection that this dishwasher with buttons on top of the door provides, you never have to worry about any water damages. Once the sensors detect a larger amount of water inside the tub they will automatically stop the water income and drain out all the accumulated water.

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Z Line 24 in. Dishwasher

Panel Ready Design
This large dishwasher with upper control panel features a panel ready design. Thanks to that feature you can easily adjust the look of the dishwasher to fit into your kitchen. Note that this unit requires the installation of a custom made panel and a handle (they do not come included in the package).

EcoWash Technology
Another great thing about this panel-ready dishwasher is that it comes with a specially designed Eco Wash technology. It automatically determines the best environmentally conscious cleaning cycle based on the size of the load and the level of the soil to lower the water consumption to the minimum.

Sanitize Cleaning Cycle
You can be sure that your dishes will get perfectly clean every time you use the unit. The sanitizing cleaning cycle uses a water temperature of up to 156 degrees Fahrenheit. It will remove all the bacteria from your dishes and provide crystal clear results.

Super Quiet Performance
The best thing about this dishwasher with buttons on top of the door is that it produces very low noise levels, more precisely, around 40 decibels. It features an echo-resistant 430-grade stainless steel interior that keeps the noise inside the unit.

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GE Profile 18″ Dishwasher

18-Inch Tub
Unlike other 24-inch dishwashers, you can find in this post, this silver dishwasher model comes in a somewhat smaller size. It is only 18 inches wide which means that it is a bit more narrow and provides less space than the bigger models do.

Fully Integrated Design
You can be sure that this dishwasher will perfectly fit into your kitchen. It features a fully integrated design that ensures that this unit will sit tight next to your other kitchen appliances. Additionally, the stainless steel material will provide your home with a more sophisticated look.

User-Friendly Control Panel
Another great thing about this unit is that it comes with a user-friendly control panel that allows you to set the desired cleaning cycle and option. Everything you need to do si press the small button and set the perfect cleaning cycle based on how dirty your dishes are.

ADA Compliant
The best thing about this silver dishwasher with buttons on top of the door is that it is ADA compliant. That means that the unit is specially designed to ensure that it is perfectly accessible to people with disabilities.

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Frigidaire FGIP2468UF Dishwasher

Dual OrbitClean System
Thanks to the specially designed Dual OrbotClean wash system that comes with this dishwasher model, you can be sure that you will get perfect results with every single wash. It is made to remove all the dried food leftovers from your plates and eliminate the need for rinsing.

MaxBoost Drying Cycle
The feature that stands out the most in this dishwasher is definitely the MaxBoost drying cycle. Thanks to that feature you can forget all about drying your dishes manually with a kitchen cloth. The drying dishwasher will do everything for you. Everything you need to do is unload it once it is done.

Smart DishSense Technology
Another amazing thing about this unit is that it comes with smart DishSense technology. That means that the dishwasher will automatically determine the load capacity and the soil level and adjust the water consumption accordingly.

Powerful Filtration System
This dishwasher with controls on top of the door provides a powerful filtration system too. Thanks to that feature you never have to worry that the dishwasher or the washing arms might get clogged due to small food particles flying around the unit.

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How To Use A Top Control Model?

The usage of this dishwasher doesn’t differ from other models. It is rather simple and easy, just follow the next steps.

1. Load the top and bottom racks.
2. Load the dishwasher detergent.
3. Select a wash cycle according to your needs and/or the cookware.
4. Press start and close the dishwasher’s door.

Safety Features: How Secured Are Dishwashers With Top Control?

These models are very safe and secure. As they come with hidden controls, the kids won’t be able to tamper with them. Besides, the dishwashers come with anti-leak protection to prevent any leakages.

What Happens If It Does Come To The Leakage?

In case of leakage or flooding, the dishwasher’s protection automatically cuts off the water supply while the pump siphons the water out of the dishwasher basin.