What types of dishwashers are available?
Remember when you used to have to wash your dishes before sticking them in the dishwasher? Not anymore. Today's advanced dishwashers not only sanitize your dishes better, but they are quieter, sleeker, and can blend into your kitchen as a drawer or cabinet or sink. Here are the main types of dishwashers available:
Types: Built-in standard dishwashers | Compact dishwashers | In-sink dishwashers | Drawer dishwashers | Portable dishwashers
These models are standard fare. They take up permanent space in your kitchen and are built in with a drop-down hinged door. They now come in stainless steel or can blend into your cabinetry style. Most standard-size dishwashers take about 2.4 gallons of water to wash a load.
Price: $250 to $1,600
Who it's best for: People who have room in their kitchens, wash large loads of dishes, and want the standard pull-out dish racks
Average size: Width: around 24 to 30 inches; depth: around 25 inches; height: around 34 inches
Whether you need a small dishwasher for your apartment or RV, compact dishwashers offer many of the same features as basic standard models but are simply smaller. They can hold around eight place settings.
Price: $350
Who it's best for: People with limited cabinet space
Average size: Width: 18 inches; depth: 22.5 inches; height: 32.50 inches
This dishwasher literally fits inside your sink. It handles small loads quickly--like dirty glasses during a cocktail party--and it can also act as extra counter space or a cutting board because its top becomes a flat stainless steel surface in most cases. Because the loads are smaller, these models use less water.
Price: $1,800
Who it's best for: People with big budgets who do small loads of dishes and have limited cabinet space
Average size: Width: 34.5 inches; depth: 22 inches; height: 21 inches
While traditional dishwashers have two primary racks inside a large enclosure, drawer dishwashers have an enclosure around each rack. By splitting the capacity into two units, you can do smaller loads or use both drawers but with different settings to maximize your energy efficiency. Drawer dishwashers usually have an array of adjustable racks and cycle options.
Price: One drawer: $700; two drawers: $1,200
Who it's best for: People who want extra dish storage and energy efficiency
Average size: Width: 23.5 inches; depth: 22.5 inches; Height: around 16 inches;
These compact- or standard-size dishwashers don't have to take up permanent space in your kitchen. Some even come in a countertop version that hooks up to your faucet and look like a microwave.
Price: $400 to $600
Who it's best for: Renters or homeowners who don't have room for a built-in model
Average size: Width: around 24 inches; depth: 28 inches; height: around 36 inches
