Dishwasher Buying Guide of 2024
Make the Right Dishwasher Choice with AJ Madison.
Take the dirty work out of doing dishes with a new dishwasher. Using the latest technology, today’s dishwashers are easy to load and operate, using less water and energy. With so many innovative cycles and features available, getting dishes squeaky clean is effortless.
FINISH CLEAN
Whether you prefer shiny stainless steel, cool black, or a clean white finish, these standard colors are readily available. Stainless steel might never go out of style, but it’s competing against today’s bright options. So if your kitchen calls for a splash of color, or maybe even custom wood panels, look for models that can be specially ordered to accommodate your decor.
FILL IT UP
It is important to choose the right size for your important. If the dishwasher is either too large or small you will waste water and energy from running a half-empty load or overusing a machine. Dishwasher capacity is measured by the number of place settings the tub can hold. A traditional 24” unit can hold 12 settings while tall tubs hold 16 and a compact holds 8 full sets.
HARDLY A SOUND
No more noisy cycles. You’ll find many new dishwashers that hardly make a sound. The sound rating for dishwashers is measured in decibels (dBA). The rating consists of the noise made by the monitor running and the water circulating while it’s on. The optimum noise level is between 38 and 48 decibels. This will allow you to hold a conversation or watch your favorite TV show without interruption while the dishwasher runs. The lower the dBA number, the better. Some dishwashers on the market are so quiet that they shine a light on your kitchen floor to indicate when they're operating.
The choice of tub and tub insulation also helps to reduce noise. Look for extra insulation that helps to quiet the motor. Stainless steel tubs are better for sound dampening than plastic. They are also more durable, better resist stains and odors and transfer heat energy for faster drying.
CYCLES ADD SPARKLE
Choose a dishwasher with several wash cycles to meet your everyday dishwashing needs. You’ll find machines with 4 to 16 cycles. Keep in mind that on average, ENERGY STAR® rated dishwashers are 10% more energy-efficient and 20% more water-efficient than standard models. You’ll save money and resources by choosing a dishwasher that has earned an ENERGY STAR® rating.
WASH YOUR WAY
Dishwashers come in several styles and sizes. The choice will depend in part on the space available – the setting itself is up to you.
BUILT-IN DISHWASHERS
24” width – traditional style for homeowners with families
18” width – compact and ideal for 2 or 3 people and smaller spaces
Tall Tub configuration offers more space between racks for oversized items
Usually has 2 racks with places for silverware, cups, plates, pots and pans
Fits beneath counters and between cabinets for a seamless look
Panel ready models are designed to accept custom wood panels to match new or existing cabinetry
Requires permanent plumbing installation
Dishwasher Drawers
Single Drawer
Double Drawer
CONTROL WITH STYLE
The dishwasher's style is determined by the location of the controls. The style you select is based on how you want the dishwasher to look and how you'd like to access the controls. Fully integrated controls are the new favorite for the sleek, modern appearance. See styles below.
FULLY INTEGRATED
Features a concealed control panel hidden along the top edge of the dishwasher door.
FULL CONSOLE
Displays features on the control panel on the front of the dishwasher at the top of the door.
SEMI-INTEGRATED
Combines controls on the top edge of the door with a partial display panel on the front of the door.
HANDLE OPTIONS
While most dishwashers feature a traditional bar handle, some models offer more unique handle options such as pocket handles.
POPULAR DISHWASHER FEATURES
There are dishwashers that are more intuitive, while others make doing dishes seem effortless. Options to check out:
ADJUSTABLE RACKS
Equipped with fold-down tines to customize a dishwasher to accommodate tall glasses or large platters.
Dishwashers with Adjustable Racks →
SPRAY JETS
Uses water under high pressure to remove tough food particles.
BOTTLE JETS
Integrated into the upper rack clean hard-to-reach areas inside tall items.
Dishwashers with Bottle Jets →
HARD FOOD DISPOSER
Grinds away food particles making pre-washing unnecessary.
Dishwashers with Hard Food Disposer →
SELF-CLEANING FILTRATION SYSTEM
Uses a filtration process to remove even small food particles for cleaner wash water.
Dishwashers with Self-Clean Filtration System →
DETERGENT AND RINSE AID DISPENSERS
Hassle-free dispensers for sparkling and spotless dishes.
Dishwashers with Detergent and Rinse Aid Dispensers →
STAINLESS STEEL TUBS
More durable than plastic interiors while resisting stains and odors better.
Dishwashers with Stainless Steel Tubs →
3RD RACK
Provides more space to fit everything from cutlery to small espresso cups.
WI-FI CONNECTIVITY
Allows you to monitor the status of a cycle from a mobile device.
