Do you wonder how to find the best dishwasher and where to get it? You may encounter some challenges because of the numerous and different dishwasher brands available.
When it comes to equipping your kitchen and saving yourself many hassles, dishwashers are one of the top things you should consider buying. It will save you a lot of time washing, rinsing, and drying dishes. With this machine, you don’t just save time only but also unnecessary water wastage.
Apart from saving time, dishwashers use less water than hand washing. Additionally, washing dishes with a dishwasher kills bacteria effectively, due to the fact that they use hot water.
If you were to wash dishes by yourself, you would spend the better part of your day. Fortunately, we have made it easier for you by coming up with a list of what you should consider when purchasing the best dishwashers, types, benefits, and any other thing of the essence when buying dishwashers.
Factors to Consider When Buying Dishwashers
Cutlery or flatware trays
Although you should consider this as a factor, it does not affect washing in any way- it’s about taste and preference. You would prefer a compact tray sitting on the bottom rack for easy removal for loading and unloading cutlery.
If it is your preference, you would choose models that are attached to the door of the washer which takes less room, and this should be the one to buy.
Racking and stacking features
Dishwashers usually come in different designs when it comes to racking and stacking features. There are dishwashers designed with extended loading options and capacity.
Some come with adjustable or removable tines, shelves, and racks designed to accommodate tall glasses, stemware, and other items. Convertible frames for other different uses and small closed baskets used for holding Baby bottles and rings are also found on dishwasher models.
Performance
No one would like to purchase a malfunctioning dishwasher. A right performing dishwasher is defined by several washing levels, including where and how the water jets are distributed when washing. Consider the three-tier system dishwashers that will guarantee better and effective washing.
Consider a relatively quiet model if you have your bedroom next to the kitchen. It will ensure everybody relaxing and resting is not disturbed if you do the washing at night. Detergent agent dispenser is another factor to consider performance-wise. It is worth noting that detergent dispensers should be dispensing the right amount of detergent needed for cleaning.
Washing cycles
The different dishwashers come with varying washing cycles that include light wash, regular wash, and heavy wash for pots and pans, and economy settings.
Dishwashers with an economy setting will air-dry your dishes, saving on heating energy costs. Look for enhanced cycles like glass or stemware, rinse, quick wash, pot scrub, and sanitize wash, but you should be ready to pay extra bucks for such dishwashers.
Hard food disposable
If you are the kind of person who never likes the idea of rinsing, prewashing, and scraping the dishes before loading them onto the dishwasher, consider dishwashers with this feature.
They are designed with this feature installed to eliminate the food remain and grime during the initial rinse cycle while avoiding swishing around your clean dishes when doing the final rinse cycle. There are dishwashers with self-cleaning filter systems while others have manual based cleaning filters.
It is wise to inquire about the dishwasher’s filtration you intend to buy so that you know what to expect when maintaining.
Energy saving
Some dishwashers are certified as energy saving. They are said to save energy while maintaining the washing quality. Such machines are efficient to operate but have a relatively longer washing cycle.
Shorter washing cycle dishwashers are still available but not ideal for someone on metered water and electricity. In such a situation, an energy-saving dishwasher will do better.
Compact size
When buying your dishwasher, consider the size of the people you live with. The capacity of the dishwasher you choose will be directly proportional to the number of people you live with.
If you are two or three people, an 18-inch dishwasher generally is enough for you. It can hold up to 6 or 8 standard place settings, while a 24 inch will hold up to 12 or 14 standard-setting, enough for a family.
Types of dishwasher machines
Slim-line dishwasher
Slim-line dishwashers are dishwashers designed with portable and built in versions. It is an 18-inch dishwasher suitable for a family with two to three people and a small kitchen left.
Drawer dishwashers
This is a dishwasher with its unique design, different from others. With a drawer dishwasher, you load dishes from the top like someone putting dishes in a literal drawer.
The good thing about this dishwasher, it has two separate drawers. The advantage of the two separate drawers is you can use one of the drawers if the dishes you intend to wash are less and save a lot of water and energy at the same time.
Built-in dishwashers
It is the standard dishwasher that is 24 inches wide, and it is fixed into your kitchen countertop with all the power and water connection made visible to your eyes.
People prefer this type because they are quiet compared to others. The manufacturer designed it such that it will blend with any kitchen, meaning all the controls are kept out of sight, such that a visit in the kitchen won’t tell if there is any dishwasher there.
Countertop dishwashers
Countertop dishwashers are smaller than the portable ones and sit on the countertop in your kitchen, as the name suggests. If you are just new couples without kids, it is best for you. It will cost you less than a full-size dishwasher and save on water and energy bills.
Portable dishwashers
Portable dishwashers are wheeled dishwashers suitable for people living in rented houses. This is because of flexibility when they would be leaving or vacating the room.
You can use it without fixing it in your kitchen, and at the same time, you can fix it in your kitchen to use it as a dish drawer and the top of it as the extra countertop space. Besides, some are designed as convertible such that you can convert them into built-in dishwashers so that they are usable any time you remodel your kitchen.
A list of the Best Dishwashers
1. Danby DDW62 DB Countertop Dishwasher
Washing has been made easy by this stylish countertop dishwasher. This unit used just 3.1 gallons (11.7litres) of water in a regular cycle. It is designed with six different programs that are easy to program and monitor via the electronic LED display. This dishwasher also performs several cycles, including soak, glass, rapid, economy, regular, and intensive cycle.
It is simple to operate and install since it involves a hook up to your kitchen. With Danby, dishwasher cleaning in your kitchen is a breeze following a durable and stainless steel interior. You don’t have to worry about the detergent while cleaning, as this dishwasher is an auto detergent and rinse agent dispenser for convenience. It is also designed in almost any kitchen.
When you purchase this dishwasher, your package will include one Danby countertop dishwasher, hoses, and faucet adaptors.
Pros
- Compact counter tops Space-saving.
- Easy and simple to install
- Suitable for kitchens with limited spaces
- Easy to use and operate
- Relatively less noisy
- Great value for money
- Built-in heater
- Six different washing cycles
- Lightweight
- Saves a lot of water, using 12 liters per cycle
- You can operate it on battery in case of a power outage.
- Can accommodate tall plates
Cons
- Does not hot even after working for a long time
- No timer to show time reimaging for the washing cycle to complete
- The sauce covering dishes need to be cleaned regularly.
2. SPT SD-2224DW Compact Countertop Dishwasher
SPT dishwasher is mostly used by people living in apartments, office kitchens, or any other small-sized kitchens. The dishwasher provides full-size power in a compact design.
It is a 17.24 inches dishwasher that will fit between most cabinets and countertops and loads up to six standard place settings. SPT dishwasher involves a do-it-yourself installation process as it is a matter of quick connection to any kitchen faucet, eliminating the need for a professional or permanent installation.
The tap of the latter fits standard sized aerators openings for both male and female. The male opening size is 15/16 inches, while that of the female opening is 55/64 inches. You should never worry about whether it will connect with the faucet when buying this dishwasher. It will do provided the faucet has a removable aerator.
Notably, with the dishwasher attached to the faucet, some of the separate sprayers may leak water. However, the manufacturer’s idea for the tap is to redirect water from the main faucet head to the other side sprayers.
Pros
- Comes with silverware rack
- Easily adaptable to sink feature
- The easy installation process with a faucet adaptor involving a quick connection.
- Suitable for small and big kitchens
- Makes no noise while washing
- Easy to use
- Designed with six washing cycles for heavy, regular, light, mini party rinse and speed washing
- Designed with seven washing cycles for heavy, regular, Light, mini parties, rinse, speed, and soak washing.
- Universal faucet adaptor that is easy to install with
Cons
- Some faucets may leak water with increasing pressure.
- Give warranty on request
3. Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher
Farberware dishware is another dishwasher made to ensure your dishes are thoroughly clean. With water and electricity to power up your dishwasher and twenty minutes of your precious time, imagine you can wash your dishes anywhere at any time.
Maybe it is in your kitchen, camping, on your boat or RV, or any other event; you don’t have any reason to have a load of dirty dishes.
It can be placed on any counter or sturdy table and gives an option to use it in a built-in-water tank or its quick faucet hook up. The designer has given you another reason to buy this dishwasher as it comes with six washing cycles and that you can use to clean steam your baby’s bottle or give your glassware that sparkling clean and elegant look.
This dishwasher is a convenient dishwasher with various dishes fitting in, including 12 inches diameter at an angle. It is ideal for small-sized houses, apartments, dorms, boats, and campers.
If you are looking for this washer’s benefits when you buy it, here they are: it will allow you to fill the tank so that you need no water hook up. The dishwasher includes direct water hook up to the kitchen faucet but comes with no adaptors.
Pros
- Rapid wash within 49 minutes
- Easy to use controls
- Five washing programs for regular, rapid, fruit washer, baby care, and glass
- Easy to use
- Perfect for small spaces
- Excellent value for money
- They are designed to fit on the countertop easily.
- Attractive design
Cons
- Requires careful handling
4. NOVETE Compact Dishwashers
Hand washing has never been admirable with sudsy hands, soggy towels, and soapy sponges. That’s why compact but mighty portable dishwashers are the perfect response to your plea. You can now solve the dishwashing dilemmas in your kitchens everywhere and set your hand free of any health-related problems. It is an average 18 inches tall dishwasher that can fit under most cabinets.
It is designed and made with unique and special features that make it an energy-saving, water-saving while maximizing cleaning performance, offering ultimate cleanliness for the whole family’s dining ware.
If you live in a place that usually experiences water shortage, this dishwasher is meant for you. You can use only 5 liters of water in each cycle, which is approximately 80% less water than other dishwashers.
Thanks to the manufacturer for designing it with a built-in water tank that allows for easy, convenient usage without a permanent water connection to the dishwasher.
This is advantageous to you as it will not keep your faucet occupied while providing deep cleaning, ideal use in small houses, apartments, RVs, etc. when you buy; the package includes a water inlet used for direct water supply from a kitchen anytime you need.
After the wash, the dishwasher’s storage or dry mode provides extra 60 minutes of hot air for drying the dishes, making them completely dry while maintaining a ventilated storage for three days. You can use the drying mode with any washing mode, excluding the fruit mode, with the possibility of turning it on separately.
Pros
- Has stainless steel interior
- Comes with all hooks
- It is simple to use and requires no installation.
- Speed and faster washing
- Water-saving and energy efficient
- Great value for money
- Exceptional and deep cleaning
Cons
- It may take longer to wash when loaded with more dishes.
5. SPT SD-9241W: Energy Star 18″ Portable Dishwasher
If you have tried some other dishwashers and found that they aren’t big enough to serve you, here is one spacious dishwasher. It is eight standard place setting dishwashers with some beautiful features that you will like.
Installation of the SPT dishwasher is a quick connectivity process that involves the connection to any faucet in the kitchen while eliminating the need for any direct plumbing or permanent installation.
Through the time delay feature, you can program an operation later but within 1 to 24 hours and get to know when there is an issue with the dishwasher through the error display alarm.
The dishwasher is also capable of reminding you when there is a need to refill for rinse aid, something helpful to people who might be having problems multitasking or forgetting quickly. Suppose you are looking for a dishwasher that will save on energy, make a deal with this. It has an input voltage of 120 volts/60HZ and an energy consumption rate of 295 KWh/yr. The faucet fits standards size Aerator openings for both male and female connections.
SPT SD-9241W is designed with a six-phase program, all in one, normal, light, rinse, and speed washing. And an automatic detergent and rinse agent dispenser up to eight standard place settings.
SPT SD-9241W dishwasher also fits the large port and plates through a feature that makes it possible to adjust it. For the drying of your dishes after the washing process, the latter is fitted with a heating element that ensures your dishes are dry and ready for storage.
Pros
- It is accurate
- Large size makes it ideal for large families.
- It is easy to hook up, interesting with people who don’t like to tamper with the current plumbing.
- Excellent value for your money
- It is ideal for families with relatively smaller kitchens due to the compact and mobility features that make it the best option for families with limited space in their kitchen.
- Easier to use and operating requiring no professionals or any special skills
Cons
- Sometimes the timer fails to display the time left, making it unfit for people who make schedules.
- You have to leave water on to operate the unit making it inappropriate to wash dishes overnight.
- Low noise
6. HomeLabs compact countertop dishwasher
HomeLabs compact countertop dishwasher is a certified dishwasher by the relevant authorities to clean and wash dishes after meals. It is simple to operate the machine with a simple to use panel and light indicators, and all you need to do is load dishes on the basket or cutlery rack and let the dishwasher do what it was meant to do.
It features another great functionality whereby you can dry the plates, mugs, and glasses without the marks or streaks using the rinse aid dispenser. However, you are advised to use rinse aids designed for an automatic dishwasher to prevent damage to the dishwasher.
This is a dishwasher designed by a well-established company to meet the needs of those living in apartments, and other places that may not have built-in dishwashers.
The manufacturer understands the hassles that come with washing dishes by hand, including much time taken, combined with water wastage and energy. For this reason, the company designed the dishwasher such that it will only take you a few minutes to set up and be portable to enhance mobility in case you want it away from you when not in use, or you want to move.
Pros
- Stainless steel interior that is resistant to rust and corrosion
- It is very portable
- It is affordable and relatively well priced.
- Energy efficient
- Comes with six wash cycles
- Produces very low noise
- Quality cleaning standards
Cons
- A thin plastic body that may break
- Keeps beeping to signal the finish
- No option for the rinse only.
Benefits of Dishwashers
Not every one of us likes the idea of hand dishwashing. That’s a fact, and we can’t deny it, and now you want to buy a dishwasher, but you can’t make out on the benefits that come with dishwashers. Here are some of the benefits.
Cost-efficient and time-efficient
The dishwasher’s initial cost may sound too much, but you realize how useful and beneficial it is when you have it in your kitchen. They are designed to save on water, energy, something that reduces your bills significantly. With a dishwasher, you won’t keep running water in your sink but rather save water by waiting until you have sizable dishes and washing them at once.
Dishwashers are time efficient because it can take as little as 10 minutes to load and unload dishes. The washer does the rest while you are doing other chores or relaxing on your couch.
Health and safer
Manual hand washing is possible, but when you require hot water to kill bacteria, the high temperature can be unbearable and even cause harm to your hands. You can clean your dishes with boiling water for effective cleaning without any challenge with a dishwasher.
Dishwashing machines save you a lot of hassles. There will be no more standing on your feet in the kitchen after a family meal washing dishes and any other thing involved in the process.
Remember, standing on your legs while hand washing may strain your back and muscles, causing health-related problems in your body. But with a dishwasher, all you need to do is load the dishes, sit down, and relax.
Sanitary
Dishwashers are more hygienic and increase the level of hygiene in your kitchen. You can immediately put your dishes in the washer after dinner and keep them out of sight. This is better and more hygienic, keeping dishes in the dishwasher rather than leaving them all over the sink until you have time for them.
Not only does the dishwasher improve hygiene, but also safer. Just imagine you are washing and accidentally a glass brakes. That is hurt to your hands. However, with the dishwasher, even if the glass breaks, something that is rare, your hands or any other part of the body is not there, meaning you will be safe and sound.
Environmental friendly and sustainability
Dishwashers play an essential role in environmental conservation. As much as we are cleaning and washing our dishes, our sole responsibility is to conserve and maintain our environment.
Dishwasher helps fulfill the part of the commitment by using detergents that are environmentally friendly. As a result, we can water our plants with the same water used to clean without causing any harm. This results in the trees’ growth and other plants that bring us rains and conserve water catchment areas.
FAQs
Question: Are stainless steel tubes in dishwashing better?
Answer: Yes, stainless steel interior dishwashers are credited due to their benefits, including making life more comfortable, more energy-efficient. Still, one vital thing is that stainless steel is resistant to rust and corrosion.
However, stainless steel dishwashers are of quality; as you know, quality comes with some price. But this should not hinder you from getting a dishwasher. Some plastic tube dishwashers serve almost like the stainless dishwasher, giving you a chance not to miss out on the premium design.
Question: How long should a dishwasher last?
Answer: The average life ranges approximately from 6 – 10 years with consistent and right maintenance. However, at the time, some parts, including motors or pumps, may wear out and out of warranty, making the whole replacement process a hard one. But you can always get available spare parts, costing an average of $400 -$600, although there might be a slight change in price with some parts.
Question: Why are my dishes wet after dishwashing?
Answer: You might not be opening your dishwasher after the rinsing cycle is complete. Opening the dishwasher after the process helps in the drying process by facilitating the leftover water to evaporate. Alternatively, your vent may not be opening well, making the dishwasher leaving moisture on the dishes. Check the vent to confirm it is functioning well.
Question: Can you run bleach through a dishwasher to clean it?
Answer: You can use bleach to deep clean your dishwasher’s interior to remove stains, mold, and mildew if it is not stainless steel. Carefully pour a cup of dishwasher into a dishwasher safe, and bleach safe bowl, then put it on the top rank of your dishwasher.
Question: Are our gel packs bad for your dishwasher?
Answer: Generally, they are not bad, but they are not commonly used because their cleaning power is relatively low compared to other dishwashing detergent types. Gel packs do not combine the bleach and enzyme agent responsible for removing food stuck on dishes.
Question: What is the pink slime in my dishwasher?
Answer: The residue caused by the bacterium Serratia Marcesens is a prevalent organism usually found in soil, food, animal air, and almost anywhere. It thrives mostly on surfaces, commonly seen in showers, toilets, pet dishes, sinks, or other damp surfaces. These bacteria require almost nothing to survive.
Question: What is the natural rinse aid for a dishwasher?
Answer: Vinegar, And here is how to use it, carefully unscrew the cap from your dishwasher rinse agent dispenser and fill it with vinegar, run your dishwasher as usual, then refill it with water again as needed and enjoy your dry and spot-free dishes.
Conclusion
After a well-rooted analysis, out of the list of the best six dishwashers, one emerged as the best according to the editor and this is none other than the Danby DDW62 DB Countertop Dishwasher.
The reason that made it quality to the top of the list is due to the facts that it saves on the water with it using 3.1 gallons (11.7litres) of water in a regular cycle, designed with six different program that is easy to program and monitor via the electronic LED display and also performs several cycles among them include soak, glass, rapid, economy, standard and intensive cycle.
It is also simple to operate and install. It involves a hook up to your kitchen and a breeze following its durable and stainless steel interior, and an auto detergent and rinses agent dispenser for conveniences.