A dishwasher is the easiest appliance to buy online—here’s why
From standard sizes to approachable features
Credit:
Reviewed / Jonathan Chan
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If you've ever shopped for appliances, you know how complicated it can get. You need to be sure of all the measurements, decide between various styles—all with their own pros and cons— and determine what features are musts versus nice-to-haves. Then take the aesthetics of the room into consideration, set a budget, and then you may be ready to start shopping.
Fortunately, anyone with appliance acquisition anxiety can rest easy when it comes time to buy a dishwasher. Put down that measuring tape, and we'll go over why you don't need to do much prep work to find the best dishwasher for you—it's certainly easier than hand-washing everything.
It's easy to decide what type of dishwasher you want
Those looking to buy a dishwasher will need to first decide what type of dishwasher is best suited for their home. Fortunately, this isn't a hard question. While appliances like refrigerators and ranges have multiple styles that are all wildly different from each other (think side-by-side versus bottom-freezer models), most built-in dishwashers are standardized with few variations.
If you don't have room for a built-in dishwasher, you'll need a portable or countertop dishwasher, which is also an apparent choice depending on your kitchen configuration. The choice basically makes itself based on your home.
Built-in dishwashers: The default option
Unless you have a specific reason to do otherwise, you want a built-in dishwasher.
This is the most common type of dishwasher. Dishwashers that require under-counter installation are either 24- or 18-inches wide, and connect directly to the water intake in your kitchen.
Built-in dishwashers are the standard for homes with full-size kitchens that have the space and water connections to accommodate them. Given the space and plumbing requirements, they may not be a realistic option for smaller kitchens or apartments.
Assuming you can accommodate one, you want to buy a dishwasher that's built-in. On the whole, they have much more cleaning power, won't occupy your sink, use less water and electricity, and are often priced at a better value. In the majority of cases, they're simply the best option.
Built-in dishwasher options
Dishwasher manufacturers all have their own feature sets that differentiate various brands and models, and often define what you pay for, but there are a few common configurations that may help narrow down your options.
Top-control: Built-in dishwashers with a hidden control panel along the top edge of the door are called top-control dishwashers.
Front-control: Dishwashers with their control panel visible on the front of the machine are called front-control dishwashers.
Panel-ready: If you want to integrate your appliances into your cabinetry, a panel-ready dishwasher comes without a front panel so that you can attach a cabinet panel and hardware of your choosing.
Bar vs. pocket handle: Bar handles are just that—a bar attached to the front of the appliance—while pocket handles are recessed into the appliance door, creating a smoother front. Some models are made with either option, so check carefully if you're interested in a particular style.
Portable dishwashers: When you don't have the right setup for a built-in model
Portable dishwashers hook up to your faucet while in use, but can be wheeled away otherwise.
Portable dishwashers are roughly the same size as installation dishwashers, but have wheels so they can be easily moved to the sink when it's time to run a cycle, and then moved back out of the way afterwards.
If you want to buy a dishwasher, but your home doesn't have an available spot for a built-in model, portable dishwashers are your next best bet because they have a similar capacity. While their ability to move around affords some flexibility, no one will be able to use the sink while the dishwasher is running since they connect to your faucet for their water supply and output wastewater down the drain.
Countertop dishwashers: For smaller kitchens and apartments
Countertop dishwashers are small, making them perfect for cramped kitchens—but their reduced capacity means needing to run more frequent wash cycles.
Countertop dishwashers, or “compact dishwashers,” are ideal for smaller living spaces and are more convenient and efficient than hand-washing. These dishwashers are about half the size as a typical dishwasher and, true to their name, can sit on your countertop.
While their small size is often a boon, it also has its downside: Smaller capacity means you may need to run more wash cycles depending on the quantity of dirty dishes. Also, like portable dishwashers, these connect to your kitchen faucet and need to drain into the sink—this means your sink will be out of commission about twice as often as with a portable dishwasher, which can be a problem if you have an especially busy kitchen. If you're planning to buy a dishwasher for a smaller home that's only being used by you and one other occupant, a countertop dishwasher can be a great option.
There aren't that many extra features, in total
Once you've zeroed in on the correct style, the next stop in your quest to buy a dishwasher is almost as easy as the first: You need to narrow down which features you care about—and which ones you don't.
For many appliances (especially fridges) the list of potential features and optional fixtures can be overwhelming. Do you need a double compressor or ethylene filter? How about a flex drawer (because if you want that flex drawer you can't get a side-by-side fridge). And that's before you even dive into the seemingly endless ocean that is smart features.
When you buy a dishwasher, you're simply not presented with as many options—and it's also fairly straightforward as to how those features might be useful. Do you use a lot of thermoses or reusable bottles? You may be interested in a dishwasher with bottle jets. Tend to use a lot of large, bulky items? Look for a dishwasher with tines you can fold down to better accommodate your more cumbersome cookware.
Really want a dishwasher that will dry your dishes? Check out some of Bosch's dishwashers that use zeolite, a mineral that releases heat as it absorbs water.
More resources to help you buy the dishwasher that's best for you
Now that you know what type, size, a feature set you want for your dishwasher, it should be relatively easy to narrow down which dishwasher is best for you.
If you're at the step where all that's left to do is the research, our current lists of the best dishwashers in each category can help get you started. We lab-test and review dozens of dishwashers every year, so we've narrowed the field down to only the best of the best. If you want to research the best dishwasher for you, these articles are a great place to start.
Dishwashers are exceptionally easy to buy online, and we've collected a list of reputable online and brick-and-mortar retailers to shop for the best appliance deals.