Top reasons to buy a high-end dishwasher
Gourmet kitchens combine the best of form and function in every appliance, and the dishwasher is no exception. Read the guide below to learn more about high-end dishwashers and discover the features, finishes and configurations that can help make messes easier to manage.
What is a high-end dishwasher?
High-end dishwashers are uniquely crafted to deliver an all-around elevated experience. High-end dishwashers are often built with more durable materials, include advanced wash features and interior layouts and are sometimes available in large capacities tucked within a sleek aesthetic.
High-end dishwasher types
You can find the best high-end dishwashers for you in a variety of configurations, capacities and styles to create an upscale look and feel. Luxury dishwashers are typically built into the kitchen cabinetry and can come in top control or front control configurations.
1. High-end top control dishwashers
On top control dishwashers, also known as integrated or built-in dishwashers, the control panel is tucked away on the top of the door, creating clean lines and a smooth exterior. The control panel’s surface is typically smooth, making it easy to clean after creating your favorite recipes. Some top control dishwashers offer an external handle that can double as a hanging rack for your decorative dish towels.
Discover different dishwasher sizes
Top vs. front control dishwashers
Shop KitchenAid® top control dishwashers
Top control dishwashers from KitchenAid brand give your kitchen an elevated, modern feel. Explore select models with features like the ProWash™ Cycle, which uses sensors to measure soil levels throughout the cycle and adapts wash time and water temperature as needed for tough messes or lighter loads, because no two meals or the dishes that result are exactly the same.
2. High-end front control dishwashers
Front control dishwashers place the control console on the front panel for quick access and line of sight. Many front control dishwashers offer a pocket handle that keeps the appliance more flush with the surrounding cabinets.
Shop KitchenAid® front control dishwashers
KitchenAid® front control dishwashers match the style and performance needs of modern kitchens. Explore select models with features like 30+ Total Wash Jets that provide total cleaning coverage for dishes in each rack with more than 30 targeted jets across three wash arms, so you can load without pre-rinsing.
3. Panel-ready dishwashers
Panel-ready dishwashers create a seamless look with your kitchen cabinetry. This luxury design feature lets you install front panels and handles over the dishwasher door to match your kitchen cabinets, so your kitchen’s color scheme is uninterrupted by varying appliance finishes.
Shop KitchenAid® panel-ready dishwashers
KitchenAid® dishwashers with Panel-Ready Design allow you to install a custom front panel and handle (not included) over the dishwasher door to create a seamless look with kitchen cabinetry.
4. Third rack dishwashers
Third rack dishwashers offer a third rack in the top of the dishwasher. This rack is typically shorter, making it ideal for smaller items like utensils, though some versions can fit mugs and bowls.
Shop KitchenAid® dishwashers with a third level rack
Select dishwashers from KitchenAid brand offer a Third Level Jet Rack that uses over a dozen dedicated wash jets to clean inside coffee mugs and cereal bowls, and features a removable utensil tray.
High-end dishwasher sizes
High-end dishwashers can also come in a variety of sizes, including tall tub and large capacity models.
Compact: Perfect for apartments or other small spaces, compact dishwashers usually run between 17-18 inches wide while sharing standard height and depth dimensions.
Standard size: Standard sized dishwashers are typically 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 35 inches tall.
Oversize: Oversized dishwashers are anywhere between 30-42 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 35 inches tall.
- Tall tub: These models are typically around 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 35 inches tall and offer larger interior capacity than standard sized models.
360° MAX JETS™ THIRD RACK
Fall in love at first wash
With this KitchenAid® dishwasher, you can load big messes without pre-rinsing thanks to 50 targeted wash jets plus 360° wash action on the third rack
5 benefits of having a high-end dishwasher
Premium dishwashers outrank their standard counterparts in both form and function. Some benefits to welcoming a high-end dishwasher to your suite of kitchen appliances include:
1. Wash performance
Top-of-the-line dishwashers offer excellent performance alongside a stunning aesthetic. Select KitchenAid® dishwashers, for instance, feature the ProWash™ Cycle that uses sensors to measure soil levels throughout the cycle and adapts wash time and water temperature as needed for tough messes or lighter loads, because no two meals or the dishes that result are exactly the same.
Some high-end dishwashers from KitchenAid brand also include extras like the Fan-Enabled ProDry™ System that combines a heating element and fan for optimal drying performance by circulating hot air around dishes after the wash cycle to give them a thorough dry, or True-Self Cleaning Filtration, which continuously captures food particles, so only clean water circulates through the wash jets.
2. Large capacity
Extra place setting capacity and flexible features allow you to clean more dishes at once when hosting a gathering. Standard-sized dishwashers typically hold between 10 and 12 place settings while oversized or large capacity dishwashers hold anywhere from 12 to 16 place settings. Oversized dishwashers usually mean larger exterior dimensions, but tall tub dishwashers offer a larger than standard interior capacity without altering standard exterior sizing.
3. Exclusive features
Premium dishwashers combine style and substance to help you get a thorough clean for dishes of all shapes and sizes. Flexible features like adjustable racks and rows make it easy to fit larger dish loads, but some high-end models don’t stop there. Select dishwashers from KitchenAid brand, for instance, feature the 360° Max Jets™ Third Rack with a deep, angled design that fits 6" glasses, mugs and bowls and featuring rotating wash jets to clean items in the rack, a drying bar with tabs that help wick moisture off glasses and a removable utensil tray for cooking tools. Some models also feature LED Interior Lighting that allows clearer visibility for easy loading and unloading.
4. Premium aesthetics
High-end dishwashers can round out the aesthetic of a gourmet kitchen with upgraded finishes, handles and controls. Some premium models are available in classic and timeless finishes like stainless steel, while others come in finishes like black stainless steel that provide a sleek and modern feel.
Plus, features like the PrintShield™ Finish on select KitchenAid® dishwashers resist smudges and fingerprints, making your dishwasher easy to clean with just water and a soft cloth, so you can spend more time cooking and less time cleaning up the kitchen. To curate a kitchen customized to your style, consider a high-end model that’s panel ready—like the KitchenAid® 39 dBA Panel-Ready Dishwasher with Third Level Utensil Rack—so you can match your kitchen’s cabinetry.
5. Noise level
Some premium dishwashers can keep cycle noise to a quiet hum so your guests don’t have to talk over distracting sloshes and sprays. Dishwasher noise is measured in decibels (dBA) with lower numbers indicating quieter operation. Standard dishwashers typically range between 40 to 50 decibels, while models like this KitchenAid® dishwasher operate at a lower dBA rating so you can run a wash cycle while you entertain.
Are high-end dishwashers energy efficient?
Just like standard dishwashers, some high-end dishwashers are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Many KitchenAid® dishwashers, for instance, are ENERGY STAR® certified. Some features often found on premium models—like soil sensors, improved dish rack designs and advanced water filtration—can help reduce energy and water consumption as they improve performance. Learn more about dishwashers vs. hand washing and how to save water.
Is a high-end dishwasher worth it?
A high-end dishwasher can be a good investment if you thrive on entertaining or value creating a seamless, premium look and feel in the kitchen. These models combine performance and flexibility features to tackle the post-gathering cleanup of everything from wok pans and pitchers to blender jars and baking dishes.
Shop KitchenAid® dishwashers
Find the premium features you need to make more without mess holding you back. Select KitchenAid® dishwashers offer features like the Advanced ProDry™ System that gets dishes table-ready by combining heating elements, fans and natural ventilation at the end of the cycle or Water Repellent Tech that repels leftover water droplets on silverware baskets for dryer utensils.
The New KitchenAid® Line
Discover Juniper appliances
Inspired by nature, this neutral color features a lush satin metallic finish with matching handles and/or knobs to bring a fresh, clean elegance to your kitchen
