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 CONSIDERED A HIGH-END DISHWASHER?
Most standard dishwashers come equipped with a few preset wash cycles and heated dry options, but 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.
DO HIGH-END DISHWASHERS COME IN DIFFERENT TYPES AND SIZES?
You can find the best high-end dishwashers 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. Top control dishwashers tuck the panel away on the top of the door, creating clean lines and a smooth exterior, while front control dishwashers place the control console on the front panel for quick access and line of sight. High-end dishwashers can also come in a variety of sizes, including tall tub and large capacity models.
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 in the water and adapt the wash time and water temperature accordingly. Some high-end dishwashers from KitchenAid brand also include extras like the Fan-Enabled ProDry™ Option which combines a heating element and fan for optimal drying performance, or the Advanced Clean Water Wash System that uses microfiltration to continuously remove food particles during the wash and rinse cycles and circulates clean water to dishes in all three racks on select models.
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 and 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 FreeFlex™ Third Rack that fits glasses, mugs, bowls and silverware to clear up space in the racks below. Some models also feature interior LED lighting that delivers 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 KitchenAid® dishwashers let you spend less time cleaning up with a finish that resists smudges and fingerprints, so you can get back to whipping up your next creation sooner. 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. 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 with the FreeFlex™ Third Rack help you fit the tools you use most while features like the LED interior lighting elevate the ambiance in the kitchen.