Person closing a KitchenAid® top control dishwasher

TYPES OF DISHWASHERS BUYING GUIDE

Dishwashers deserve a lot of credit for taking care of the mess while you focus on the making. It’s important to find the ideal type of dishwasher for the way you create. The right dishwasher can help save time, effort and help keep your kitchen running smoothly. Read on to learn more about the best dishwashers for you and get familiar with all your options.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DISHWASHERS?

Some common dishwasher types include front control, top control, portable, fully integrated, tall tub and third rack dishwashers. Keep in mind that these dishwasher options are not always mutually exclusive. A top control dishwasher can also have a third rack or be fully integrated, for instance. Different dishwasher types come in a variety of sizes with unique feature sets and styles.

Model shown: KDFS324SBE

Black closed front control dishwasher Black open front control dishwasher

1. Front Control Dishwashers

Front control dishwashers feature a control console on the front panel of the dishwasher rather than the top. These visible, up-front controls offer some unique benefits:

  • Quick access to cycles and options

  • No need to open the dishwasher to see the time remaining in a cycle

  • Many front control dishwashers have an integrated pocket handle that stays out of the way

Model shown: KDTE204KPS

Closed top control dishwasher in stainless steel Open top control dishwasher in stainless steel

2. TOP CONTROL OR INTEGRATED DISHWASHERS

Top control dishwashers, also known as integrated dishwashers, hide the controls on the top of the door to create a clean front panel. The console is often smooth, only requiring a touch to select an option. 

Some people prefer top control dishwashers because of the following:

  • A sleek door panel brings clean lines and a modern look to the kitchen

  • Controls are easy to wipe and keep clean

  • You’re less likely to accidentally hit the controls and select options

  • Models often offer a bar handle for hanging towels

Model shown: KDTF924PPA

Dishwasher with cabinet panel on the front Open panel-ready dishwasher

3. BUILT-IN AND PANEL-READY DISHWASHERS

Unlike portable dishwashers, built-in dishwashers are designed to stay in place. Any dishwasher that isn’t portable is built-in. These dishwashers fit almost flush with cabinets and bring clean lines to the kitchen in most placements.

Panel-ready dishwashers are a type of built-in dishwasher that allows you to attach a cabinet front to the dishwasher (not included), giving it a completely built-in, custom look that matches your kitchen style.

A built-in KitchenAid® dishwasher in a kitchen with light cabinets

Learn how built-in dishwashers work

A built-in KitchenAid® dishwasher in a kitchen with gray cabinets

Need help with dishwasher placement?

4. Portable Dishwashers

Portable dishwashers can be stored away and pulled out when needed. They don’t utilize the plumbing beneath your sink but instead attach to the faucet and drain out into the sink.

Some models are similarly sized to a standard built-in dishwasher and some are small enough to fit on the countertop. Benefits of portable washers include:

  • Ideal for smaller spaces like apartments where there is no dedicated space for a dishwasher

  • You can take your portable dishwasher with you when you move

Model shown: KDPS424SPS

Closed third rack dishwasher in stainless steel Open third rack dishwasher in stainless steel

5. Third Rack Dishwashers

Third rack dishwashers feature a third rack in the very top of the dishwasher. This rack is often shallow and ideal for smaller items like utensils, though some versions can fit mugs and bowls. 

Look for models with wash action under the third rack so it gets hit with the same cleaning power as the other racks.

Mugs and cooking utensils in a dishwasher rack

KitchenAid® Third Rack dishwashers

Extra room, extra possibilities

KitchenAid® dishwashers with the Third Rack have extra room to fit your cooking tools and give them the clean they need

DISHWASHER BUYING TIP: CONSIDER DBA RATINGS

Dishwasher noise is measured in decibels (dBA): the lower the number, the quieter the dishwasher. Dishwashers typically have a noise level of 40-50 decibels. The quietest dishwasher from KitchenAid brand comes in at 39 dBA.

What Are Common Dishwasher Sizes?

Dishwashers come in compact, standard and oversized models. A standard model generally holds between 10 and 12 place settings. In terms of dishwasher dimensions, the following are typical, although some models may vary:

Compact dishwasher: 18 inches wide, 34 to 36 inches tall and 24 inches deep

Standard dishwasher: 24 inches wide, 34 to 36 inches tall and 24 inches deep

Oversized dishwasher: 30 to 42 inches wide, 34 to 36 inches tall and 24 inches deep

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

WHAT FEATURES SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN A DISHWASHER?

Dishwashers come with a range of features that can help make cleanup easy. Some standard features are rinse, normal and heavy wash cycles as well as heated dry options. 

Some high-end dishwasher features may be specialized, such as adjustable racks and cycles that deliver superior water filtration or higher heat.

Features available on select KitchenAid® dishwashers may include:

  • KitchenAid® Triple Filtration System: Uses three levels of filtration to remove food particles during the wash and rinse cycles, so your dishes come out sparkling even with dirty cookware in the load.

  • KitchenAid® ProWash Cycle: Sensors measure soil levels throughout the cycle to adapt wash time and water temperature for tough messes or lighter loads.

  • KitchenAid® 360º Max Jets™ Third Rack: The only third rack with 360° wash jets to clean pint glasses, coffee mugs and cereal bowls inside and out. The largest third rack available,2 it also has a removable utensil caddy for cooking tools and features moisture-wicking tines for table-ready dishes.

  • KitchenAid® Adjustable Middle Rack: The middle rack lowers to hold larger dishes, like your KitchenAid® stand mixer bowl, and raises to make room for platters, pitchers, blender jars and more in the rack below.

2. Among leading brands based on usable volume

Shop All KitchenAid® dishwashers

KitchenAid® dishwashers keep up with the way you create. With features on select models that offer more storage space and powerful cleaning, you can spend more time creating in your kitchen instead of cleaning it.

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