The kitchen should clean just as well as it cooks, and nothing boosts your space’s cleaning functions like a modern dishwasher. Today’s dishwashers offer an impressive selection of wash options and settings that are capable of blasting grease and grime off of dishes with ease. But choosing the right type of dishwasher for your home can be a challenge.
There are several types of dishwashers, each with their own design advantages and disadvantages. It can be difficult to navigate these choices, especially for homeowners inexperienced with the appliance purchasing process. To help you discover the ideal dishwasher for your kitchen, we’ve compiled key information on all common types of dishwashers.
Built-In Dishwasher
If you want a large unit that offers versatile washing possibilities, you should invest in a built-in dishwasher. These units are the standard for many homes, and are installed flush to your cabinets for an integrated feel throughout the kitchen. Built-in dishwashers are typically able to wash at least 12 place settings at once, and many can wash even more. Thanks to a host of modern innovations, many units offer advanced touchpad controls and specialized wash cycles that can effectively clean dishes with ease.
While these units can be found in many homes, they are significantly larger than any other type of dishwasher. As a result, a built-in dishwasher may not be an ideal choice if you’re hoping to maximize cooking or food storage space within your kitchen.
Dishwasher Drawers
For modern features in a space-saving design, consider investing in a dishwasher drawer. Like a traditional built-in dishwasher, dishwasher drawers are also installed flush to kitchen cabinets. But instead of a door you pull down to open, you actually pull out a drawer to access the interior of the appliance.
Most of these designs are smaller than a standard dishwasher, making them an ideal choice for more compact kitchens. That said, both single dishwasher drawers and double dishwasher drawers are available, allowing you to customize your kitchen’s dishwashing capabilities however you desire. The biggest benefit of a dishwasher drawer is its stylish design. Dishwasher drawers bring a unique look to any kitchen, enhancing your space’s contemporary aesthetic. These units can be pricey, but their stylish exteriors and powerful washing functions make them a great asset to any home.
Countertop Dishwasher
Are you lacking the kitchen space for a built-in dishwasher or dishwasher drawers? If so, you may want to look into a countertop dishwasher.
Countertop dishwashers are small, compact units that sit on your countertop and attach to the sink with a hose to draw water for the wash cycle. These units can typically wash between four and six place settings at once, helping you clean dishes with ease. A countertop dishwasher is ideal for small homes, apartments, or college dorms, as well as kitchens where installing a built-in unit is impossible. These units also tend to be significantly less expensive than other types of dishwashers, providing the washing capabilities your living space requires at a great value.
While countertop dishwashers are great alternatives for some kitchens, they do not offer the same advanced washing functions as a traditional built-in model. These units are best used for simple dishwashing tasks, and will not be able to provide the deep-cleaning features some homeowners require.
Portable Dishwasher
If you’re looking for a dishwashing solution somewhere between a full-sized built-in dishwasher and a countertop dishwasher, consider a portable dishwasher.
Portable dishwashers are freestanding dishwasher units that, like a countertop model, attach to your sink to collect water for the wash cycle. However, these units are significantly larger than countertop dishwashers, and are typically built on rollers for easy movement. You can store the portable unit in a closet or pantry, and simply roll it out to the kitchen for use. This portable design ultimately helps maximize space in your kitchen, providing more room for other appliances.
Portable dishwashers are often smaller than a standard built-in dishwasher, though many can still clean between eight to 12 place settings in one cycle. These units offer more cleaning power than a countertop dishwasher, and are great for homeowners that want the extra dishwashing space but are unable to install a built-in dishwasher or dishwasher drawers.
Choose From A Wide Range Of Premium Dishwasher Designs
Each type of dishwasher has its own unique advantages, and the best dishwasher is the one that will meet the requirements of your home. From traditional built-in dishwashers and contemporary dishwasher drawers to compact countertop dishwashers and versatile portable dishwashers, there is certainly no shortage of options to choose from. With basic knowledge on the various types of dishwashers, you’ll be in a good position to explore the wide variety of choices available on today’s market.
To explore a host of innovative and advanced units, consider browsing this online collection of dishwashers.