Nobody likes a sink full of dirty dishes or the smell of last night’s dinner lingering in the kitchen. That’s why choosing the right dishwasher can make a huge difference in your daily life. But with so many types, features, and designs to choose from, where do you even start?
At Atherton Appliance & Kitchens, we help homeowners pick appliances that truly work for their space and lifestyle. Today, we’re breaking down exactly what you need to know to find your perfect dishwasher — from sizing and types to features and special extras that make clean-up almost effortless.
Before falling in love with a beautiful model, make sure it will fit in your kitchen.
Standard dishwashers are about 24 inches wide, but if you have a compact kitchen or tight layout, you might need an 18-inch model. Double-check the width, depth, and height of the opening, and don’t forget to measure the clearance space needed to open the door fully.
Once you know your measurements, it’s time to think about the style that fits your needs.
These are the most common choices for homeowners. At 24 inches wide, they offer the most capacity and advanced features. Built-in dishwashers are great for families or anyone who runs frequent loads and needs plenty of space.
Drawer-style dishwashers are flexible and space-saving. Available in single or double drawers, they allow you to run separate cycles at the same time or handle smaller loads as needed. Perfect for small kitchens, singles, couples, or anyone who prefers to run quick, light loads without waiting for a full dishwasher.
If you want your dishwasher to completely disappear into your cabinetry, panel-ready models are the way to go. These appliances are designed to match your kitchen’s cabinet doors, creating a seamless, custom look. They’re popular for high-end kitchens and require a custom panel and professional installation.
While less common, these are good options for renters, very small kitchens, or situations where plumbing might be tricky. They provide essential cleaning power without a permanent installation.
A dishwasher’s main job is simple: clean your dishes. Here’s what makes a big difference.
More spray arms mean better coverage. Traditional dishwashers might have one or two, but newer models often include three or more, targeting hard-to-reach areas like the top rack or silverware tray.
Modern dishwashers can detect how dirty your dishes are and automatically adjust cycle time, temperature, and water usage. This saves energy and ensures every load is perfectly clean.
Stainless steel interiors are more durable, resist stains, and can handle higher drying temperatures. They’re also quieter and provide better drying performance, especially for glassware and plastic items.
A good wash cycle isn’t complete without a solid drying finish.
Use an electric heating element to dry dishes quickly after rinsing. This is great if you want to unload and put away dishes right away.
Rely on the heat from the final rinse and a cool stainless-steel tub to draw moisture off dishes. It’s more energy-efficient and gentle on plastics but may leave some items slightly damp at the end.
Premium models often feature doors that automatically open at the end of a cycle, letting out hot steam and allowing fresh air to finish the drying process. This helps reduce moisture and is especially effective on plastics.
Noise is a big factor, especially in open-concept homes or smaller spaces.
The right racks and tines can make a big difference in how much you can wash at once.
A shallow tray at the top for utensils and small items. It keeps things organized and allows more space in the lower racks.
Move it up or down to fit tall glasses on top or large pots and baking sheets below. Some models let you adjust even when loaded, which is super convenient.
Tines can fold down to create open, flat areas for bulky items like casserole dishes, cutting boards, or mixing bowls.
Dishwashers come packed with smart options that make your life even easier.
Connect your dishwasher to your smartphone or tablet using brand-specific apps, like Bosch’s Home Connect. You can start, stop, or pause cycles remotely, get notifications when the cycle finishes, and receive maintenance alerts.
Built-in lighting helps you see inside clearly, making it easier to check stray utensils or lids — especially helpful in dim kitchens.
Sensors automatically shut off the water supply if a leak is detected, helping prevent kitchen floods and water damage.
Automatic detergent dispensers release just the right amount for each load, preventing waste and improving cleaning performance. Some systems can hold enough detergent for up to 20 loads, meaning fewer refills and one less thing to think about.
When it comes down to it, the perfect dishwasher is the one that fits your space, matches your lifestyle, and makes cleanup feel effortless.
Here’s a quick checklist to guide your decision:
At Atherton Appliance & Kitchens, we know that choosing a dishwasher isn’t just about specs — it’s about finding the one that makes your daily life easier and fits seamlessly into your kitchen.
Come visit our showroom to see different models in action, get hands-on with loading options, and talk to our knowledgeable team. We’re here to help you every step of the way, from choosing the right features to arranging installation.
Check our video about How To Pick The PERFECT Dishwasher
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