Dishwasher Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Dishwasher [2026 Data]

Buying a dishwasher comes down to a handful of decisions: how it fits your kitchen, how it cleans, and how much you want to spend. This dishwasher buying guide walks you through each choice in order, so you can shortlist the right model in minutes. You will learn how to measure your space, compare tub materials and controls, read noise ratings, and match features to your budget.

How to Choose the Right Dishwasher

Work through these decisions in order to narrow your options fast:

• Fit: Measure your cabinet opening first, then choose a standard 24-inch or compact 18-inch model.

• Type: Pick built-in for most kitchens, or portable and countertop for rentals and small spaces.

• Capacity: Match place settings to your household size, from 12 to 16 for most homes.

• Noise: Look for a rating under 44 dBA if you have an open floor plan.

• Tub material: Choose a stainless steel tub for faster drying and fewer odors.

• Controls: Decide between hidden top controls for a clean look or front controls for easy access.

• Drying: Compare heated, fan-assisted, and air drying based on your energy use.

• Features: Prioritize adjustable racks, a soil sensor, and a filter type that fits your routine.

• Budget: Plan for $250 at the low end to $2,000 or more for luxury models.

• Installation: Book professional hookup, especially for built-in units.

Measure Your Space Before You Shop

Start here, because the wrong dimensions lead to a return. Measure the opening width, height, and depth before you compare models.

• Width:

  Standard dishwashers need a 24-inch opening. Compact models fit an 18-inch space.

• Height:

  Most units stand about 35 inches tall. Measure at three points to catch an uneven floor.

• Depth:

  Allow about 24 inches, plus room for the door to open fully.

Compact 18-inch dishwashers hold fewer dishes but suit apartments, ADUs, and tight galley kitchens.

Types of Dishwashers

You will find built-in models suit most kitchens, but three other types solve specific space problems.

• Built-in: Slots under your counter between cabinets and saves floor space. This is the standard choice for most kitchens.

• Drawer: Looks like a cabinet drawer and offers a custom look. Drawer models hold fewer dishes than built-ins.

• Portable: Rolls on casters and connects to your sink faucet. Store it against a wall between loads.

• Countertop: Sits on the counter and connects to the faucet. This model fits apartments and ADUs.

For a closer look at compact options, read our guide to portable dishwashers.

Dishwasher Features

When shopping for a new dishwasher, there are several features and considerations to look out for.

Capacity and Place Settings

Capacity tells you how many dishes fit in one load. Match it to how often you host and cook.

If you cook for a family or host guests, a standard 24-inch dishwasher holds 12 to 16 place settings. Compact models hold 6 to 8 place settings for smaller households.

Tub Material: Stainless Steel vs. Plastic

The tub material affects drying, odor, and noise. Choose based on your budget and how much quiet you want.

• Stainless steel: Dries dishes faster, resists odors, and dampens sound. It costs more up front.

• Plastic: Costs less and holds up well. It retains more heat, so dishes take longer to dry.

Controls: Hidden vs. Front

Control placement shapes both the look and the daily use of your dishwasher.

• Hidden (top) controls: Sit on the top edge of the door for a seamless front. You open the door to change a cycle mid-run.

• Front controls: Sit on the door face for quick access. You check the cycle and time at a glance.

Noise Levels and dBA Ranges

Dishwashers list a noise rating in decibels (dBA). A lower number means a quieter machine, which matters most in open floor plans.

• Under 44 dBA: Very quiet. You barely hear it run across the room.

• Mid-40s to low-50s dBA: Standard volume for most models. You notice it in a quiet kitchen.

• Above 55 dBA: Louder budget models. Run these overnight with a timer.

Mid-range and luxury dishwashers run quieter thanks to added insulation and stainless steel tubs. Budget models with a manual filter run quieter than those with a self-cleaning grinder.

Drying Options: Heated, Fan, and Air Dry

Your drying method affects how spotless the dishes look at the end of a cycle.

• Heated dry: Uses a heating element to dry fast. It draws more energy per load.

• Fan-assisted dry: Circulates air to dry without a heating element. This balances speed and efficiency.

• Air (residual) dry: Relies on leftover heat and open venting. It saves the most energy but takes longer.

Additional Dishwasher Features Worth Paying For

Every dishwasher cleans dishes, but these features make your routine more convenient and efficient.

• Adjustable and third racks: Free up room for pots, pans, and baking sheets with fold-down tines and a top utensil rack.

• Soil sensor: Detects how dirty each load is and picks the right cycle, which saves water and energy.

• Scheduler or timer: Delays the start so you run the machine overnight at lower utility rates.

• Rinse-hold: Rinses a partial load to stop food from drying on until you run a full cycle.

• Filter type: Runs quieter with a manual filter, or adds convenience with a louder self-cleaning filter.

• Wash cycles: Ranges from two or three on basic models to sanitize, steam, and delicate options on premium units.

• Smart connectivity: Lets you start, monitor, and troubleshoot cycles from an app on Wi-Fi models.

• Speed: Runs about two hours on a standard cycle, or 30 minutes on an express cycle that uses more energy.

Energy Efficiency and Running Costs

Energy-efficient models cost more up front but lower your monthly utility bills. According to ENERGY STAR, a certified dishwasher costs about $35 a year to run and saves thousands of gallons of water over its lifetime. Learn how the label works in our guide to ENERGY STAR dishwasher savings.

Design and Finish Options

Your finish choice ties the dishwasher into your kitchen. Options scale with price.

• Budget (around $250): Available with a stainless steel front panel for a polished look.

• Mid-range ($400 to $700): Offered in stainless steel or panel-ready fronts you cover with a cabinet panel.

• Luxury ($700 to $2,000+): Includes stainless steel or fully custom panels to match your cabinetry.

How Much Does a Dishwasher Cost?

A new dishwasher costs $400 to $700 on average, according to Angi cost data. Budget models start around $250, and luxury models run $2,000 or more. Higher-priced units add features, quieter operation, and custom finishes.

Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

You install a portable or countertop model yourself in minutes. Built-in dishwashers need precise measurements, water lines, and electrical connections.

Installing a new dishwasher costs $110 to $270, according to Angi cost data. Book a professional installer for built-in units to protect your floors and plumbing.

Angi matches you with vetted local dishwasher installation pros who connect the water line, drain, and power, then level the unit. That hookup step is where most avoidable leaks start.

Before delivery day, measure your doorways and hallways so the new unit clears the path. Confirm the old dishwasher can be disconnected and hauled out.

Reliability and Ease of Repair

A dependable dishwasher cleans well and stays out of the repair shop. Choose a model with strong owner reviews and available replacement parts.

Obscure or highly advanced models are hard to service because parts are limited. A secondhand unit from a discontinued line poses the same problem. Match the brand to your needs and confirm parts are easy to source.

Regular upkeep extends the life of any model. Follow our dishwasher maintenance checklist to keep yours running well.

Popular Dishwasher Brands

You can find reliable dishwashers from many brands. Compare them on the features you need, your budget, and local parts and service availability.

• Bosch

• Whirlpool

• KitchenAid

• Maytag

• GE

• LG

• Samsung

• Frigidaire

• Kenmore

• Viking

Before you buy, confirm a local appliance repair pro services your chosen brand.

Your Dishwasher Buying Guide Checklist

Run through this dishwasher buying guide checklist before you buy:

• Measure the width, height, and depth of your space.

• Choose a type that fits your kitchen and lifestyle.

• Match capacity to your household size.

• Compare noise ratings and target under 44 dBA for open spaces.

• Pick a tub material, control style, and drying method.

• Set a budget across the $250 to $2,000-plus range.

• Clear doorways and hallways for delivery day.

• Book a pro for a built-in installation.