Dishwasher buying guide 2025
When buying a dishwasher, it’s helpful to consider these key factors: configuration type, loading options, cleaning cycles, drying options, style and price.
It’s possible that features, options and rack configurations have changed since you last purchased a dishwasher. Use this guide to buying a dishwasher to find the right one for your family.
How to choose a dishwasher
Having clean dishes is a necessity, and choosing the right dishwasher can help make this everyday task easier. With various types, features and configurations available, understanding your options will help you find the best dishwasher for your home. Below are key factors to consider when selecting a dishwasher:
Type: Dishwashers come in built-in and portable models. Built-in dishwashers are permanently installed under countertops and connected to plumbing, while portable models can be moved and connected to a sink when in use—ideal for smaller kitchens or rental homes.
Control style: Dishwashers have either controls on the top of the door or on the front of the door. Top control dishwashers have a sleek look with buttons that remain hidden when the door is closed, while front control models keep settings visible and easy to access on the outside.
Size and capacity: Dishwashers typically come in four sizes: standard, oversized, compact and portable. Built-in models vary in width, but are generally designed to fit standard cabinet openings, while portable ones are often taller and deeper. Note that listed dimensions refer to the space the unit is designed to fit, not the exact size of the dishwasher. A standard built-in dishwasher is about 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 35 inches high.
Features: Look for useful features that enhance convenience for your family, such as adjustable racks, specialized wash cycles, quiet operation and smart technology for remote monitoring and control.
Built-In Dishwashers
Control panel stays out of sight for a streamlined look and feel
Dishwasher types
Choosing the right dishwasher for your family starts with understanding the different types available. Whether you need a built-in model, a panel-ready option to match your cabinetry or a compact design for a smaller space, there’s a dishwasher to fit your kitchen. Explore various dishwasher types and their features below.
1. Built-in dishwashers
Most homes have standard built-in dishwashers, like these models from Whirlpool brand. They can feature an exterior handle or a pocket handle, depending on your style preference. Whirlpool® Front Control Dishwashers have visible buttons on the exterior, while top control dishwashers hide the buttons on the top lip of the door for a sleek look.
Learn more about top control vs. front control dishwashers.
Shop Whirlpool® Built-In Dishwashers
Whirlpool® Built-In Dishwashers are designed for thorough cleaning and flexible loading with select models featuring adjustable racks, targeted spray zones and quiet operation. Choose from a variety of finishes to match your kitchen style.
2. Panel-ready dishwashers
Panel-ready dishwashers are installed with a cabinet door attached to its face to hide the appearance of the appliance in the kitchen. Models such as this Whirlpool® Panel-Ready Dishwasher can be fitted with your own custom panel to match the look of your kitchen and coordinate with the rest of your appliances.
3. Compact dishwashers
Compact dishwashers have a slimmer profile to fit small spaces, offering the convenience of not having to wash everything by hand. With a compact dishwasher from Whirlpool brand, you can get the clean you need for your dishes, even in smaller spaces.
Shop Whirlpool® Compact Dishwashers
Whirlpool® Compact Dishwashers are ideal for apartments, condos or smaller kitchens. Despite their size, select models offer a spray arm in each rack and a cycle memory feature.
4. Portable
Portable dishwashers are mobile versions of dishwashers that can be moved around within your space if there isn’t a dedicated installation spot. They connect to a sink when in use and can be stored away when not needed.
Compare portable vs. built-in dishwashers to find the best fit for your home.
Shop Whirlpool® Portable Dishwashers
Whirlpool® Portable Dishwashers offer the flexibility of a moveable design while delivering the cleaning performance you expect. With features like multiple wash cycles and spacious racks, they provide a flexible solution for kitchens without built-in dishwasher space.
Dishwasher buying tip:
Make sure you get the right fit. Most standard built-in dishwashers require the same size cutout. Oversized, compact and portable models can be different. Be sure to measure first and read the Whirlpool® dishwasher sizing guide before purchase and delivery.
What features to look for when buying a dishwasher
Once you know the type of dishwasher you need, considering the available options and upgrades will help you choose the best model for your home. Features like third racks, specialized wash cycles, and quiet operation are available on select models and can enhance convenience and cleaning performance.
3rd rack
Dishwashers come in 2-rack and 3-rack options. 3rd Rack dishwashers add a top level of capacity to free up space for dishes in the racks below. Whirlpool brand has 3rd Rack dishwashers with extra wash action in the third level rack to provide targeted cleaning for bowls, mugs and utensils that you’d normally load in the lower racks.
No matter what you decide, check out the best way to load a dishwasher to ensure you’re maximizing your space so you can run as few loads as possible.
Adjustable racks
You’ll find select dishwashers have adjustable racks that make room for taller items like water bottles and blenders, and flexible silverware baskets you can move around to accommodate different loads.
Rotating racks
Having a dishwasher that’s easily accessible is an important factor when choosing the right model. Whirlpool brand’s Spin&Load Rack features an easy-to-use 360° spinning design that helps family members accomplish chores efficiently. This dishwasher accessory converts the lower rack into a rotating rack, making it the most inclusive lower-rack design on the market.
The Spin&Load Rack is easy to install and use. Designed to fit all 24-inch Whirlpool Brand dishwashers and those manufactured by Whirlpool Corporation, including Amana, JennAir, KitchenAid and Maytag brands, the Spin&Load Rack helps ensure better access for all.
Explore ADA-compliant dishwashers for more inclusive kitchen solutions that meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Cleaning cycles
Dishwashers with higher price points generally come with extra cycles and drying options, including steam clean, delay start, 1-hour wash, quick cycle and heavy duty. Specific cycle names can vary by brand, but their functions are typically similar. These convenient features help you with everything from managing your time to cleaning specific types of loads.
Sensor cycles (sometimes called soil sensors) automatically adjust the cycle to match soil levels of the load so you don’t have to guess.
Whirlpool® Dishwashers with the Sani Rinse Option sanitize dishes by using extra hot water to eliminate 99.999% of food soil bacteria.
Drying options
Drying upgrades can be another worthwhile investment, helping you cut down on drying dishes by hand. Less expensive models rely on residual heat in the tub to dry the dishes, while dishwashers with heated drying or fan drying use extra heat and circulated air for optimal results.
Learn more about how a dishwasher works to dry dishes.
Noise level: What’s a good decibel level for a dishwasher?
Dishwasher noise is measured in decibels (dBA) where lower numbers are quieter than higher numbers. Dishwasher dBAs are usually in the 40s and 50s. Read more about low decibel dishwashers.
Colors and styles
After making a short list of models with the features you want, compare the color and style selection. As mentioned before, handles and control locations can vary to suit personal style preference.
Most Whirlpool® Dishwasher models come in the traditional offering of white, black and stainless steel finishes. Alternative options, like Fingerprint Resistant Black Stainless Steel, have hit the market in recent years to add a fresh, modern style choice for traditional or contemporary kitchens. Dishwashers have a large exterior face, making Whirlpool brand’s fingerprint resistant options a worthwhile choice because of the easy-to-clean exterior that resists fingerprints and smudges.
How much do dishwashers cost?
Dishwasher prices can range from around $400 to over $1,000. Every model is designed to get your dishes clean. Extra features on select models, such as an additional 3rd rack that offers more loading space, a stainless steel tub, adjustable racks, integration into your existing cabinetry, premium loading features like folding tines, and a larger variety of specialty wash and dry options tend to cost more. Higher priced models are also generally quieter and some can be WiFi connected.
Whirlpool® Dishwashers
A dishwasher for every home
Find the right Whirlpool® Dishwasher for your kitchen to help make mealtime cleanup easier
When is the best time to buy a dishwasher?
There is no right or wrong time to purchase a new dishwasher. Throughout the year, sales and discounts will vary. Affordable options, sales and professional discounts are often available from Whirlpool brand.
Shop Whirlpool® dishwashers
Find the right dishwasher to fit your home with Whirlpool® Dishwashers designed for the clean you need with flexible loading and seamless integration. Whether you need a starter dishwasher for everyday messes, a standard dishwasher with extra flexibility or a premium dishwasher with advanced features like a 3rd Rack and targeted spray zones, Whirlpool brand has an option to match your needs.
Get more with a Whirlpool account
Sign in for special savings
Was this article helpful? Pass it on
Learn more with Whirlpool brand
home heartbeat
Ready for more tips, home hacks and appliance guides?
