How to Choose a Good Dishwasher! 8 Expert Tips to Consider
Finding the Best Dishwasher Fit for Your Kitchen
Dishwashers aren’t one-size-fits-all—and that’s great news. Whether you live in a small condo or a house with a busy kitchen, there’s a model out there for everyone. We have put together 8 tips to make choosing the right dishwasher easier! Let’s start with a look at the four most popular types and figure out which one fits your space, lifestyle, and daily routine best.
Built-In Dishwashers: The standard choice for most households, built-ins slide neatly under your counter and connect to your plumbing
Pros: Sleek look, full-size capacity, plenty of features
Cons: Requires professional installation and permanent space
Best for: Homeowners with standard-sized kitchens.
Portable Dishwashers: Great for renters or smaller kitchens without built-in plumbing access. These roll in when needed and hook up to the sink.
Pros: No permanent installation, decent capacity
Cons: Bulky to move, takes up floor space when in use
Best for: Apartment dwellers or temporary setups.
Countertop Dishwashers: Compact and designed to sit right on your counter, these units hook up to the faucet and are ideal for light loads.
Pros: Small footprint, easy to install, affordable.
Cons: Limited capacity, not ideal for families.
Best for: Singles, couples, or tiny kitchens.
Drawer Dishwashers: These modern, space-saving designs come in single or double drawers that open like kitchen drawers.
Pros: Flexible use, energy-efficient, stylish.
Cons: Pricey and less common.
Best for: Modern kitchens and households that do smaller, frequent loads.
Choosing the right type of dishwasher can also come down to your available space and how you use your kitchen. If you have a compact space or a full-sized kitchen, there’s a model for you!
Features That Make Dishwashing a Breeze!
A dishwasher does more than just wash your dishes, it makes your life easier with smart features designed for convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind. Here are some of the top features to look for:
1. Soil Sensors
These sensors automatically detect how dirty your dishes are and adjust the cycle length and intensity accordingly. It’s a smart way to save energy and water without sacrificing cleanliness.
2. Third Rack
Need more space for utensils, small bowls, or oddly shaped items? A third rack adds extra room at the top, freeing up space below and improving load flexibility.
3. Sanitize Cycle
Ideal for baby bottles, cutting boards, or during cold and flu season, this high-heat sanitize cycle kills 99.9% of bacteria, giving you peace of mind and truly hygienic results.
4. Quiet Operation
Look for dishwashers with a low decibel rating (44 dB or less) if you have an open-concept kitchen or run cycles at night. Many models now offer whisper-quiet performance.
5. Heated Drying
No more dripping dishes or towel-drying. Heated drying uses high-temperature air to ensure your dishes come out clean and dry, ready to put away immediately.
6. Leak Sensors
These sensors detect any signs of leaks and can shut off the water automatically to prevent damage. It’s especially important for second-floor installations or when running overnight.
Matching Your Dishwasher to Your Lifestyle
Not every kitchen—or household—runs the same, and your dishwasher should reflect that. If you’re running loads daily in a busy family home, go for a high-capacity model with flexible racks and powerful cycles. Live alone or in a smaller space? A compact or portable dishwasher might be your best friend. Your kitchen layout matters too, tight spaces call for clever features and slimmer designs. And if you love to cook (and clean less), prioritize features like adjustable tines, third racks, and soil sensors. Just don’t forget the golden rule: measure your space first to make sure your dream dishwasher actually fits!
Smart Dishwashers – Worth the Upgrade?
Smart dishwashers bring modern convenience to a whole new level. With Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, and voice assistant integration, you can start a cycle from your phone, get maintenance alerts, and even monitor detergent levels remotely. Sounds high-tech, and it is, but is it truly worth the extra cost? Let’s break it down.
Useful Features:
- Remote start and cycle tracking (perfect for busy schedules)
- Leak detection alerts
- Energy usage insights
Nice-to-Have, Not Essential:
- Voice control
- Push notifications when a cycle ends
- Auto-reorder of detergent through connected apps
Pros: Convenience, added peace of mind, and energy-smart settings that can lower your utility bill.
Cons: Higher upfront cost, potential software updates, and a learning curve if you're not tech-savvy.
If you love automation or have a smart home setup, a smart dishwasher is definitely worth considering. But for others, it’s more of a luxury than a must-have.
The Perfect Dishwasher Checklist
Before you head to the store or start browsing online, let’s wrap things up with a quick recap. This checklist highlights the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for the perfect dishwasher—so you can feel confident, and ready to choose the right fit for your kitchen.
- Know Your Space
Measure your kitchen carefully—width, depth, and door clearance. A perfect fit starts with precision. - Choose Your Type
Built-in, portable, countertop, top-control, front-control or drawer? Pick the style that fits your layout and lifestyle. - Think Capacity
Bigger household? Go for a high-capacity model with adjustable racks and third-row space. - Prioritise Your Features
Must-haves like soil sensors, sanitize cycles, and quiet operation make a big difference in daily use. - Match Your Lifestyle
Frequent cook? Meal prepper? Choose features and size based on how often and how heavily you use your dishwasher. - Go Smart (If It Suits You)
Wi-Fi control, leak alerts, and cycle tracking are great—but only if you’ll actually use them. - Consider Noise Levels
Open-concept home? Look for a quiet model under 45 dB so it doesn’t interrupt dinner or movie night. - Set Your Budget & Shop Smart
Know your range, compare models, and read reviews. Balance cost with long-term value and energy efficiency.
Ready to take the plunge? Visit your local Leon’s or shop online for quality dishwashers. Looking for more home upgrade ideas? Check out our guide on choosing the best fridge for you!