More and more new models of dishwashers are coming out nowadays, which may make you become more confused when choosing the best one for your kitchen. Let KitchenLowCost help you learn about different types of dishwashers and also introduce you to the most popular products in the market today.
Different Types of Dishwashers
Now we will go to find out about each type of dishwasher more considerately.
Built-in

A built-in dishwasher is also known as an integrated dishwasher. This kind of machine does not stand independently in your kitchen but is installed attached to your cabinets.
This design will help optimize the space in your kitchen. The integrated dishwasher is considered to be the most popular among different types of dishwashers in the market.
There are two types of integrated dishwashers: fully integrated dishwashers and semi-integrated dishwashers.
The control panel of the first type is concealed completely in the cabinets and you may not realize its existence.
For the second type, its control panel is usually on the front, you could know where your dishwasher is, but it will not affect your kitchen appearance.
Best Built-in Dishwasher: Hisense 16 Place Settings Fully Integrated Dishwasher
Hisense is also renowned for manufacturing dishwashers, so you can rest assured about the quality of this machine with being up to 16 place settings. It is easy for you to install and repair.
Hisense 16 Place Settings Fully Integrated Dishwasher
Many customers have been very pleased with its operation. It performs the cleaning function extremely well and effectively. Hisense also guarantees that the machine will run smoothly and quietly.
The machine has many different modes, if you are in a hurry, you can use the quick wash which just takes you 15 minutes. Besides, the machine has many sections which are suitable for both small objects like wine glasses and bigger ones like pans.
This cleans your dishes perfectly. It also has an eco-program that allows doors open to let air in to dry the dishes naturally. It’s definitely worth buying.
Portable
A portable dishwasher is the best choice for a limited space among different types of dishwashers. You can freely move your dishwasher wherever you want. However, it still works like a traditional dishwasher.
There are several kinds of portable dishwashers. You can choose free-standing dishwashers or countertop ones. The size of free-standing dishwashers is also relatively bigger and nearly like a built-in dishwasher.
In contrast, countertop dishwashers are smaller and suitable for a nuclear family of between 2-3 members.
The only point you need to take note that portable dishwashers do not always connect perfectly to any faucets. So you need to consider your kitchen design before buying one.
Best Countertop Dishwasher: HomeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher
Homelabs is a famous brand in making appliances, so you could be assured of its quality.
HomeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher
This dishwasher consists of 6 different wash cycles: heavy, normal, ECO, glass, speed, and rinse according to your needs.
With the compact size of 17.2 X 19.6 x 21.6 inches, it would save much space in your kitchen and also bring you flexibility. The rinse aid dispenser helps wash dishes without marks and streaks.
It is very easy for you to install with just the included accessories and no more tools. This product is warranted in a year and free exchanged and returned within 30 days.
Free Standing Dishwasher: Stainless Steel 18″ Energy Star
This is one of the ideal choices for a small family among different types of dishwashers.
Stainless Steel 18″ Energy Star
Because of its design, all ages in your family could run it easily and safely. It supports perfectly your washing and drying system.
The addition of a rinse aid warning indicator will help you notice if you need to refill water in your dishwasher.
With Energy Star certification, it is guaranteed to save your water and energy consumption considerably.
Dishdrawer
Dishdrawer is offered by Fisher and Paykel. There are usually upper and lower racks, and you can have each of them operate independently. This machine is a great solution for a standard kitchen among different types of dishwashers.
This is considered to save more water and energy consumption than a regular one. Its construction is ergonomic, which requires less bending to unload. Its noise level is also estimated at or below 45 dBA.
There are different designs of dish drawers offered to you.
- Integrated style: This machine will be integrated and then create a sleek outlook with the kitchen materiality, except for stainless steel panels and handles.
- Contemporary style: All parts of this dishwasher are made of stainless steel.
- Professional style: The handle is bold and made of stainless steel, which brings the aesthetic of a commercial kitchen to your home.
Best Drawer Dishwasher: Fisher Paykel Drawers Dishwasher
Fisher and Kayel Drawers Disshwahers are innovated with the aim of creating a modern and minimal appearance for your kitchen. These models are blended seamlessly with your cabinetry.
Fisher Paykel Drawers Dishwasher
This machine includes two split-up drawers where you can load each kind of dish you want and allow them to operate independently. It came with 2 silverware holders, one for each drawer.
With its low noise level, it does its job greatly without making a fuss.
It only takes you about 30 minutes to install by yourself. It might bring you the most pleasant experience among different types of dishwashers.
Dishwasher Features
In addition to the main types of dishwashers outlined above, you also need to consider a number of additional factors to meet your needs properly.
Size
The standard size of a built-in dishwasher is 4 inches wide by 35 inches high by 24 inches deep.
An oversized dishwasher is about 30 to 42 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 35 inches high.
A compact dishwasher is about 18 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 35 inches high.
If you want to save space and prefer flexibility, you can choose a portable dishwasher. Portable dishwashers are about 24 inches wide, 27 inches deep, and 37 inches high.
Generally, those are just a few standards in the market nowadays, you may need a tape measure to know the exact size compatible with your kitchen before buying one.
Additional Rack
As usual, a traditional dishwasher just includes the upper and bottom racks. However, the innovation of the modern dishwasher is the addition of a third rack on the top of the upper one.
It helps you load flatware, utensils, measuring cups, and much more in order to clean them better. Some third racks could be adjustable and folded to create space for high items in the middle rack if necessary.
Energy Star Certification
A dishwasher is certified Energy Star when it is demonstrated to save energy and water consumption, as well as improve its performance.
The maximum energy consumption is measured in kWh/year and the maximum water consumption is measured in gallons/cycle.
In particular, to recognize Energy Star, standard dishwater needs to be at or below 270 kWh/year and 3.5 gallons/cycle.
Position Of Control Panel
Depending on your style, there are now two control panel designs for you to choose from.

Top Control
The top Control dishwasher has a control panel on the top of the dishwasher.
It provides a sleek and seamless outlook on the exterior of the dishwasher and also goes together with a long handle on which people usually hang towels. It is also easy for you to clean the machine.
Pros:
- Create a sleek appearance for your kitchen
- Clean the control panel with ease
Cons:
- Have difficulty seeing the status of a wash cycle
Front Control
Front Control has a panel console on the front of the machine. It means that you can easily see the options and status of dishwashers.
However, you will see control buttons on the outside of the machine, some people do not like it because they want their kitchen to have a minimal appearance.
Pros:
- You can notice the remaining time of one cycle.
- It’s easy to control with the door closed.
Cons:
- You may accidentally touch buttons.
- It’s cheaper compared with a top control dishwasher.
Drying System

Generally, there are two types of drying dishware depending on the model.
- Heated air
Dishwashers include a heating system, which transfers heat to dishes, removes moisture, and dries them.
Drying dishes in this way will be fast and more hygienic because it can kill bacteria effectively and also make dishes spotlessly clean.
However, this can be quite energy-consuming and cause corrosion or discoloration of the plastic discs.
- Heated rinse
This method will use superheated water during the last cycle of rinse aid. After evaporation, the surface will be dry naturally.
The benefit of this is that it will minimize energy consumption and damage to your dishes. However, for dishes with deep grooves, there will sometimes be residual dampness.
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KitchenLowCost hopes that you could equip yourself with essential knowledge about different types of dishwashers. After that, you are able to consider choosing the suitable one for your kitchen. If you find this article useful, please share and follow us to update interesting information!