BUYING A DISHWASHER: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MODEL FOR YOU
It can be tough to sort through sizes, styles, cycles and price points to choose the best dishwasher for you. This guide to buying a dishwasher has you covered for all of the above—and beyond.
Learn how to decode dishwasher configurations, load capacities, sound ratings and more to find a dishwasher that can handle whatever messes you make.
DISHWASHER SIZE AND INSTALLATION STYLE
Most residential dishwashers are 24 inches wide and are installed under kitchen counters. However, there are some other options if you have a small kitchen, extra space or are looking for a more custom design. Here are the three main types of dishwashers to choose from:
BUILT-IN DISHWASHERS
This is the type of dishwasher most people have in their kitchens. They are installed in a cabinet cutout beneath counters. Most built-in dishwashers are roughly the same depth and height to match the size of standard cabinets, but vary in width.
Most built-in dishwashers are 24 inches wide, but you can also find oversized models from 30 to 43 inches wide. If you have a small kitchen, you can save some space with a compact dishwasher at around 18 inches wide.
Learn more about dishwasher sizes to find the right fit for your kitchen.
SHOP MAYTAG® BUILT-IN DISHWASHERS
Maytag® built-in dishwashers help you cut down on soaking, scrubbing and second cycles with powerful cleaning. The Rapid Sani on select dishwashers eliminates 99.999% of food soil bacteria by adding a high-heat final rinse to sanitize dishes and glassware.1 Then, get 60% better drying with the PowerDry Option on some models. Heated drying, combined with a powerful fan, removes humid air so dishes come out cabinet-ready.
PANEL-READY DISHWASHERS
Panel-ready dishwashers are another type of built-in dishwasher and are generally available in similar sizes. The difference is that the dishwasher door can be fitted with your own custom panel and handles to match the surrounding cabinetry. This allows your dishwasher to blend in, making it nearly indistinguishable from just another cabinet door. Custom panels and handles are usually sold separately since they will vary by customer needs.
PORTABLE AND COUNTERTOP DISHWASHERS
If you don’t have an existing dishwasher cutout and can’t renovate, a portable dishwasher or a countertop dishwasher are good options. These portable appliances attach to your kitchen sink with a hose and can be rolled away or tucked into a corner of your countertop when not in use. Since no permanent installation is required, they are a good option for renters.
MEASURE YOUR DISHWASHER ROUGH OPENING BEFORE YOU BUY
Make sure you get the right fit before you buy a dishwasher. You’ll want to measure your existing cabinet cutout or prepare to renovate for the right size. Read this guide on how to measure a dishwasher rough opening.
DISHWASHER CONTROL CONFIGURATIONS
The placement of dishwasher controls affects not only the look of the dishwasher, but the way you interact with it. When buying a dishwasher, you’ll want to decide if top controls or front controls are better for you.
Both types of dishwashers can feature larger handles that double as towel bars or pocket handles that help keep the exterior more flush. These exterior features won’t affect the cleaning ability of your dishwasher, but they may help you narrow down your search for the best dishwasher based on your personal preference.
SANI RINSE OPTION
HIGH-TEMPS THAT DO THE DIRTY WORK
When you choose the Sani Rinse Option, a high-temperature rinse sanitizes dishes by eliminating 99.999% of food soil bacteria.
TOP CONTROL DISHWASHERS
Top control dishwashers feature controls on the top of the door so they are not visible when the door is closed. These models keep settings and cycles hidden away for a sleek exterior. They also usually feature smooth touch controls rather than physical buttons. Some top control dishwashers feature a cycle status light on the front so you can still keep track of cycle progress.
SHOP MAYTAG® TOP CONTROL DISHWASHERS
Get reliable cleaning and flexible loading options—wrapped in a minimal design—with a top control dishwasher from Maytag brand. Select models help you keep up with wash cycles, featuring the Cycle Status Indicator Light on the front of the machine that shines blue while washing, red while drying and white when complete. And, fit more with the 3rd Level Utensil Tray that’s designed to carry more of the load with 35% more capacity2 for serving tools, silverware and more.
FRONT CONTROL DISHWASHERS
If you prefer to keep controls in sight, you might want to choose a front control dishwasher. With visible, up-front controls, you’ll have easy access to cycles and settings without opening the door. Some models may feature physical buttons, but you can also find front control dishwashers with touch or digital control.
SHOP MAYTAG® front CONTROL DISHWASHERS
Maytag® front control dishwashers help you tackle large loads of dishes with ease. The MaxTub on select models features the largest capacity tub on the market3 at 7.25 cubic feet, tackling loads of dishes, including bulky pots and pans usually left for the bottom, so there’s no need for a second load. When the cycle is over, Heated Dry on select models ups the temperature4 to reduce excess moisture inside your dishwasher and get dishes nice and dry.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A DISHWASHER
Not all dishwashers are created equal, so it pays to look closely at key features—from capacity and loading flexibility to cycles and settings, noise level and more—to find the best fit for your kitchen. Below, explore which factors to keep in mind as you narrow down your options.
DISHWASHER CAPACITY
When deciding how to buy a dishwasher, think about how you cook and what you’ll need to fit inside. Dishwashers of the same size can have different capacities or better accommodate certain types of dishes. This is due to the number of racks, tines and other features inside. If you often use large or tall items like pots, pans and blender jars, look for features like foldable tines and increased upper rack heights for an easier fit.
third rack options
Most dishwashers come standard with two racks, but some brands now also offer dishwashers with a 3rd rack. This additional rack can vary widely in design and what it can hold. Some dishwasher 3rd racks are slim spaces that help keep utensils out of the way, while others can hold larger items.
For example, dishwashers with the 3rd Level Rack from Maytag brand let you load in more than utensils with room for mugs and bowls as well. Whichever setup you choose, learn how to load a dishwasher to fit more inside and get maximum cleaning coverage.
SHOP MAYTAG® 3rd rack dishwashers
Speed up after-dinner cleanup when you pack more into a Maytag® 3rd Rack Dishwasher. Put more than utensils in the Maytag® 3rd Level Rack with Wash Zone, available on select dishwashers. With a specialized wash zone and wash arms, get more room for mugs and bowls, as this distinct design brings more loading space and cleaning power straight to the top of the dishwasher.5
DISHWASHER CYCLES AND SETTINGS
Extra cycles and drying options can come with a higher price tag. These include a range of convenient features that can help you manage everything from time to cleaning specific types of loads.
Though the names of cycles vary from brand to brand, some have similar functions.
Heated dry cycles reduce excess moisture inside the dishwasher by using heat.
Powered drying cycles use heat plus a fan.
Delay start options start the dishwasher's cycle at a later time or during off-peak energy hours.
Quick cycles, sometimes called 1-hour wash cycles, wash loads of lightly soiled dishes using higher temperatures and more water than the normal cycle.
- Heavy duty cycles use higher temperatures and extra water to help get rid of stuck-on food residue.
Sanitize settings, like the Sani Rinse Option from Maytag brand, let you confidently wash important items with a high-temperature rinse that removes 99.999% of food soil bacteria.
Special cycles for tough messes, such as the PowerBlast® Cycle from Maytag brand, help scour away stubborn foods like egg yolk, peanut butter and even dried-on oatmeal.
SHOP MAYTAG® dishwashers with the powerblast® cycle
Maytag® dishwashers featuring the PowerBlast® Cycle fight caked-on messes and burnt-on grime. The PowerBlast® Cycle on select models use high-pressure jets, increased water temperatures and hot steam, working together to clear food off dishes—so all you have to do is load them in.
DISHWASHER NOISE AND DECIBEL RATINGS (DBA)
A dishwasher’s dBA rating indicates how noisy it will be while running. The lower the dBA number, the quieter the dishwasher. Most standard-sized dishwashers are between 40 and 60 dBA. Anything over 55 dBA could interrupt kitchen conversations or prove noisy in an open home layout. If this is a concern for you, check out the dBA rating before buying a dishwasher.
Maytag brand offers quiet dishwashers with ratings as low as 47 dBA and 50 dBA, which can be great for open home layouts or kitchens that are the center of conversation.
TYPE OF DISHWASHER FILTER
When you’re buying a dishwasher, you might not think about this feature but it can make a difference in several ways. Most dishwashers come with either a self-cleaning filter or a manual filter.
The self-cleaning filter is also known as a hard food disposer because it features a food grinder or chopper to disintegrate food particles. This system does not require regular cleaning, but can sometimes be noisy depending on the model.
Manual filter systems feature fine mesh to trap food or break it up as it is pushed through the filter’s mesh walls. These versions tend to be quieter but must be manually cleaned from time to time.
SHOP MAYTAG® DISHWASHERS WITH DUAL POWER FILTRATION
Many Maytag® dishwasher models feature the industry-exclusive Dual Power Filtration system which combines 100% microfiltration and a 4-blade stainless steel chopper to filter out then disintegrate any food in its path. Read more about dishwasher filtration systems to find the best fit for you.
DISHWASHER TUB MATERIALS
Dishwashers usually come with either a plastic or stainless steel tub. You’ll pay a little more for a dishwasher with a stainless steel interior, but the investment can pay off in the long run.
Stainless steel tubs are considered more durable because they resist staining and cracking. If you’re on a budget, you’ll still get clean dishes with a plastic tub, but you may need to replace your appliance sooner than a stainless steel option.
DISHWASHER FINISH AND COLOR
Most dishwashers are available in white, black and sometimes cream for a traditional look, or stainless steel for a more modern and sleek aesthetic.
White dishwashers: Brighten up your kitchen or add contrast to dark colored cabinetry with a white appliance finish like the one on these dishwashers from Maytag brand. This classic color may help you create your ideal aesthetic, but be aware that it may require more frequent cleaning, as white appliances are prone to showing fingerprints, splatters or smudges.
Black dishwashers: Black dishwashers can add sophistication and a modern feel to your kitchen, contrasting light colored cabinetry or creating a cohesive look when installed in dark cabinetry. Explore black Maytag® dishwashers to help you decide if this finish is right for your kitchen.
Stainless steel dishwashers: Elevate the look and feel of your kitchen with a durable and sleek stainless steel finish. A stainless steel dishwasher—like these models from Maytag brand—can blend seamlessly with a variety of kitchen styles, from mid-century modern to farmhouse, industrial and more.
SHOP MAYTAG® FINGERPRINT RESISTANT STAINLESS STEEL DISHWASHERS
Select dishwashers feature smudge-resistant finishes to help you maintain a clean dishwasher exterior. For an easy-to-clean finish, shop Maytag® dishwashers featuring Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel that resists smudges and streaks to keep your dishwasher looking as good on the outside as it works on the inside.
SMART FEATURES
Smart dishwasher features can vary by brand, but these dishwashers typically connect to your phone, tablet or voice assistant. This lets you start cycles remotely and receive progress updates, even when you’re away from home.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Some dishwashers are built to help reduce energy costs while optimizing performance. For instance, Maytag brand offers a line of Eco Series dishwashers designed with efficiency in mind, saving you water, energy and money with quality wash and dry performance.6
WARRANTY
Dishwasher manufacturers may offer warranties to help cover repairs or replacements for major components, which can help give you peace of mind. Most Maytag® dishwashers, for example, are covered by a 10-year Limited Parts Warranty7 on the racks, chopper blade and stainless steel tub.
Price
When buying a dishwasher, keep both the cost of the appliance and any possible installation costs in mind. Focus on the features and settings your family will actually use, and avoid overpaying for extras that go untouched. Some brands, like Maytag brand, offer special discounts to select professionals.
FIND THE RIGHT DISHWASHER FOR YOU FROM MAYTAG BRAND
Whether you value extra space to load your dishes, a quiet clean or a powerful filtration system, Maytag brand has a dishwasher to suit your needs. Explore Maytag® dishwashers in a variety of finishes and styles.
Was this article helpful? Pass it on
LEARN MORE FROM MAYTAG BRAND
1. See UL Verify for specific organisms.
2. Compared to two-rack Maytag® Dishwashers.
3. Based on usable volume.
4. Compared to Short Heated Dry option.
5. Compared to Maytag® model MDB4949SK.
6. Compared to dishwashers meeting the minimum 2023 Department of Energy efficiency standards.
7. Warranty may vary by model. Visit maytag.com for warranty details.
