Dishwasher size
The size of your dishwasher is the first decision you’ll make since not all kitchens have the space to accommodate a full-sized model. Most standard models are 24 inches wide and about 35 inches high and kitchens are generally designed to house a model of those dimensions, but there are slimmer dishwashers to accommodate smaller spaces.
A standard dishwasher is 24 x 35 inches in size but compact and custom models exist for smaller spaces.
Dishwasher style
Most dishwashers are available in stainless steel, which fits into most kitchen motifs. Many models are also available in white, black and other finishes. You won’t find tons of color options but Samsung offers a bespoke line that includes unique finishes like navy steel and brownish Tuscan steel.
The trendy third rack provides another place to load silverware, kitchen utensils and other small items.
Many dishwashers also now have adjustable racks to accommodate dishes and pans of odd or abnormally large sizes. If you’ve ever struggled with fitting large items into your dishwasher, you should consider a model with adjustable racks.
Various dishwasher cycles and features: Do they matter?
There are dishwasher cycles that come standard on nearly every model — normal, quick wash, heavy-duty, delicate — but fancier units will have even more specific cycles such as mineral-assisted wash and presoak cycle. These extra cycles can be nice to have, but I wouldn’t weigh them too heavily when making a purchase decision. Ultimately, you’ll be using the standard cycles far more than the niche ones.
Here’s a quick guide to dishwasher cycles and when to use them.
