What to Look for in a Dishwasher: 5 Essential Features for Your Kitchen Upgrade

March 1, 2021

5 Key Features That Define a High-Performance Dishwasher

A good dishwasher is an indispensable kitchen workhorse, right alongside the refrigerator. Yet, with hundreds of models available today, figuring out how to choose a dishwasher that fits your daily routine, kitchen layout, and budget can feel overwhelming.

Whether you are replacing an aging unit or designing a full kitchen remodel, knowing what to look for when buying a dishwasher ensures you make a smart, long-term investment. Modern units do far more than spray hot water; they incorporate advanced filtration, whisper-quiet operation, flexible rack configurations, and specialized drying systems.

If you are wondering, What dishwasher should I buy? this comprehensive dishwasher buying guide breaks down what to look for in a dishwasher by evaluating five critical features before making your decision.

Understanding Different Types of Dishwashers

Before diving into specific internal features, it helps to narrow down the different types of dishwashers available for residential kitchens:

Standard Built-In Dishwashers: The most common option, measuring 24 inches wide. These sit flush under your standard kitchen countertop and connect directly to your plumbing and hardwired power.
Panel-Ready Dishwashers: Built-in units designed to accept a custom cabinet panel on the front door, allowing the appliance to blend invisibly with your surrounding cabinetry.
Compact Dishwashers: Typically 18 inches wide, these are built for smaller kitchens, bar areas, or secondary suites where space is limited.
Portable and Countertop Dishwashers: Freestanding units that hook up to a standard kitchen sink faucet, ideal for renters or spaces without dedicated dishwasher plumbing.

For most homeowners, a standard built-in model offers the best balance of capacity, performance, and long-term value.

The 5 Features to Evaluate Before Buying

When comparing options for the best dishwasher for home use, pay close attention to these five core areas to ensure you select the best dishwasher for the money.

1. Timed Delay and Smart Cycle Scheduling

Running your dishwasher during peak electricity hours or while family members are trying to shower can strain both your utility bill and your home’s hot water supply. A flexible timed delay feature allows you to load the unit after dinner and program it to start during off-peak hours or in the middle of the night.

Modern delay settings allow you to postpone start times anywhere from 1 to 24 hours. Selecting a model with intelligent soil sensors (such as KitchenAid ProWash) takes scheduling a step further by automatically adjusting cycle length and water temperature based on how dirty the load is, delivering maximum energy efficiency without manual guesswork.

2. Quiet Wash and Dry Cycles (Decibel Ratings)

Older dishwashers often rattled, hummed, and buzzed, making it difficult to hold a comfortable conversation or watch television nearby. In open-concept floor plans where the kitchen flows directly into living areas, noise level is one of the most critical factors when choosing a dishwasher.

Dishwasher sound levels are measured in decibels (dBA):

50 dBA or higher: Noticeable background noise equivalent to standard conversation.
44 dBA to 49 dBA: Very quiet, comparable to soft rain or a quiet office environment.
38 dBA to 43 dBA: Near-silent operation, virtually unnoticeable unless you stand directly next to the unit.

For optimal comfort, target a model rated at 44 dBA or lower. At this level, sound insulation, variable-speed motors, and sound-dampening materials keep the cycle whisper-soft.

3. Room for Your Dishes: Loading Flexibility & Third Racks

Basic dishwashers feature two rigid wire racks with fixed tines, making it frustrating to load wide serving platters, tall stemware, or bulky stockpots. When you compare dishwashers across brands, examine the quality and adjustability of the interior racking system.

Key racking features to prioritize include:

FreeFlex Third Racks: A dedicated top tray for flatware, long utensils, and small bowls. This frees up valuable space on the lower rack for larger pots and plates.
Adjustable Middle/Upper Racks: Racks that raise or lower smoothly with simple release levers make room for tall cookie sheets below or tall stemware above.
Fold-Down Tines: Foldable rows allow you to quickly convert dish slots into flat open spaces for deep mixing bowls or Dutch ovens.
Stemware Holders and Stabilizers: Integrated clips protect delicate glassware from tipping or chipping during high-pressure cycles.

4. Advanced Cleaning Power & Microfiltration Systems

A dishwasher’s primary job is cleaning dishes thoroughly on the first pass, eliminating the need to pre-rinse or re-wash dishes by hand. Spray arm design and water filtration determine how effectively food particles are removed.

Look for multi-level wash arms equipped with rotating spray nozzles that target dishes from multiple angles. Modern units feature microfiltration systems that continuously filter out tiny food particles throughout the cycle. This ensures clean water, free of recirculated debris, is sprayed across every tier during both the wash and rinse phases.

5. Clean Interior and Stylish Exterior Finish

The material inside your dishwasher impacts durability, noise reduction, and drying performance:

Stainless Steel Tub: A stainless steel interior retains heat longer, accelerating condensation drying while resisting stains, odors, and corrosion over decades of use.
Plastic Tub: Found in entry-level models, plastic tubs are lower in cost but tend to retain odors over time and do not dry dishes as efficiently.

For the exterior, the best stainless dishwasher models feature fingerprint-resistant finishes that resist smudges and wipe clean easily. Match your exterior door style (front controls with visible displays versus hidden top controls with pocket handles) to complement your overall kitchen design.

Spotlight Recommendation: KitchenAid 44 dBA Dishwasher

If you are evaluating options for the best dishwasher for the price, the KitchenAid 44 dBA Dishwasher with FreeFlex Third Rack stands out as a top performer for modern households.

This model operates at a whisper-quiet 44 dBA rating, making it ideal for open floor plans. Inside, the FreeFlex Third Rack provides dedicated space for cutlery and small bowls with built-in wash jets to clean deep items like measuring cups and spatulas.

It features the ProWash Sensor Cycle, which automatically adjusts cycle length and water temperature based on soil levels, combined with an Advanced Clean Water Wash System that uses continuous microfiltration throughout the wash and rinse phases. To ensure dishes come out completely dry, including plastics and stemware, the heated ProDry system uses circulating fans to pull moisture away.

Experience quiet, deep-cleaning performance in person: Visit your local Coburn’s Kitchen & Bath Showroom to test the FreeFlex Third Rack layout, compare sound levels on live display units, and speak with an appliance specialist to find the ideal KitchenAid model for your kitchen.

Find Your Nearest Coburn’s Showroom

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best dishwasher for drying dishes?

Models with a stainless steel tub paired with fan-assisted heating (like KitchenAid ProDry) perform best. The steel walls pull moisture away from dishes while circulating fans remove lingering condensation from glassware and plastics.

How long should a quality dishwasher last?

A quality dishwasher lasts 9 to 12 years with proper care. Regularly cleaning the filter screen and running monthly maintenance cycles will maximize its lifespan.

Is a third rack in a dishwasher worth it?

Yes. A third rack adds up to 30% more loading capacity for cutlery and large utensils, leaving the bottom rack open for cookware and dinnerware.

Find Your Ideal Dishwasher at Coburn’s Showroom

Choosing the right appliance comes down to matching cycle features, capacity, and exterior finish to your daily routine. Seeing these appliances operating in person makes it much easier to select the right fit for your home.

Visit your local Coburn’s Kitchen & Bath Showroom to explore working displays, test rack configurations, compare decibel levels, and receive expert guidance tailored to your kitchen design and budget.