Dishwashers remain one of the most practical upgrades a kitchen can gain, and in 2026 the range of sizes, features, and price points means they fit nearly every home. When they shop for a new dishwasher, readers benefit from understanding how noise level, tub material, capacity and drying performance affect daily life.
This guide highlights options that save time, cut energy use and reduce kitchen chores so that he, she or they can pick a model that matches space, budget and cleaning needs.
Top Picks
Category | Product | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
🏆 Best Overall | $874.99 | 88/100 | |
🎯 Best for Large Families | $849.99 | 86/100 | |
🚀 Best Auto-Dry | $849.99 | 72/100 | |
💰 Best Midrange Value | $667.28 | 80/100 | |
🔰 Best Smart Features | $649.99 | 84/100 | |
⭐ Best Family Favorite | $649.99 | 82/100 | |
💼 Best Compact Portable | $631.57 | 79/100 | |
🚗 Best Mobile Convenience | $635.31 | 77/100 | |
💵 Best Budget Portable | $599.99 | 75/100 |
How These Dishwashers Were Chosen
They evaluated models across the most impactful factors for everyday use: capacity to match household size, noise level for open-plan kitchens, stainless steel tubs for longevity, and drying performance to reduce hand‑drying. Energy and water efficiency were considered to help lower running costs, while special features such as sanitize cycles, auto‑open drying and leak detection were weighed for safety and convenience.
He, she or they also looked at installation type and portability so the guide suits apartments, family homes and mobile living spaces alike.
🏆 Best Overall
BLACK+DECKER Designer
They will find this dishwasher an easy daily upgrade that balances capacity, quiet operation and useful features. It fits a typical 24" opening, holds up to 14 place settings and keeps noise low enough for open kitchens.
For everyday use it handles plates, glassware and pots without fuss; for gatherings the larger load space and sanitize option make cleanup less stressful. Its stainless steel tub and touch controls give a modern feel while the Energy Star rating helps keep running costs reasonable.
When they want a reliable built‑in that simply gets the job done, this model is a practical pick.
Long-Term Cost Benefits
Energy Star certification and an efficient wash system help lower electricity and water bills over time. Durable materials and a stainless tub reduce the chance of corrosion or early replacement, cutting long‑term costs related to repairs or swaps.
Situational Benefits
Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
Small households and couples | They get full daily functionality without wasting water; a 14-place capacity means fewer runs when guests drop by. |
Families with children | Sanitize and heated dry help keep bottles and utensils hygienic, easing concerns about germs after messy meals. |
Open-plan kitchens | Low 45 dB noise level lets conversation continue while the dishwasher runs, reducing disruption during evenings. |
Hosts and occasional entertainers | Larger capacity and powerful cycles handle dinner party loads so they can focus on guests rather than piles of dishes. |
Time Savings
A variety of cycle options — including quick and smart wash modes — lets them choose faster programs for lightly soiled loads, while the 14-place capacity reduces the number of runs after busy nights.
Ease of Use
Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
Touch Controls | Easy |
Delay Start | Easy |
Cutlery Tray | Easy |
Installation (Built-In) | Moderate |
Maintenance
Monthly attention to the filter, door seal and hoses keeps performance and smell in check. Running a cleaning cycle periodically and wiping the interior after heavy, greasy loads prevents residue buildup.
Energy Efficiency
Energy Star certified with an annual energy consumption of 249 kWh per year, which helps lower electricity use compared with less efficient models.
Problem Solving
This dishwasher tackles common household needs: it cleans heavily soiled bakeware with heavier cycles, sanitizes baby items, and reduces hand‑drying with heated dry. Its quieter operation also solves the disruption issue in shared spaces.
Key Benefits
Quiet 45 dB operation for open living spaces
Stainless steel tub for durability and better drying
14-place capacity suits families and dinner parties
Energy Star certification reduces energy use
Sanitize and Heated Dry options improve hygiene
Current Price: $874.99
Rating: 4 (total: 1,381+)
🎯 Best for Large Families
Empava Built-In
They will appreciate this Empava when the household runs through lots of plates and cookware. It holds 15 place settings and has a third rack for utensils and small items, so daily loads are easier to organize and large meal cleanups fit into a single cycle. The auto door dry feature helps cut down on hand drying and the relatively quiet 49 dB operation keeps conversation audible in adjacent rooms.
For special occasions the adjustable racks and powerful cycles handle serving dishes and pots without extra scrubbing, making it a solid pick for busy families.
Long-Term Cost Benefits
Energy Star certification and an efficient wash system (about 220 kWh/year) can lower electricity costs versus older, less efficient models. Fewer cycles per week when fully loaded also saves water and detergent over time.
Situational Benefits
Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
Busy weeknight family dinners | They can load a full dinner service at once, so fewer cycles are needed and the kitchen is ready for the next meal. |
Entertaining guests | Adjustable racks and a large tub let them wash serving platters and multiple place settings in one go, speeding up post-party cleanup. |
Households with many utensils | The third rack offers a dedicated spot for cutlery and small items, keeping the main racks free for plates and bowls. |
Open-plan living spaces | At 49 dB the unit runs quietly enough to avoid interrupting conversation or TV in nearby rooms. |
Time Savings
A larger capacity and the quick wash and sensor options shorten the number of cycles and the time spent loading and unloading, while the auto door dry cuts hands-on drying time after a run.
Ease of Use
Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
Touch Controls | Moderate |
Adjustable Basket | Easy |
Third Rack | Easy |
Auto Door Dry | Easy |
Maintenance
Regularly cleaning the filter and wiping the door seal prevents odors and maintains performance. Running a cleaning cycle and checking hoses periodically will help avoid buildup and prolong the machine’s life.
Energy Efficiency
Energy Star certified with an annual energy consumption around 220 kWh, helping reduce electricity use compared with non-certified models.
Problem Solving
This dishwasher addresses common household pain points: it fits large loads to cut repeat cycles, offers a sanitize option for baby items, and the third rack makes utensil organization easier so wet items dry more evenly.
Key Benefits
15-place capacity reduces the number of runs after meals
Third rack frees space on lower racks for larger items
Auto door dry improves drying results and convenience
49 dB noise level is family-friendly for open layouts
Energy Star certification helps limit energy use
Current Price: $849.99
Rating: 5 (total: 4+)
🚀 Best Auto-Dry
Empava TopControl
They will find this Empava appealing when drying performance matters as much as wash power. The auto door dry (which slightly opens the door at cycle end) helps dishes come out drier without a heavy heating element, and the 15-place capacity handles family meals and weekend dinner parties in a single run.
Top controls give a clean, integrated look, and adjustable racks plus a third-row style layout make loading versatile for everyday plates, pots or serving platters. For anyone balancing busy nights and occasional entertaining, it feels like a practical, modern dishwasher that focuses on usable features.
Long-Term Cost Benefits
With Energy Star certification and roughly 220 kWh/year usage, this model can lower electricity bills compared with older units. Filling the 15-place tub for full loads also saves water and detergent over weeks and months.
Situational Benefits
Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
Busy family dinners | They can wash full place settings and serving dishes in one cycle, cutting the number of runs and saving time. |
Small gatherings and parties | Adjustable racks and roomy capacity let them fit platters and extra glasses without a second load. |
Households that dislike noisy appliances | At 49 dB the unit runs quietly enough to keep conversation going in nearby rooms. |
Rooms without powerful ventilation | The auto door dry releases steam and helps dry items without relying on intense heat, which can reduce lingering humidity. |
Time Savings
The larger capacity, quick wash options and a third rack for utensils reduce the number of cycles and the time spent loading and unloading. Auto door dry also cuts hands‑on drying time after each run.
Ease of Use
Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
Top Controls | Moderate |
Adjustable Basket | Easy |
Third Rack | Easy |
Auto Door Dry | Easy |
Maintenance
Routine care is straightforward: clean the filter, wipe the brushed finish to remove fingerprints, and run a cleaning cycle periodically. Checking hoses and door seals once in a while prevents leaks and keeps performance steady.
Energy Efficiency
ENERGY STAR certified with an annual energy consumption around 220 kWh, which makes it more efficient than many older built‑ins and helps reduce ongoing energy costs.
Problem Solving
This dishwasher solves common household needs by fitting big loads, offering flexible rack layouts and improving drying without heavy heating. Some users report the top controls need a firmer press, so that is worth noting when they set cycles.
Key Benefits
Auto door dry improves drying without extra energy for heating
15-place capacity reduces repeat cycles for large households
Third-row/adjustable racks maximize usable space
49 dB operation keeps noise low for open-plan homes
Energy Star certification helps limit running costs
Current Price: $849.99
Rating: 2.6 (total: 3+)
💰 Best Midrange Value
BLACK+DECKER 24
They will find this model hits a practical middle ground: roomy enough for everyday family use without the premium price tag. The 12-place capacity fits most weeknight loads and the stainless steel tub is a welcome durability boost that also helps with drying. Controls are simple to use and the preset cycles cover everything from delicate glassware to heavily soiled pots. It hums quietly enough to keep conversation going, and for anyone upgrading an older unit this dishwasher feels like an obvious, sensible step forward.
Long-Term Cost Benefits
Energy Star certification and efficient cycle options help reduce electricity and water use over time. A durable stainless tub lowers the risk of corrosion-related repairs, so they can expect fewer service calls and a longer useful life compared with cheaper alternatives.
Situational Benefits
Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
Small families or couples | They get enough capacity for nightly dishes without wasting water on half-empty cycles. |
Apartment replacements | Fits a standard 24" opening and provides modern features without a high upfront cost, making upgrades straightforward. |
Households that entertain occasionally | The 12-place capacity plus heavy and quick cycles let them handle extra plates after a dinner with friends. |
Open kitchens | At about 52 dB the unit stays unobtrusive, so conversations and TV are less likely to be disturbed. |
Time Savings
Quick and smart wash options plus a cutlery tray reduce loading and cycle count, so they spend less time running and emptying the machine over the week.
Ease of Use
Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
Touch Controls | Easy |
Delay Start | Easy |
Cutlery Tray | Easy |
Built-In Installation | Moderate |
Maintenance
Routine care includes clearing the filter, wiping the door seal and running a monthly cleaning cycle. Checking hoses and connections occasionally prevents leaks and keeps performance steady.
Energy Efficiency
ENERGY STAR certified with an annual energy consumption around 240 kWh per year, which helps lower electricity use compared with older, non-certified models.
Problem Solving
This dishwasher handles everyday messes and occasional heavy soiling with dedicated cycles, provides sanitize and heated dry options for hygiene, and reduces noise to keep the kitchen pleasant during use.
Key Benefits
Balanced price-to-performance for everyday households
Stainless steel tub improves durability and drying
6 versatile wash programs cover common needs
ENERGY STAR certified to reduce running costs
Relatively quiet at 52 dB for open kitchens
Current Price: $667.28
Rating: 4 (total: 1,381+)
🔰 Best Smart Features
Kenmore UltraWash
They will notice this dishwasher leans heavily into smarter wash cycles and protection features. SmartWash senses soil levels and adjusts water, temperature and time so routine loads are handled automatically, while UltraWash spray arms and a 3-stage filter aim to keep plates cleaner without extra pre-rinsing.
SmartDry uses condensation to finish drying and an express 50-minute cycle comes in handy on busy nights. For anyone who wants a reliable built‑in that reduces guesswork and guards against leaks, this Kenmore balances thoughtful automation with family-friendly capacity.
Long-Term Cost Benefits
Energy Star certification and efficient cycles lower electricity and water usage over time. Fewer repeat loads thanks to better cleaning and quick cycles can reduce detergent and water costs across the year.
Situational Benefits
Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
Busy households | They can use the express cycle for fast cleanups and rely on SmartWash so cycles adapt to heavily soiled pots without manual selection. |
Open-plan kitchens | At about 51 dB the machine stays reasonably quiet, letting conversations continue while dishes run. |
Those worried about water damage | Built-in leak detection monitors flow and drains the tub if an issue is sensed, reducing risk of accidental flooding. |
Families with varied loads | Adjustable racks and a 14-place capacity let them fit dinnerware, serving platters and cups in fewer cycles. |
Time Savings
Automation from SmartWash and the Express Cycle reduce the need to guess settings or run multiple cycles, so they spend less time managing the dishwasher and more time on other tasks.
Ease of Use
Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
SmartWash Auto Cycle | Easy |
Express 50-Minute Cycle | Easy |
Adjustable Rack System | Moderate |
Control Panel (Touch) | Easy |
Maintenance
They should clean the UltraWash filter periodically and wipe the stainless interior to prevent spots. Running a monthly dishwasher cleaner and checking hoses annually keeps performance reliable.
Energy Efficiency
ENERGY STAR certified with roughly 239 kWh/year, which helps lower energy use compared with older, non-certified models.
Problem Solving
This dishwasher solves common pain points by offering automated soil sensing, targeted spray coverage and leak protection, reducing the need for pre-rinsing and adding a layer of safety for busy kitchens.
Key Benefits
SmartWash soil sensing for automated cycle adjustments
UltraWash spray arms and 3-stage filter for thorough cleaning
SmartDry condensation drying reduces hand drying
Leak detect system helps protect the kitchen
Express 50-minute cycle for quick turnarounds
Current Price: $649.99
Rating: 4 (total: 48+)
⭐ Best Family Favorite
Kenmore White
They will notice this Kenmore is built around making kitchen life simpler. SmartWash senses how dirty the water is and tailors the cycle, UltraWash spray arms and a 3-stage filter keep dishes cleaner with less pre-rinsing, and the SmartDry condensation finish helps reduce hand drying. A 14-place capacity and an express 50-minute cycle make weekday loads and weekend gatherings easier to manage, while leak detection adds a layer of protection for busy households.
It suits families who want dependable cleaning with sensible safety and speed features.
Long-Term Cost Benefits
ENERGY STAR certification and efficient cycles help lower electricity and water use over time. Better cleaning on the first run means fewer repeat cycles, which reduces detergent and utility costs across the year.
Situational Benefits
Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
Daily family meals | They can load a full set of plates and glasses, rely on SmartWash for consistent cleaning, and use Express when time is tight. |
Hosting friends or holidays | A 14-place capacity and adjustable racks let them fit larger loads so cleanup after a dinner party usually fits in one cycle. |
Homes concerned about water damage | Built-in leak detection monitors flow and drains the tub if needed, helping reduce the risk of accidental flooding. |
Open-plan living | At about 51 dB the dishwasher runs quietly enough to keep conversation in adjacent rooms comfortable. |
Time Savings
Automation from SmartWash and the Express Cycle cut decision-making and total runtime, so they spend less time managing loads and more time on other tasks.
Ease of Use
Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
SmartWash Auto Cycle | Easy |
Express 50-Minute Cycle | Easy |
Adjustable Racks | Moderate |
Touch Controls | Easy |
Maintenance
They should clean the UltraWash filter periodically, wipe the stainless interior to prevent spots, and run a monthly cleaning cycle. Checking hoses and seals annually helps avoid leaks and keeps the machine running smoothly.
Energy Efficiency
ENERGY STAR certified with an annual energy consumption of about 239 kWh, which helps reduce running costs compared with older, non-certified dishwashers.
Problem Solving
This dishwasher handles a broad set of kitchen headaches: variable soil levels, tight schedules that need quick cycles, and the worry of unnoticed leaks. The combination of sensing, targeted spray coverage and leak protection makes it a practical choice for family kitchens.
Key Benefits
SmartWash auto-adjusts cycles so they don’t have to guess settings
UltraWash system and 3-stage filter improve cleaning results
SmartDry condensation drying reduces the need to towel-dry
Leak detection protects the kitchen from unseen water problems
Express 50-minute cycle for fast turnarounds when needed
Current Price: $649.99
Rating: 4 (total: 48+)
💼 Best Compact Portable
BLACK+DECKER BPD8B
They will find this compact dishwasher useful when space and flexibility matter. It fits on counters or rolls into place for apartments, dorms or RVs, and the Quick Connect assembly avoids permanent plumbing.
An LED display and multiple cycles cover everything from glassware to heavier pots, while a heated dry option helps reduce towel time. It runs quietly enough for small spaces, and although hoses need a little attention after draining, the overall experience makes cleanup much easier for single people and small households.
Long-Term Cost Benefits
ENERGY STAR certification and efficient cycles mean lower electricity and water use versus older appliances. Fewer hand‑washes and full loads help save detergent and water over time.
Situational Benefits
Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
Studio apartments and dorms | They get full dishwashing capability without built‑in installation, freeing up time and counter space. |
RVs and vacation homes | Portable setup and a small footprint make it simple to add a dishwasher where plumbing is limited. |
Couples or singles who cook nightly | An 8-place capacity handles everyday plates and glasses so they can run one efficient load a day. |
Households that prefer quiet appliances | At about 45 dB the unit operates discreetly, so it won’t dominate conversation or sleep times nearby. |
Time Savings
Quick Connect setup, multiple cycle choices and the heated dry option reduce hands‑on work and speed up turnaround for daily meals and small gatherings.
Ease of Use
Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
Quick Connect Faucet Hookup | Easy |
LED Display / Controls | Easy |
Loading & Rack Layout | Moderate |
Drain Hose Handling | Moderate |
Maintenance
They should clear the filter periodically, drain and store hoses after use to avoid spills, and run a cleaning cycle to prevent odors. Checking the inlet and drain connections regularly reduces the chance of leaks.
Energy Efficiency
ENERGY STAR certified with listed annual consumption around 265 kWh, which helps keep operating costs lower than many older portable units.
Problem Solving
This portable dishwasher solves the need for a full wash cycle in homes without built‑in plumbing. It cleans everyday dishes well, handles small loads efficiently and keeps noise low, though hose draining and occasional setup tweaks are part of the routine.
Key Benefits
Compact 18" footprint fits tight counters and small kitchens
Quick Connect faucet hookup avoids permanent installation
8-place capacity suits two‑person households
Heated dry reduces hand‑drying time
Quiet 45 dB operation keeps noise low during cycles
Current Price: $631.57
Rating: 3.9 (total: 148+)
🚗 Best Mobile Convenience
BLACK+DECKER BPD8W
They will like this portable dishwasher when mobility and simplicity matter. It rolls on casters for easy storage, hooks to a faucet without permanent plumbing, and still fits eight place settings—handy for apartments, RVs or spare-kitchen situations.
The LED display and six cycle options cover everyday rinsing through heavier loads, while heated dry helps reduce towel time. Setup can take a couple of tweaks with the hoses, but once it's in place it makes daily cleanup much more manageable and flexible.
Long-Term Cost Benefits
ENERGY STAR certification and efficient cycles help lower electricity and water bills compared with older portable units. Running full loads and avoiding hand‑washing also reduces detergent and water usage over time.
Situational Benefits
Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
Studio apartments and dorms | They get a full dishwasher without remodeling, saving time and freeing up hands after meals. |
RVs and vacation homes | The compact footprint and faucet hookup make it simple to add washing capability where plumbing is limited. |
Temporary kitchens or short-term rentals | Mobility on wheels and quick setup let them bring dishwashing wherever it's needed. |
Couples who cook regularly | An 8-place capacity handles nightly dishes so they can run one efficient load a day. |
Time Savings
Quick Connect setup and an efficient load layout reduce hands‑on time. Multiple cycle choices and heated dry cut the need for pre-rinsing and towel drying, speeding turnaround between meals.
Ease of Use
Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
Quick Connect Faucet Hookup | Easy |
Casters and Mobility | Easy |
LED Display / Controls | Easy |
Drain Hose Handling | Moderate |
Maintenance
They should clear the filter regularly, drain hoses after each use to avoid spills, and run a monthly cleaning cycle. Inspecting connections and wheels occasionally keeps the unit reliable.
Energy Efficiency
ENERGY STAR certified with listed annual consumption around 265 kWh, which helps keep operating costs lower than older portable models.
Problem Solving
This dishwasher solves the need for a full wash cycle in spaces without built‑in plumbing. It cleans a reasonable load, reduces hand washing and offers a portable option when moving or reconfiguring kitchen space.
Key Benefits
Portable on casters for easy moving and storage
Quick Connect faucet hookup avoids permanent installation
8-place capacity suits couples and small households
Heated dry reduces the need for hand drying
LED display and multiple cycles for flexible cleaning
Current Price: $635.31
Rating: 3.7 (total: 90+)
💵 Best Budget Portable
Hamilton Beach
They will find this Hamilton Beach useful when space and budget are tight but a real dishwasher is needed. It rolls into place, hooks to a faucet and handles everyday plates, bowls and cups without a full kitchen retrofit. For busy weeknights it cleans reliably on Normal or Quick cycles, and for weekend guests the heavier setting tackles stuck‑on food.
The straightforward controls and roomy interior make it feel like a true countertop upgrade for apartments, vacation homes or temporary kitchens.
Long-Term Cost Benefits
With ENERGY STAR certification and listed annual consumption around 200 kWh, this model keeps ongoing energy costs lower than many older portable units. Efficient cycles and modest water use (about 3.1 gallons per hour) also reduce detergent and water expenses over time.
Situational Benefits
Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
Apartment or small kitchen | They gain dishwasher convenience without remodeling or plumbing work, freeing up time usually spent hand washing. |
Vacation homes and rentals | A portable unit on wheels adds full wash capability where permanent installation isn’t possible. |
Couples or singles who cook regularly | An 8-place capacity handles nightly loads so they can run one efficient cycle a day. |
Budget-conscious buyers | Lower purchase price and reasonable operating costs deliver dishwasher convenience without a large investment. |
Time Savings
Quick Wash and other preset cycles speed up turnover between meals, while the freestanding design means they can start a load without waiting for installation, saving setup and hands‑on drying time.
Ease of Use
Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
Quick Connect Faucet Hookup | Easy |
Casters and Mobility | Easy |
Push Button Controls | Easy |
Drain Hose Handling | Moderate |
Maintenance
Routine upkeep is simple: clear the filter, wipe the interior, and drain hoses after each use to avoid spills. Running a monthly cleaning cycle and checking connections periodically keeps performance steady.
Energy Efficiency
ENERGY STAR certified with an approximate annual energy use of 200 kWh, which helps reduce electricity bills compared with older or non‑certified portable washers.
Problem Solving
This dishwasher addresses the common problem of lacking built‑in plumbing by offering a faucet hookup and mobility. It reduces time spent hand washing, handles moderate loads efficiently, and provides a practical wash solution for transient living situations.
Key Benefits
Compact freestanding design that fits most counters
8-place capacity suitable for couples and small households
Multiple cycles from quick wash to heavy soils
Wheels make it easy to store when not in use
Lower upfront cost than built-in machines
Current Price: $599.99
Rating: 4.1 (total: 427+)
⭐ Best Family Favorite
Kenmore 22-14582
They will find this Kenmore useful when reliability and simple automation matter most. SmartWash takes the guesswork out of cycle selection, UltraWash spray coverage and a 3-stage filter aim to keep dishes cleaner on the first run, and SmartDry helps reduce towel time. The 14-place capacity and an express 50-minute option make weeknight loads and weekend gatherings manageable, while leak detection offers extra peace of mind in family kitchens.
Long-Term Cost Benefits
ENERGY STAR certification and efficient cleaning reduce electricity and water use over time. Fewer repeat cycles thanks to better first-pass cleaning also lowers detergent and water bills across the year.
Situational Benefits
Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
Busy weeknights | They can run the express cycle for a full load in around 50 minutes, cutting wait time between meals. |
Families with mixed loads | SmartWash adapts to soil levels so pots, plates and glasses get appropriate cleaning without manual guessing. |
Homes prone to plumbing issues | Built-in leak detection monitors flow and drains the tub if a problem is sensed, reducing the risk of unnoticed damage. |
Entertaining guests | A 14-place capacity and adjustable racks let them fit more serving pieces so cleanup usually fits in one cycle. |
Time Savings
Automation from SmartWash and the Express Cycle cut decision time and shorten overall runtimes, so they spend less time managing the dishwasher and more time on other tasks.
Ease of Use
Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
SmartWash Auto Cycle | Easy |
Express 50-Minute Cycle | Easy |
Adjustable Racks | Moderate |
Leak Detect System | Easy |
Maintenance
They should clean the filter regularly, wipe the stainless interior to prevent water spots, and run a monthly cleaning cycle. Inspecting hoses and seals periodically helps avoid leaks and maintain performance.
Energy Efficiency
ENERGY STAR certified with an approximate annual energy consumption of 239 kWh, which helps keep running costs lower than many older, non‑certified models.
Problem Solving
This dishwasher addresses common household issues by adjusting cycles to soil level, providing targeted spray coverage and offering leak protection. It reduces the need for pre-rinsing and handles both daily loads and larger gatherings with fewer repeat cycles.
Key Benefits
SmartWash soil sensing that auto-adjusts cycles
UltraWash spray system and 3-stage filter for thorough cleaning
SmartDry condensation drying to reduce hand drying
Leak detection to help protect floors and cabinets
Express 50-minute cycle for faster turnarounds
Current Price: $599.99
Rating: 3.6 (total: 158+)
FAQ
Which Dishwasher Size Should They Choose?
They should match capacity to household habits. For two people or small kitchens, an 18" portable or countertop model with about 8 place settings fits tight spaces and avoids installation; examples in this guide sit around $631.57 to $635.31 for portable units.
For most families a 24" built‑in with 14–15 place settings is the practical standard, reducing the number of runs per week and fitting standard cabinets; built‑ins in this roundup are typically in the $600–$900 range. When they plan frequent entertaining, a 15‑place tub or models with a third rack will make large loads easier to manage.
Are Built-In And Portable Dishwashers Different In Performance?
They often perform similarly on basic cleaning, but built‑ins usually offer larger capacity, quieter operation and more advanced drying or protection features. Built‑ins in this selection report noise levels in the mid‑40s to low‑50s decibels and options like heated dry, sanitize modes or leak detection, while portables trade a bit of noise and hose handling for mobility. Energy use varies by model, so looking for Energy Star rated machines (some models list annual consumption around 220–249 kWh) helps them compare running costs rather than just sticker price.
How Can They Avoid Common Problems And Keep A Dishwasher Working Well?
They should follow a few steady habits: clean the filter and wipe door seals monthly, check hoses and connections for tightness to prevent leaks, and run a cleaning cycle now and then to avoid residue. Load dishes so spray arms are unobstructed and avoid overfilling; most modern cycles work well with minimal pre‑rinsing. For portable units, draining hoses fully after each run prevents water on floors.
When buying, they should also read reviews about installation and service history, and consider models with leak detection or straightforward maintenance to reduce headaches later.
What Customers Prefer
They prioritize capacity, drying performance and noise; households that need larger loads often lean toward the Empava 15‑place models for the third rack and auto‑door dry, while those wanting a quiet, well‑rounded built‑in choose the BLACK+DECKER Designer for its stainless steel tub and balanced feature set. They also weigh energy efficiency, intuitive controls and long‑term value, favoring machines that reduce repeat cycles and hands‑on drying.
Wrapping Up
Overall, the right dishwasher depends on priorities: capacity and a stainless steel tub matter most for larger households, while compact and portable models win for apartments and RV life. Review trends show that reliable installation, filter maintenance and occasional cleaning determine long‑term satisfaction, and that drying performance and noise level shape daily convenience. If they want a versatile built‑in with strong wash cycles and low noise, the BLACK+DECKER Designer ranks highly.
For those who need maximum capacity and an auto‑dry feature at a competitive price, Empava’s 24‑inch offerings are compelling. Portable options from BLACK+DECKER and Hamilton Beach suit those who value mobility and simple faucet hookups. He, she or they should match chosen features to kitchen size, plan for routine filter care and expect that small tradeoffs in price will affect noise, drying and smart features when selecting a 2026 dishwasher.
Product Name | Image | Rating | Price | Capacity | Noise Level | Special Highlights | Energy Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BLACK+DECKER 24" Designer Series Built-In Dishwasher | | 4.0/5 (1,381 reviews) | $874.99 | 14 place settings | 45 Decibels |
| 249 Kilowatt Hours Per Year |
Empava 24” Built-in Dishwasher | | 5.0/5 (4 reviews) | $849.99 | 15 place settings | 49 Decibels |
| 220 Kilowatt Hours Per Year |
BLACK+DECKER 24" Built-In Dishwasher, 12-Place Setting Capacity | | 4.0/5 (1,381 reviews) | $667.28 | 12 place settings | 52 Decibels |
| 240 Kilowatt Hours Per Year |
Kenmore 24" Built-In Dishwasher - UltraWash | | 4.0/5 (48 reviews) | $649.99 | 14 place settings | 51 Decibels |
| 239 Kilowatt Hours Per Year |
