How to Choose a Dishwasher | Match the Machine to Your Kitchen

Most full-size dishwashers are about 24 inches wide and 24 inches deep, with 18-inch-wide compacts available for smaller kitchens. The right purchase starts in your kitchen, not the showroom — measure first, then compare features against how your household actually cooks.

Measure the Space First

The most expensive mistake shoppers make is buying before measuring. A typical standard dishwasher is 24 inches wide, 35 inches high, and 24 inches deep, but even standard units differ slightly between brands.

Take three measurements of the cabinet opening:

• Width: measure at the top and bottom of the opening, then use the smaller number.
• Height: measure from the floor to the countertop in multiple spots and use the smallest number.
• Depth: measure the opening and confirm the door can swing fully open without hitting an island or wall.

Account for the leveling feet under the machine, which need clearance to adjust. Bring these numbers — not guesses — to every comparison you make.

Match Capacity and Type to Your Household

A compact dishwasher suits someone living alone or with one partner or roommate. A standard dishwasher is the better fit for families of three or more who cook frequently and run full loads.

Beyond household size, think about what you actually wash:

• If you cook often and pile in large pots, pans, and baking dishes, you need the space standard racks provide.
• If you run small loads most days, look for a machine with a half-load or quick-wash program instead of downsizing capacity.
• If you own oversized bowls or casserole dishes, check for a height-adjustable upper rack or fold-down tines on the bottom rack.

Slide racks in and out in the store when you can — sturdiness, smoothness, and adjustability are worth testing by hand.

Compare Noise, Efficiency, and Tub Material

Three specifications separate a good dishwasher from a frustrating one: decibel rating, energy certification, and tub construction.

Compare the dishwasher’s decibel (dBA) rating when judging noise — lower numbers mean quieter operation. Look for ENERGY STAR certification to keep water and power bills down over the machine’s lifespan. On tub material, buyers choose between plastic and stainless steel; stainless runs quieter, resists stains and odors, and handles high-temp sanitize cycles.

Useful Cycles and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common features worth considering include delayed wash, quick wash, sanitize, and wash programs for different load types.

Avoid these common missteps:

• Buying before measuring the cabinet opening, including door clearance and leveling-foot space.
• Choosing features you won’t use, which adds cost without adding value.
• Ignoring rack layout, then discovering large dishes don’t fit.
• Focusing only on the sticker price and overlooking noise, energy use, and load flexibility.
• Assuming all standard dishwashers share identical dimensions — they don’t.

Verify all of this against local code and the appliance’s installation manual before purchase.

When you’ve narrowed your options by size and features, our roundup of economical dishwashers worth your money compares value picks that balance price and performance. Consumer Reports’ dishwasher buying guide remains the reference for independent testing and reliability data.

FAQs

Should I prioritize a quiet dishwasher or an efficient one?

Prioritize efficiency first if you run cycles daily, since ENERGY STAR savings compound every load. Choose quiet operation when your dishwasher sits near living or sleeping areas. Many mid-range models deliver both, so compare dBA ratings and energy certifications side by side before deciding.

Can I replace an 18-inch dishwasher with a 24-inch model?

Only if the cabinet opening allows it. The 24-inch opening width is a hard physical constraint, and widening a cabinet is a significant remodel. If your opening is 18 inches, shop compact models designed for that width rather than assuming you can upgrade.

Is stainless steel worth the higher price over plastic tubs?

For most buyers, yes. Stainless steel tubs hold heat better, dry dishes more effectively, resist odors and stains, and dampen noise. Plastic tubs cost less upfront, but they can absorb odors over time and may not handle high-temperature sanitize cycles as well.