Do you need a new dishwasher?  If so, you may be thinking about what color matches your kitchen, what features you want and cost effectiveness.  Having to choose the type of dishwasher you buy may not even have crossed your mind. After all, dishwashers come in a standard size that fits snugly underneath a countertop, right? Well, you might be surprised to find out how many versatile design options are available.  Here are the different types of dishwashers offered by most major manufacturers.

Standard Under-counter Dishwashers
Because of their convenience, wide availability, and reasonable prices these have remained the most popular dishwasher type. The standard size is 24 inches, but they also come in a more compact 18-inch size. They do require a plumbing installation if you do not already have one. Once they are installed the dishwasher stays permanently connected.  These machines do not affect the amount of floor or counter space you have when working in the kitchen.

So if built-in dishwashers are so convenient, why might they be the wrong choice for some consumers? Well, if you live in an apartment or have a very small kitchen, a built-in dishwasher might use up valuable storage space. Also, if you do not already have a space cut beneath the counter, there is an additional expense.

Portable Dishwashers
The primary advantage of portable dishwashers is their versatility. They are on wheels, so they can easily be moved around and stored anywhere in your kitchen. If you have an older kitchen that does not have dishwasher space under the counter, you can avoid the expense of remodeling.

There are a couple of reasons why a portable dishwasher is not as convenient as the built-in design. It works by connecting to your sink, so you cannot use the sink for other purposes while it is running. During the wash cycle it may also be inconvenient to have to walk around the machine.

Drawer Dishwashers
Instead of a single tub, this newer design has two separate drawers. Each drawer can be loaded and washed on different wash cycles.  This is very convenient if you want to separate delicate china from pans that need heavy washing. This also allows you to wash a smaller load without wasting water.  The drawers themselves can act as storage space since you can leave clean dishes in one drawer and dirty dishes in the other.

The main disadvantage of the drawer dishwasher is its capacity. Since it is divided into two smaller tubs, it may not be able to accommodate oversized dishes. Drawer dishwashers are also not best for someone on a tight budget because they are typically more expensive than standard dishwashers.

Countertop Dishwashers
Countertop dishwashers fit right on your countertop or table. They can be quickly connected to your faucet with a hose.  They are much smaller than standard dishwashers and are ideal for someone who has limited space, does very little cooking, or has very few dishes to wash. One big advantage of such machines is their low price. If you are on a tight budget, and do not need the extra capacity, this may be the dishwasher for you.

A countertop dishwasher will probably not work if you need a lot of free counter space. Another disadvantage is that these dishwashers are not large enough to clean pots or anything larger than standard dinner plates. Using this type of dishwasher might also take extra time because many models do not include a dry cycle.

As you can see, dishwashers can vary considerably in their design as well as their features. Let our design team at Westside Remodeling help you decide on the best option for your needs. https://westsideremodeling.com