Dishwashers have become a staple in the modern kitchen, as they provide an essential service that humans have previously been unable to do – wash dishes efficiently and quickly. What once was a tedious and difficult process now takes a matter of minutes, meaning even the busiest of kitchens can stay clean without sacrificing hours of time. Dishwashers also offer a hygienic advantage to handwashing, as water temperatures are typically hotter in the latter, killing germs and bacteria that may be lingering on dirty dishes. As a result, dishwashers are no longer a luxury but a necessity for many households.
Built-in Dishwashers
Built-in dishwashers are a popular type of kitchen appliance, with their articles becoming more and more customizable. These dishwashers have a sleek look and fit seamlessly around the kitchen cabinets and counters, saving precious kitchen real estate. They generally have several wash cycles to choose from, ranging from economy to heavy settings depending on how dirty the dishes are. What’s impressive is that the internal plumbing of a built-in dishwasher will usually hook up to a kitchen faucet, negating the need for external plumbing – a feature only found in this kind of dishwasher.
Countertop Dishwashers
Countertop dishwashers offer an alternative to the built-in variant, as they take up very little counter space and can easily be stowed away when they’re not being used. They tend to be cheaper than larger models, and perhaps of greater import, easier to install. Many countertop dishwashers come with their own inlet hose and drain hose, meaning you don’t need to take out your kitchen sink or tap into a water line like with a standard dishwasher. They also sport lower water capacities and take up less energy, meaning they’re both cost-effective and eco-friendly.
Undercounter Dishwashers
Undercounter dishwashers are similar to their built-in counterparts in that they fit directly inside the kitchen’s cabinetry, as opposed to sitting on the kitchen countertop. These models are usually larger than countertop dishwashers, and they too usually come with their own inlet and drain hoses. The engineering behind these dishwashers makes for efficient use of space with their shallow designs, meaning you can fit more mealware in than with regular countertop models. Plus, they come equipped with deep-cleaning abilities and superior energy efficiency.
Portable Dishwashers
If you don’t have the budget nor the desire to install a built-in or countertop model, a portable dishwasher might just be the item you’re looking for. These dishwashers are usually on wheels, small enough to fit just about anywhere, and often take up less than two feet of floor space. They have their own built-in pump, meaning setup takes 10 minutes or less and doesn’t require you to tap into a water line or remove your kitchen sink. Portable dishwashers are perfect for small households, or families that move frequently.
Convertible Dishwashers
Convertible dishwashers are an all-in-one solution that typically offers definitive flexibility. It allows the user to choose either a built-in, countertop, or portable option in the same dishwasher. Consequently, these dishwashers can be used in a variety of kitchens, as no two kitchens’ layouts are the same. Convertible dishwashers tend to have higher water and energy consumption than standard dishwasher models, but their multi-functional quality and customizable design make them worth it.
High-efficiency Dishwashers
High-efficiency dishwashers are more energy-efficient than other dishwasher models by up to a third. They boast a variety of features, such as steam cleaning, sensors that can detect if the water needs more or less, and thrifty water cycles. Food waste disposers are a standard element in these appliances, meaning leftovers will be ground up instead of clogging up the drainage. High-efficiency dishwashers operate with less water, making them perfect for households that lack plumbing.
Dishwashers have come a long way since their initial launch, evolving to fit the needs for modern lifestyles and kitchens. The variety of models available today is astounding, and range from built-in to convertible to high-efficiency dishwashers, all of which operate with much better efficiency and energy than past models. Not only are dishwashers now essential items in the kitchen, but they also provide the peace of mind that dishes are being washed in a hygienic environment, making them a kitchen appliance of practicality, convenience, and necessity.
