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Updated on August 20, 2024

Buying guide

How to Choose the Right Dishwasher for Your Kitchen

Choosing a dishwasher is an important decision. In addition to its practicality and its water and energy consumption, your dishwasher should match your kitchen decor and fit seamlessly into your available space. Read our buying guide to find the right model for you!

Dishwashers: A Staple in Any Kitchen

These days, a dishwasher is considered essential in any kitchen. Since it will probably be used several times a week, you not only want a high-performance machine that washes well, but also one that does not consume too much water or electricity, and is quiet. In addition, replacing your dishwasher is a good opportunity to upgrade to smart technologies. Keep reading to learn more!

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Types and Styles of Dishwashers

There are 3 different types of dishwashers available on the market. A wide range of looks and finishes exist, but we recommend fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, which is perfect for families!

Built-in Dishwashers

The built-in dishwasher is the most common model. It is designed to be placed under a work surface designed for this purpose. It usually has a front control panel and a recessed handle. In some cases, controls are located at the top edge of the door and are therefore hidden when the dishwasher is closed.

Portable Dishwashers

Perfect for small spaces, portable dishwashers do not require a permanent connection to your home's plumbing. They are equipped with wheels and can easily be moved and connected to the faucet when needed.

Compact Dishwashers

Compact dishwashers are also perfect for small spaces. Since they are built-in, they free up valuable kitchen space without compromising on efficiency or available wash types.

Drawing explaining how to measure available space for a dishwasher

How to Measure for a New Dishwasher

The dimensions of a dishwasher are determined by the size of the opening where it will be installed, not the dimensions of the dishwasher itself. Therefore, the width and height of the chosen dishwasher should be slightly less than the dimensions of the opening. Also, make sure to leave at least 27" of clearance in front of the dishwasher, so that you can open the door fully when loading and unloading.

Consult the table below before making your choice:

	Width	Depth	Height	Capacity
Standard	About 24"	About 25"	34-36"	8+ place settings
Compact	About 18"	23-25"	34-36"	Less than 8 place settings
Family				14-16 place settings

Note: Measurements are for information purposes only. Refer to the manufacturer's guide for the exact measurements of the appliance of your choice.

Pro Tip

Some models offer levelling feet that can be adjusted to match the height of the countertop.

Additional Dishwasher Features to Look Out For

Today’s dishwashers come with many options such as custom cycles and adjustable baskets.

Sensors

Sensors detect the temperature and dirtiness of the water, and adjust the cycle with each wash to ensure your dishes come out sparkling clean.

Adjustable Baskets

The height and compartments of this type of basket can be adjusted according to the type of dishes, cutlery, and glassware you wish to clean, allowing for optimal loading. Some higher-end models also have a third basket, which can be very handy.

Custom Cycles

Your dishwasher should offer different cycles to fit your needs. For example, the delicate cycle is suitable for fragile items, while the quick wash cycle will allow you to clean lightly soiled dishes more quickly.

Sound Level

Since it is intended for daily use, your dishwasher should be as quiet as possible. A standard unit will generally produce more than 56 decibels, while more discreet models will produce less than 40 decibels. The noise level of a dishwasher depends on its insulation, the inclusion of a disposer, and the materials used in the machine. But as a general rule, higher quality machines will make less noise than cheaper models.

Chopper vs. Filter

There are dishwashers with a chopper/disposer, and others with a standard filter. The models with a disposer are usually a little noisier, but they require less maintenance and are less likely to smell, as there is no filter to clean.

Pro Tip

Still having a hard time choosing? When you see a model you like, scroll down to the Reviews section. You will be able to read the comments of our other customers!

Eco and Energy Star logos

Environmental Footprint

When choosing your new dishwasher, you should consider its water and energy consumption. In addition to being environmentally friendly, energy-efficient dishwashers—such as ENERGY STAR® certified models that use less water and energy—can help you reduce your utility bills. ENERGY STAR® certified dishwashers use up to 12% less energy and 30% less water than a non-certified appliance.

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Smart dish washer

Discover Smart Technology

Smart dishwashers are specially designed to make life easier for its users. Often compatible with a smartphone, some even allow you to download new wash cycles or receive troubleshooting solutions if you have problems with the unit. Others are equipped with sensors to detect potential water leaks, or the number of items to be washed to adapt the wash cycle accordingly.

Did You Know?

Have your new dishwasher delivered and we will pick up your old one for free! With this safe and convenient service, you don’t have to haul your old appliance to an ecocentre.

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