The Best Dishwashers of 2012

Size Comes First

Typically, a kitchen dishwasher will fit a 24-inch space under the kitchen counter and has a hot water pipe, drain, and electrical wiring to hook up. While this is the most common, this is not the only size out there. There are designer drawer dishwashers that are typically more expensive, but they are also sleek, compact, and allow for separate washing cycles. The drawback is that consumers have found this individual style does not clean as effectively as the larger group wash. There are compact and even portable dishwashers as well, starting at $400 for those who have smaller living spaces. But when most people purchase a dishwasher, they are selecting the standard built-in model.

The Best of the Built-Ins

New federal standards have resulted in more efficient machines, so a brand-new dishwasher could end up saving you far more money than keeping your old one. The two most impressive models are the Samsung DMT800RHS and the GE GDWT160RSS.

Samsung

The Samsung edges out the GE just barely, because it has a concealed heating element and is the quietest model on the market. Retailing for $899, it also comes at a better price than the GE. There is even an Energy Star rebate for purchasing this more energy efficient device. The stainless steel exterior hides controls from the casual viewer who can select between six different washing modes. The tall tub capacity is very helpful for the entertainer who likes to use wine glasses. The cycles range from heavy duty to delicate, so you can even wash your fine china. Best of all, the dishwasher polices itself. If there is a loss of even 1.5 ounces of water during a wash, the dishwasher detects the leak and immediately shuts off.

GE

The GE is close to the Samsung in ratings, and it only loses points because it does not have a concealed heating element. This makes it slightly less attractive. However, it is nearly as whisper quiet as the Samsung, is impressively large, and can be found for $1,104.99. If you have a big family, or you entertain frequently, you will adore the huge capacity of the GE GDWT160RSS. You can fit up to 16 five-piece dish sets in the tub. The self-cleaning water filtration is also remarkable. This is the best combination of size and energy efficiency on the market, with all the features you could ever need.

Bosch

Trailing just barely behind these other two prizewinners is the Bosch SHE6AP05UC, which doesn’t have all the features of the other two dishwashers. On the other hand, it only costs $469. The energy efficiency on this model is noteworthy, costing only $32 to operate a year. With a quiet operational noise level and deep drawers, this is the perfect investment for the budget-conscious.