In the crowded field of built-in dishwashers, it is increasingly difficult for a model to stand out from the crowd. To this end, manufacturers of these products constantly add new features. They look for ideas that will wow the audience and edge out the competition. Companies always compete as they use novel ways to harness the ever-growing number of new technologies. As a result, the market is quickly filling up with new, unusual and more effective ways to get your dishes clean.

Navigating the myriad dishwasher selections can be a confusing course. To help narrow your selections, Consumer Guide has selected a few products that stand out from the crowd -- either for their unusual features, innovative technology or outstanding value. The variety of our choices cuts a wide path through available options and budgets, providing a list of built-in dishwashers that effectively clean dishes.


Fisher & Paykel DD605

Fisher & Paykel's DD605 sports the manufacturer's popular DoubleDrawer feature. Like all of the DoubleDrawer models, the drawers on this unit operate as two separate dishwashers -- each drawer working independently of the other. This is significant for two major reasons. First, smaller loads can be easily accommodated in just one drawer, cutting down on energy and water consumption. The other major benefit of the DoubleDrawer system is that you can wash two totally different types of loads simultaneously without sacrificing cleanliness or special care for different types of dishes or stemware. We find this feature to be quite useful and efficient.


Fisher & Paykel DD605
Fisher & Paykel DD605


Bosch Evolution SHE98MO5UC

Those who wish to bring their commitment to a greener lifestyle into the kitchen should take a look at Bosch's Evolution SHE98MOUC dishwasher. While commanding a high price, this Bosch model is likely to ring up significant savings in energy and water costs over time. One of a number of the company's new energy-efficient models, the SHE98MOUC consumes about the same amount of energy as a dishwasher half its size. The best news is that the overall reduced energy usage of this dishwasher doesn't result in any sacrifice of features. It offers nine cycles, holds 14 place settings and above all, with a rating of 42dB, it's quiet.


Kenmore 13743

The Kenmore 13743 built-in dishwasher packs a powerful punch at a moderate price. With an attractive appearance and impressive cleaning capabilities, this model is among the top-rated in the industry. We at Consumer Guide especially like the TurboZone located in the back of the bottom rack. This area of powerful cleaning is the perfect place to wash the most heavily soiled and baked-on dishes. Rotating jets in this area literally blast the dirt away, removing even the most stubborn stains. The Kenmore 13743 can clean simple dinnerware and food encrusted casserole pans, making it a great dishwasher.


Asko D3232XLFI

You know Asko stands behind the D3232XLFI dishwasher -- and all their dishwashers -- when they offer an incredibly impressive 3-year warranty. Perhaps one of the reasons they are so confident in this product is that every unit is individually tested before it leaves the factory. This process drives the cost up, but also greatly lessens the initial failure rate. We also applaud this dishwasher as an excellent, energy-efficient selection in a European model that sells for less than $1000. Its energy usage is among the most conservative on the market. The drying program utilizes a turbo-driven fan to take efficient advantage of the steam produced during the wash cycle.


LG Electronics LDF9810

The LG Electronics LDF9810 dishwasher offers the new and somewhat trendy steam technology for cleaning. First used in washers, this technology is now cropping up all over the appliance industry. Designed to substitute the traditional power of scrubbing, steam cleaning is gentle yet effective. And steam isn't the only unique feature of this LG model. The LED interior lighting is a feature that you wish you'd find in every dishwasher. The tub lights brighten the interior so you can see all the items. The lights also help you notice any spots on your dishes that might not have been thoroughly cleaned, so you can correct the problem before you put those dishes away.



Amana ADB2500

Amana's ADB2500 dishwasher is positive proof that not all well-equipped appliances come with an exorbitantly high price tag. This model comes with lots of appealing features that you'd expect to find in higher-ticket items. It offers electronic controls and features a tall tub design that can handle an above-average amount of dishes. Designed with efficiency in mind, this dishwasher offers a delay start so you can run it when energy costs are lower. A sensor feature also assesses the level of soil on your dishes in order to monitor the amount of water and energy required. Available in up-to-the-minute stainless steel, this dishwasher is also available in the more traditional white, black or bisque colors.