Top 5 Dishwashers: Your Essential Buying Guide

Does the thought of a sparkling clean kitchen after every meal sound like a dream? For many of us, that dream hinges on one hardworking appliance: the dishwasher. But navigating the world of dishwashers in 2020 felt like a maze! So many features, so many brands—it was easy to feel overwhelmed and worried about picking the wrong one.

Choosing the right dishwasher today means more than just getting dishes clean. You want energy efficiency, quiet operation, and racks that actually fit your awkwardly shaped pots. Making the wrong choice leads to wasted money and endless frustration over soggy leftovers stuck to your plates. We understand those pain points!

This detailed guide cuts through the noise. By the time you finish reading, you will know exactly which features matter most for your home. We break down the best models, the latest innovations, and what you need to look for before spending a dime.

Ready to ditch the hand-washing and upgrade your culinary cleanup routine? Let’s dive into the ultimate guide for Dishwasher 2020!

Top Dishwasher 2020 Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1
Honeywell 18-Inch Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings, 6 Washing Programs, Stainless Steel Tub, UL & Energy Star Certified, Stainless Finish
  • 8 PLACE SETTINGS: Racks are suitable to fit 8 place settings of dishes. There are 2 racks with a removable cutlery basket.
  • MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS: There are 6 washing programs to choose from- heavy, normal, eco, glass, rapid, and rinse.
  • DURABLE TUB: The tub is made of stainless steel for better efficiency performance.
  • ENERGY STAR: Low energy consumption according to Energy Star standards.
  • TIMER: Up to 24 hour delay start for you added convenience.
Bestseller No. 2
Zeroll 2020 Universal Standard Length EZ Disher Food Portion Control Scoop Designed for Right or Left Hand Use Dishwasher Safe NSF Approved, 2 1/8-Inch, Yellow
  • ERGONOMIC DESIGN Ergonomically Designed to reduce repetitive use fatigue New lighter-weight design supports easy use for long periods of time and plastic gear to promote smooth operation
  • DELIVER ACCURATE PORTIONS Color Coded Handle helps ensure easy size identification when selecting serving amounts of mashed potatoes steamed vegetables yogurt cookie dough and other soft foods
  • SCOOPING MADE EASY The easy-to-use one-piece design has no springs to replace and is designed for right or left-hand use
  • CREATING THE BEST SCOOP Color-coded for easy identification Yellow handle Size 20 2 1/8-Inch / 1 77oz Bowl 8 11/16-Inch Overall Length
  • NSF Approved Dishwasher-Safe
Bestseller No. 3
Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher with 8 Place settings, 6 Washing Programs, Stainless Steel Tub, UL/Energy Star- White
  • 8 PLACE SETTINGS: Racks are suitable to fit 8 place settings of dishes. There is a top cutlery rack and 2 other racks with a large removable cutlery basket.
  • MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS: There are 6 washing programs to choose from- pots & pans, normal wash, china, quick wash, rinse only, and energy saver. Up to 24 hour delay start for you added convenience.
  • DURABLE TUB: The tub is made of stainless steel for better efficiency performance.
  • ENERGY STAR: Low energy consumption according to Energy Star standards.
  • BUILT-IN STYLE: The dimensions of the unit are 22.6"D x 18"W x 32.4"H. This stainless steel built-in dishwasher is ADA-compliant
SaleBestseller No. 4
EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher Portable with 6 Programs, 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments & RV, 167℉ High-Temp, No Hookup Needed, Mini Dishwasher with Baby Care, Air Dry/Quick/ECO/Fruit/Normal Mode
  • 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: Euhomy Portable Countertop Dishwasher: Compact yet powerful, measuring just 16.83 x 16.73 x 18.03 inches. Its spacious interior efficiently cleans over 30 items at once, including plates up to 10.25 inches. Holds: 4 Plates, 4 Small Plates, 4 Small Cups, 4 Bowls, 2 Glasses, and 7 sets of Forks, Knives, and Spoons. Includes added convenience with a dedicated cutlery holder, a fruit basket, and a kettle. The perfect space-saving solution for homes, apartments, dorms, boats, and RVs
  • 𝐍𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝: Our Euhomy countertop dishwasher offers two water supply options: tank mode and faucet mode. In Tank Mode, simply fill the built-in 5L (1.32-Gallon) reservoir—the automatic water level indicator tells you when it's perfectly filled and ready to clean. Use Faucet Mode by attaching the included inlet hose directly to your kitchen tap for a continuous supply of water. With dual modes, this compact dishwasher offers effortless operation and adapts to any kitchen setup—no permanent installation required
  • 𝟔 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬: The Euhomy compact dishwasher boasts 6 programs for your family: Normal, Quick, ECO, Baby Care/Heavy Duty, and Fruit, Dry. The Quick offers a 29 minutes fast wash. While the Baby Care/ Strong mode of our mini dishwasher operates at a scorching 167°F, ensuring baby products and greasy dishes are thoroughly rinsed. The dishwasher also features a dual spray arm system that provides 360° cleaning, ensuring thorough washing of accessories—even pet bowls, collars, leashes, and more. Customized cleaning is easy with this versatile dishwasher
  • 𝟑-𝐢𝐧-𝟏 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Not just a sideboard and compact dishwasher, but also a dish dryer. The Euhomy dishwasher provides 60 minutes of hot air drying followed by 73 hours of automatic ventilation after each wash, keeping your dishes free from unpleasant odors. *The drying mode can be used with any wash cycle except Fruit mode, and it can also operate independently
  • 𝐄𝐜𝐨-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: This compact dishwasher saves up to 80% water compared to handwashing. Its 5L (1.32-gallon) water tank can handle multiple cleaning operations. Certified by ETL and DOE for safety, quality, and energy-saving performance, it also comes with a 1-year warranty. We're always here to help with any questions!
Bestseller No. 5
I HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO LOAD THE DISHWASHER NOTEBOOOK: THE BEST NOTEBOOKS FOR IDEAL GIFTS FOR ALL AT ALL TIMES OF THE YEAR, Size 6" x 9", 110 Pages.
  • Edition, Alj (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 110 Pages - 02/21/2020 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 6
33380096.03 154 6220 40/2020 Drain Valve, 120 Volt, 60HZ, Dishwasher
  • 33380096.03 154 6220 40/2020 Drain Valve, 120 Volt, 60HZ, Dishwasher
SaleBestseller No. 7
KRAUS Dishwasher Air Gap in Spot Free All-Brite™ Stainless Steel, KAG-1SFS
  • CLEAN HOME PRODUCT prevents wastewater from backing up into your dishwasher, eliminating the risk of contaminating your clean dishes – OVERALL HEIGHT with plastic body: 9 in. – CAP HEIGHT: 2 1/2 in. – CAP DIAMETER: 1 7/8 in. – Pre-Drilled Hole Size Requirement: 1 1/2 in.
  • AIR GAP KIT includes durable ABS plastic body and solid brass cover for a lifetime of reliable performance – SOLID BRASS COVER offers superior durability and a high-end appearance
  • CODE COMPLIANCE: Air gaps are required for dishwasher installations by plumbing codes in many states – 1 YEAR WARRANTY: Satisfaction guaranteed with best-in-industry customer support that puts you first
  • CORROSION AND RUST-RESISTANT FINISH: Premium corrosion-resistant finish will not dull or fade over time, comes in a range of colors to complement your kitchen faucet – UNIVERSAL DESIGN compatible with all dishwashers on the market
  • CLEAN LOOK: Cap covers entire air gap body and installs flush to the sink deck or countertop for a clean look
Bestseller No. 8
Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings, 6 Washing Programs, Stainless Steel Tub, Heated Dry, Energy Star
  • Slimline Design with Large Capacity : The Midea built-in dishwasher boasts a slim body that takes up minimal space and is easy to fit. It features a digital control panel with an LED display and has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate larger plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height.
  • 8 Place Settings Dishwasher : With dimensions of 22.6D x 17.6W x 32.4H with adjustable legs, this under sink dishwasher provides a spacious and flexible interior for maximum dishware loading.
  • 6 programs+3 functions : The 18-inch dishwasher offers six programs, including Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse washing programs. It also features Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions that meet all your daily needs. Note: ONLY use detergent specially for dishwasher because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems.
  • Heated Dry : Smart dishwasher ensures the best drying performance. The extra drying function offers a thorough drying performance (except for the Rapid and Self-clean cycle) with no additional towel drying required.
  • HI TEMP : The HYGIENE wash cycle maintains the water temperature at 136°F (58°C) max , which can tackle even the heaviest soiled dishes. It is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children's dinner sets.

The Ultimate Dishwasher Buying Guide for 2020 Models

Choosing a new dishwasher in 2020 means looking at smart features and better cleaning power. This guide helps you pick the best machine for your kitchen.

1. Key Features to Look For

Modern dishwashers offer more than just washing dishes. Think about what matters most in your busy life.

Cleaning Power and Cycles

  • Sensor Wash: This feature uses sensors to check how dirty your dishes are. It then adjusts the water temperature and cycle time automatically. This saves water and energy.
  • Heavy Duty Cycle: Great for baked-on food or large pots. This cycle uses hotter water and longer washing times.
  • Quick Wash: Perfect for lightly soiled dishes when you need them fast.

Convenience and Smart Tech

  • Third Rack: Many 2020 models include a shallow top rack just for silverware and small utensils. This frees up space in the main silverware basket.
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Some high-end models let you start cycles or check the status from your phone.
  • Delay Start: This lets you set the dishwasher to run later, often during off-peak energy hours.

2. Important Materials Matter

The material inside your dishwasher affects how long it lasts and how quietly it runs.

Tub Material

  • Stainless Steel Tub: This is the best choice. Stainless steel dries dishes better because it holds heat longer. It also runs much quieter than plastic tubs.
  • Plastic Tub: These are usually found in budget models. They are cheaper, but they do not dry as well, and they can sometimes stain over time.

Racks and Spray Arms

Look for racks coated in durable nylon. This coating protects your dishes from chipping. Ensure the spray arms are made of strong plastic or stainless steel. Metal spray arms often work better than plastic ones.

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Quality in a dishwasher comes down to noise level and drying performance.

Noise Level (Decibels – dBA)

Dishwashers are rated in decibels (dBA). Lower numbers mean quieter operation. For open-concept kitchens, aim for 45 dBA or lower. Anything above 50 dBA might sound like a loud running faucet.

Drying Technology

  • Heated Dry: Uses an electric element to heat the air, drying dishes fast. This uses more energy.
  • Condensation Drying: This is often found in stainless steel tubs. The hot, wet dishes dry as moisture moves to the cooler steel walls. This method uses less energy but might leave some small puddles.

4. User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how your family uses dishes every day.

Loading Flexibility

Can you easily adjust the tines (the little prongs that hold plates)? Good models let you fold down sections of the racks to fit large bowls or bulky items. Poor flexibility means wasted space.

Water Efficiency

Check the Energy Star rating. Efficient models use less water per cycle. While 2020 models are generally efficient, newer Energy Star certified machines save you money on water bills over the years.


10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Buying a 2020 Dishwasher

Q: What is the quietest noise level I should look for?

A: You should aim for 48 dBA or lower if noise truly bothers you. The quietest models drop below 40 dBA.

Q: Do I need Wi-Fi in my dishwasher?

A: No, Wi-Fi is not necessary, but it offers convenience. It lets you check if the cycle is finished without walking to the kitchen.

Q: Is stainless steel better than plastic for the tub?

A: Yes, stainless steel is better. It helps dishes dry better and the machine lasts longer.

Q: How does condensation drying work?

A: Hot water washes your dishes. The stainless steel tub cools down quickly. Water vapor moves from the hot dishes to the cooler steel walls, leaving your dishes dry.

Q: What does a “third rack” do?

A: The third rack sits at the very top. It holds flat items like silverware, spatulas, and small cups, giving you more room below.

Q: How much water does a modern dishwasher use?

A: Most efficient 2020 models use between 3 to 5 gallons of water per load. Older models used much more.

Q: Should I look for a specific type of filter?

A: Most dishwashers use a removable filter at the bottom. Make sure you can easily take it out and clean it. Self-cleaning filters are less common but very convenient.

Q: What is the biggest factor that reduces cleaning quality?

A: Poor water pressure or clogged spray arms reduce cleaning quality. Also, overloading the machine stops water from reaching all surfaces.

Q: How long should a normal wash cycle take?

A: A normal cycle usually runs between 90 minutes and 2 hours. The heavy-duty cycles take the longest.

Q: Are 2020 dishwashers hard to install?

A: Installation can be tricky if you are new to plumbing. It requires connecting water lines and electrical connections. Many buyers hire a professional installer.