At a Glance:
What is a Built-In Dishwasher?
Best Built In Dishwasher Brands
Best Built-In Dishwasher by Price
What to Consider When Buying a Built-In Dishwasher
Cleaning your dishes with a built-in dishwasher might save you an estimated 230 hours — nearly 10 days — of work per year. There are several models available, each with several wash cycles, racks, and other features to make dishwashing easier. While handwashing pots, mixing bowls, and place settings might take hours, with all that effort, you may find yourself evaluating the finest built-in dishwasher for your needs.
So, whether you're gut-renovating your kitchen or simply replacing a single workhorse, shopping for a built-in dishwasher may be difficult if you don't know what to look for. Even if you consider yourself a brand loyalist, there may be hundreds of alternatives to choose from online, at big-box retailers, and other local outlet stores.
Explore Dishwashers at Friedmans
Browse dishwashers from leading brands like Miele, ASKO, Bosch, and more at Friedmans Appliance, today!
Shop DishwashersTo assist you in finding the ideal built-in dishwasher, our Friedmans Appliance specialists combed through our vast inventory in search of the best-selling and most effective models across a range of pricing points. In this guide, we'll go over the key elements to consider when looking for your dream dishwasher, as well as built-in dishwasher reviews of some of the top models on the market, so you can spend less time scrubbing dishes with pruned fingers and more time lounging.
What is a Built-In Dishwasher?
When you think of a dishwasher, you probably envision something like this: A built-in dishwasher is installed beneath your counter and is permanently connected to your plumbing. Stainless-steel dishwashers are now the best-selling models on the market. In modern kitchens, cabinet-covered panel-ready dishwashers are also popular.
Best Built In Dishwasher Brands
Besides the amazing built-in dishwashers we mentioned above, here are some other excellent brands that can offer top-quality dishwashers.
Frigidaire Gallery
Dishwashers from the Frigidaire Gallery series are reliable, dependable appliances built to save time and designed to look luxurious without the expensive price tag. These dishwashers are wonderful for large households needing practical, time-saving features. Including features like Frigidaire Gallery's fingerprint-resistant stainless-steel finish and sleek handles, you can create a high-end kitchen look without spending a fortune. Most importantly, your dirty dishes won't know what hit them with the OrbitClean Wash System that will accomplish four times better wash coverage, so no food residue from dinner is left behind
Miele
Miele, a well-known luxury appliance manufacturer, has been offering high-end products to homeowners worldwide for more than 120 years. Miele has always strived to outperform its competitors in terms of performance, convenience, design, maintenance services, and sustainability as part of its "forever better" brand promise. Always ahead of its time, this German brand offers a wide range of dependable and automatic programs, discreet sensors, and high-resolution screen displays to control its energy-saving appliances, all wrapped in a timelessly elegant design.
Best Built-In Dishwasher by Price
Although there is no general "best built-in dishwasher" for everyone, we can do our best to identify the perfect one for you. Here are some of our best dishwashers for buyers of all budgets, whether you want a high-end dishwasher or a more basic dishwashing machine.
Best GE Monogram Dishwasher: Monogram Minimalist 24" Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
Our first built-in dishwasher model is from GE's Monogram series starting at a mid-range price. Hailing from the Minimalist collection, this built-in dishwasher has a streamlined stainless steel design that is practical and timeless for a contemporary aesthetic. This quiet appliance (39 dBA) allows you to use the wash programs like the intense cycle to remove those tough, caked-on foods without drowning out the activities and conversations in the rest of the house. Equipped with deep clean silverware and bottle jets for a powerful clean that gets into all the nooks and crannies of your pots, pans, decanters, and even the cooking utensils and flatware on the third rack.
Best Asko Dishwasher: ASKO 50 Series 24" Built-In Dishwasher-Stainless Steel
Next, we have another mid-range built-in dishwashing model from Asko, equipped with much-needed dishwashing conveniences. Have you ever loaded your dishwasher, forgetting to add that lasagna pan you left soaking in the sink after the cycle started? Fear not; this Asko dishwasher will allow you to stop mid-cycle to include those additional dishes you forgot to put in the first time. With exclusive heigh-adjustable upper and lower racks as well as a middle rack with removable inserts to wash wine glasses, dishware, cooking utensils, and extra-large or oblong-shaped pots and pans.
You can use the hidden controls to choose from 11 wash cycles as dishes and cookware are cleaned with a 9 Spray wash system and Super Cleaning System for a powerful cleaning that will take care of all types and shapes of dishware and flatware. Best of all, if you have little ones at home, your Asko built-in dishwasher operates quietly at a low 40 dBA that will be no louder than a hushed murmur.
Best Jenn Air Dishwasher: JennAir® 24" Built-In Dishwasher-Stainless Steel
This JennAir built-in dishwasher is perfect for homeowners wanting a high-tech model without breaking-the-bank prices. With a price starting at a low-to-mid thousands, this dishwasher will handle your dishwashing needs and then some. You can take care of a big dinner party amount of dishes thanks to the 14-place setting capacity that will be washed quietly at 38 dBA, so you can chat with guests over after-dinner drinks. Equipped with the TriFecta wash system and the Precision Dry Plus option, your dishware, cookware, and flatware will be clean as a whistle and dry as a bone whether you choose the 1-hour cycle of the cookware cycle. Thanks to the Wi-Fi connectivity that allows remote control through the app, you can even control your built-in dishwasher from your home office or while pulling out of the driveway.
Best LG Dishwasher: LG 24" PrintProof™ Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
If you need a built-in dishwasher, but money is a bit tight, this LG dishwasher is perfect for you. This budget-conscious model is equipped with a high-performing QuadWash system that'll give you spotless dishes the first time as well as SmartThinQ technology, so you can focus on other things instead of waiting for the cycle to be done. You can pick from nine cycles and even download other cycles to clean your bakeware with the help of the multi-motion arms for a power-clean from every angle. Best of all, the PrintProof finish allows for an effortless shine and easy clean when cooking gets messy or food gets flung by the kids.
What to Consider When Buying a Built-in Dishwasher
Even if you currently have a dishwasher, upgrading to a new one offers several advantages. Aside from water conservation, there is a strong economic incentive to upgrade: A dishwasher with an ENERGY STAR® rating might save you more than $35 per year. The market is brimming with possibilities, ranging from simple budget-friendly devices to completely programmable smart ones. If you're not sure where your needs fit on the spectrum, consider the following crucial buying variables.
Washing/Drying Performance
You guessed it: a dishwasher must successfully wash and dry. A sophisticated model with all the newest technological breakthroughs isn't worth anything if it doesn't clean dishes. For starters, a decent dishwasher should have adequate wash cycles and choices to handle all types of dirty dishes and messes.
A quick wash cycle provides you with a significant advantage, especially because the most energy-efficient cycles these days might take up to two hours to complete. Another advantage is sensor wash, which automatically changes the amount of time a load will take according to the dirt level and quantity of dishes.
You should also select a dishwasher with high-quality nozzles and spray arms to properly disperse water throughout the tub. Of course, good drying performance is also important. Nothing is more inconvenient than having to hand-dry all of your dishes.
Noise Level
The last thing you want to do after dinner is yell over the sound of the built-in dishwasher. Dishwasher noise is measured in decibels: the greater the decibel level, the louder the noise. Newer models have better insulation, which reduces noise levels to roughly 45 decibels. For comparison, the level of conversation is around 50 dBA.
During typical operations, most dishwasher noise levels range between 46 and 50 dBA. A model with a decibel rating of 45 or below will be quieter than others. Some dishwashers are whisper-silent at 30 decibels, which means you won't hear them even in the kitchen but expect to pay a premium for this peace and quiet.
Size and Capacity
Dishwashers are typically available in two sizes. Built-in dishwashers are 24 inches wide by 34 inches tall (34 inches being the height of most countertops and base cabinetry). Compact variants are 18 inches wide by 34 inches tall, with some built for shorter 32-inch counters seen in handicapped-accessible kitchens. Portable models range in size from 20 to 25 inches broad, 27 to 30 inches deep, and 34 to 38 inches tall. Standard and portable washers often have two or three racks, whereas small units have one or two racks.
Water Usage and Energy Efficiency
"Replacing current dishwashers with ENERGY STAR®-labeled models saves water consumption by up to 65 percent and energy use by more than 10 percent," according to the EPA. A new ENERGY STAR®-certified dishwasher will save 3,870 gallons of water on average throughout its lifespan." Some high-end dishwashers even include an "eco" cycle that uses less water. In contrast, others have a sensor that detects how unclean the dishes are and automatically changes the water use and cycles.
Dishwashers on the market now are obliged by law to have an "Energy Guide" label, which predicts annual power consumption and annual operating costs based on national average natural gas and electricity prices. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label, which shows that the unit meets or exceeds federal minimum efficiency and quality criteria. Using an ENERGY STAR® model also helps minimize fossil fuel consumption, lowering air pollution and protecting the environment.
Additional Features
Dishwasher technology has advanced significantly in recent years. Some dishwasher brands contain several dishwashing features that we all can appreciate:
- A third rack is a compact rack that stands above the top rack and may have its own wash arm.
- Adjustable-height racks typically contain folding tines and inventive spray arms to distribute wash water more effectively, as well as stemware clips, spray nozzles, specific cutlery racks, programmable controls, and child locks.
- Soil sensor technology detects how filthy the dishes are and automatically adjusts the cycle to maximize cleaning while consuming the least amount of water and electricity.
- Wi-Fi connectivity and smart-home technologies may be programmed using a computer or smartphone.
- Some models incorporate insert panels that complement and fit in with cabinetry.
We at Friedmans Appliance want to give your dishes, pots, pans, and wine glasses a spotless and dry clean on the first round. And what's the best way to go about doing it? A built-in dishwasher that suits your household's dishwashing needs. Whether you want a high-end dishwasher with top-of-the-line features or a base model without all the bells and whistles but still gets the job done — we have something for everyone in our vast inventory with over 2,000 products from at least 80 brand names.
FAQs
Before you fully commit to that built-in dishwasher you've been eyeballing in our showroom or catalog, let's answer any remaining questions you have.
How long do dishwashers last?
With a dishwasher's lifespan being about 10 years on average, some brands can boast manufacturing dishwashers with an even longer lifespan than the average appliance. So, if your main priority is durability, the following guidelines may help start your dishwasher search:
- 10- years: Asko
- 10 years: Bosch, KitchenAid, Samsung, JennAir, GE Monogram
- 10+ years: Frigidaire, Beko, LG
- 20+ years: Miele
Why are built-in dishwashers more expensive than freestanding?
A built-in dishwasher must be installed, which may require hiring a plumber to set up or connect water lines. Renovations may be more expensive if your kitchen cabinets do not have an opening.
Can I add a third rack to my dishwasher?
It mainly depends on the manufacturer, but dishwasher brands like LG, Whirlpool, and GE offer an optional third rack feature that's easy to install.
Where to buy a built in dishwasher near me?
If you are looking for a new dishwasher, browse options in Pleasant Hill at Friedmans Appliance. We have built in dishwashers from leading brands like ASKO, Monogram, GE Profile, and more.
Why Trust Friedmans Appliance?
Established in 1922, Friedmans Appliance has been the most trusted name in the Bay Area for over 100 years. What started as a small appliance store in Oakland has expanded to include every appliance you need for your home. Our commitment to value, inspiration, and character has only grown, creating an unbeatable reputation for top-notch appliances. At Friedmans, we strive to give our customers the best of the best, including our selection of top appliance brands and our exceptional customer service. Speaking of which, we offer a 100-day price guarantee on all our products — the longest in the industry!
Our wide selection of appliances is just one of the reasons we're the best Bay Area appliance store. We carry refrigerators in every style, every cooking appliance to show off your chef skills, and every dish care and laundry appliance you need for cleanup.
Shop Dishwashers at Friedmans
See for yourself why Friedmans is a trusted name in the Bay Area and shop built-in dishwashers online. While we are located in Pleasant Hill, we deliver to all of Northern California — even Reno! If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help you take home the best built-in dishwasher for your kitchen, whether you call us at 925-808-2950, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our appliance store in Pleasant Hill to experience the quality in person. Visit us today!
→ Learn more: Load in Luxury with These Leading Dishwasher Brands