You spend thousands on custom cabinets and stone counters only to install a generic dishwasher that ruins the flow or has to be hidden away. You shouldn't have to choose between a machine that cleans well and one that looks beautiful. Your appliances should be a reflection of your personal style.
The Café dishwasher lineup changes the rules by treating the dishwasher as a design statement. These units offer high-performance cleaning that matches their professional aesthetic. They provide the power to handle stuck-on food while offering a look that anchors a high-end renovation. You get the best of both worlds. It performs as a workhorse and presents as a gallery piece.
This guide helps you navigate the different configurations, finishes, and smart features available. We will look at built-in models versus drawer styles to see which fits your workflow. You will learn about customization options and the technology that makes a Café dishwasher a top choice for modern homes.
Upgrade Your Kitchen Design
Explore the full range of Café appliances and discover how customizable hardware can transform your kitchen into a professional-grade masterpiece.
Shop Café AppliancesTypes of Café Dishwashers
Choosing the right layout is the first step in your kitchen upgrade. Café offers two distinct paths for dishwashing. Both options bring a high level of sophistication to your space and are designed to sit flush with your cabinetry to create a clean, integrated look that doesn't disrupt your kitchen lines.
Built-In Top Control vs. Drawer Dishwashers
The standard 24-inch top control built-in dishwasher is the classic choice for most families. It features a spacious interior with a third rack dishwasher design. This extra rack is perfect for flatware and small plastic lids and frees up space in the lower baskets for larger pots.
Café drawer dishwashers offer a different kind of convenience. These units feature two independent drawers. You can run a heavy cycle in one while the other holds clean dishes. This is a great solution for smaller kitchens or as a secondary unit in a home bar. They require less bending to load and unload. Many homeowners find they fit an eclectic kitchen style perfectly because of their unique look.
All About Café Dishwasher Customization
Customization is the heart of the Café brand. You are not stuck with whatever the factory decides is trendy. You get to lead the design. There are four primary Café dishwasher finishes to choose from: Matte White, Matte Black, Stainless Steel, and Platinum Glass. Each finish offers a unique aesthetic that can completely change the mood of your kitchen.
The real magic happens with the hardware. You can swap out the handles to match your kitchen's accent colors. Options like Brushed Copper, Brushed Bronze, or Brushed Black allow you to coordinate with your Café appliances kitchen suite. This level of detail makes the dishwasher feel like a custom piece of furniture rather than just an appliance.
The matte finishes are particularly special. A matte dishwasher feels different under your fingers than a standard gloss finish. It has a smooth, suede-like texture that feels premium. It doesn't just look different; it behaves differently. These finishes feature PrintProof™ technology and helps the surface resist fingerprints and smudges. Your kitchen stays looking sharp even during a busy dinner party.
Understanding Café Dishwasher Features
Performance is just as important as looks. Café dishwashers use an advanced spray system to prevent leftover spots on clear glassware. Most models feature between 80 and 90 internal spray jets that hit your dishes from every possible angle. This includes dedicated deep clean silverware jets. They blast away stubborn debris from forks and spoons so you never have to re-wash.
The ultra wash and dry system is another standout feature. It uses a Dual Convection Ultra Dry setup. This system circulates heated air throughout the tub to pull moisture off every surface. You won't find puddles on the tops of your coffee mugs. It eliminates the need to use a towel before putting dishes away. This saves time and ensures your glassware stays crystal clear.
Café includes WiFi Connect features powered by the SmartHQ™ app. This isn't just a gimmick. It adds real utility to your daily routine. You can monitor the progress of a cycle from your phone. If there is a problem, like a leak, the app sends an alert to your device immediately.
These smart features also help with efficiency. You can track your water and energy usage over time. Every model carries an ENERGYSTAR® certification, meaning you are using less electricity than older, standard models. It is a win for your utility bill and the environment!
Café dishwashers come with other top features including:
- Bottle Jets: Dedicated nozzles clean the inside of tall bottles and vases.
- Hard Food Disposer: A built-in grinder breaks down food particles to prevent clogs.
- Fine Filtration: Keeps the wash water clean throughout the entire cycle.
- Stainless Steel Interior: The stainless steel interior dishwasher design resists odors and stains while helping with the drying process.
The Best Café Dishwasher Models
Selecting the right model depends on how you cook and how you entertain. We've rounded up our top models of Café dishwashers for luxury kitchens:
Café™ 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
Shop the Café™ 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
This model is a powerhouse for families who demand both style and substance. It features a heavy-duty wash system that targets even the toughest baked-on messes. The stainless steel exterior looks professional and resists smudges from busy hands. Inside, you will find a flexible third rack that makes loading silverware a breeze. It is designed to work quietly in the background of your home.
Top Features
- Ultra Wash and Dry: Provides a complete clean and dry without water spots.
- Loading Flexibility: Adjustable racks fit various dish sizes easily.
- Quiet Operation: Runs at a low decibel level for minimal disruption.
Café™ 24" Stainless Steel Drawer Dishwasher
Shop the Café™ 24" Stainless Steel Drawer Dishwasher
This drawer dishwasher is perfect for those who want ultimate flexibility. You can run small loads in just one drawer, which is ideal for couples or small families. It sits flush with your cabinets for a sophisticated look. Each drawer operates independently, allowing for different cycles at the same time. It is a smart solution for modern kitchens that prioritize ergonomics.
Top Features
- Independent Drawers: Wash different types of dishes at the same time.
- Ergonomic Design: Requires less bending to load and unload.
- Integrated Controls: Keeps the front face clean and minimalist.
Café™ 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
Shop the Café™ 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Top Control Built-In Dishwasher (CDT888)
If you host large dinner parties, this dishwasher is the machine for you. It includes specialized bottle jets that can clean deep into wine bottles or tall tumblers. The 90-jet wash system ensures that no corner of the tub is left untouched by water. It also features customizable dishwasher hardware, so you can pick the perfect handle finish. This model represents the peak of cleaning technology for the brand.
Top Features
- Deep Clean Silverware Jets: Blasts away stuck-on food from cutlery.
- Customizable Hardware: Change handles to match your kitchen decor.
- Maximum Spray Coverage: Over 90 jets ensure a thorough clean.
Café™ 24" Modern Glass Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
Shop the Café™ 24" Modern Glass Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
The Modern Glass finish offers a sleek, non-metallic look that is perfect for ultra-modern kitchens. It features a smooth glass surface that is easy to wipe clean. Beyond the looks, it packs all the high-end features like the Ultra Wash and Dry system. This unit is for homeowners who want to push the boundaries of kitchen design. It provides a luminous quality that stainless steel simply cannot match.
Top Features
- Glass Finish: Offers a distinct, high-end alternative to metal.
- WiFi Connect: Monitor and control your dishwasher from anywhere.
- Flush Installation: Blends perfectly into modern cabinetry.
Café™ 24" Stainless Steel Drawer Dishwasher
Shop the Café™ 24" Stainless Steel Drawer Dishwasher (CDD220)
This model brings the convenience of double drawers with a focus on ease of use. It is perfect for a secondary cleaning station in a pantry or a kitchen island. The stainless steel finish matches other appliances in the collection. It allows you to run frequent, smaller loads throughout the day. This keeps your counters clear of dirty dishes without wasting a full cycle.
Top Features
- Space Efficient: Fits into standard 24-inch openings.
- Dual Wash Zones: Targeted cleaning for specific drawers.
- Quiet Performance: Ideal for installations near seating areas.
Perfecting Your Kitchen with the Ideal Café Dishwasher
A Café dishwasher is more than just a tool for cleaning plates. It is a bridge between heavy-duty performance and designer style. By choosing the right model, you can elevate your kitchen's aesthetic while ensuring your dishes are table-ready every single time.
When you are ready to see these finishes in person, visit us at Friedmans Appliance. Shopping at an independent retailer means you get expert showroom advice on professional installation services. We have the expertise to help you build a full suite of kitchen appliance packages or find that one perfect dishwasher.
Café Dishwasher FAQs
Café Matte Black has a deep, non-reflective finish that is smooth to the touch and designed to be paired with customizable hardware like Brushed Copper or Bronze. GE Black Slate is a more versatile, stone-inspired finish with a slight gloss that is meant to blend into a wider variety of kitchen styles without the custom hardware options.
Most Café dishwashers come with a standard hardware kit, but the specialized "Customizable Professional Collection" kits in colors like Brushed Brass or Copper must be purchased separately. This allows you to select the exact finish that matches your kitchen’s decor rather than being stuck with a default option.
The system uses more than 90 internal spray jets to ensure every dish is hit from multiple angles, combined with a fan-assisted heating system that circulates air for superior drying. This combination effectively removes the need to pre-scrub or towel-dry your dishes, even when the dishwasher is fully loaded.
You can clean the filter by twisting the cylindrical filter at the bottom of the tub counter-clockwise and lifting it out to rinse it under warm water. It is a good idea to do this every few months to maintain water flow and ensure your dishes stay spotless during the cycle.
Most Café models are designed with a "high drain loop" that can often replace the need for an air gap, but local plumbing codes in areas like California may still require one. You should always check with your local installer or the building department to ensure your installation meets all local safety regulations.
Yes, Café drawer dishwashers use specialized spray arms and tailored wash cycles in each drawer to provide cleaning results that rival full-sized built-in units. They are particularly effective for households that prefer to run smaller, more frequent loads rather than waiting for a large tub to fill up.
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 dishwasher or 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 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, 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: How a Third Rack Dishwasher Can Change How You Load Dishes