Buying guide for best whirlpool dishwashers
The dishwasher is an essential modern kitchen appliance that automates the genuinely tedious task of washing dirty dishes. Keep your sleeves dry and bank a bit of extra after-dinner leisure time by loading your dinnerware into the dishwasher and letting it work its cleaning magic. And you can’t go wrong choosing a dishwasher made by Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers a variety of sleek, kitchen-ready appliances. Most of its dishwashers feature durable stainless steel tubs and are Energy Star certified. Save money and increase your energy efficiency with a functional, practical dishwasher that meets the rigorous demands of your busy life.
Whirlpool dishwashers come in a range of prices, with plenty of affordable options for homeowners on a budget or those with small kitchens. Keep reading to find out more about this brand’s line of dishwashing appliances and take a look at our favorites when you’re ready to buy.
Key considerations
Dishwasher types
Whirlpool sells a variety of dishwashers. Here are the main categories:
Front control: These dishwashers feature a visible front-facing control panel. Buttons are easy to access, and the design allows you to see the progress of the wash cycle. They contribute a little more visual clutter to your kitchen than other models, but it’s convenient to be able to view the settings while the dishwasher is running.
Top control: If you prefer a super-sleek appliance, opt for a Whirlpool dishwasher with a hidden control interface. Open the door to see and select cleaning cycles.
Portable: Whirlpool sells a few dishwasher models with wheels. Roll your portable dishwasher wherever you need it. A wheeled version is perfect for those who don’t have the space for a built-in dishwasher in their kitchen.
Compact: Whirlpool’s smaller version of the standard dishwasher fits up to eight place settings. This type of built-in appliance is ideal for small kitchens.
Panel: Panel-style dishwashers are designed to blend into kitchen cabinetry. The dishwasher simply looks like another cabinet door.
Features
Racks
Whirlpool dishwashers have various rack systems. Most models in the company’s lineup have an adjustable top rack. Users can lower the rack or raise it to fit unusually tall items. A few models have an in-door silverware caddy, which helps save interior space and frees up the bottom rack to accommodate more dinnerware. Many of the more expensive Whirlpool dishwashers feature a small third rack at the top of the appliance, which offers up to 35% more storage space.
Cycles
When shopping for a Whirlpool dishwasher, check the different cycle options available on all the models. Even units offered at the same price can have different cleaning modes. A few cleaning functions featured in Whirlpool dishwashers include the following:
Cycle memory: Dishwashers with this feature use the last cycle selected.
1-Hour Wash: This quick-cleaning cycle is good for times when you’re in a rush to clean and put away the dishes.
Heavy-Duty: This cycle is ideal for cleaning very dirty items. This selection usually takes longer than quick or normal cycles.
Sani Rinse: This high-heat cycle is useful for removing up to 99.99% of bacteria from items like baby bottles and canning supplies.
Fan Dry: This speeds up the drying process so you can put the dishes away right after the cycle ends.
Delayed start: This allows you to delay the start of a cycle from 1 to 24 hours.
"A Whirlpool dishwasher with an in-door flatware caddy saves a significant amount of interior space. "
STAFF
BestReviews
Additional features
Sensor cycle: Models with a Sensor cycle detect how dirty the dishes are and adjust the settings accordingly.
Smart functions: Whirlpool has a few models with built-in smart functions. The connected appliance allows you to start a cycle from your smartphone. Smart dishwashers are also compatible with voice-controlled technologies like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Total Coverage Spray Arm: Some dishwashers have a spray arm that provides greater cleaning coverage. This type of spray arm delivers superior water pressure to help clean heavily soiled items.
Fan Dry: This feature helps dishes dry faster. It’s not available on all Whirlpool models, so check the specifications if quick drying is something on your wishlist.
Decibel level: Do you like to run your dishwasher at night? Do you hate having to blast the TV volume when a cycle is in progress? Choose a dishwasher with the appropriate decibel rating for your needs. Note that quieter units tend to be pricier. Whirlpool dishwasher decibel ratings vary from 47 dBA (A-weighted decibels) to well over 50 dBA.
Finish: Choose from a variety of exterior finishes from clean, sleek stainless steel to unique Sunset Bronze.
Expert Tip
Whirlpool dishwashers run very quietly, even those not labeled as quiet.
STAFF
BestReviews
Whirlpool dishwasher prices
Inexpensive: Lower-cost models typically feature plastic tubs and lack a third rack. Prices vary from $400 to $600. Models in this price range usually have a higher decibel rating.
Mid-range: Models in this price range cost between $600 and $700 and have a few extra features you won’t find in the cheaper units, including heavy-duty and 1-hour cycles.
Expensive: Spend $800 to over $1,000 and you can get a Whirlpool dishwasher with a bit of extra storage (third rack), a panel-ready unit, or a smart model. Models in this price range are equipped with durable stainless steel tubs and high-performing Total Coverage Spray Arms.
Did you know?
Whirlpool sells a variety of ADA-compliant dishwashers.
STAFF
BestReviews
Tips
- Decide which features are most important to you. Determine this before selecting the dishwasher style and finish.
- Pick the right dishwasher detergent. This will make sure your dishes are sparkling clean at the end of the cycle.
- Let the dishwasher pick the cycle. If you’re short on time to select an appropriate cycle, choose a Whirlpool model with a soil sensor and let it figure out the right setting for the load.
- Connect your new smart appliance to Whirlpool’s smartphone app. It’s easy. Whirlpool dishwashers feature Scan-to-Connect technology that allows you to scan a barcode to connect.
- Don’t overload your dishwasher. An overcrowded appliance doesn’t clean as well. Similarly, don’t run your dishwasher when it’s nearly empty. It’s a waste of energy and water.
Other products we considered
We couldn’t list all of Whirlpool’s great dishwashers above, so here are two additional models to consider adding to your kitchen. The Whirlpool Front Control Heavy-Duty Portable Dishwasher is a space-saving unit that can be wheeled around the kitchen. It’s a little louder than other Whirlpool offerings, but it fits up to 12 place settings despite its smaller square footage. It has a soil sensor and several handy cleaning cycles including the 1-Hour Wash option.
The Whirlpool Top Control Smart Built-In Tall Tub Dishwasher is a quiet unit with a gorgeous Sunset Bronze finish. A third rack provides extra storage for oddly shaped utensils, and folding tines allow you to customize the interior according to what you load. The smart appliance is accessible via smartphone app, giving you fingertip access to maintenance alerts and support services.
FAQ
Q. Do I need to rinse my dishes before putting them in my Whirlpool dishwasher?
A. Models with a Soak & Clean cycle do not require you to rinse the dishes first. The dishwasher dissolves and cleans away stuck-on food without any added effort on your part. Besides wasting water and time, rinsing your dishes prior to loading them can reduce the machine’s cleaning efficiency. Today’s advanced dishwashers select cycles based on the food detected on the dishes. Plus, dishwasher detergents contain enzymes that stick to food particles to get your dishes sparkling clean. However, it is essential to remove large pieces of food so that they don’t clog your appliance’s drain.
Q. How well does a Whirlpool dishwasher dry dishes?
A. Drying performance depends on the model. Whirlpool dishwashers with Fan Dry technology allow you to unload the dishwasher as soon as the cycle is finished. If you frequently load your appliance with plastic items, pick a model with a drying cycle specifically for plastic.
Q. Are there child locks on this brand of dishwasher?
A. Child locks appear on a few Whirlpool dishwasher models — front panel units in particular. To prevent children from accidentally starting a cycle, choose an appliance with a hidden panel. A top control or panel-style model is the ideal choice.
