An important consideration when shopping for a dishwasher is what type of dishwasher fits your needs. The type you choose will depend on the size of your family, your budget, and how much space is available in your kitchen.
With so many options available in market, types and style, buying a new dishwasher may seem a bit confusing at first. We are here to help you choose the right model for your budget and needs.
This detailed article describes all the different types of dishwashers in the market.
Table of Contents
Dishwasher Types
1. Built-in Dishwashers
Built-in dishwashers are the most popular and recognizable types of dishwashers.
They are only made to go under benches and they typically do not come with sides or a top. There are many benefits of Built-in Dishwashers, including that they are very quiet due to the fact that they are surrounded by the cabinets in your kitchen. They’re also convenient to operate given how near they are to where food is prepared.

If you plan on moving in the future, a built-in dishwasher may not be the best option, as it is a permanently installed kitchen appliance.
2. Portable Dishwashers
Freestanding dishwashers are designed to be a standalone unit that can be placed anywhere you have access to water and drainage. If you do not have dedicated space in your kitchen for a dishwasher, then you can consider a portable option.

They are easy to move in your kitchen, offer additional countertop space, and are perfect if you are not going to be running a lot of loads.
3. Drawer Dishwashers
A drawer dishwasher is the very latest design in dishwashers.

Drawer dishwashers open like drawers rather than having a pull-down door, they’re perfect for a home with a small amount of dishes because they’re smaller than traditional models. This type of Dishwashers come in two formats, one drawer or double drawer dishwasher.
4. Countertop Dishwasher
Countertop dishwashers are smaller than the portable dishwasher and are perfect for small family. Countertop dishwashers are easy to use and small enough to sit on your counter; they have a lower capacity than other types of dishwashers.

The advantage of Countertop dishwashers is that the sizes vary and they don’t need to be built in, which makes it easier to fit them on your free counter space.
If you don’t have enough space for portable dishwasher, then you can consider Countertop Dishwasher.
5. Integrated Dishwashers
Integrated dishwashers have to be built into your kitchen. You can consider Integrated dishwashers if you have a fitted kitchen with a uniform look, as they are completely hidden in your kitchen once they have been installed.

Available in two styles: fully-integrated and semi-integrated. Fully-integrated dishwashers are ideal for homeowners who want to completely conceal their dishwasher. Semi-Integrated Dishwashers blend in with your kitchen cabinets, but have a control panel on the outside of the door.
Dishwasher Size Type
Full size
Full size dishwashers have a large capacity, They come in 2 options; the smallest version can usually hold up to 12 place settings, whereas the largest models holding up to 16.

In full size dishwasher, you will save water and energy as you can wash many items at once.
Slimline Dishwashers
Slimline models are ideal if you have a small or narrow kitchen. Slim line dishwashers are similar in appearance to the Freestanding Dishwasher however they are less in width which gives it slim line look.

Slimline dishwashers offer you similar cleaning power as their large counterparts but from slimmer design.
Compact dishwashers
Compact dishwashers are generally the same size as microwave and can usually hold up to 6 place settings.

They are perfect for situations where you need a dishwasher but you simply have little counter space to fit.