The Dirt on Dishwashers

Manufacturers step up to the plate with models that meet or exceed new guidelines for energy and water usage—and provide a space for every single spoon

If you haven’t shopped for a dishwasher in a while, the number of features to choose from might surprise you—flexible storage racks, steam cleaning, hidden controls, half-load wash options, and dishwasher drawers among them. Even better, rinsing and prewashing before loading is a thing of the past, and improved insulation and motor design have made the best dishwashers nearly silent. Dishwashers are also more efficient: Energy Star models use less electricity and less water. Writer Sean Groom is your guide as you shop for the new dishwasher you know you need.