How to Choose a Dishwasher for Your Household
By Sonia Hwang & the Genier's Appliances Team - Updated May 2026
Did you know? The first fully-automated dishwasher was introduced to the market by Miele in 1960.
Dishwashers are one of the appliances you'll find that homeowners swear they can't live without. Built for ease of use and efficiency, dishwashers have become commonplace in North American kitchens since the 1970s. But how much do you really know about dishwashers? And what type is the best for your lifestyle?
Quick Answer: The right dishwasher depends on your household size, how often you entertain, and whether features like Wi-Fi control or a compact countertop design matter to your daily routine. Energy Star certified models use less than half the energy of hand washing and are the baseline to look for in any category.
- What it is: A kitchen appliance that cleans dishes using heated water, detergent, and spray jets in an automated cycle.
- Why it matters: According to Natural Resources Canada, Energy Star certified dishwashers use less than 15 litres of water per cycle, while a running tap can use up to 15 litres every two minutes.
- What you can do now: Identify your household type from the guide below and use it as your starting filter when comparing models.
- When to get advice: If you are renovating or replacing and unsure about sizing or installation, our advisors in Vernon can help.
- Cost notes: Dishwasher prices range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on capacity, brand, and features.
A Quick, Clean Overview
Did you know the first patent for a dishwasher was made in 1850? It was for a rudimentary hand-turned splashing device, but it was the start of something great.
Nowadays, we all know that dishwashers are kitchen appliances used to clean dirty dishware. Simply load the dishes into the built-in racks and baskets, add detergent, and select the proper cycle. But here's what happens after you close the door and press start:
- The basin at the bottom of the dishwasher fills up with water.
- Heating elements heat the water.
- The detergent you added is then mixed in with the water.
- A pump propels the water into water jets.
- The water is forced out of the jets and sprayed against the dishes.
- The dirty water is then drained.
- Clean water refills the basin and is heated again.
- The dishes are rinsed again.
- The water collected in the basin is drained for a second time.
- Hot air or steam is then used to sanitize and dry the dishes.
There's a Sensor for That
While all of this is going on inside your dishwasher, a timer that's been built in is used to regulate the length of each phase of the cycle. Sensors also pick up the temperature of the water and the air or steam. There's also a sensor for determining water levels that will trigger the draining function when necessary. In advanced models, sensors can also determine the cleanliness of the water and dishes, as well as the load size.
Today's dishwasher features can be tailored to suit the style and function needs of any household.
More Than Just a Dishwasher
Technology is always changing, and that means new functions for us to enjoy as consumers! What's your lifestyle? We've gone through our hottest dishwashers to make recommendations for your next upgrade:
Entertainers
If you're the type that likes to host dinner parties, chances are you're going to be left with a fair bit of stemware at the night's end. Some models boast expandable racks capable of handling two dozen wine glasses. And if you happen to realize you're running low on glassware when the party's just getting interesting, some high-end models can run a complete cycle in 20 minutes. At a whisper-quiet 42 decibels, your guests won't even notice it's running. Ask our team which models currently carry this feature. Link requires manual insertion to avoid 404 errors.
Families
Large families create a surprising amount of dirty dishes. By the time breakfast, lunch and dinner have rolled by, you might need an engineering degree to squeeze in those final few utensils. The biggest hiccup is space; an average dishwasher can hold 12-14 place sets. If you have more than four people in the family, it's going to take you at least two loads to cover all the dishware and cookware! Take a look at our large-capacity dishwashers, including models with flexible rack systems that adjust height to fit taller pots and pans and free up space for bulkier items.
Singles
If you're cooking for one, you're not likely going to use a conventional dishwasher. It'll take you a week to fill the thing, and by then, you'll be out of dishes. You could just run it half-full, but that'd be a waste of energy. One option is a compact countertop dishwasher. As the name suggests, this dishwasher is designed to sit on the counter when you need it, connects to a standard tap, and can hold six place settings. The smaller size means it uses less water and energy to run, saving you money and space! Ask our team about compact models currently in stock. Link requires manual insertion to avoid 404 errors.
The Busy Bee
If you lead a busy lifestyle, setting aside your precious free time to do a load of dishes can be an additional step that you just want to remove from your day. Even worse, realizing that you forgot to hit the "start" button before you left in the morning. Good news: there's a slew of Wi-Fi-enabled dishwashers on the market now! You can monitor the wash cycle and even start it remotely on some models.
Are Dishwashers Environmentally Friendly?
Quick question: which uses more water? Hand washing or running the same size load of dishes into a dishwasher? According to ENERGY STAR, a certified dishwasher uses less than half as much energy as washing dishes by hand and saves the equivalent of thousands of litres of water each year. Now, it is important to differentiate that in the realm of energy efficiency, the newer your machine is the better off you'll be. Dishwashers from 1994 use 26 to 38 litres of water per cycle. If you have an older machine, expect it to use 30 to 56.
Where does this energy use reduction come from? Most newer dishwasher models actually heat the water themselves, sparing your household water heater from working overtime! Furthermore, with innovations in basket and machine design, newer models are able to hold even more dishes while having an even smaller form factor. Unless you use cold water sparingly when you hand wash, you'll be using more energy to get that hot water through the tap.
If you do happen to have an older machine, it's best to wait until you have a full load to run. Otherwise smaller loads will take up more energy and water than hand washing them.
At-a-Glance: Dishwasher Features by Household Type
| Household Type | What to Look For | Nice to Have |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainers | Expandable stemware racks, fast cycle (20 min), quiet (42dB or under) | Third rack, multiple wash zones |
| Families | 14+ place settings, adjustable rack system | Third rack, soil sensor, sanitise cycle |
| Singles | Compact or countertop format, low water use per cycle | Quick wash cycle |
| Busy households | Wi-Fi connectivity, remote start | Delay start, cycle notifications |
FAQ
> Is it really more efficient to use a dishwasher than wash by hand?
Yes, by a significant margin. According to Natural Resources Canada, an Energy Star certified dishwasher uses less than 15 litres of water per cycle, while a running tap uses up to 15 litres every two minutes. The efficiency advantage holds even for lighter loads, particularly with newer certified models that use soil sensors to adjust water use based on the actual load.
> What capacity dishwasher does a family of four or five need?
A standard 24-inch dishwasher holds 12 to 14 place settings, which covers a family of four comfortably in one load if you include the cookware. Families of five or more will likely need two loads per day or a model with a flexible rack system that maximises usable space.
> Can I install a dishwasher in a rental without existing plumbing for one?
A countertop or portable dishwasher connects to a standard kitchen tap and drains into the sink, so no permanent installation is required. These are a practical option for renters, smaller kitchens, or anyone who wants dishwasher convenience without the renovation.
> Where can I compare dishwashers in Vernon or Kelowna?
Genier's Appliances carries a wide selection of dishwashers at our Vernon showroom, serving Kelowna, Kamloops, and communities across the Okanagan. Our advisors can help you match capacity, features, and budget. Come in and see the options in person or contact us to narrow it down before your visit.
Come Find Your Match at Genier's
If any of the above situations intrigue you, come visit us at Genier's. Our team in Vernon is happy to help you find the right fit for your kitchen and your household, without any pressure.
Browse dishwashers at Genier's or contact us to speak with an advisor.
Also worth reading: Use Well Water in Kelowna, Vernon, or Kamloops? Here's a Dishwasher You'll Love.
Genier's Appliances helps Okanagan homeowners choose durable, premium appliances with confidence. Visit our Vernon showroom or contact us for help.
Sources: Natural Resources Canada - Dishwashers; ENERGY STAR - Dishwashers