How to Buy a Slimline Dishwasher

Slimline dishwashers are narrower and shallower than traditional dishwashers, and a good buy for fitting a large kitchen appliance into a small space. Slimline dishwashers have modifications to the door, the drawers and the resource use to make them more efficient both in space and use of energy and water. While slimline dishwashers are sometimes called portable dishwashers, high quality slimline dishwashers are quite a bit different from portable models.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Shop for a slimline dishwasher online with European brand names like Hotpoint and Miele, since slimline dishwashers are much more common in the UK and elsewhere in Europe than in the United States.

2. Decide if you want to buy a portable dishwasher or a more upscale slimline dishwasher. Portable dishwashers are roughly the same size as slimline dishwashers, but have fewer functions and are less durable. Expect to pay over $1,500 for a high quality slimline dishwasher, and as little as $200 for a standard portable dishwasher.

3. Determine the dimensions on a slimline dishwasher to see if it will fit your space requirements. Keep in mind that because slimline dishwashers are tall, narrow and shallow, you may want to put them in non-traditional locations, like on the end of a counter.

4. Learn the energy and water-use specifications on slimline dishwashers to decide which dishwasher is the best buy. Because slimline dishwashers are smaller, they are also typically more energy and water efficient.

5. Look for different exterior surface options if you're buying a slimline dishwasher for a long-term residence. If you're buying a portable dishwasher, you may be less concerned with appearances, but slimline dishwashers come with white, black, stainless steel or cabinet facade exteriors depending on the brand options available.