Kitchen with suite of KitchenAid® appliances in Juniper

Modern dishwasher features, colors & design trends

Find the freedom to create with the convenient cleaning capabilities of modern dishwashers. Current dishwasher models now feature popular design trends in addition to convenient technology, such as unique washing jets and a third rack.

Understanding current dishwasher features can help you make an informed decision when it’s time to upgrade your appliance. Keep reading to explore dishwasher features, design trends and some of the current technology.

Best new dishwasher features to look for in 2026

With kitchen trends constantly evolving, creating a stylish kitchen means understanding which new features you may want in your space. From energy-focused technologies to customizable rack designs, the latest dishwasher features can help complement the way you create. 

Discover a few dishwasher features to look for below. The following features are available in select KitchenAid® dishwashers.

Cups, bowls and utensils being washed in a dishwasher

1. Rotating wash jets

The 360º Max Jets Third Rack is the only third rack with 360° wash jets to clean pint glasses, coffee mugs and cereal bowls inside and out. The largest third rack available,1 it also has a removable utensil caddy for cooking tools and features moisture-wicking tines for table-ready dishes. 

 

1. Among leading brands based on usable volume.

Clean white plates, cups and mixing bowls inside a dishwasher

2. Adjustable dishwasher racks

Select dishwasher models come with adjustable racks that can help you modify your dishwasher’s layout to fit your load. Lower the rack to make room for items like a KitchenAid® stand mixer bowl, or raise it to fit roasting pans, mixing bowls and casserole dishes.


Select KitchenAid® dishwashers feature an Adjustable Middle Rack, which adds flexibility to fit tall items like a stand mixer bowl. Lower the rack to place large dishes inside or raise it to make room for platters, pitchers, blender jars and more in the rack below.

Stainless steel dishwasher with 44 dBA text on the exterior

3. Quiet performance

Current dishwasher models offer quiet pump motors and insulation, so you no longer have to listen to the noise that once accompanied a wash cycle. Standard dishwasher models feature noise levels that range from 40-50 dBA, which stands for A-weighted decibels and measures how loud something is to the human ear.

 

This third rack model is one of the quietest dishwasher models offered by KitchenAid brand at only 39 dBA, so there’s no need to wait to run a wash cycle while entertaining and enjoying meals, even in open concept kitchens.

A fully loaded third rack dishwasher

4. LED lighting

Dishwasher models that feature LED lighting can illuminate the inside of your dishwasher the moment you open the door, so you won’t miss lingering cheese knives or cup saucers when you unload. You can find Ultra-Bright LED Interior Lighting on select KitchenAid® dishwashers, like this 360° Max Jets™ Third Rack Dishwasher.

Close-up image of a dishwasher spray arm

5. Energy efficiency

An energy efficient dishwasher can help you get a thorough clean with fewer resources. KitchenAid® Eco Series dishwashers, for instance, save you water, energy and money with quality wash and dry performance.2 Many KitchenAid® dishwashers are also ENERGY STAR® Certified, which means they exceed government standards for energy efficiency, support sustainability and help to save money on utility bills. Many dishwasher models offer additional features like soil sensors, redesigned racks and updated filtration systems that can help reduce energy and water consumption while improving performance.

 

2. Compared to dishwashers meeting the minimum 2023 Department of Energy efficiency standards.

Mugs and cooking utensils in a dishwasher rack

KITCHENAID® THIRD RACK DISHWASHERS

Extra room, extra possibilities

 

KitchenAid® dishwashers with the Third Rack have extra room to fit your cooking tools and give them the clean they need

Shop KitchenAid® dishwashers with in-demand features

With features on select models like the 360° Max Jets™ Third Rack—the largest third rack available3—with 360° wash jets to clean pint glasses, coffee mugs and cereal bowls inside and out, KitchenAid® dishwashers have ranked the highest in customer satisfaction for three years in a row.4 Explore dishwasher models from KitchenAid brand to find the model that best suits you today.

3. Among leading brands based on usable volume.
4. Data is based on the first 12 months of ownership. For J.D. Power 2024 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards.

KitchenAid® third rack wash jets inside of a dishwasher KitchenAid® third rack wash jets inside of a dishwasher

Dishwasher technology features for 2026

Features inspired by technology and intelligent integrations aren’t hard to come by, especially in high-end dishwasher models. Keep reading to explore the technology features to look for in select models and find the type of dishwasher that’s right for you.

KitchenAid® wash jets washing cups and bowls in a third rack dishwasher

1. Sensor technology

Modern dishwashers equipped with soil sensing technology can make it simple to help determine which settings to choose for your cycle. Select KitchenAid® dishwashers, like this Two Rack Dishwasher with 30+ Total Wash Jets, feature the ProWash Cycle. This feature uses sensors to measure soil levels throughout the cycle and adapts wash time and water temperature as needed for tough messes or lighter loads, because no two meals or the dishes that result are exactly the same.

Person loading their KitchenAid® dishwasher

2. Advanced filtration systems

Dishwashers typically offer filtration systems that help remove food particles during the cleaning process, like the True-Self Cleaning Filtration featured on select KitchenAid® dishwashers. This system uses microfiltration to continuously remove food particles during the wash and rinse cycles so only clean water circulates through the wash jets,  then cleans itself as the dishwasher drains, so you can load without pre-rinsing.

An opened KitchenAid® dishwasher letting the items inside dry

3. Automatic door release

Select KitchenAid® dishwashers offer an Automatic Door Open Dry System that opens the door 4 inches after the dry cycle ends to release water vapor and provide natural ventilation for an exceptional dry.

A dishwasher spray arm spewing water

4. Leak detection

Some dishwashers now feature convenient leak detection systems, which are designed to monitor water levels and detect any leaks or potential issues during the dishwasher's operation. Select KitchenAid® dishwashers offer a Leak Identification System, which helps detect most types of leaks and includes a drip tray underneath. If the system detects a problem, the dishwasher will stop filling, drain the tub and alert that service is needed.5


5. Will not detect leaks from the water inlet or tub drain connections and hoses or leaks due to cracked tubs or doors.

Gold colored utensils in a dishwasher utensils bin

5. Water repellent technology

Wet, dripping dishes can make unloading the dishwasher feel like extra work. Luckily, some newer dishwashers use moisture wicking materials to help reduce the need for hand drying. Water Repellant Tech on select KitchenAid® dishwashers, for instance, repels leftover water droplets on silverware baskets for dryer utensils.

Close-up of lighting inside of a dishwasher

6. Interior lighting

You might think of interior lighting as something for ovens or refrigerators, but many newer dishwashers can have it, too, giving you a clear view while loading, organizing and unloading your dishes. Some KitchenAid® dishwashers feature Ultra-Bright LED Interior Lighting that turns on when the door is open, making it easy to see inside while loading and unloading.

Shop KitchenAid® 3rd rack dishwashers

Get back to making sooner with the flexible capacity of KitchenAid® third rack dishwashers. The 360° Max Jets™ Third Rack on select models is the only third rack with 360° wash jets to clean pint glasses, coffee mugs and cereal bowls inside and out. The largest third rack available,6 it also has a removable utensil caddy for cooking tools and features moisture-wicking tines for table-ready dishes.

6. Among leading brands based on usable volume.

Dishwasher design trends for 2026

When choosing a new appliance, considering design trends can help enhance both the functionality and aesthetic of your kitchen. Elements like updated handle styles and modern finishes can help you create a cohesive kitchen atmosphere. Keep reading to discover must-have dishwasher design trends.

Flush dishwasher installed next to a farmhouse sink

1. Built-in dishwashers

Built-in dishwashers seamlessly integrate into existing cabinetry for a clean, streamlined look. This dishwasher style can be ideal for anyone looking to create a better flow in the kitchen. Select KitchenAid® built-in dishwashers offer a range of finishes, such as Black Stainless Steel with PrintShield™ Finish, to help give your space a distinctive style.

Opened panel-ready dishwasher air drying dishes

2. Panel-ready design

KitchenAid® panel-ready dishwashers take integration a step further, allowing you to install a custom front panel and handle (not included) over the dishwasher door to create a seamless look with kitchen cabinetry. This creates a truly cohesive aesthetic, making the appliance virtually disappear into your kitchen design.

A hand selecting settings on a KitchenAid® dishwasher

3. Hidden controls

Consider dishwashers that feature hidden top controls vs. front controls for a sleek aesthetic. KitchenAid® dishwashers that offer hidden controls keep them tucked away on top of the dishwasher door for a clean look to match your kitchen style. Available on select models, an indicator light on the front of the door changes colors to subtly display cycle progress.

Hand touching the exterior of a sleek dishwasher

4. Fingerprint-resistant exteriors

Keep your kitchen looking spotless with the help of exterior finishes that resist fingerprints and smudges, like the PrintShield Finish from KitchenAid brand. The specialized coating for stainless steel is easy to clean with just water and a soft cloth, so you can spend more time cooking and less time cleaning up the kitchen.

A KitchenAid® Third Rack Dishwasher with Juniper finish in cabinets of light wood

5. Unique dishwasher colors and finishes

While stainless steel remains a timeless classic for its ability to seamlessly integrate with various types of wood and kitchen designs, unique colors and finishes are becoming increasingly popular.

 

Select KitchenAid® dishwashers come in a range of exterior colors and finishes, such as Juniper, Black Ore, stainless steel, black stainless steel, white, black and more. Select models even come in the PrintShield™ Finish, which resists fingerprints and smudges.

A pocket handle dishwasher inside a modern kitchen

6. Personalized hardware

Pairing the right fit and finish with the features you’ll use most can help you get the most out of your dishwasher, but personalization doesn’t have to stop there. You may find dishwashers that allow you to customize the aesthetic even further, to help make your kitchen uniquely you. 


Some KitchenAid® dishwashers, for instance, are designed to be personalized with KitchenAid® Hardware Accessory Kits that coordinate with kitchen faucets and cabinet pulls. This curated palette of mixed metals complements a variety of KitchenAid® exterior finish options.

A person unloading a dishwasher in a kitchen

Find your next dishwasher

Dishes in a KitchenAid® dishwasher

Should you buy a high-end dishwasher?

Shop KitchenAid® dishwashers

Start each culinary creation with a clean canvas, thanks to the powerful performance of KitchenAid® dishwashers. The Sani-Rinse Option on select models eliminates 99.999% of food soil bacteria by adding a high-heat final rinse to sanitize dishes. Then, the Triple Filtration System on some KitchenAid® dishwashers uses three levels of filtration to remove food particles during the wash and rinse cycles.

Drone view of a city

Destination: Design

Follow the path to inspiration

 

Join two creative storytellers as they travel to a unique destination, and watch as KitchenAid brand transforms their inspiration into stunning designs

Was this article helpful? Pass it on

Explore more with KitchenAid brand