ADA dishwashers have become more popular because new construction developments in Boston require to have a few units to be ADA compliant. This article is subdivided for builders and architects specifying one as well as the people requiring ADA compliant dishwashers.
First, we will define what ADA is, its requirements, and then look at a few products.
What is an ADA compliant dishwasher?
Let’s start with what ADA stands for: Americans with Disability Act.
A standard size dishwasher is 33 to 34 inches tall. An ADA dishwasher is 32 inches tall, allowing all the controls to be accessible with a light one hand touch from a wheelchair.
Dishwashers are available in two standard sizes, 24 inches wide and 18 inches wide with 24 inches being the most popular. This article is for 24-inch only. We have a separate article on 18-inch.
That said, it depends on your price range and features to determine the best dishwasher for your home or project.
Let's look at a few from Frigidaire, GE, Bosch, Miele, and Asko.
The Best ADA Approved Dishwashers
Frigidaire FDB2410HI - $559
Features:
- Stainless steel interior
- Stainless steel filter
- 5 cycles
- Light wash
- Heavy wash
- Normal wash
- Energy saver
- China/crystal
- 1-24-hour delay start
- 2 folding cup/stemware holders
Frigidaire is not spectacular from a quietness perspective at 55 DB. Its racks are shallow and the cycles are basic.
GE GLDT696JSS - $799
Features:
- Integrated controls for nice sleek look
- Stainless steel interior
- 1-24-hour delay start
- Clean sensor
- 6 cycles
- Glasses
- Heavy Wash
- Light wash
- Normal Wash
- Rinse only
- Sanitize
- 57 dBA
GE is sleeker than the Frigidaire and offers a stainless tank rather than plastic. It is still not quiet, like the next few European dishwashers listed, and it does not have features like rack adjustability or a cutlery tray.
Features:
- Stainless steel interior
- 3rd rack
- Aqua stop plus
- 5 Wash cycles
- Heavy
- Auto
- Eco
- Normal
- Express
- Rinse
- 44 dBA
Bosch is known for their dishwashers. Not only are they one of the most reliable dishwashers they are also one of the quietest. The third rack offers more usable space and the racking can adjust to 3 different heights.
Miele Futura Classic Plus G4971SCVI - $1,099
Features:
- AutoSensor Technology – senses soil level and adjusts cleaning time
- Double Waterproof Technology – shuts off water if a leak is detected
- Third rack with dedicated spray arm – best at cleaning cutlery
- CleanAir Drying
- Panel Ready
- Delay Start
- 5 cycles
- Economy
- Normal
- Pots and Pans
- Autowash
- China/Crystal
- Short cycle option – adjusts heat and pressure for 30% shorter cycle
- 46 dBA
Miele is the largest family-owned appliance company in the world. Their products are almost entirely designed and manufactured in one factory in Germany. Due to their strict quality control, Miele is known for manufacturing some of the highest quality products in the industry. Miele has the best drying cycle. It allows air to the outside wall and steam is attracted to the cooler side and dissipated.
Asko XL D5634XL - $1,349
Features:
- 6 Wash Cycles
- Heavy
- Sanitation
- Normal
- Eco
- Quick
- Rinse and Hold
- 7 spray zones for intense washing
- 2 Dish Racks with individual arms
- 8-Steel Construction
- Salt dispenser for hard water
- Heated Condensation Dry
- Multi-Position Wine Shelf
- Glass Support
- Knife Stand
- 46 dB Sound Level
Asko was originally a Swedish company but has recently partnered with Sub-Zero and Wolf. Asko has the best interior with an all stainless-steel interior including stainless spray arms and graphite racks. Typically, Asko will become much cheaper when packaged with Sub-Zero and Wolf in multi-unit buildings.
Which Dishwasher Would I Buy?
This really depends. I like the Frigidaire for the price. It isn't particularly quiet or laden with features, but it is cheap and works.
Miele is the best of the bunch with great features, drying, and reliability.
If you are a builder or looking for multiple units, consider Asko because it is inexpensive with the Sub-Zero and Wolf builder package.
Additional Resources
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Amy Ross
Amy has worked in sales, design, and home staging for 15 years. She enjoys seeing her projects from beginning to end and is extraordinarily detail-oriented. Amy has assisted in the designs of all three Yale showrooms. In her spare time, she loves spending time outdoors with her husband and two children, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, and skiing.
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