When it comes to performance, the dishwasher's interior should be tops on your list. There are several options to consider when purchasing a dishwasher.

Tub Capacity

Choosing the size that best fits your needs will save you money in the long run.

• A standard tub in a 24-inch dishwasher should fit about 10 or 12 place settings in one load, or eight place settings and six serving pieces.
• A super-capacity or tall tub in a 24-inch dishwasher should fit 14 or even 16 place settings in one load. A tall tub dishwasher fits in the same space as a standard tub model even though its interior is larger top to bottom. The extra room allows it to hold dishes and pots in a wider range of sizes and shapes.
• A compact tub typically fits eight place settings.

Materials

Tubs, regardless of their size, typically come in one of two materials:

• Stainless Steel: The more expensive of the two, stainless steel is more durable, doesn't spot or stain, resists hard water and retains heat better than conventional materials.
• Plastic: The cheaper choice, plastic is more common and still quite durable.

• Adjustable or removable racks and shelves can be rearranged to accommodate large or unusual-shaped items: tall stemware, baby bottles and sippy cups, cookie sheets or tall pots and pans. In most instances, the tines can be lowered or removed to allow for more flexibility.
• Cutlery baskets are fairly common. They are used to hold most kitchen utensils, sit in the bottom rack and can be moved as necessary.
• Stemholders can be added as an extra line of protection when washing wine glasses.
• Some manufacturers are adding a third rack to the dishwasher. The third rack can be used for anything from cutlery to an extra set of dishes.