Town Appliance Official Blog

No matter where you might find yourself currently in your search for a new dishwasher, there’s a consistent theme despite which brand or what price point you’re exploring — the stainless-steel dishwasher tub. It’s natural to assume the difference is purely cosmetic, but considering the price swing (the difference can be dramatic), you can’t help but wonder, “Is there more to it than just looks?”
In short, a stainless-steel dishwasher tub is far superior than plastic, and the addition of one on a dishwashing machine comes with a few added benefits aside from being a better-looking model. In this quick guide, we’ll show you the ins and outs of these appliances to help you decide if the option is worth the investment.

Pricing

Let’s clarify for a moment. While a stainless-steel tub often comes with an upcharge of around $100 – $150 compared to plastic tub dishwashers, options can still be found on the lower-end of pricing, starting around $500 – $600. With that in mind, all higher-end dishwashers come with a stainless-steel tub. However, many of these models also come with noise-reducing technology, and when combined with the noise-dampening properties of metal, these dishwashers tend to be the quietest on the market.

Pros

Simply put, a plastic tub cannot compete with the list of bonuses that come along with a stainless dishwasher interior. Here’s what you get when you upgrade to stainless steel:
Durability: Because it’s made from metal, stainless steel resists hot temperatures better, adding durability, while also retaining temperatures, allowing the heating element to work less.
Superior Drying: Thanks to conduction, stainless steel is able to dry dishes faster by drawing heat from dinnerware and turning it into condensation that then drops to the bottom of the appliance instead of puddling on dishes.
Less Maintenance: Stainless steel is also less porous than plastic, meaning it won’t stain or absorb odors from foods like red spaghetti sauce on a white, plastic tub.
All in all, the benefits are considerable, including the ability to withstand long periods of high-heat rinses up to 160 degrees, giving dishes a proper and sanitary wash. And as mentioned, since the tub helps with heating and drying, the process is far more energy-efficient and durable than with a plastic tub.

What About the Brands?

This is an important question to ask while you’re shopping since the short answer is no. While the materials used on the tub will be more or less the same, other factors determine whether you’re paying solely for the tub upgrade, or for additional features that add value to the appliance. That can include decibel ratings, rack quantity, or special cleaning options, all of which provide more bang for your buck.

What About Plastic Tub Dishwashers?

If your dishwasher budget is within the $500 – $600 dishwasher, you're most likely going to end up getting a dishwasher with a plastic tub. There will be a downgrade in overall performance, but it still more economic and efficient than washing dishes by hand. Additionally, many models feature a high-density plastic tub that performs better than standard plastic tubs.

Anyway if you're looking to buy built-in dishwasher and upgrade your kitchen, check out our huge selection at Town Appliance. For more information, feel free to contact us, visit our nearest showroom or shop online at Townappliance.com