The presence of a dishwasher in many American homes in the kitchen is not a novelty but a necessity. Many families have busy lifestyles that rely on a dependable dishwashing machine to handle the dishes after a meal. These dishwashers are essential in a number of ways, particularly when you consider the functional uses they provide.

In the past, built-in dishwashers have virtually been the norm with uniform sizes and configurations. Even today, the majority of built-in dishwashers are built to fit a 24-inch width under a cabinet with one door. Today, the built-in dishwasher has gone to new levels in style and functionality.

These nonstandard styles include:

?Sliding drawer built-in dishwashers which are a flat design that slides out and allows dishes to be loaded into a drawer style dishwasher

?Kitchen sink built-in dishwashers that serve as a second dishwasher or excellent alternative to a standalone dishwasher that requires floor space.

?30-inch, 36-inch and 42-inch models in both built-in and freestanding models.

?A two-tub stainless steel sink with an added dishwasher that can hold large pots and pans and several place settings.

The basic necessity for a dishwasher is to ensure that it meets the needs of the users. There is no such thing as standard dirt or routine dishes such that one design or brand will suit every user. Thus, a great dishwasher will be flexible in service and uses for those who will be operating it on a regular basis.

Technology has advanced so that new dishwashers, both built-in and standalone types, are equipped with sensors that detect the amount of dirt and the number of dishes and adjust accordingly for water temperature and length of time the machine will run. Today, this spells satisfaction for those who are energy conscious and want to save on their water bill.

Other characteristics that are being offered include noise reduction, Energy-star ratings and very competitive pricing. This makes the old fashioned dishwashers that kept up a great deal of noise and were expensive to lug into place or leave standing alone quite obsolete.

Today, the choice to have a built-in dishwasher is usually the preference for those who are buying a new house or replacing an old dishwasher that is a built-in. The convenience of knowing exactly where the dishwasher will fit and the uniform look created in the kitchen is usually desired. There are occasions, as well, when a standalone dishwasher makes more sense.

The most frequent users of standalone dishwashers are those who have a very small kitchen where there is no space. Another reason for a standalone would be to have the option to store it away out of site when not in use. Standalone dishwashers come in smaller sizes than most built-in dishwashers and can often be purchased at a lower price than the built-in standards.

One thing that new built-in dishwashers and standalone dishwashers have in common is the increase in washing cycle times. For those machines that are water efficient, the wash cycle can take 60 minutes if the dishes are heavily soiled.