If you're researching dishwasher selections and looking at lower-cost models, you're probably ready to sacrifice function and style. Fortunately, with the Whirlpool DU1100XTPB dishwasher, you won't have to settle for less.

This Whirlpool model is Energy Star rated and has plenty of features we'd expect, such as a delayed-start wash and a child lock. It has a top and bottom rack roomy enough to 14 place settings, as well as a separate basket for flatware. It does an admirable job at cleaning dishware. During testing, we found it cleaned plates, bowls and flatware like a pro. And when it came to pots and pans, this Whirlpool model held its own against pricier models. We credit this, in part, to one of its options: a soak and scour function. If you're tired of cluttering your sink area with soaking dishes, you'll love this option. It allows homeowners to soak dishes in the dishwasher -- out of sight.

We like the ability to pair this soak and scour function with the Whirlpool's built-in food disposal. Any food particles removed during the soaking time can be disposed of this way, and we don't worry that the particles are clogging the Whirlpool's inner-workings. Two other options we appreciate are the high-temperature wash option and the "sani rinse" option. Although we probably wouldn't use these options all the time, this sanitizing rinse is great for times when you want to add some germ-fighting power to your wash.

The Whirlpool Dishwasher DU1100XTPB only has four wash cycles, but this didn't really temper our enthusiasm for this model. Unless you're in the market for a model with all the bells and whistles, this Whirlpool will do the job. It has a water-saving sensor to detect whether dishes need an extra rinse. One complaint is that it doesn't run as quietly as some of the other models we've tested. One other minor complaint: Condensation sometimes pools on dishware or glassware at the end of the wash cycle, making it necessary to towel off some -- but not all -- of the dishwasher's clean contents.

For about $400, this white-on-white model is a hard worker with many of the extras we typically find on more expensive dishwashers -- such as a disposal, sanitizing rinse and special options. It cleans well, lets us soak pots and pans, and can be customized with a black, white, biscuit or stainless steel finish.


Pros: Built-in food disposal, soak option, sanitizing rinse, price
Cons: Doesn't run as quietly as some other models

Warranty
1 year, limited