Whirlpool's GU3600XTS built-in dishwasher impresses us with its very sleek styling for the price. Available in black, white and stainless steel, the stainless-steel model in particular catches our attention. It offers a split console with the most used controls on the outside of the door. Lesser used options and adjustments to the cycles are concealed, leaving just a few buttons and lights in full view. Adding to the sleek design is a smooth, contoured handle.

Exterior styling isn't the only thing to like about this dishwasher. A stain and corrosion resistant stainless-steel interior adds to the allure, while Whirlpool's PowerScour feature adds to the overall cleaning power. PowerScour boosts cleaning and is recommended for dishes that would normally require extra scrubbing and soaking. With 36 targeted water jets, PowerSour can be added to the normal, pots and pans or adaptive settings without increasing water usage in the cycle. PowerScour is not to be used with china, crystal or the quick cycle.

Increasingly, better quality dishwashers are using sensor technology. In this case, the adaptive cycle is the cycle that relies on sensors. These sensors measure water temperature and soil, making adjustments to best clean the load. With a sensor, Whirlpool puts modern technology to work for you, saving you the guesswork of choosing settings and options.

Our reviewers look for dishwashers that offer the conveniences shoppers are looking for. Of particularly interest to many is an adjustable rack like the one found on the GU3600XTS. In this case, the upper rack can be moved up or down depending on the load. Lots of stemware -- adjust the rack down. Bulky pots and baking sheets -- adjust the rack upward and fit these large items in at the bottom.

Convenient loading is in demand, but for many of us an even more important quality is a quiet machine. The GU3600XTS washes quietly with a sound output of 57 decibels. You can find quieter, but you'll pay a higher price for a dishwasher with a sound output below 50 decibels.

Additional cycles worth mentioning on this Whirlpool model are a sani-rinse option and a quick cycle. Sani-rinse finishes the dishes with a high temperature rinse that eliminates most bacteria. The quick cycle gets you through a basic, lightly soiled load in just about 30 minutes. For the glassware and appetizer plates of entertaining, this cycle is incredibly handy.

Offered at a fair price, the reliable Whirlpool GU3600XTS sports many of today's most in demand features, an attractive design, a stainless-steel interior, sensor technology, quiet operation and a handy delay timer.


Pros: Offers the most in-demand features, quiet operation, stainless interior, sensor technology, Whirlpool's PowerScrub
Cons: Quiet, but not the quietest the market has to offer

Warranty
1 year