At a Glance:
How Dishwasher Water Filters Work
Is a Dishwasher with Water Filter Worth It?
Types of Dishwasher Water Filter Systems
Featured Dishwashers with Water Filters
Let’s face it—doing the dishes is nobody’s favorite chore. That’s why dishwashers are a kitchen staple. But did you know the secret to getting sparkling clean dishes often lies in the dishwasher’s water filter? Yep, that tiny yet mighty feature makes a world of difference in how your dishwasher performs.
In this dishwasher buying guide, we’ll break down how a dishwasher works with a filter, why a filter in dishwasher machines is important, and what to look for when look for when buying a dishwasher.
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Shop DishwashersHow Dishwasher Water Filters Work
A water filter for dishwasher is like your dishwasher’s personal bodyguard, protecting it (and your dishes) from food particles, grease, and other debris. Without it, you’d end up with dirty dishes or a smelly dishwasher. Let’s break down how a dishwasher works first.
Dishwasher Filters
During a wash cycle, a dishwasher sprays water to clean the dishes, and the filter acts as a trap for all the leftover food bits and grime. Without these essential dishwasher parts, debris would remain in the water, potentially redepositing your plates, glasses, and utensils.
How to Wash Dishwasher Filter:
If your dishwasher has a removable filter, here’s how to keep it in top shape:
- Take out the lower rack to access the filter.
- Twist it gently and lift it out.
- Rinse it under warm water, using a soft brush to scrub off debris.
- Pop it back in place, and you’re good to go.
Regular cleaning can save you from funky smells and ensure your dishwasher runs like a dream.
Is a Dishwasher with a Water Filter Worth It?
Short answer, yes! A dishwasher with a water filter comes with some fantastic perks that make life easier. Here are a few of our favorites.
✅Spotless Dishes Every Time
One of the best perks of having a dishwasher filter is its ability to trap leftover food particles and grime effectively. This means no stray debris ends up back on your plates or glasses, ensuring every load comes out sparkling clean. Forget about the frustration of rewashing dishes—you can trust your dishwasher to handle the job the first time, thanks to its hardworking filter.
✅Fewer Water Spots
Tired of seeing those annoying streaks or cloudy marks on your glasses? Filters play a big role in reducing mineral deposits in the water, leaving your dishes crystal clear. By keeping minerals at bay, your dishwasher ensures your glassware always looks like it belongs on a fancy dinner table.
✅Fresher Dishwasher
Filters don’t just keep your dishes clean—they also keep your dishwasher smelling fresh. By catching and holding food particles, they prevent debris from decomposing inside the machine. With a clean filter, you can say goodbye to bad odors and hello to a consistently pleasant experience when opening your dishwasher. Just be sure to routinely clean the filter to eliminate lingering odors.
✅Helps with Hard Water Issues
A dishwasher filter is your ally if you live in an area with hard water. Hard water can leave chalky residue on your dishes, but filters help tackle this by minimizing the mineral content. This makes your dishes look cleaner and prolongs the life of your dishwasher by reducing mineral buildup in the machine.
Learn More: Is the Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher Worth It?
About Dishwashers Without Filters
Do all dishwashers have filters? Nope. Ultimately, a dishwasher without a filter might still get the job done, but you’ll likely deal with streaks on your dishes and a higher chance of bad smells building up. It’s like driving a car without a good suspension—it works, but it’s not as smooth.
The price might be cheaper—which is a major incentive—but the user experience between a dishwasher with filter vs without filter is hardly worth the savings.
Types Of Dishwasher Water Filter Systems
Dishwasher water filter systems come in various types, each designed to meet specific needs and enhance the efficiency of your appliance. Whether you prioritize convenience, thoroughness, or specialized cleaning, there's a filter system tailored to your lifestyle. Here’s a closer look at the main types. Click the to learn more.
➕Built-In Dishwasher Filters
Permanent filters are a no-fuss solution for those who prefer minimal dishwasher maintenance. Built directly into the dishwasher, these filters do the dirty work without requiring regular removal or cleaning. While they operate silently in the background, they may need occasional professional servicing to keep them in top shape.
✅Pros: Virtually maintenance-free.
❌Cons: It can be noisier because of the grinder.
➕Removable Dishwasher Filters
Removable dishwashing machine filters are a favorite among homeowners who like to stay hands-on with their appliance care. These filters are easy to remove, clean, and replace, ensuring your dishwasher runs smoothly. With a little routine maintenance, they prevent food buildup and keep dishes spotless.
✅Pros: Super quiet and effective.
❌Cons: Needs regular cleaning (but it’s pretty easy!).
➕Specialty Dishwasher Filters
Specialty filters, like the GE Piranha Food Filter, take filtration to the next level. These are equipped with advanced features, such as grinding mechanisms that pulverize food particles, preventing clogs and enhancing performance. Ideal for households with heavy dishwashing needs, these filters combine convenience and cutting-edge technology.
✅Pros: Specialty filters like the GE Piranha Food Filter offer superior performance by grinding up food particles into tiny bits, ensuring they don’t clog the system. This means you can skip pre-rinsing your dishes, saving time and water while still enjoying sparkling results.
❌Cons: The added technology and functionality can sometimes mean higher maintenance costs or more noise during operation. Additionally, repairs for such advanced systems may require professional assistance, which can be inconvenient.
Learn More:5 Ways to Make Your Dishwasher Work Smarter, Not Harder
Featured Dishwashers with Water Filters
When it comes to dishwashers with built in water filter systems, there are a variety of options designed to meet different needs. These dishwashers not only ensure cleaner, fresher dishes but also enhance the overall performance of your kitchen appliance. Here’s a closer look at some of the top models that stand out in terms of features and functionality along with what to look for in a dishwasher.
Whirlpool 24" Built-In Dishwasher
Shop This Whirlpool Dishwasher
The Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ brings together innovation and practicality, featuring a built-in dishwasher water filter that helps prevent food buildup and ensures your dishes are always spotless. The high-efficiency wash system makes it perfect for homes with heavy dishwashing needs, while its quiet operation means it won’t disturb your day-to-day activities. The sleek stainless steel finish adds a modern touch to your kitchen, and the energy-efficient design makes it a smart choice for reducing utility bills.
GE® 24" Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
If you’re looking for advanced cleaning power, this GE model with its Piranha Food Disposer filter system offers superior performance. The filter works by grinding up food particles into fine bits, preventing clogs and allowing the dishwasher to clean more effectively. This model is designed with multiple wash cycles to handle everything from delicate glassware to heavy-duty pots. It’s also equipped with a built-in water filtration system, ensuring that your dishes are spotless and free from water spots or mineral residue.
⭐Featured GE GDT226SSLSS Review:
“We truly like the design and function. The dishes come out sweaky clean. We had been using a GE portable unit previously that cleaned dishes very well. Our new built-in exceeds that and is very quiet.”!
Amana® 24" White Front Control Built In Dishwasher
This Amana dishwasher combines a simple design with standard cleaning capabilities for casual dishwashing needs. Equipped with a built-in filter system, it ensures that food particles are effectively trapped, so your dishes come out sparkling clean every time. The white exterior and front control panel give it a classic look, while its adjustable upper rack provides extra flexibility for larger pots and pans. This affordable dishwasher is a great pick for those who want reliability and ease of use without breaking the bank.
Whirlpool® 24" Finger Print Resistant Stainless Steel Top Control Built In Dishwasher
Shop This Whirlpool Dishwasher
This Whirlpool model stands out with its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish, making it both stylish and low-maintenance. The water filter system traps food particles, ensuring your dishes get the cleanest wash possible. It features an adjustable rack, allowing for flexibility in loading, and offers quiet operation so you can run it at any time of day without being disturbed. With its energy-efficient design and advanced filtration system, this dishwasher is a great choice for families who want both convenience and top-tier performance.
Whirlpool® 24" FingerPrint Resistant Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
Shop This Whirlpool Stainless Dishwasher
The Whirlpool WDP560HAMZ combines cutting-edge features with practical design to give you an exceptional dishwashing experience. The built-in water filter system removes food debris and prevents odors, leaving your dishes looking and smelling fresh. It also boasts a quiet, energy-efficient wash cycle, ensuring your dishes get cleaned without making a lot of noise. Plus, the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior is both attractive and easy to clean, making it a perfect fit for any modern kitchen
Whirlpool® 24" FingerPrint Resistant Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
Shop This Whirlpool Top Control Dishwasher
With a focus on efficiency, the Whirlpool WDP730HAMZ model delivers a powerful wash while keeping water spots and mineral deposits at bay thanks to its integrated water filter. This models offers a large capacity with 14 dishwasher place settings, meaning you can fit more dishes in fewer loads, which is perfect for busy households. Its easy-to-use control panel and energy-saving features make it both user-friendly and eco-conscious, helping you keep your kitchen running smoothly while saving on utility costs.
The typical day isn’t getting any easier, which is why quality dish care matters. Luckily, there are plenty of dishwasher brands that get it right when it comes to a dishwasher filter with models that handle leftover food and debris for you. We’ve mentioned a few of our top picks in this guide, and there are many more worth exploring in today’s market. Stop by your local Urner’s to see which ones we recommend!
Why Trust Urner's and Urner's Mattress?
Urner’s started on the back of a bicycle - yup! A bicycle! David E. Urner, a local high school teacher, who spent his summer months selling Wear Ever cookware off the back of a bicycle (think 100+ degrees). David teamed up with another local teacher, Errol P. Janes to create “a new type of store – one that would cater exclusively to providing an easier way of living for the women of Kern County”, and on September 19, 1919, Home Appliance Store was opened to the public. The store boasted a rather impressive selection of “modern” appliances, including a washing machine, a freezer, a gas range, an automatic dishwasher, and an assortment of small appliances. Since then, Urner’s has expanded selections to appliances, furniture, mattresses and cabinetry!
For nearly one century, the Urner family and Urner’s business have both been an integral part of Bakersfield and Kern County, with contributions to community (Better Business Bureau, Sister City Projects, Bakersfield Symphony), charity (Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude’s Dream Home, House of Hope) and education (CSU Bakersfield, Ray Dezember Leadership Development Center. Explore the website, visit the store, or join us socially. We’re all about home, all about fun, and all about you… and we’re ready to make you a part of the Urner’s family today.
Shop Dishwashers at Urner’s
Stop by any of the 6 Urner’s and Urner’s Mattress locations in Bakersfield, CA to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop dishwashers online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you explore the latest dishwashers with water filter systems — whether you call us at 661-396-8400, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
Learn More: A Deep Dive Into LG Dishwasher Features: What Are They & Do They Work