5 Best Café Dishwashers: Review After Extensive Hands-On Testing

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After extensive hands-on testing & analysis of customer experiences, here are the five best Café dishwashers for your needs, budget, and lifestyle.

Testing dishwashers is always an adventure around here. Between marinara-crusted pans, greasy casserole dishes, and mountains of utensils, our warehouse demo units get quite the workout. After assessing Café’s full dishwasher lineup hands-on, these 5 emerged as my top recommendations:

Key Differences Between the Models

While Café dishwashers share the same dedication to elegant design, there are some notable differences across the lineup: The double-drawer CDD420P2TS1 stands out with its dual compartments and eco-friendly credentials. The CDT805P2NS1 and CDT875P2NS1 full-size tubs offer larger households enhanced capacity and loading flexibility. Tech geeks will appreciate the CDT875P2NS1’s WiFi controls and app connectivity. And for style purists, models like the CDT845M5NS5 and CDT875M5NS5 come in premium finishes like platinum glass and a smudge-proof black stainless exterior. Regarding wash performance, Café’s UltraWash feature in select models like the CDT805P2NS1 delivers meticulous cleaning and superior drying results. And racks that adjust up and down by 2 inches provide customizable loading to accommodate anything from ramekins to stockpots. Across most models, the near-silent 45-decibel sound rating makes Café dishwashers ideal for open floor plans where noise would be disruptive. There are also fine differences between control panels and program selections. Lower-priced options like the CDT805P2NS1 offer streamlined controls with essential cycle options. Luxury models like the CDT875M5NS5 are equipped with full-color touchscreen displays and specialty cycles, such as Express Wash & Dry, for quick cleans. So whether your priority is convenience, capacity, sound level, versatility, or just plain elegance, Café dishwashers aim to serve your needs. It’s simply a matter of selecting the features that best match your lifestyle.

Honorable Mentions

During my product testing, a couple Café dishwashers emerged as solid options but didn’t quite clinch a spot among my Top Picks: The Café CDT845P4NW2 in matte white is undeniably handsome, and the intelligent sensor wash adapts cycles based on soil level. For me, the dealbreaker was some durability concerns reported around the components. In our experience, reliability is paramount in an appliance you’ll use daily for years. However, for someone less concerned with longevity, the sensor tech and aesthetics may justify a look. I was also impressed by the Café CDT875P2NS1 and its gorgeous stainless exterior. Smart features like third rack loading and WiFi controls are definite assets. However, based on the rubber trim design, we encountered a few finicky issues around installation and leaks. For folks open to handling small installation hurdles, the functionality and shine of this model could warrant consideration.

FAQs from Fellow Dishwasher Shoppers

Over the years, I’ve fielded plenty of questions from customers navigating the dizzying dishwasher selection process. Here are some of the most common FAQs I encounter:

Are Café dishwashers worth the higher cost compared to traditional brands?

In my experience, the answer depends on your priorities. If low noise, aesthetics, and luxury innovations are most important, then yes, the elevated craftsmanship and features of Café may warrant the investment. However, for customers focused purely on practical cleaning performance, comparable options exist for lower prices.

How difficult is it to install a Café dishwasher on my own?

While handy do-it-yourselfers may be tempted, I recommend letting a professional tackle the installation, especially for built-in models. The specificity around connections, drainage, and integrating the control panel can get tricky. Leaving it to a certified installer reduces headaches and ensures your warranty remains valid.

What should I look for if drying performance is critical?

Café’s UltraDry feature is designed to produce superior drying results, so I always recommend models with that added power. Look for internal fans, venting, and stainless steel tubs, which help evaporate moisture more effectively after the wash. Consider adding a rinse aid, as this improves drying and reduces spots.

Do Café dishwashers come in special finishes to match the rest of my kitchen?

Absolutely, coordination is key in an integrated kitchen. Select Café models are available in Matte White, Matte Black Stainless, Fingerprint Resistant Black Stainless, and Platinum Glass with silver or black trim. There are even customizable hardware options to match other Café appliances you may own.

Should I Choose a Built-In or Portable Model?

If your kitchen is designed to house integrated dishwasher cabinetry, then built-in is likely the way to go for seamlessness. However, for portable convenience or if your space won’t accommodate permanent installation, Café’s freestanding 18″ mobile compact model offers flexibility. Finding the perfect dishwasher is no simple task, but I hope this overview gives you a helpful head start. We know purchasing home appliances is an important investment. So whether you’re researching online or ready to see Café’s dishwashers first-hand, our team is always here to answer questions and provide our honest impressions. Your satisfaction means everything to us, so we’ll work tirelessly to get you the right fit for your needs and budget. Feel free to stop into the showroom anytime for a chat! I look forward to helping you discover the joy of sparkling clean dishes.

Café – 24″ Top Control Built-In Double Drawer Dishwasher (Model: CDD420P2TS1)

CDD420P3TD1

$1,499

MSRP $1,499

4.1 out of 5

Café – 24″ Top Control Tall Tub Built-In Dishwasher with Stainless Steel Tub (Model: CDT805P2NS1)

CDT875P2NS1

$1,799

MSRP $1,799

0 out of 5

Café – Top Control Built-In Dishwasher with Stainless Steel Tub and 3rd Rack (Model: CDT875P2NS1)

CDT845M5NS5

$1,499

MSRP $1,499

4.2 out of 5

Café – 24″ Top Control Tall Tub Built-In Dishwasher with Stainless Steel Tub (Model: CDT845M5NS5)

CDT875M5NS5

$1,899

MSRP $1,899

4.2 out of 5

CaféTM 24″ Platinum Built-In Dishwasher (Model: CDT875M5NS5)

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