When considering the purchase of a new stainless steel dishwasher, it is important to examine the pros and cons of installing such a unit. Aside from it being nice to look at and giving the appearance of a very high-priced unit, a stainless steel dishwasher can also be difficult to keep clean and free of fingerprints. These units also require special cleaning solvents to avoid damaging the finish of the dishwasher. If considering a top-of-the-line stainless steel dishwasher, these units will often have stainless steel on the interior of the machine as well as on the exterior, and this provides its own special pros and cons.

One pro of using a stainless steel dishwasher with a stainless steel interior is that the steel does not absorb any smells or odors. This will allow the dishwasher to have a new fresh smell every time the door is opened. The stainless steel also retains heat better than a comparable unit with a plastic tub, making the stainless steel dishwasher more economical to use over its lifetime. Most owners of these units also claim that the units are quieter when operating than other units. This is especially popular for those who operate their dishwashers at bed time.

The cons to owning a stainless steel dishwasher can come in the type of cleaner used to maintain the exterior. Some commonly-used household cleaners can leave the stainless steel finish cloudy and streaked. These cleaners can also discolor the stainless steel so that it becomes permanently stained and discolored. Many of the specialty cleaners are more costly than the commonly-used all-in-one cleaners found in many kitchens. This higher cost often leads to the all-in-one cleaner being used on the dishwasher, thus resulting in the discoloring and staining or streaking.

The staining of the exterior of the dishwasher is more common on the polished stainless steel than on the brushed finish, however, there have been incidents of staining on both finishes. The biggest con in purchasing the stainless steel models of any appliance is found in the pricing. The additional cost of the stainless steel dishwasher can be a deterrent to many buyers who can not justify the added expense of the stainless steel over the same model in a traditional finish. One pro that simply cannot be overlooked, however, is that the stainless steel dishwasher will match a stainless steel refrigerator and range to complete the total appliance package.