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Dishwashers with handles-good or not?

15 years ago

I am wondering if these dishwashers with the curved handles are something that you have to "go around" when going from your sink past it to the other end of the run of your cabinets? Also, do any of them catch on clothing like some pulls do? All of the handles are a little bit different--currently I am considering a KA, Bosch, or maybe a high end whirlpool. Maybe I am just overthinking this, but it did occur to me cause I am considering the catching on clothing issue as I select cabinet hardware. These DW handles do seem like a handy place for a kitchen towel, but my range will have one also. Your thoughts?

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Comments (8)

gizmonike
15 years ago
I don't find a DW handle to be a good place for a towel -- whenever the door is opened, the towel touches the floor.

Curved vs. straight handle vs. integrated "lip" pull depends on your personal preference & how well it looks with the rest of your hardware. I'd pick a DW on performance first & handle second. You can always opt for a custom panel with your own cabinet pull if you don't like what comes with a pre-finished DW.
eandhl
15 years ago
In my last kit our Bosch DW was place where I did most prep, between refrig and sink. Loved the DW but hated that handle was in my way as I am very short and since it had open ends it did catch clothing. In this house no question about another Bosch but I did get one without handle.
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muddypond
15 years ago
There is no need for a protruding handle on a dishwasher. It's form over function, with a possible exception for the disabled, who might find it useful. For us, it would just get in the way.
Fori
15 years ago
I much prefer a handle to a lip, but agree about picking one that won't catch clothes. And if you'll be working in front of it, probably no handle at all is best.
ccoombs1
15 years ago
I got a bosch with no handle so it would match my GE profile applinaces. The stainless all matches nicely, but the handles were very different and I didn't want the profile DW....so I needed a model with no handle.
hest88
15 years ago
I didn't think about the handle issue at all--until I realized our dishwasher would be going right next to the stove and we'd have "competing handles." So, I went for a DW with just a lip instead of an actual handle.
bob_f
15 years ago
I don't find a DW handle to be a good place for a towel -- whenever the door is opened, the towel touches the floor.

That's a great point and it's something that I didn't realize until after I installed our Kenmore Elite dishwasher.

But, other than that, the handle is nicely designed and there's nothing to catch on it.
november
15 years ago
I have a KA Architect II with the curved handle, and it doesn't get in the way at all. But it's true that it's not the best place for the dish towel because it does hit the floor.

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