Nobody really thinks about dishwashers until they don't have one. Then it's 10 p.m. on a Tuesday, there's dried oatmeal in a pot that’s been sitting around since morning, and the full sink is very much your problem.
Here's the thing: not every apartment comes with a dishwasher, especially if you're optimizing for budget or location. And depending on your lifestyle, that might be totally fine — or it might slowly drive you insane. The difference comes down to a few honest questions about your kitchen habits.
Before you decide whether you really need a dishwasher, take our quick quiz to see how much it really matters in your day-to-day routine. Keep track of your answers to see your results at the end!
1. How often do you cook at home?
2. How many people do you usually cook for?
3. What does your sink usually look like after dinner?
4. Do you meal prep for the week?
5. When dishes pile up, you usually…
6. How do you feel about washing dishes by hand?
7. How many kitchen tools do you regularly use?
8. How much counter space does your kitchen have?
9. If rent were $100-$200 cheaper without a dishwasher, would it be worth the savings?
Mostly A: You’re totally fine without a dishwasher For you, this is a genuinely easy trade-off. You cook simply (if at all), keep dishes under control, and don't dread dish duty. Saving $100–$200 a month could mean a better neighborhood, extra square footage, or more frequent take-out orders. Take the apartment.
Mostly B: You could live without one A dishwasher is a nice-to-have, not a need-to-have. If the apartment checks your other boxes, you'll adapt. Have an honest conversation with your housemates about who is responsible for washing dishes, and how soon after a meal you expect the sink to be clean.
Mostly C: This could get annoying You're in the warning zone. You could make it work, but the novelty of saving money might wear off quickly when faced with the daily reality of dirty dishes. If you're already making trade-offs on your commute, square footage, or layout, stacking this one on top might be enough to drive you crazy.
Mostly D: This is a must-have For you, a dishwasher isn’t just a luxury — it’s what keeps you sane. Between frequent cooking, multiple people in the household, or a general dislike of dish duty, this trade-off would probably become a constant annoyance. Add it to your list of non-negotiables.
Before you commit, picture your normal routine in the kitchen. Look at pictures of the apartment and ask yourself: How many dishes do you actually generate in a day? (Be honest: include the mug, the cutting board, and the coffee spoon.) Is the sink deep enough to pile dishes overnight, or will it overflow onto the counter immediately? If this is a shared kitchen, who's realistically doing the dishes, and how often?
Then, zoom out: are you already making other compromises on this apartment? Trade-offs tend to stack up. One inconvenience is manageable. Three might make it the wrong apartment for you.
The best place to live isn't the one with every amenity. It's the one that fits the life you're actually living — not the version you imagine you'll start living once you move in.
Scored mostly D’s and feeling seen? Our dishwasher search filter is here for you.
In unit laundry, Granite counters, Pet friendly, Stainless steel, Walk in closets, Gym + more
In unit laundry, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, 24hr maintenance, Stainless steel, Walk in closets + more
