A comparative noise level analysis of built-in dishwashers reveals that most models (32%) operate at a noise level between 42 dB and 45 dB. At the same time, the Summit DW243BADA stands slightly higher at 46 dB to 49 dB, placing it among the quieter mid-range options (see the comparative chart). This 24-inch built-in model offers 10 place settings and 8 wash programs, including Auto, Intensive Plus, and Delicate cycles, providing versatility suitable for both everyday and heavy loads.
Read on to discover why the Summit DW243BADA is a practical built-in pick for modern kitchens, or check out our Overview Summary below for a quick verdict and pricing history.
Table of Contents
Overview Summary
Performance Indicators:
Summit DW243BADA Price History:
Pros:
- ENERGY STAR certified
- Eight versatile wash programs
- Quiet 47 dB operation
- Efficient 3 gallons water per cycle
- Built-in water softener for hard water
- Stainless steel tub construction
Cons:
- No Wi-Fi or smart connectivity
- No third rack for utensils
- Manual filter cleaning required
- No auto door opening drying
Analyzing the Summit DW243BADA’s Place in the Market
💰 Mapping the Market: A Visual Guide to Price Ranges
The Summit DW243BADA, priced around $895, falls within the $700 to $1009 price range, which represents about 35% of built-in dishwashers in the market. This places it within one of the most common price segments, just slightly below the largest bracket of $390 to $699 (38%), where many budget-friendly models are concentrated.
Compared to entry-level dishwashers in the $390 to $699 range, the Summit DW243BADA sits in the mid-range category, offering more advanced features while remaining accessible for most households. Meanwhile, higher-end models priced above $1010, which together account for roughly 26% of the market, tend to focus on premium technologies and luxury finishes, making the Summit model a balanced option between affordability and performance.
🔇 Is It Whisper-Quiet? A Closer Look at Dishwasher Noise Levels
At 47 dB, the Summit DW243BADA belongs to the 46–49 dB noise range, which includes 23% of built-in dishwashers. This positions it in the comfortably quiet mid-range bracket, offering a calm wash cycle without excessive noise.
While 32% of models operate more quietly at 42–45 dB, another 29% fall in the slightly louder 50–53 dB range. The Summit provides a balanced sound profile, quiet enough for open kitchens yet affordable compared to ultra-silent premium units.
⚖️ Where It Stands: Dishwasher Weight vs. the Competition
Weighing 95 lbs, the Summit DW243BADA sits within the 93.5–112.9 lb category, shared by 28% of built-in dishwashers. This range indicates a sturdy, full-sized structure suitable for stable under-counter installation.
The most common weight range, 74–93.4 lbs (35%), suggests that Summit’s model is slightly heavier than average, an advantage for durability and build strength. Lighter models below 74 lbs make up only 30%, often trading stability for easier mobility.
🍽️ Family-Sized or Just Enough? Comparing Place Settings Across Brands
With a 10-place setting capacity, the Summit DW243BADA falls into the 9–10 place setting range, representing 11% of built-in dishwashers. This smaller segment highlights its niche among compact full-size units, ideal for mid-sized households.
Larger dishwashers dominate the market, with 13–14 place settings (30%) and 15–16 place settings (34%) being the most common. While not the largest, Summit’s balance of size and capacity ensures efficient operation without consuming excessive kitchen space.
🔄 Wash Cycle Comparison: How This Model Matches Up
The Summit DW243BADA offers 8 wash cycles, aligning with 10% of built-in dishwashers, slightly above average functionality for its category. This positions it among the more versatile models, catering to both light and heavy-duty cleaning.
In contrast, 51% of dishwashers feature 6 cycles, while 10% offer 7 cycles and just 4% provide up to 10. Summit’s expanded range supports flexible cleaning options, giving it a competitive edge for users seeking multi-cycle efficiency.
Summit DW243BADA Dishwasher
Summit DW243BADA Performance Breakdown: Key Features and Ratings
The excellent team at WashDryDazzle took the Summit DW243BADA Fix dishwasher for a spin just for you. We wanted to see if it’s as dazzling as it sounds. Our goal? To help you make the best choice for your kitchen.
💵 Price and Design (4.4/5)
At around $895, the Summit DW243BADA sits comfortably in the mid-premium range for built-in dishwashers. It features a clean, modern design available in Black, White, or Stainless Steel, allowing it to blend with different kitchen styles.
The top control panel with touch controls and a digital LED display gives the machine a sleek, uncluttered appearance while keeping settings easy to manage. At 33 inches high, 24 inches wide, and 23 inches deep, the unit follows standard built-in dimensions, and its 95-pound weight reflects a solid construction. Installation typically requires a qualified technician to ensure proper setup.
| Price | $895 |
| Height | 33 inches |
| Width | 24 inches |
| Depth | 23 inches |
| Weight | 95 pounds |
| Color | Black/ White /Stainless Steel |
| Control Panel Location | Top control |
| Display | Digital Display |
| Touch or Tactile Controls | Touch controls |
| Cycle status/progress indicator on display | Yes (LED display with Indicator lights) |
| Wi-Fi Enabled (Smart Dishwasher) | N/A |
| Compatibility with home assistants (e.g., Alexa, Google Assistant) | N/A |
✨ Cleaning Performance (4.6/5)
Cleaning performance is where the Summit DW243BADA shows its versatility. It offers 8 wash programs, including Regular, Auto, Intensive, Intensive Plus, Daily, Delicate, Super, and Rinse, giving you flexibility for everything from delicate glassware to heavily soiled cookware.
The dual spray arm cleaning system distributes water evenly across the racks, while helpful options such as Sanitize, Extra Fast, Extra Dry, Hi-Temp, and Half Load allow customization. The Sanitize option raises the final rinse temperature to 167 °F (75 °C) to improve hygiene and reduce bacteria. A removable 3-layer manual filter helps trap food particles; for better performance, the entire filter system should be cleaned at least once a week.
| Number of Wash Cycles | 8 Wash Programs (Regular, Auto, Intensive, Intensive Plus, Daily, Delicate, Super, & Rinse) |
| Specialized Cycles | Delicate cycle |
| Number of Options / Functions | 5 (Extra Fast, Extra Dry, Hi-Temp, Half Load, Sanitize) |
| Number of Spray Arms | 2 |
| Filter type (self-cleaning or manual/Removeable Filter) | Removable 3 Layer Filter (Manual Cleaning) |
| Sanitization | Yes |
| Delay Start Timer | Yes (19 hours) |
| Targeted washing zones | Dual spray arm cleaning system. |
| Soil sensor capability (Turbidity Sensor) | Soil Sensor with Soil-Sensing Adaptive Control, Automatic detergent detection |
| Option / Function # 01 | Sanitize Option: Raises the final rinse water temperature to improve hygiene and reduce bacteria. |
| Option / Function # 02 | Extra Fast Option: Shortens the wash cycle to save time and reduce water usage. |
| Option / Function # 03 | Extra Dry Function: Increases water temperature to enhance drying performance. |
| Option / Function # 04 | Hi-Temp Function: Boosts wash temperature and extends cycle time for improved removal of tough, baked-on food. |
| Option / Function # 05 | Half Load Function: Allows efficient washing of smaller loads using the upper and/or lower rack to save water and energy. |
💨 Drying Performance (4.4/5)
The dishwasher uses a Heated Condensation Drying system, combined with rinse-aid support, for improved drying. Heated condensation drying uses the heat from the final rinse to warm the dishes and the dishwasher’s interior. As moisture turns into steam, it condenses on the cooler stainless steel walls of the tub and drains away, leaving dishes dry.
This method is quiet, energy-efficient, and does not require a fan or external vent. Rinse aid in a dishwasher is a liquid drying agent that improves drying performance and reduces water spots on dishes. Additionally, the built-in salt-based water softener treats hard water during each wash cycle, reducing mineral buildup and improving overall cleaning and drying results.
| Hot Air Drying / Heat Drying | Heated Condensation Drying |
| Fresh Air Circulation for Moisture and Odor | Condensation drying helps minimize residual moisture and odors. |
| Auto Door Opening for Natural Drying | N/A |
| Rinse aid availability | Yes |
| Built-in Water Softener (For Hard Water) | Yes (Salt-Based, with Indicator) |
🔕 Noise Level (4.5/5)
Operating at 47 dB, the Summit DW243BADA runs quietly enough for most modern kitchens. To put the 47 dB dishwasher noise level into perspective, standing about five feet away from the dishwasher would sound similar to the soft hum of a library or light rain falling outside, which is quiet and non-intrusive, offering a peaceful ambiance in your kitchen.
In comparison, competitors like the Equator BB 82 (51 dB) operate slightly louder and may resemble the background noise of a typical office. Meanwhile, models such as the SHARP SDW6757ES (45 dB) and KoolMore KM-DW2445-PR (45 dB) run slightly quieter, though the difference is minor in real-world use.
⚡ Energy Efficiency (4.5/5)
The Summit DW243BADA is ENERGY STAR® certified (ENERGY STAR-certified appliances meet strict energy-efficiency standards set by the EPA, using less energy and reducing environmental impact), making it a relatively efficient option for everyday dishwashing. Running on 115 volts, the dishwasher uses about 32.7 kWh per month when used daily on the Regular cycle with the Heated Condensation Drying system.
A Regular Cycle with Heated Condensation Drying system, running 146 minutes, would use approximately 1.08 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity. To put this in perspective, it is similar to running a 1-ton AC at full load for about 65 minutes. Energy consumption for running this dishwasher daily on Regular Cycle with Heated Condensation Drying systemfor 30 days = 1.08 kWh/day × 30 days = 32.65 kWh/month. The 19-hour delay start timer adds convenience by allowing you to schedule wash cycles during off-peak energy hours.
| Energy Star rating | ENERGY STAR® |
| Estimated Energy Consumption / Wattage | 32.7 kWh/month for Daily use of the regular cycle with Heated Condensation Drying System |
| Voltage Required | 115 Volts |
| Delay Start Timer | Yes (19 hours) |
💧 Water Usage (4.6/5)
The Summit DW243BADA uses approximately 3 gallons (11.36 liters) per wash in the Regular cycle, which is quite efficient for a full-size built-in dishwasher. In comparison, the Equator BB 82 uses around 3.4 gallons (12.87 liters) per wash in its normal cycle, making it slightly less water-efficient. Meanwhile, competitors like the SHARP SDW6757ES and KoolMore KM-DW2445-PR use about 3.0 gallons (11.36 liters) per wash in their normal cycles, placing them roughly on par with this model.
| Water Consumption (Per Cycle) | 3 Gallons(11.36 Liters) per wash in Regular Cycle |
🕒 Cycle Time (4.5/5)
The Summit DW243BADA offers a wide range of cycle durations to suit different dishwashing needs. The Regular cycle runs between 122–145 minutes, while the Auto cycle ranges from 110–155 minutes, depending on washing conditions. Heavier cleaning programs include Intensive Plus (165 minutes) and Intensive (130 minutes).
Everyday washing is supported by the Daily cycle at 117 minutes, while delicate items can be cleaned using the Delicate cycle at 90 minutes. Faster options include Super at 50 minutes and a quick Rinse cycle at 15 minutes. For a deeper dive into specific wash cycles, please refer to our section: “Specialized Wash Cycles.”
🍽️ Loading Capacity (4.3/5)
The Summit DW243BADA offers a capacity of 10 Place Settings (A Place Setting is defined further down in this section), making it suitable for small to medium households. The interior includes two racks designed to efficiently organize plates, bowls, and cookware. It can accommodate plates up to 12 inches in diameter, which is helpful for larger dinner plates. A silverware basket is also included to neatly organize forks, knives, and spoons during each wash cycle.
| Number of Place Settings | 10 Place Settings |
| Dish or Plate Size: A Rack can Accumulate | up to 12 inches |
| Number of Racks | 2 |
| Special Utensil Holders or Baskets | Silverware Basket |
| Adjustable height of Rack | Adjustable Upper Rack with Side Rack arms, Fold-down tines of Lower Rack |
10 – Place Setting Dishwasher:
A place setting refers to the dishes and utensils needed for one person’s meal. In dishwashers, it indicates the number of such sets the appliance can handle in one cycle.
A 10-place setting dishwasher is designed to wash 10 dinner plates, 10 dessert plates, 10 soup bowls, 10 cups, 10 glasses, and 10 sets of cutlery in one cycle.
In reality, the exact combination can vary due to item sizes and shapes. For example, you might fit 10 dinner plates, 10 dessert plates, 8 soup bowls, 8 cups, 6 glasses, and 10 sets of cutlery comfortably in a 10-place setting dishwasher.
🔒 Safety Features (4.4/5)
Safety features on the Summit DW243BADA are designed to provide reliable everyday operation. The dishwasher includes a control lock to help prevent accidental changes to settings or unintended operation. Additionally, the appliance is ADA-compliant and UL-certified, meeting established safety and accessibility standards.
The dishwasher is equipped with a non-slip base, ensuring it stays securely in place during operation. But do not place or use the machine on an unstable or uneven platform. For safe operation, avoid placing the dishwasher near gas or electric burners. Also, do not use extension cords or adapter plugs.
| Child Lock – Safety Feature | control lock |
| Leak or Overflow Protection – Safety Feature | overflow protection and leak detection sensors |
| Non-Slipping Base | Yes |
🛠 Reliability and Durability (4.4/5)
The Summit DW243BADA features a stainless steel finish and interior tub, contributing to both durability and long-term performance. Stainless Steel is a strong, corrosion-resistant material prized for its durability, sleek appearance, and ability to withstand high temperatures and exposure to moisture without rusting or degrading.
The dishwasher is sturdy, but avoid overloading the top surface with heavy items. It comes with a 1-year parts-and-labor warranty. To keep your warranty valid, use the product only as intended, follow the instruction manual carefully, and avoid misuse, mishandling, accidents, neglect, or abuse.
| Finish Type / Material | Stainless Steel |
| Interior Tub Material | Stainless Steel |
| Warranty Duration | 1 Year Parts & Labor |
Understanding the Summit DW243BADA’s Wash Options
The Summit DW243BADA’s Under-counter dishwasher comes equipped with targeted wash cycles designed to handle tough messes and deliver spotless results. Take a look at the available cleaning modes below:
| Program | When to Use | Cycle Time (Minutes) | Available Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | Standard program for daily, regular, or typical use to completely wash a load of normally soiled dishes. | 122–145 | Half Load, Sanitize, Extra Fast, Extra Dry, Hi-Temp |
| Auto | Automatically adjusts water temperature, quantity, energy consumption, and cycle duration based on soil level. | 110–155 | Half Load, Sanitize, Extra Fast, Extra Dry, Hi-Temp |
| Intensive Plus | Suitable for heavily soiled dishes that have been left for a long time. | 165 | Half Load, Sanitize, Extra Fast, Extra Dry, Hi-Temp |
| Intensive | Suitable for heavily soiled dishes and cookware. | 130 | Half Load, Sanitize, Extra Fast, Extra Dry, Hi-Temp |
| Daily | Suitable for normally soiled dishes used every day. | 117 | Half Load, Sanitize, Extra Fast, Extra Dry, Hi-Temp |
| Delicate | Suitable for lightly soiled and delicate dishes such as glassware. | 90 | Half Load, Extra Fast, Extra Dry |
| Super | Quickly cleans lightly soiled daily dishes using a faster program. | 50 | Half Load, Sanitize, Extra Dry, Hi-Temp |
| Rinse | Rinses dishes you plan to wash later without detergent. | 15 | Half Load |
Summit DW243BADA Advantages and Drawbacks
Pros
- ENERGY STAR® certified for efficient power consumption and lower energy costs
- Consumes only 3 gallons (11.36 liters) of water per Regular Cycle, improving water savings
- Operates quietly at 47 dB, maintaining a peaceful kitchen environment
- Offers 8 wash programs and 6 customizable functions for flexible cleaning options
- Durable stainless-steel interior and exterior for long-lasting performance
- The condensation drying system ensures spotless drying without added heat damage
- Dual spray arms deliver even cleaning throughout both racks.
- Sanitize option reaches up to 167 °F (75 °C) for hygienic dishwashing.
- Features: Half Load and Extra Fast functions for energy and time savings
- Delay Start Timer allows up to 19-hour scheduling for convenience
- Control lock and overflow protection sensors enhance user safety
- Top control digital panel with clear cycle progress indicators
- Silverware basket keeps utensils organized for better cleaning
Cons
- No Wi-Fi or smart assistant connectivity (Alexa or Google Assistant)
- Lacks auto door opening or fresh air circulation for natural drying
- The manually removable filter requires weekly cleaning for optimal performance.
- 10 place settings are slightly below average compared to larger built-ins
Summit DW243BADA Dishwasher
Who Should Consider Buying Summit DW243BADA Dishwasher
- Small and medium families who want reliable cleaning power without unnecessary smart features or overly complex settings.
- Apartment and condo dwellers looking for a quiet dishwasher that blends easily into modern kitchen layouts.
- Eco-conscious users who value efficient water and energy use in their daily cleaning routine.
- Busy professionals who prefer scheduling cycles ahead of time and letting the dishwasher handle the rest.
- Parents who appreciate hygienic cleaning with sanitization features that eliminate germs and bacteria.
- Homeowners seeking a durable stainless-steel build that resists rust, moisture, and daily wear.
- People who prioritize low-noise operation and want peaceful evenings even while the dishwasher runs.
- Users who need flexible wash options for delicate glassware, cookware, and everyday dishes.
- Users dealing with hard water, since the dishwasher includes a built-in salt-based water softener with indicator.
Who May Prefer Something Other Than Summit DW243BADA
- Large families or frequent hosts who require higher capacity and more place settings per cycle.
- Tech-savvy users who want Wi-Fi connectivity or smart home integration with assistants like Alexa or Google.
- Users who prioritize faster drying performance, as condensation drying takes longer than heat-assisted systems.
- People looking for dishwashers with an auto door opening feature for enhanced natural drying.
- Shoppers seeking ultra-lightweight models or portable units that do not require built-in installation.
- Households that frequently use oversized cookware or baking sheets larger than standard racks can handle.
- Individuals who prefer minimal maintenance, since the removable manual filter requires weekly cleaning.
Other Models Like Summit DW243BADA to Consider
🔸 Equator BB 82 Built-In Dishwasher
The Equator BB 82 is a built-in dishwasher designed for solid everyday performance with a generous 14 place setting capacity and flexible rack system. It offers eight wash programs, including Eco, Heavy, and Fast 50, allowing it to handle everything from delicate glassware to heavily soiled cookware. A heated drying system, sanitize option, and soil sensor technology help optimize cleaning results. With a stainless steel tub, ENERGY STAR certification, and 3.4 gallons (12.87 liters) water consumption per cycle, it balances efficiency with performance.
Read more about this model in our comprehensive Equator BB 82 Dishwasher Review.
Equator BB 82 Dishwasher
🔸 SHARP SDW6757ES Built-In Dishwasher
The SHARP SDW6757ES stands out with its three-rack interior design, offering strong loading flexibility while maintaining a 14-place seating capacity. It includes six wash cycles and a Power Wash spray zone to help tackle stubborn food residue more effectively. Operating at a quiet 45 dB, it runs noticeably quieter than many standard dishwashers. Features such as Heated Dry, Air Refresh ventilation, a sanitize option, and smart wash sensing technology enhance cleaning and drying performance. Combined with its stainless steel tub and ENERGY STAR certification, it delivers a well-rounded balance of efficiency and functionality.
Learn more about this model by exploring our detailed SHARP SDW6757ES Dishwasher Review.
SHARP SDW6757ES Dishwasher
🔸 KoolMore KM-DW2445-PR Built-In Dishwasher
The KoolMore KM-DW2445-PR offers a more premium design approach with a panel-ready exterior, allowing it to blend seamlessly with custom kitchen cabinetry. Inside, the dishwasher provides 14 place settings across three racks, including a convenient pull-out third rack for utensils. Its Vortex Wash system creates targeted high-pressure spray zones for improved cleaning performance, while the heated drying system and sanitize function support hygienic dishwashing. Operating quietly at 45 dB and using about 3.0 gallons (11.36 liters) per cycle, it delivers strong efficiency alongside a sleek built-in aesthetic.
Discover all the details in our thorough KoolMore KM-DW2445-PR Dishwasher Review.
KoolMore KM-DW2445-PR Dishwasher
Last Words on Summit DW243BADA Dishwasher Review
The Summit DW243BADA dishwasher delivers a well-balanced mix of efficiency, reliability, and practical everyday performance. With 8 versatile wash cycles, a 10-place setting capacity, and a quiet 47 dB operation, it fits comfortably into modern kitchens without being disruptive. Its ENERGY STAR certification, efficient 3-gallon (11.36 liters) water usage, and heated condensation-drying system make it both economical and effective for daily dishwashing.
Features like the sanitize option, built-in water softener, and flexible wash settings further enhance its usability. If you are looking for a dependable built-in dishwasher that balances performance, efficiency, and durability, the Summit DW243BADA is certainly a model worth considering for your kitchen.
Summit DW243BADA Dishwasher
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the capacity of the Summit DW243BADA dishwasher and how many dishes can it hold?
The Summit DW243BADA offers a 10 place setting capacity with two racks and fits plates up to 12 inches, handling everyday dish loads comfortably.
How much water does the Summit DW243BADA use during a normal wash cycle?
The dishwasher uses about 3 gallons (11.36 liters) of water per cycle, making it relatively efficient for a full-size built-in dishwasher.
Is the Summit DW243BADA dishwasher quiet during operation?
Yes, it operates at around 47 dB, which sounds similar to a quiet library or light rain in the background.
Does the Summit DW243BADA include a sanitize option for better hygiene?
Yes, it includes a sanitize function that raises the final rinse temperature to help reduce bacteria on dishes.
What drying system does the Summit DW243BADA dishwasher use?
It uses a heated condensation drying system, which dries dishes quietly by condensing steam on the cooler tub walls.
Does the Summit DW243BADA dishwasher support smart Wi-Fi connectivity?
No, this model does not include Wi-Fi connectivity or smart home assistant compatibility for remote control or monitoring.
What special features help improve cleaning performance in the Summit DW243BADA dishwasher?
It includes dual spray arms, a soil-sensing adaptive control system, and a built-in water softener to improve cleaning results.
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Maintaining Your Dishwasher for Optimal Performance
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your dishwasher operating at its best and lasting longer. Below, you’ll find practical advice from our website to help maintain both cleanliness and efficiency:
- The Dishwasher’s Impact on Knives: What You Need to Know
- How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher: 5 Simple Steps to Cleanliness
- 6 Easy Steps to Clean Your Dishwasher Filter
- How to Load Your Dishwasher Properly: Expert Efficiency Guide
- How Much Water Do Dishwashers Use?
Additional Reads to Enhance Your Dishwashing Knowledge
- How Do Countertop Dishwashers Work?
- How to Dispose of and Recycle a Dishwasher?
- Heat Dry vs. Air Dry
- All About Dishwasher Racks: What Everyone Should Know!
- How to wash a Hat in the Dishwasher without damaging it
Our mission at WashDryDazzle is to equip you with valuable insights and expertly curated lists, guiding you toward the best products available. Additionally, we offer in-depth dishwasher guides and specialized education to help you manage your appliance effectively.
