Getting the Sparkling Clean Dishes You Deserve

As I loaded up my dishwasher for what seemed like the hundredth time last week, I started dreaming of the day I’d be able to upgrade from my outdated, mediocre cleaning machine to a shiny new model. One that could get even my messiest, greasiest pans squeaky clean without needing to pre-rinse or re-wash things by hand. A dishwasher that could power through a huge load of dishes with different shapes, sizes and soils. One with all the latest bells, whistles, and high-tech features to make dishwashing almost fun.

Maybe it seems silly to get excited about a new appliance, but anyone who’s ever had to hand scrub crusty casserole dishes or greasy roasting pans knows the joy of having a great dishwasher. It’s not just about saving time or elbow grease either. The right dishwasher can help make your kitchen run more smoothly, give you peace of mind about getting dishes ultra-clean and hygienic, and even make hosting dinner parties a breeze.

After doing some research online recently, I came across the Insignia dishwasher and was immediately intrigued. As a Best Buy exclusive brand, Insignia dishwashers boast some great specs and features for the price. And the customer reviews consistently mention how well these machines clean and dry even the dirtiest dishes.

Keep reading for a complete buying guide to the Insignia dishwasher line. I’ll cover all the key features, specs, installation tips, maintenance info, troubleshooting advice, pricing and more! By the end, you’ll know whether the Insignia dishwasher deserves a spot in your kitchen.

What Makes Insignia Dishwashers Stand Out?

Insignia dishwashers come in a range of models to fit different needs and budgets. But they all offer excellent cleaning power along with handy features. Here are some of the highlights:

• Powerful wash cycles – Most models include cycles like Power Plus, Heavy Duty, Normal and Rinse. The Power Plus cycle delivers extra cleaning for really dirty dishes using high-pressure jets, extra hot water and longer wash times.
• High-heat drying – Get completely dry dishes with ventless condensing drying that circulates hot air through the interior. Many models also have a turbo zone with jets that target hard-to-dry items.
• Space for 15+ place settings – Load up large gatherings worth of dishes with room for up to 16 place settings in higher-end models. Adjustable racks provide flexibility.
• Soil sensor – Some Insignia models have a soil sensor that checks dish loads and adjusts the cycle for optimal cleaning. This prevents wasted water and energy on lighter loads.
• Sanitize option – High-heat sanitize cycles kill 99.999% of bacteria by heating water to 161°F and maintaining it for several minutes. Great for heavily soiled and kids’ dishes.
• Delay start – Program your dishwasher to start whenever is convenient – like in the middle of the night to take advantage of off-peak energy savings.
• Energy efficiency – Insignia dishwashers require less water and energy than handwashing. Many meet ENERGY STAR® ratings for saving resources.
• Quiet operation – With sound insulation to dampen noise, Insignia dishwashers let you run cycles without disruption. Higher-end models are just 44 dBA.

With powerful wash cycles, high capacity, energy savings and quiet performance, Insignia dishwashers have a lot to offer busy households. Next, let’s look at how much they cost.

Dishwasher Pricing: What’s the Investment for an Insignia Model?

Insignia dishwasher prices range from about $350 to $750 depending on the size, features and promotions available. Here’s a quick look at what to expect for budget and high-end models:

• Entry-level models – The most affordable Insignia dishwashers cost around $350 to $450. They have basic cycles and options along with room for 12 place settings.
• Mid-range models – For $450 to $600, you’ll get enhanced drying, quieter operation and space for 14-16 place settings. Some add a sanitize cycle and delay start.
• High-end models – With a price tag from $600 to $750, the top Insignia dishwashers boast ultra-quiet operation at just 44 dBA along with a stainless steel tub and soil sensor.

Insignia dishwasher pricing compares very favorably to other brands. You can often get similar features and performance for $100+ less than comparable Bosch, Whirlpool or KitchenAid models. And Insignia dishwashers frequently go on sale both online and in-store for additional savings.

If your budget is flexible, I recommend considering a mid-range Insignia model. You get excellent cleaning and drying power, quiet operation, delay start and room for lots of dishes. However, the entry-level models can still tackle most family’s needs for a lower price tag.

Now let’s dive into the energy efficiency and running costs of Insignia dishwashers.

Save on Energy and Water with an Efficient Insignia Dishwasher

One of the best reasons to invest in a new dishwasher is the energy and water savings over washing dishes by hand. Insignia dishwashers are designed to conserve resources in several helpful ways:

• ENERGY STAR® certification – Many Insignia models meet stringent ENERGY STAR requirements for efficiency. Certified units are typically 10% more efficient than non-certified models.
• Automatic sensors – Higher-end Insignia dishwashers have turbidity sensors that detect soil levels and automatically adjust the wash cycle to avoid waste.
• Eco cycles – Special eco wash cycles use cooler water and take a bit longer to lower energy consumption. They still get dishes sparkling clean.
• Heat drying – Condensing heat drying recycles moist air to dry dishes instead of venting heat outside like traditional drying methods.
• Water filtration – Some models filter and recirculate wash water instead of draining after each cycle to conserve water usage.
• Delay start – Running your dishwasher at night lets you take advantage of off-peak electricity rates for lower energy costs.

Insignia states their dishwashers use just 3-6 gallons of water per cycle on average. That’s a fraction compared to the 20+ gallons used hand washing a full load. And you’ll slash electricity costs by avoiding heating water on the stove. Overall, an ENERGY STAR certified Insignia dishwasher can save $40 annually on utility bills and 230 hours of labor. That adds up fast!

Next, let’s go over sizing specifics and interior capacity.

Find the Right Size Insignia Dishwasher for Your Kitchen

Before purchasing your Insignia dishwasher, it’s important to confirm it will physically fit in your kitchen. You’ll also want to consider capacity to handle your regular dish loads. Here are the key sizing factors:

• Height – Insignia dishwashers come in standard 34-35” heights to fit under most countertops when installed in a standard height opening.
• Width and depth – Standard sizes are 23-24” wide and 22-25” deep. Measure your under-counter opening or existing dishwasher space to ensure a good fit.
• Tub material – Lower-end models have durable plastic tubs. Higher-end Insignia dishwashers have tubs made from rust-resistant stainless steel.
• Place settings – Entry-level models fit 12 place settings while higher-end units fit 14-16 settings. One setting includes a dinner plate, saucer, bowl, glass, fork, knife and spoon.
• Item flexibility – Adjustable upper racks and silverware baskets allow you to customize the interior storage as needed. Fold down tines and stemware holders add versatility.

Take measurements of the installation space before selecting your Insignia dishwasher to get the right capacity and dimensions. If your kitchen is tight on space, compact 18” wide models are a great option. For large families or entertaining, I’d recommend a 16 place setting Insignia model.

The adjustable racks and fold-down tines make it easy to fit odd-shaped cookware and large platters when needed. Next, let’s explore the wash system and cycles.

Get Powerful, Spotless Cleaning from Multiple Cycles

No one wants to deal with dishes that come out of the dishwasher still greasy or covered in food particles. That’s why Insignia dishwashers are designed with forceful wash systems and customized cycles that target all kinds of soils. Here are some standout features:

• PowerPlus cycle – This heavy-duty cycle boosts water temperature, pressure and duration for maximum cleaning power on extra dirty dishes.
• Heavy and Normal cycles – Tailor the wash to lightly or heavily soiled loads with these customized cycles. They adjust temperature and spray intensity accordingly.
• Express/Quick cycle – This fast cycle is perfect for lightly soiled dishes that just need a quick rinse and sanitizing wash. It typically takes just 30 minutes.
• Rinse only cycle – Give dishes a rinse to avoid odors or stickiness before running a full wash later. It’s also useful for hand-washed items.
• Sanitize option – Increase the final rinse temperature up to 161°F to kill 99.999% of bacteria for peace of mind with kids dishes.
• Multi-stage filtration – Dual filters prevent food particles from being redeposited during the wash cycle for spotless results.

With heavy-duty PowerPlus cleaning, a quick wash cycle and targeted soil removal, the Insignia dishwasher has your dirty dish dilemma covered no matter how messy the load. Dishes come out gleaming and ready to use again.

But how quietly does it run? Let’s discuss the noise factor next.

Enjoy Quiet Operation with Minimal Disruption

One of the biggest complaints about dishwashers is how noisy they can be. The last thing you want is loud interfering with conversation or TV watching while it’s running. Insignia dishwashers are specially designed for quiet performance:

• Sound insulation – The cabinet wrapping and interior baffles dampen noise so the operation stays discreet. Some models have a sound shielding blanket for extra insulation.
• 44 dBA rating – Higher-end Insignia dishwashers operate at just 44 decibels – about the volume of a whisper. You may not even notice it’s on!
• Delay start – If any noise bothers you, you can simply run a cycle at night or during the day when you’re out. The delay start makes it easy to program for off-peak times.
• Status indicators – LED display or indicator lights clearly show the wash progress and time remaining so you don’t need to open the door to check and disrupt the cycle.

With sound insulation, an ultra-quiet 44 dBA rating and delay start capabilities, you can run the Insignia dishwasher pretty much any time without it bothering anyone. The quiet performance means you can start a cycle even if someone’s on an important phone call or napping nearby.

Now that we’ve covered the key specs and features, let’s go over the installation process.

Hassle-Free Installation with Handy DIY Tips

Installing your brand new Insignia dishwasher is a straightforward process, but it helps to know what’s involved before getting started. Here are some tips for smooth sailing:

• Gather tools/materials – You’ll want an electric drill, Phillips screwdriver, level, hot glue gun, silicone sealant and wire nuts on hand. Channel lock pliers also come in handy.
• Shut off water supply – Locate the water shut-off valve nearby and turn it off before beginning. This prevents leaks.
• Disconnect old unit – Detach the drain line, water line and power cord from the old dishwasher if replacing an existing one. Cap off the wires.
• Prep new unit – Lay the Insignia dishwasher front-side down and remove lower access panel. Thread the drain hose through the cabinet opening in preparation.
• Slide into place – Carefully slide dishwasher into cabinet cutout using installation instructions to adjust leveling feet as needed. Center it.
• Secure in place – Use mounting brackets provided to secure dishwasher firmly under the countertop. Avoid tilting.
• Connect water line – Attach the dishwasher’s water line adaptor to supply valve using sealant tape. Turn valve back on slowly to check for leaks.
• Plug in power cord – Run electrical cord through cabinet hole and plug into nearby outlet. Make sure the path is clear of obstructions.
• Test operation – Run a quick Normal cycle with no dishes inside to verify proper washing performance, drying and no leaks.

With the right tools and safety precautions, you can have your new Insignia dishwasher installed in just a few hours or less. The detailed user manual provides step-by-step instructions for a smooth installation. Just take your time and you’ll be rewarded with gleaming clean dishes in no time!

Up next, let’s go over interior design and racking features.

Flexible, Spacious Racking Accommodates All Dishware

It’s no fun trying to cram plates, pots and utensils into a crowded, confining dishwasher interior. That’s why Insignia dishwashers provide adjustable, spacious racks to handle a variety of dishware and cookware:

• Plastic or stainless steel tub – Higher-end models have a premium stainless steel tub while standard units feature a heavy-duty plastic tub. Both repel stains and odors.
• Upper rack adjusts – The height-adjustable upper rack moves up or down to fit taller items below and maximize space.
• Stemware holders – Delicate wine glasses and stemmed glassware sit securely on specialized raised holders on the upper rack.
• Fold-down tines – The rows of tines fold down in sections to make room for casserole dishes, cake pans and other large, odd-shaped items.
• Cutlery basket – Utensils like forks, knives and spoons slot neatly into dedicated spaces in the removable cutlery basket.
• Top rack cup holders – Deep plastic cradles on the upper rack allow safe washing for cups, baby bottles and other small items prone to tipping over.

With flexible racking adjustments, you can find a spot for all your dishes, from large holiday platters to your everyday dinner plates, glasses and flatware. The Insignia dishwasher interior has optimized storage for sparkling clean results each cycle.

Next, let’s explore drying performance and features that prevent soggy dishes.

Get Complete Dryness Thanks to Enhanced Drying Cycles

Few things are more annoying than opening your dishwasher expecting clean, dry dishes only to find them still dripping wet. To prevent this, Insignia dishwashers use condensing heat drying and targeted ventilation to thoroughly dry every item:

• Auto-opening vent – The vent automatically opens mid-cycle to allow interior moisture to escape. This prevents pooling moisture from dripping back onto dishes.
• Condensation drying – Hot air circulates to evaporate moisture off dish surfaces instead of relying on passive venting alone. Plus, a rinse aid improves drying.
• Extra heating element – An additional heating element boosts interior temperatures at key points during the cycle for fast, complete drying.
• Turbo zone – Concentrated jets blast hot air at hard-to-dry items like plastics to get them bone dry.
• Sanitize option – Choosing Sanitize ensures an extra hot 155°F+ rinse that evaporates all remaining moisture for a sparkling dry finish.
• Delay start – Running overnight allows time for interior heat to naturally dissipate any lingering moisture before unloading in the morning.

With smart venting, targeted heat and drying cycles, those frustrating soggy, dripping dishes are a thing of the past with the Insignia dishwasher. Dishes of all materials come out refreshingly dry and ready to put away every time.

Next, let’s talk about the different wash cycle options.

Customize Cleaning with Flexible Wash Cycles

Between oatmeal bowls caked with sticky residue, lasagne pans with baked-on cheese, and delicate stemware prone to etching, a single wash cycle can’t handle every dish type. That’s why Insignia dishwashers provide specialized cycles to take on different levels and types of soils:

• Power Plus – When you’ve got extra dirty, greasy dishes, this high-pressure, extra hot cycle provides the deep cleaning power needed. It takes a bit longer but is extremely thorough.
• Normal – Perfect for typical, moderately soiled loads like dinner dishes, the Normal cycle balances effectiveness and efficiency. This is the standard daily cycle.
• Heavy – Really baked-on or greasy dishes benefit from the Heavy cycle’s intense wash action, higher heat and extended duration.
• Rinse – Give dishes a quick rinse to avoid smells and stickiness before running a full wash later. Also great for hand-washed items.
• Express – Clean lightly soiled dishes in as little as 30 minutes with this fast wash for glasses and dinnerware needing just a quick freshening.
• China/Crystal – Safely wash delicate stemware, china and crystal with lower pressure jets and heat to prevent damage. Many add an extra light wash action.

With specialized cycles for all dish types, you’ll get sparkling clean dishes free of soils, stains and etch marks every time. The Insignia dishwasher has all your dishwashing needs covered.

Next, let’s explore the delay start feature that adds convenience.

Add Convenience with Flexible Delay Start

Between variable schedules, activities and energy costs throughout the day, being able to control exactly when your dishwasher runs is a big perk. That’s why most Insignia dishwashers allow you to delay the start by up to 9 hours:

• Set it and forget it – Program your dishwasher whenever is convenient and it will automatically start later. Just load dirty dishes, select your cycle and delay time.
• Quiet night operation – Delay your cycle to run late at night so you don’t hear any noise or have interference during peak evening hours.
• Energy savings – Wash dishes overnight to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates for lower energy costs.
• Schedule around activities – Avoid cycle disruptions by programming wash times around TV watching, phone calls, virtual meetings or kid nap times.
• Clean up after meals – Load dishes from dinner parties or holiday meals and set the dishwasher to start later for fresher, cleaner dishes in the morning.

With the ability to delay the start by up to 9 hours, you can run the Insignia dishwasher on your own schedule for maximum convenience and savings. The flexibility makes it easy to find an optimal time.

Now let’s discuss cleaning and care to keep your dishwasher running like new.

Proper Cleaning and Maintenance Keeps It Running Smoothly

To get the best performance and longevity out of your investment, it’s important to clean and maintain your Insignia dishwasher properly. Here are my top tips:

• Use rinse aid – Rinse aid improves drying, reduces spots and helps detergent work more effectively. Check the dispenser monthly and refill as needed.
• Clean filters often – Remove and rinse food debris from the bottom filter every couple of months to improve wash performance.
• Wipe interior – Use a soft cloth with warm soapy water to wipe grease and hard water stains out of the tub interior as needed.
• Clean door gaskets – Wipe the door seals regularly to remove trapped debris and prevent mold and mildew buildup.
• Run vinegar rinse – Put 2 cups of vinegar in a dishwasher safe bowl and run an empty Normal cycle monthly to remove soap buildup and odors.
• Check connections – Verify drain hose connections are tight with no leaks, and confirm water intake screen is free of debris clogging the line.
• Leave door ajar – Prevent musty smells by propping the dishwasher door open slightly between cycles so interior moisture can escape.

With proper care and cleaning, your Insignia dishwasher will keep running like new for years to come. I recommend getting in the habit of quick monthly and deep quarterly cleaning sessions for optimal performance.

Now let’s go over some troubleshooting tips for common dishwasher issues.

Handy Troubleshooting Guide for Dishwasher Problems

Like any appliance, dishwashers can occasionally run into problems. But many common issues like wonky cleaning or weird noises have easy solutions. Here are some handy troubleshooting tips for Insignia dishwashers:

Dishes not clean?

• Confirm detergent amount – Use recommended amount per manual, and make sure dispenser opens fully.
• Check water temperature – Water should be 120°F minimum. Turn up water heater if needed.
• Clean filters – Clogged debris reduces wash power. Clean filters regularly.
• Add rinse aid – Rinse aid improves drying and detergent effectiveness.
• Adjust rack loading – Ensure no items block spray arms or prevent proper nesting.

Cloudy residue on dishes?

• Add rinse aid – Rinse aid prevents calcium/mineral deposits from tap water that causes film.
• Refill salt – If unit has a water softener, check salt level and refill as needed.
• Try vinegar rinse – Run a vinegar-only cycle to dissolve hard water film.

Leaking water?

• Inspect door seal – Make sure rubber door gasket is clean and sealing tightly to avoid leaks.
• Check connections – Confirm drain hose (high loop) and water lines have tight, secure fit with no cracks.
• Level unit – Adjust front feet to level dishwasher and prevent water pooling.

Noisy operation?

• Ensure secure installation – Verify unit is tightly wedged under counter and attached to countertop.
• Check spray arms – Remove debris blocking or slowing the wash arms.
• Add rinse aid – Rinse aid lubricates wash action for quieter performance.

Won’t start?

• Confirm power – Make sure unit is plugged in and outlet has power. Reset breaker if needed.
• Check connections – Inspect junction box, power cord and control panel for problems.
• Test door latch – The door safety switch prevents operation when not latched correctly.

With some periodic maintenance and these handy troubleshooting tips, you can easily resolve most any problem with your Insignia dishwasher for smooth, uninterrupted operation.

Next up, let’s discuss the options and process for purchasing an Insignia dishwasher.

Where to Buy an Insignia Dishwasher

If you’re ready to invest in an Insignia dishwasher after reading this buying guide, here are the details on where to purchase:

• Best Buy – As Insignia is Best Buy’s exclusive brand, these dishwashers are only sold at Best Buy stores and on BestBuy.com. They are not available through any other retailers.
• BestBuy.com – Purchase online and you can opt for free standard shipping or faster home delivery and installation for an added fee. Online purchases allow easy price comparisons across models.
• Physical stores – Visit your local Best Buy store to see units on display in person. Associates can answer questions and help locate a suitable model they have in stock.
• Check for sales – Best Buy frequently offers sale promotions both online and in stores. Look for holiday sales events, Black Friday deals and bundled appliance packages for maximum savings on Insignia dishwashers. Sign up for deal alerts online.
• Citi card financing – Best Buy offers interest-free financing for 6-24 months for Insignia dishwashers when you apply and get approved for a new My Best Buy Credit Card from Citibank. This can help ease the cost.

Thanks to exclusive availability at Best Buy, purchasing an Insignia dishwasher is simple, convenient and affordable. You can shop online or in store and take advantage of frequent sale pricing. With flexible financing options, there are many ways to make the purchase work within your budget.

Now let’s look at the warranty coverage for peace of mind.

Enjoy the Security of a One-Year Limited Warranty

Making any sizable appliance purchase means you want assurance that your investment will be covered in the event of an unexpected defect or breakdown. Insignia dishwashers come with the protection of a one-year limited warranty. Here are the key details:

• One year labor coverage – The warranty covers free service repairs and technician visits to your home to fix issues for one year from the original date of purchase.
• One year parts coverage – Replacement parts needed to repair the dishwasher are also included at no cost for the first year.
• In-home service – You don’t need to uninstall, package up and transport the dishwasher for service issues. Technicians come to you.
• Easy service request – You can quickly file a service claim online or by phone 24/7. Service centers have large parts inventories for fast repair turnaround.
• Product replacement – If your Insignia dishwasher can’t be successfully repaired after multiple service visits, Best Buy will replace it with an identical or similar model.

With one year of included repair coverage, you can have peace of mind that any issues stemming from defects will be taken care of quickly and conveniently. Insignia dishwashers are made to be reliable, but it’s nice to have that warranty protection.

Finally, let’s look at real-world customer reviews and experiences with Insignia dishwashers.

Rave Reviews Reflect Solid Performance and Value

While specs, features and warranties can say a lot about an appliance, there’s no substitute for hands-on customer experiences. Looking at real-world reviews for Insignia dishwashers reveals just how well these units perform:

• Consistent cleaning power – Reviewers say Insignia dishwashers consistently get dishes sparkling clean, even baked-on casserole dishes. The wash performance leaves little residue behind.
• Excellent drying – Many mention how impressed they are with how completely dry their dishes come out, thanks to the turbo zone jets and heating elements. No more soggy dishes.
• Quiet operation – Customers rave about how pleasantly quiet the Insignia dishwasher runs. Even mid-cycle, they can barely hear it running in the background.
• Easy to install – Numerous reviewers say the dishwasher was straightforward to install themselves following the manual’s instructions. Everything connected and fit into place nicely.
• Great value – With the combination of strong cleaning, spacious capacity and robust features for the price, buyers feel they got an amazing value for money with the Insignia dishwasher.

Judging by the overwhelmingly positive reviews from actual owners, Insignia dishwashers deliver satisfying cleaning performance that should meet or exceed your expectations. The comments reflect great attention to quality and value.

After going over all the key buying considerations for Insignia dishwashers in this guide, you have all the details to decide if one belongs in your kitchen. If you want powerful, thorough cleaning cycles, flexible racking, handy features, quiet performance and great value packed into one appliance, an Insignia dishwasher delivers in every regard. Just be sure to measure your space, choose the right capacity, and select cycles and options that best fit your needs.