Differences Between a Stainless Steel Interior Vs. Nylon Interior in Dishwashers

The Materials

• Stainless steel constitutes a steel alloy, or mixture of steel and another metal. Generally, it contains at least 10 percent chromium by volume, and maintains a lower carbon content than other steel types. It exhibits a strong resistance to corrosion from sources such as water. Nylon is a generic term used to describe numerous types of synthetic materials with similar molecular structures. Types of nylon appear in a wide gamut of materials, from ropes to plastics, bristles and coatings.

Dishwasher Tubs

• The tub of a dishwasher constitutes the inside of the unit. Dishwasher gaskets create a watertight seal, allowing the tub to fill with water and clean the dishes within it. Manufacturers generally use stainless steel or plastic in the tubs. Dishwashers with plastic tubs usually cost less than those with stainless steel tubs. However, ones with stainless steel operate with less noise than plastic ones and withstand higher water temperatures. Stainless steel dishwashers show dirt and grime more quickly.

Dishwasher Racks

• Dishwasher racks are the elements in dishwashers that hold the dishes. Numerous types exist, though most contain two racks, a large one at the bottom of the unit and a larger one at the top. Manufacturers create racks from metal and commonly coat them in vinyl or nylon. According to Dishwasher Guru, nylon exhibits greater strength as a coating than vinyl, making it less likely to wear down and expose the rack's metal. Once exposed, it will quickly rust.

Differences

• The difference between a nylon dishwasher interior and stainless steel interior comes down to application. Stainless steel ones possess stainless steel tubs, while nylon ones possess nylon coating on the rack. A single dishwasher may contain both of these materials, though stainless steel ones often possess stainless steel racks, which require no coating, given their corrosion resistance. It’s possible that plastic dishwasher tubs contain nylon in the plastic, though manufacturers describe these tubs as plastic, not nylon.