Chinese dishwasher wins global acclaim

Tech innovation reshapes sector and sets impressive industry benchmarks

Since the beginning of 2025, from the globally astonishing DeepSeek to popular foldable smartphones, and from standalone smart appliances to drones, Chinese brands have been continuously providing powerful "Chinese solutions" to the global high-end value chain.

Recently, Fotile, a leading brand in smart kitchens from China, has made waves in overseas markets by introducing a new generation of dishwashers to global kitchens. In a market historically dominated by Western brands, Chinese companies are gradually securing a foothold.

On Sept 9, at a culinary exchange event in New York organized by the North America Asian Food Industry Association, or NAAFIA, a dishwasher unexpectedly became the highlight of the event. Surrounded by local consumers, the star of the show was Fotile's flagship model of the new-generation dishwasher — Fotile X20MAX, a next-generation three-in-one in-sink dishwasher. This new kitchen experience led many attendees to exclaim that it redefined their perception of dishwashers.

Meanwhile, the hashtag "Chinese Dishwasher" has received 10 million views on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Globally renowned fitness influencer Pamela Reif and several other overseas influencers shared their user experiences, praising the "Chinese dishwasher". Many overseas netizens are even asking to have it shipped from China. Chinese innovation is gaining recognition and followers in the global market through its capabilities.

Brand new solution

Dishwashers have been around for more than 170 years, but their initial design logic stemmed from a singular Western kitchen perspective. Globally, traditional dishwashers face limitations such as inadequate cleaning, large space occupation, complex installation, and inefficient workflow. These issues are particularly pronounced in Chinese kitchens. Varied cookware sizes, stubborn grease, and complex cooking methods make it difficult for traditional dishwashers to be suitable for daily family use.

Based on insights into these longstanding pain points, Fotile invented the new-generation dishwasher in 2015, the world's first in-sink dishwasher that can clean vegetables, dishes, and pots. Over the next decade, they continued to iterate on this technology. The latest flagship product, the X20MAX, offers a groundbreaking solution with three innovative concepts and multiple core technological advancements.

First, it addresses ergonomic challenges with the "no-bending dishwasher". Fotile's top-open lid design allows users to operate it while standing, eliminating the need to bend over to load and unload dishes. The installation cleverly uses the space under the sink, requiring no cabinet modification or additional kitchen space, enhancing user comfort and seamlessly integrating the dishwasher into modern kitchen layouts.

Second, it surpasses the basic dishwashing model with smart tech for dishes, pans and even produce.Equipped with the industry's first High Pressure HydroJet wash system, the X20MAX delivers three times the cleaning power of conventional dishwashers. It also features a 4-Stage Bubble Scrubbing System, which combines macro, micro and nano bubbles to achieve a deep clean than traditional hand-washing. Tests show a pesticide residue removal rate of 99 percent and a purine reduction rate of 30 percent.

Additionally, Fotile's industry-first Pur-Drainage System provides full drainage without water or odor backflow and has been certified by the China Quality Certification Center. It ensures top-level residue discharge and a drainage height resistance of 1.8 meters. The X20MAX also features a baby-safe sterilization model with a germ kill rate of 99.9999 percent, enhancing overall household hygiene from dish cleaning to comprehensive family health protection.

The dishwasher's optimized workflow integrates washing, chopping, draining, and finishing, eliminating the need to juggle dishes. Its all-in-one smart sink design meets core kitchen needs at one station, significantly boosting work efficiency. This user-centric design transforms the dishwasher from a mere cleaning tool into a central hub that enhances the overall kitchen experience.

Products to standards

Fotile's innovation extends beyond products to the realm of industry standards. In 2018, leveraging its long-term technological expertise and understanding of Chinese cooking culture and tableware, Fotile participated in drafting IEC international standards, advocating for the inclusion of Chinese tableware categories, and securing a significant international voice for Chinese brands in dishwasher technology.

In December 2023, the first UPC — or Uniform Plumbing Code — standard for in-sink dishwashers was officially released in the United States.Issued and managed by IAPMO (International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials), UPC is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative and stringent certification systems for sanitary and building material products in North America. Fotile not only played a part in developing this standard, but its P5 series in-sink dishwasher also successfully passed UPC certification and further obtained the RV TS20 certification. In North America, Fotile's design has been integrated into RV kitchens, meeting high-efficiency cleaning needs during travel.This recognizes product innovation and reflects the success of Chinese solutions in overseas living scenarios.

Zhu Keli, standing director of the China Association of Information, said that technological innovation is key to forming new quality productive forces. Domestic brand Fotile, with its in-sink dishwasher and high-energy bubble wash technologies, has solved kitchen cleaning challenges and became a high-profile innovator in the Chinese dishwasher field, bolstering the upgrade of Chinese manufacturing.

Currently, Fotile has established technology innovation centers globally, including in Duesseldorf, Osaka, and Ningbo, with a nearly 900-strong expert-level R&D team. They gather global household samples, researching and exploring local kitchen needs. Fotile's overseas business spans more than 30 countries and regions. According to the latest August 2025 report by Frost & Sullivan, Fotile's in-sink dishwashers have ranked first in global sales for three consecutive years.

From Chinese manufacturing to Chinese creation, Fotile is writing a new chapter for the global kitchen appliance industry through ongoing innovation and technological breakthroughs, gaining growing resonance and recognition for "Chinese solutions" in international markets.

fanzitong@chinadaily.com.cn