DISHWASHER BUYING GUIDE
Throughout this guide dashed links will take you to filtered product lists.
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations! You are on your way to purchasing a brand-new dishwasher with features designed to satisfy your household’s specific needs, and we are here to help guide you through your decision process. With the abundance of new features that have been developed since your last purchase, your new dishwasher is bound to better fit your lifestyle. We know that there is a lot of variety out there; our job is to make sure that you find what will work best for YOU!
FIRST THINGS FIRST: MEASURE!
Before you even begin to look at the different features and models, make sure that you measure so that any dishwasher you purchase will fit in your kitchen. Also, don’t just measure height and width, depth will also be important. Finally, make sure that you measure the distance between the edge of your kitchen counter to the island (if you have one) or any other possible obstruction which could get in the way of you opening your dishwasher’s door.
Next, check the dishwasher’s connections. If you are replacing an old dishwasher, it is extremely important to check the wires, drains, and water lines of your previous dishwasher so that you can ensure that these existing connections are correctly positioned for your new unit. Lastly, it is critical that you look out for differences in water lines if you plan on switching brands as this is the most common mistake that people make when replacing an old dishwasher.
If you're not replacing an old dishwasher, you now have the option to choose what size dishwasher will best meet your family’s needs. Most standard units are 24" across; however, compact units (generally 18" across) are also available. These units are best for apartments and one- or two-person households.
BASIC TYPES OF DISHWASHERS AND HOW TO CHOOSE
Once you have decided how big of a space you have and what size dishwasher you plan on buying, you can begin choose what features will best match your family’s needs.
First, you will chose between built-in and portable models. Both types have timesaving features, are energy efficient, will clean your dishes well, and come in both the standard 24" and compact 18" sizes, so the choice between the two depends primarily on your kitchen space requirements and your lifestyle needs.
The more common of the two, built-in, will fit directly under your kitchen counter and requires both power and water connections. This type of dishwasher offers space-saving convenience, more loading capacity, and there are more models to choose from.
Portable models are a great option if you don’t want or don’t have room to fit a stationary appliance underneath your kitchen counter. These models operate by directly connecting the dishwasher to the kitchen sink with a hose stored in a back compartment, and then plugging it into a standard electric outlet. They are designed to blend with your kitchen’s interior and can also be stored neatly away. Many models also have the capability to be converted to built-ins. You may need to buy a conversion kit to complete this process.
FITTING YOUR FAMILY’S NEEDS
Now that you have decided what type of dishwasher will both fit in and work best for your kitchen, you can start considering other, more specific, features. This is where the dishwashers begin to really differentiate between themselves, and you can start to design your purchase around the lifestyle needs of your family.
CAPACITY AND FLEXIBILITY
Dishwasher capacity is typically measured by how many place settings the unit can comfortably fit. Keeping this in mind, here is where you really want to look at the size of your family and what types of dishes you normally wash. If you get a dishwasher that is too small, you will waste time, money and energy running multiple loads or rewashing dishes that didn’t get cleaned in the first wash.
Most standard-size tubs can hold up to 12 place settings. A model of this size offers enough capacity and features for most dishes and is great for the average size family of four or five, because you will have room for your pots and pans along with all of your dishes.
Super-capacity models, or tall tubs, can hold up to 16 place settings, while still fitting underneath kitchen countertops. These models will work best for larger families or households with greater washing demands. As the name suggests, these models are taller than the standard units and can fit odd-shaped dishes as well as pots and pans which may not fit in the standard units. Finally, the compact models, which can hold around 8 place settings, are suitable for smaller households with limited washing demands.
The actual capacity of the dishwasher can be affected by the spray arms and towers. You can't put the dishes in the washer in a way that blocks the tower and its rotation; otherwise, your dishes won't get cleaned. If you have a tendency to overload the dishwasher, or if you buy a dishwasher too small for your real needs, you will run this risk. If so, look for models with direct-feed spray systems which distribute water without a spray tower to block full use of the tub.
Another component of a dishwasher’s capacity is its loading flexibility. You want a dishwasher with adjustable racks that will accommodate the types of dishes that you normally wash. Most models offer features such as fold down or removable tines, cup shelves, stemware holders and silverware trays. You can choose among these features so that you have a perfect fit every wash. An idea: Bring a clean place setting of your dishes to the store to test the models. This is especially important if you have taller dishes or glassware, as you want to make sure that there is enough vertical space for them to fit. You might also want to bring any unusually shaped or large pots that you wash frequently and see if the adjustable racks allow you to create an easy fit.
One last thing to consider when determining your dishwasher capacity is what your family’s future needs will be. If you plan on your family growing or think that you may eventually grow tired of hand washing your pots and pans, you don’t want to find yourself in a couple of years with a dishwasher that is too small. In order to save yourself the hassle of having to once again search for a new unit, try to plan in advance for any future lifestyle changes.
EXTRA FEATURES
As you would hope, almost all dishwashers will at least clean your dishes, so it will be other featurees that ultimately determine which model you prefer.. Do you have only light loads to wash sometimes, say for lunch? Do you prefer not to have to pre-rinse? Does it need to be extra quiet? These are a few of the questions that you should ask yourself to help you decide which features will be most important to you.
Sensor Technology: Most modern models now have sensors which can monitor the soil level and/or the temperature of your dishwasher. These sensors will automatically adjust and choose a cycle according to how dirty your dishes are; this ensures clean dishes without wasting water. This is a good feature to consider if you find you’ve been rewashing loads because you can’t figure out which cycle to choose.
Filters and Food Disposals: Consider models which include filters and food disposals. These allow you to skip rinsing the dishes in the sink and put them directly in the dishwasher. They have a filtration system and a disposal which work together to remove any leftover food particles from the dishwater. Models with this feature never need to be cleaned, and also maximize the performance of the dishwasher by keeping the water food-free. Dishwashers without filters and disposals require more work and are more susceptible to odor, because you must periodically clean the filter and soil-trap.
Specialty Cycles: Different models offer many cycles in addition to the standard everyday ones. The delicate cycle allows you to put hand-wash items such as wineglasses into the dishwasher without having to worry about them breaking. Pot and Pans or tough cycles can remove caked-on grease so you don't have to do that by hand. If you often have light loads to wash – for example at lunchtime – consider a model with a rinse-and-hold option. Finally, if you have children or are concerned about having germs and bacteria on your dishes, you might want to think about a sanitizing cycle which heats the water to extremely high temperatures to kill germs. Another good feature is a control lock, which prevents children from changing the cycles.
Delay Start: A delay wash is another good choice if you prefer to load the washer now but have it start the cycle later, perhaps after you've left the house. The length of delay varies with different models and ranges anywhere from 1 to 24 hours. While delayed start is a useful feature, carefully inspect your hoses and connections to ensure you can safely leave the appliance running when you leave the house. A burst hose and a flooded kitchen are not something you want to come home to.
Quiet Operation: Quieter dishwashers, with more insulation, cost more. Is your dishwasher going to be right next to a bedroom, for example? Do you prefer to run it at night? If you answered yes to either question, consider spending extra for a quieter model. If you plan to install the dishwasher into an island or peninsula, also consider a quieter model because there is less of a wall to insulate the noise. Another factor: Models which include food disposals tend to be louder than other models Bear in mind, though, that quieter models with greater insulation cost more.
Heat Booster: For any dishwasher, heat is key. To activate your dishwasher detergent, the water temperature should range anywhere between 135 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If your household’s hot water is less than 120 degrees, you should strongly consider a heat booster, which will increase the temperature of the water going into the dishwasher, to ensure that you are getting a sanitary wash. This can actually save you money and energy, because with a dishwasher heat booster, you can maintain your hot-water heater at a lower temperature.
To check the water temperature of your home, run the hot water at the faucet closet to your dishwasher for 1 minute. Next, place a candy or meat thermometer in a glass measuring cup and check the temperature on the thermometer as water runs into the cup.
Stainless-Steel Tubs: While stainless-steel appliances are stylish on the outside, a dishwasher with a stainless steel tub can also be extremely functional. Stainless-steel interiors are both more durable and are quieter than plastic models. Also, the metal interior reflects heat so that the tubs can withstand the high temperatures of sanitizing rinses and have more efficient drying.
Hard Water: Your water quality will directly affect the performance of any dishwasher model. Hard water occurs when water has a high mineral content. It is what creates the small white spots (calcium deposits) on your dishes after you wash them. If you have hard water in your home, you may want to look at models with rinse-aid dispensers or a high-temperature scrub/wash option. Models with rinse-aid dispensers hold a special solution which is released and works to prevent the spotting generated by hard water. Since excess detergent and hard water together will scratch glassware, you want to reduce the amount of detergent you use and replace it with more of the rinse-aid solution.
You can find out whether you have hard water by calling your local water department, water softener company, or county extension agent.
Hidden Controls: Offering both style and function, hidden controls are becoming a more popular feature. These newer panels are placed on the top strip of the dishwasher’s door so they aren’t visible when the dishwasher is closed. This is another good option if you have small children and don’t want to worry about them pushing buttons and changing the cycle.
Style: Companies recognize that style is also important to consumers looking to purchase appliances to match their décor. With this in mind, you will have many choices when deciding which styles are most attractive to you. Whether it is stainless-steel or your standard white, there is an array of materials and colors to choose from to help you match your kitchen best. Some units even have an additional feature which matches your dishwasher with wood paneling to blend in with your cabinetry. Finally, specialty colors and painted panels are available if you wish to customize your look.
INSTALLATION:
Yeah! You have decided on a dishwasher, but now you need to install it. Here are a couple of tips to make sure that your installation goes smoothly.
First-Time Installation: Installing a dishwasher for the first time requires considerable plumbing and electric skills, so unless you have advanced installation experience avoid the hassle and hire a professional to do the job.
Replacing a Dishwasher: Assuming that you followed earlier advice and checked to make sure that the wire, water, and drain lines of your previous dishwasher match your new one, then replacing a dishwasher is relatively easy and requires little experience. Still, make sure that you give yourself some time – leave yourself about 3 hours.
WHY YOU CARE ABOUT ENERGY STAR
Contemporary dishwasher models are all designed to use less energy and water, lowering your utility bill while conserving natural resources. Appliances can be labeled Energy Star when they exceed federal standards for energy use by 25% or more. Dishwasher features which increase energy savings and thus put money in your pocket are a No Heat dry option, short cycles, increased insulation, and soil sensors. The No Heat dry option does not completely dry dishes, leaving them to air dry; so they might be slightly damp when you unload your dishes. Short cycles can be used on lightly soiled dishes by using significantly less water. Extra insulation maintains water temperatures while also reducing noise levels. Finally, soil sensors measure food particles and adjust cycles accordingly.
Find Energy Star Dishwashers Near You
BRANDS: WHO MAKES AND SELLS DISHWASHERS
When shopping for a dishwasher you have many different brands to choose from. The major brand names in the U.S. are Whirlpool, General Electric, Maytag, Kenmore, Frigidaire, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Hotpoint, LG Electronics, Bosch, Fisher & Paykel, Roper, Tappan, and Haier.
In recent Consumer Reports testing, all these makers are capable of producing quality products you'll be happy with, though a few models have problematical repair histories.
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