Dishwashers

Information current as of

If you've never experienced the convenience of owning a dishwasher (the actual appliance, not the derogatory slang for your wife), then you don't know what you're missing. Its such a great thing to not spend 45 minutes after each meal hand washing all those dishes. Dishwashers today are very good about super cleaning your plates even if they aren't "prewashed" first.

Dishwashers from 25 years ago were ok, but they required a lot of prewashing first and had very few styles and features to choose from. Today you can shop for a variety of styles and colors, ultra quiet, and water conservation features. You can get built in units and portable dishwashers.

Most dishwasher brands now have water and energy saving features available. Built in dishwashers are designed to fit under your countertop and most kitchen designs automatically assume you'll have a space for the dishwasher (usually right next to the sink). Noise used to be a big problem in older models, today you can buy ultra quiet models that have better, thick insulation to prevent rumbling in the main basin.

Dishwashers come in the standard colors of black, white and cream, but you can also get models that allow for special front panels that allow it to blend perfectly with the surrounding kitchen cabinets. We advise getting door springs that can handle the extra weight of the wood panel. Expansion springs work better than flimsy expansion coils. If this is a feature you need be sure to verify the dishwasher has that option as many models do not.

FEATURES TO LOOK FOR

Adjustable Racks -  Flexibility in the placement of racks and fold down tines will allow for the cleaning of larger items and more options in dish placement.

Multiple Wash Settings - Ideally you'd have at least 3 settings, light, medium and heavy wash. Most people use the heavy setting as a default, but its unnecessary if the dishes aren't heavily soiled. The option of double wash cycles is also good, with 2 detergent compartments for a fresh soaping each time.

Energy Saving Cycles - In today's environmentally friendly world we should look for appliances that save on water and electricity. Most appliances have the energy star guide that shows you how much you can save with each particular model.

Water Filters - The water filter is what eliminated the need for prewashing in today's modern dishwashers. Some filters need to be removed and cleaned or replaced from time to time. You'll pay more for good water filters but its the most important feature of dishwashers today.

Delay Start - This is handy when your dishwasher makes a little more noise than you'd like. Like a coffee maker, you can set it to run at a later time when you aren't around.

Covered baskets - These are handy for keeping smaller utentials and dishware from blasting around the dishwasher during the high pressure cycles. The basket keeps them contained and safe from the spray arms.

Featured Article: Dishwasher Detergent Cups - Detergent tends to build up over time and you may find that one day the detergent cup won't open. The detergent acts like glue, sealing the cup. Your dishwasher's detergent cup is located on the panel, inside your dishwasher's door... read more.