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Appliances How To

How to choose a dishwasher

Every dishwasher on the market offers a number of features, some are important, I call them "essentials"; others are simply "convenience features" that offer the consumer added luxuries that may not be important to everyone.

So how can you choose a dishwasher??

The essentials

Location: Built-in under the counter, stand alone, over the counter, or built-in under the sink for small spaces.
Style:
- Conventional:
  - large capacity.
  - less expensive.
Drawer Dishwashers:
- At this time they are more expensive than conventional ones.
- Come in single and double drawers.
- Single drawer ones are space savers.
- Convenient, drawers operate separately.
- Saves energy, detergent, and water by operating one drawer when one drawer only is needed.
Horizontal Dishwashers:
- They are conventional dishwashers with one rack only (Half the height).
- Much wider than other dishwashers, 36" wide.
- Can be used from a seated position.

Size:

The standard width is 24".
Conventional dishwashers can be found in 18" and 30" width.
Horizontal dishwashers are 36" wide.

Integration:

Partially Integrated:
- Controls are in the front.
- Less desirable, and less expensive.
- Visible controls interrupt the continuous uniform look when dishwasher is custom paneled.
- Young children can play with them.
Fully Integrated:
- More expensive than the partially integrated ones.
- Controls are concealed When the dishwasher is closed.
- Uninterrupted look.
- Very desirable for custom paneled dishwashers.
Noise Level:
- Measured in decibels (dBA).
- A dishwasher with noise level 48 dBA is much quieter than another one with 50 dBA.
- The lower the number the quieter the dishwasher.
- Noise level is becoming increasingly important with open concept homes.
Energy Consumption: Make sure you buy a dishwasher that is Energy Star rated. You could save up to one third of the energy cost associated with running the dishwasher.
The Interior:
- Stainless Steel Interior.
  - More expensive.
  - Durable.
  - Retains heat which makes it better for drying dishes.
- Plastic Interior.
  - Less expensive.
  - Less durable.
  - Can discolor with time.
- Capacity and organization.
  - Some hold more dishes than stemware, or vice versa.
  - Adjustable or removable racks.
  - Fold-down or removable tines.
Filtration System: Is the mechanism that the dishwasher uses to prevent larger food items from entering the pump and clog it. Double filtration is better.
Cycles: They can have 5 to 6 different cycles with 5 to 6 options for each cycle. Some of the more common cycles are:
- Rinse Only or rinse and hold, useful for partial loads waiting for the dishwasher to fill.
- Quick wash, light wash, or light china, they mean the same thing; wash lightly soiled items.
- Fine china and stemware.
- Normal wash, for every day dishes and mixed loads.
- Heavy duty, for pots and pans.
- Some of the options available for each cycle:
  - Sanitize rinse, useful for baby bottles.
  - Heat dry.
  - Delayed Wash.
  - Half load.
  - Auto wash, a sensor determine the soil level, water temperature, and length of cycle.

The Convenience Features.

Ball bearing rollers for smooth rack motion.
Lighting inside the dishwasher.
Detergent tank that holds a full bottle of detergent, where it gets dispensed automatically.
Auto door open and close, and a door that will hold its position at any angle. Will not slam open.
Indicator light on the exterior.
Cycle completion sound.
WiFi connection to a monitoring center to ensure your dishwasher is functioning properly at all time
Buit-in water softener system.
Two pumps instead of one to last you longer.

These are only some of the convenience features available to consumers today. Depending on your needs and budget you will choose the best features for you and your family.