Dishwasher Buyers Guide

More than half the households in America have dishwashers simply because they cut valuable time off the chore of washing dishes. They can also minimize kitchen clutter and uses less water to do a better job than hand washing dishes.

There is much heated competition among manufacturers of dishwashers. Because of this, most offer several models targeting a specific segment of the market. For instance:

Low-priced units with basic features lure first-time buyers. This makes them attractive to this segment because price is a factor.

Move-up buyers are enticed with stylish, upscale machines loaded with plenty of bells and whistles. They have money to spend and want all the latest features.

Because price and features are intimately linked, it can be difficult to know just where to draw the line when you shop. One way to decide is to determine exactly what types of features are needed and worth paying extra for.

As said earlier, dishwashers come in a variety of styles and sport an array of features. You will basically get what you pay for or what you can afford. The single most sought after feature today is noise reduction. People simply don’t want to listen to a noisy appliance. That factor alone has caused manufacturers to seek noise-reduction technologies to incorporate into newer models.

For this reason, nearly all-major manufacturers incorporate noise reduction in their dishwasher models and promote them as "quieter" models. You can usually find this feature in the higher-priced models. To make dishwashers quieter, manufacturers have added sound-dampening insulation, sound-absorbing wash tubs, vibration absorbers and low-noise pumps. With many brands, these are optional and will boost the price. For example, KitchenAid offers four different levels of quiet, depending upon how much you want to spend.

In the 1990s, federal regulations imposed minimum energy-efficiency standards on new dishwashers. As a result, all of today's dishwashers’ use about half of the electricity needed than those made back in 1972. In addition, they also use less water, which represents a significant portion of the energy they require. Here are a few facts on energy efficiency.

About 80 percent of the electricity used to wash dishes is used for heating water.

Standard-sized dishwashers use an average 8.11 gallons for a normal cycle. It 16 gallons of water to hand-wash dishes.

Another boost to energy efficiency is that you don't have to pre-wash dishes before loading them. This boosts overall energy efficiency significantly. This is because solid food disposers and sophisticated spray arms are used to blast away food.

Newer dishwashers re-circulate a relatively small amount of water through fine-mesh filters with high-volume pumps. The filters strain particles from the water to ensure thorough cleaning of the dishes and the pumps deliver a powerful spray. For example, the pump in a Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher re-circulates less than 8 gallons of water for a normal cycle at a volume of 42 to 50 gallons per minute-up to 2000 gallons per cycle.

More and more manufacturers are opting for stainless steel interiors. Many are now offering models that feature durable stainless steel tubs. They are more expensive than models that feature plastic tubs but are much quieter, easier to maintain and more efficient during the drying cycle because the steel deflects heat better.

In addition, many of these models use a lower-wattage heating element, which also saves energy and protects heat-sensitive items on the lower rack. By combining a stainless-steel interior with good insulation, for example, KitchenAid dishwashers can use a 450-watt element instead of the more normal 600 to 750-watt type. Stainless tubs also allow higher water temperatures than the typical 140 degrees Fahrenheit suitable for plastic. Some models such as Amana operate in excess of 165 degrees F., which hot enough to sanitize dishes.

All conventional under-counter dishwashers are about the same size because they're made to fit under a counter in a 24-inch-wide space. Although portable dishwashers can answer the need in some small kitchens, choices and features are far more limited than those offered with under-counter models.

Across the board, controls have become easier to use. For example, Whirlpool has a One-Touch(tm) control that allows you to push a single button. You can get models with either electronic of mechanical controls. You need to consider which option is best for you.

Electronic controls tend to be trendier, they are more expensive and don't offer any particular advantages over mechanical controls. They are the easiest to set but can be slower to reset than a dial mechanism.

Mechanical controls or pushbuttons are also easy to set but can leave you wondering what part of the cycle you're on if you have to reset.

Look for models that have at least three basic cycles:

light

normal

heavy

In addition, if you are planning to wash your good chins in the dishwasher, you may want to consider adding a delicate cycle feature. In addition, another great feature is the delay start. It is becoming popular because it allows you to set the dishwasher to start automatically at a later time and is another way to reduce noise.

Although you can spend £399.82 or more for a state-of-the-art dishwasher, you can also buy a solid, serviceable model for under £114.22. This is a price most families can afford with a bit of scrimping here and there. Plenty of models are available in the £199.90 to £342.68 range as well.

Before buying a new dishwasher do your homework and remember that dishwashers are one type of appliance that is constantly evolving. Here are some things you can do to make the decision process go smoother.

Check out Consumer Reports' ratings for reliability and convenience.

Look for a strong warranty with at least one year or more on free parts and labor and free parts and labor on the tub and door liner for 20 years or more.

By being an informed shopper and getting a strong warranty, you can purchase a dishwasher that will add convenience and value for years to come.