How to Buy the Best Dishwasher
Most homes today have a dishwasher for the sheer time saving convenience and sanitizing dishes for their family's wellbeing. Over the past couple of decades there have been many advances in dishwasher design including making them more energy efficient and improving how the dishwasher can be stacked to prevent breakage.
Redesigning the stacking and racking formats has resulted in more useful dishwashing space so it's possible to get more dishware in the same load. In addition there has been improvement in the operating noise. Some dish washers are so quiet it is difficult to tell when they are operating.
When buying a dishwasher you must consider your family needs as well as the cost to buy and operate the unit. There are basically two types of dishwashers, the standard size either installed under the counter or the portable. The installed versus portable decision is more likely be based on whether installing a dishwasher is possible. Not every kitchen has the space of an installed dishwasher. These units are not interchangeable; a portable cannot be installed and an installed model is not portable as it has no side panels.
The dishwasher types are influenced more by capacity than style and the most common is the standard size 24 inch model that is available as either an installed unit within your cabinetry, or as a stand-alone portable dishwasher that is a temporary hook up to the sink when used.
A portable dishwasher may not appeal to everyone but the kitchen must have the cabinet space for an installed unit that included the plumbing and electrical wiring. If you rent, move often or installing is not possible, a portable dishwasher is better than none at all. The down side of a portable unit is that it must be wheeled to the sink faucet for hook up and drainage.
There are smaller portable 18 inch model dishwashers. They are ideal when space is limited such as for apartments, cottages and RV's.
Another option for small spaces is the dishwasher drawer or countertop model. They are a more costly stylish alternative and a good way to save on energy by doing small loads, rather than running a large dishwasher for only a few dishes. They use about half the space of a standard model and that may be a consideration if you lack cabinet storage space.
Since the standard dishwasher size is 24 inches the capacities are not the same across brands and models. The best features to look for are:
There are other features available in standard dishwashers but for the most part the additional cost does not outweigh the benefits. Before you buy any dishwasher I recommend that you check out consumer report to determine which one is the best for your family needs. Look for a high quality dishwasher that will give you good service for years as well as cheap dishwashers that are poor quality.
Redesigning the stacking and racking formats has resulted in more useful dishwashing space so it's possible to get more dishware in the same load. In addition there has been improvement in the operating noise. Some dish washers are so quiet it is difficult to tell when they are operating.
When buying a dishwasher you must consider your family needs as well as the cost to buy and operate the unit. There are basically two types of dishwashers, the standard size either installed under the counter or the portable. The installed versus portable decision is more likely be based on whether installing a dishwasher is possible. Not every kitchen has the space of an installed dishwasher. These units are not interchangeable; a portable cannot be installed and an installed model is not portable as it has no side panels.
The dishwasher types are influenced more by capacity than style and the most common is the standard size 24 inch model that is available as either an installed unit within your cabinetry, or as a stand-alone portable dishwasher that is a temporary hook up to the sink when used.
A portable dishwasher may not appeal to everyone but the kitchen must have the cabinet space for an installed unit that included the plumbing and electrical wiring. If you rent, move often or installing is not possible, a portable dishwasher is better than none at all. The down side of a portable unit is that it must be wheeled to the sink faucet for hook up and drainage.
There are smaller portable 18 inch model dishwashers. They are ideal when space is limited such as for apartments, cottages and RV's.
Another option for small spaces is the dishwasher drawer or countertop model. They are a more costly stylish alternative and a good way to save on energy by doing small loads, rather than running a large dishwasher for only a few dishes. They use about half the space of a standard model and that may be a consideration if you lack cabinet storage space.
Since the standard dishwasher size is 24 inches the capacities are not the same across brands and models. The best features to look for are:
- A built-in food disposal
- Plenty of racking and stacking options
- At least a two or three tier wash spray action
- A quick wash cycle option
- A heavy scrub wash cycle for pots and pans
- An eco air dry feature
- Energy star qualified
- Self cleaning filters
- Quiet sound package
- Child safety lock
There are other features available in standard dishwashers but for the most part the additional cost does not outweigh the benefits. Before you buy any dishwasher I recommend that you check out consumer report to determine which one is the best for your family needs. Look for a high quality dishwasher that will give you good service for years as well as cheap dishwashers that are poor quality.
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