Everything you need to know about buying a new dishwasher for your kitchen.
At one point in time, dishwashers were viewed as a luxury appliance for homes. Today, dishwashers as an essential must-have for every home kitchen. These convenient appliances are designed to save time and energy while cleaning and sanitizing your dishes and cookware.
Things to Consider
Before you make the decision on which dishwasher to purchase for your home, there are few things you need to consider:
• Your Budget
One of the most important factors in your purchase is your budget. Dishwasher can range from $300 up to $1800. When looking at a large price range, keep in mind, cheaper does not always mean you have to sacrifice functionality and performance.
• The Washtub
When it comes to the interior wash tub, the capacity is not the only factor to consider. It is important to take into consider the material the tub is constructed from. Plastic tubs do not last as long as stainless steel tubs. If you want your new dishwasher to last for at least ten years, you should choose a stainless steel constructed tub.
• The Features
With the modern technological advancements, appliance manufacturers are able to design home appliances with a wide variety of convenient features like: sensor cycles, anywhere from four to fifteen different wash cycles, advanced drying systems, noise insulation, food disposal, and more.
Types of Dishwasher
Compact dishwashers
Compact dishwashers are typically 18-inches wide. A standard size dishwasher averages 24-inches wide. If there is a particular brand you prefer, check with the manufacture to see if they carry a compact dishwasher, most major brands do.
Compact dishwashers generally fall in the price range of $475 up to $1000 and offer up to an eight five-piece place a setting capacity.
Built-in dishwashers
Built-in dishwashers are by far the most commonly sought after dishwasher on the market. These units are usually spacious and feature at least two dish racks. Some tall tub built-in dishwashers also offer a flexible third level rack for awkward utensils and flatware.
The basic models use push-buttons and dials to select the desired cycle and temperature setting; while the technologically advanced models offers concealed control panels, responsive touch controls, and easy to read LED displays.
Generally, standard built-in dishwashers offer a capacity up twelves five-piece place settings. Tall tub dishwashers can offer up to a sixteen-place setting capacity.
The price range for this type of dishwasher ranges from $300 up to $2000.
Drawer Dishwasher
The modern design of drawer dishwasher is still new idea in the world of home appliances. This new design is not offered by many major brands manufacturers just yet.
Drawer dishwashers feature a smaller wash capacity than others models, allowing you to wash small loads of dishes without wasting water, energy, and money. Single drawer models are deal for single individuals or small families who do not have a lot of dishes to wash each day. Fortunately, there are double drawer models available that offer a comparable capacity to more traditional dishwasher designs.
The prices range for this new style dishwasher ranges from $650 up to $1300.
Portable Dishwasher
Portable dishwashers are ideal for kitchens with a limited amount of space. Most portable dishwashers are equipped with wheels so you can move it in and out of the kitchen as needed. These convenient units plug into your kitchen faucet and then drains into the kitchen sink.
The average portable dishwasher offers anywhere from an eight to twelve-place setting capacity, with a price range of $300 to $800.
Cycles, Settings, and Features
Wash Cycles
Today, these in demand home appliances offer advanced cycle options. Many models offer great cycles like a certified sanitize cycles, heavy-duty pots and pans cycle, steam cycles, sensor cycles, and more.
Sensor Systems
Many brand name manufacturers equip newer models with intelligent sensors. Built-in sensors are used to detect the size of the load, the soil level, and the power needed to deliver an incredible cleaning performance. Not only do these innovative sensor systems detect the needs of your dishes, they also make real-time adjustments to the wash cycle.
Food Disposal
With the modern food disposal systems, you can skip prewashing your dishes. The hard food disposal systems today work like the disposal system under your sink, allowing hard foods to be disposed of during the wash cycle.
Water Jets and Steam
Powerful water jets make it possible for heavy-duty cycles to clean the toughest baked on messes, eliminating hand washing from your daily routine. When the revolutionary steam feature is added in combination the powerful water jets, your dishes will receive a more thorough clean and a better drying performance.
Dry Settings
Many dishwashers on the market today offer options to dry your dishes. Some model provide the option to dry your dishes with or without heat, so you can save time and energy while still eliminating unsightly water spots. Some dishes even feature a fan to help circulate air throughout the entire tub, ensuring each and every dish, utensil, and glass are dried completely.
