Dishwashers are no longer considered as a luxury item, they are now a kitchen must-have. They help so much in the convenient and practical running of a household. If you’re about to buy one and you have no idea where to begin, this guide is for you. There are primarily eight things that you need to consider when buying a dishwasher and they are as follows:
1. Type
You need to know the type of dishwasher that you’re looking for. There are primarily three types of dishwashers to choose from:
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Built-in
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Portable
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Drawer or Countertop
You should choose the kind of model that will suit your unique lifestyle needs. Choose one that can handle the capacity of your household and that your space can accommodate. You will need to choose carefully if you’re renting.
If you’re on a limited budget, you should check out countertop models and portable units. These types are best for small families with limited space.
Built-in dishwashers are more expensive because they offer more features. Opt for a portable model if you’re only renting.
2. Size
How big is your household?
This is an important matter to consider because you want to make sure that the dishwasher of your choice will be able to smoothly handle all your daily kitchen needs.
If you live alone or there’s only two to three people in your household, an 18-inch dishwasher would suit your needs just fine. This size is perfect for couples or families with limited space.
A 24-inch dishwasher would be perfect for a family with around five members.
3. Energy Consumption
When looking for a dishwasher, you should always check its energy rating level. This is important if you want to run a sustainable and green household. When considering energy ratings, you should look for models with more stars. The higher the star ratings, the more energy efficient a model is. You should also check on a dishwasher’s water consumption. If your water usage is metered, you should look for dishwashers with quick wash options.
If you’re after energy-efficient dishwashers, you should check out Warewashing Solutions. They offer sustainable dishwasher models with high energy ratings from the Department of Industry, Science, Energy, and Resources.
4. Washing Cycles
You need to know a thing or two about dishwasher washing cycles. Purchase a dishwasher that at least have the following cycles:
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Light wash
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Regular wash
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Heavy wash
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Economy settings
An economy cycle is nifty because it will allow you to air-dry dishes. A dishwasher with specialized cycles for glass or stemware will be more expensive. The following features can be considered extra as a model without them would still be perfectly fine for daily household needs:
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Quick wash
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Rinse
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Pot scrub
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Sanitizing
PRO TIP: Stainless steel dishwashers are not always better models. They are mainly more expensive due to their material and style. The only functional advantage that it offers is the fact that its washing arm is durable and made of steel.
5. Disposal Feature
This is a handy feature that you should look for if you’re not crazy about dedicating time scraping, pre-washing, and rinsing your dishes before actual loading. This feature is nifty because it will eliminate hard food residue and grime for you. With this feature, you can be sure that grime and hard food don’t go swishing around your clean dishes during their final rinse. A dishwasher with this feature will have a unique filter system that can be self-cleaning or may require manual cleaning. Ensure to check your model’s filtration system for easy maintenance.
6. Racking
How many dishes do you have to get cleaned on a daily basis?
The answer to this will depend on the number of your household members and your daily kitchen workflow. Regular dishwashers commonly have two racks. Some come with extending loading options that allow for more dishes to be cleaned. If you have diverse dishwashing needs, look for a dishwasher with the following features:
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Removable tines
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Adjustable tines
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Shelves for tall glasses
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Racks for tall glasses
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Shelves for stemware
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Racks for stemware
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Racks for uniquely shaped items
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Convertible racks
7. Performance
A dishwasher’s performance is dependent on its washing levels. It will depend on how a model distributes the water and where waters are distributed during the cycle. A dishwasher with a good performance needs to have at least a three-tier system. More levels will allow for more extensive cleaning but expect such models to cost more.
Noise should also be considered. Look for a quiet model if your kitchen is near your bedroom. The following special features should be considered as well:
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electronic dist sensors
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detergent dispensers
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child-safety lock – absolutely necessary if you have kids around
8. Silverware Tray
Check where the silverware tray is placed. This consideration is not related to washing performance but it is important as different users prefer to do things differently. You need to ensure that your choice of a dishwasher will allow you to seamlessly handle your silverware.
If you want a tray that you can easily remove, look for a compact tray that is placed on the bottom rack.
If you want a tray that will give you more room, look for a model that comes with an attached silverware tray.
