Compared to washing dishes by hand, using a dishwasher can save more than 230 hours a year. Well, at least according to the Energy Star label. This means you can save almost half an hour a day, every day of the year, by using just one piece of somewhat unnecessary kitchen hardware. But how do you choose the best dishwasher for your needs when there are hundreds of models to choose from and the supply is always moving?
Inconveniently, dishwashers reduce the appeal of getting things done quickly. These amazing machines can clean the dirtiest and greasiest areas with minimal energy and water. Whether you are making the switch from hand washing to dishwashers or looking to upgrade, choosing the right dishwasher in terms of type, style, capability, and more is an important purchasing decision.
This buying guide will help you choose the best personal or commercial dishwashers according to your home or business needs.
Things to consider before buying a dishwasher
Now that dishwashers are a standard appliance in most homes, many manufacturers and models have flooded the market to meet consumer demand. In a saturated market with many makes and models, it can be challenging to settle on the one that is ideal for your needs.
You should give some thought to several factors before choosing a certain dishwasher if you are thinking of buying one to facilitate daily cleaning. Here are some things to keep in mind while shopping for a dishwasher.
Control panel location
Most dishwashers have their controls on the top panel of the door. However, in other implementations, the door closure hides a set of control panels installed along its upper edge. This is just for looks as it will give your space a clean and modern feel. It is inconvenient to have a hidden control panel because it makes it difficult to see how long the cycle is.
Exterior finishing
Dishwashers are available in a wide variety of exterior colors and finishes, including white, black, slate, stainless steel, and brushed stainless steel. Brushed stainless steel, for example, is harder to leave fingerprints than other coatings. The finish you choose should complement or match the rest of your kitchen equipment. The exterior finish may only be cosmetic, but it still affects how your kitchen looks and feels.
Dimensions and capacity
When evaluating the size and capacity of a dishwasher, the number of place settings it can accommodate per load is commonly used as a measurement. The vast majority of homes have a standard dishwasher. Since these homes often have less square footage, a compact dishwasher is a better choice for them.
Sound level
The decibel rating of a dishwasher shows how loud it is. A dishwasher decibel level should be less than 45. Constant rain has a sound intensity of 45 to 50 dB. Normal conversation occurs at a decibel level of 50 or higher. The price increases for quieter dishwashers are proportional to their decibel ratings.
Tub material
Dishwasher safe containers are available in both plastic and stainless steel. Stainless steel tubs last longer, won’t rust, stain or corrode and dry quickly. However, they have a higher price. It turns out that the material of the tub doesn’t make much of a difference in how well it cleans.
Water consumption
Dishwashers can use no more than 5.8 gallons of water per cycle, which is a big improvement over older models. You can choose the most energy-efficient model according to the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program, which incorporates statistics on water efficiency and energy consumption and use into its certification criteria. Dishwashers that have earned the ENERGY STAR label consume only 3.5 gallons of water per cycle.
Cycles and speed
Normal, heavy and light settings are the norm for today’s dishwashers. A dishwasher with programmable or integrated settings for quick wash, delicate wash, rinse and hold, etc., will often cost more but can save money on energy and water in the long run.
Conservation of energy
The annual energy consumption and running costs of a dishwasher are listed on an “Energy Guide” label. Dishwashers with the ENERGY STAR label meet or exceed federal efficiency standards.
Filters
The filter keeps food out of the wash water, preventing it from being redeposited on the clean dishes. Self-cleaning and manual-cleaning models are available.
- Dirt is thrown from a grinder into self-cleaning filters and then washed.
- To keep them in good condition, manual filters need to be removed and cleaned regularly.
Drying efficiency
Dishwashers that are economical enough to use the residual heat from the tub to dry the dishes. Most of the time, this is good enough. The drying process can be speeded up by using a heating element and fan in some dishwashers.
Additional features
Dishwashers differ from each other depending on whether they have optional functions in addition to the standard options. The higher the price of the device, the more features it often has. The most common add-ons for dishwashers are listed below.
- Third rack: Some models of top-loading dishwashers also have a third slim rack that can be stacked on top of the key rack.
- Adjustable racks: Many modern dishwashers have racks that can be moved to fit dishes of different heights, which is very helpful.
- Soil sensors: To help boost water efficiency, soil sensors automatically change cycle time and water usage.
- Washing areas: Dishwashers have “wash zones” set aside for particularly dirty items that need to be cleaned through a more intensive cycle.
- Rinse/hold cycle: To reduce odors and prevent food from settling while you wait for the load to finish, you can use the rinse/hold cycle to wash the dishes.
- Smart home technology and Wi-Fi connectivity: Thanks to smart home technology and Wi-Fi connectivity, you can customize your washing process from a computer or smartphone.
Final words
Choosing the right dishwasher is essential if you want it to shine as the main attraction in the kitchen. Look for a premium dishwasher that has the most features and the most attractive looks. Do your homework before jumping to conclusions. Your budget and the size of your kitchen are two other factors to think about.
