How to Choose a Dishwasher (Buying Guide) 2019

How to Choose a Dishwasher

Having a reliable dishwasher makes such a huge difference in your daily routine. It can give you peace of mind after cooking a big meal, knowing that you don’t have to wash every dish by hand. But dishwashers are not all the same. Some are more reliable than others. And some have unique features. In this video, we explain how to choose the best dishwasher for you.

Price:

Most new dishwashers cost between $400 to $1,000 depending on the brand, the size, and the features.

Size:

Built-in dishwashers are the most popular type today and these are usually 24 inches wide. There are also compact dishwashers that can fit into much smaller spaces. It’s always a good idea to measure your space before making your purchase.

Type:

Under the counter: This is the standard type of dishwasher that most of us are familiar with. They go under the counter and have a door that opens down to the ground, allowing for the washing racks to be pulled out horizontally.

Under the sink: These dishwashers are not as common but can be good for certain situations. They fit under the sink, which means they take up less room in your kitchen. If you have less space, this could be a great option.

Drawer dishwasher: This is a newer style of dishwasher; the unit fits into a lower cabinet in your kitchen and you can pull it out like a cabinet drawer. This makes it quite convenient and easy to load. You should know that drawer dishwashers can’t hold as many dishes and also won’t fit some of the larger pots and pans you might have in your kitchen.

Features:

Soil sensors: These sensors adjust the time and water needed for each cycle based upon how dirty the dishes are.

Adjustable racks: If you like to have more flexibility, adjustable racks make it easy to change the configuration of the dishwasher to easily fit your dishes, pots, and pans.

Stainless steel tubs: Resists wear and doesn’t get discolored, which makes it more visually appealing.

High impact wash zones: A designated area for heavily soiled items that need extra attention to get fully cleaned.

Rinse cycle: Some models have a special rinse cycle that gets food off your dishes immediately, before it’s full enough to run a full cycle.
Heated dry: Some models have a heating element that is used to dry dishes, which helps them dry faster but can increase your energy bill.

Efficiency:

Look for the EnergyGuide ratings on the unit to understand how efficient it is. The most efficient units will have the “Energy Star” label on them.