Dishwashers all look about the same. Virtually all

models are the standard width of 24 inches. They all

have two racks and a door that makes up the entire

front of the unit. And now almost all have plastic

liners. Porcelain or stainless steel interiors are the

exception. But these similarities do not mean that

there are not significant differences. With prices

ranging from around $200 to over $500, the wise

consumer will do some homework before making the

final decision. The main factors to consider are built-in

or portable, performance, economy of water and

energy usage, and noise.

Built-in Or Portable Built-in Or Portable

Built-in dishwashers fit under the kitchen counter

top, like part of your kitchen cabinetry, and are

permanently attached to the water supply. The

preferable location is next to the kitchen sink. While

you may mourn the cabinet space you lose to a built-in

dishwasher, it far exceeds the portable in

convenience. Portable models are designed to be

rolled to the sink and attached to the faucet and

electricity. Many portable models are called

convertible, since they can be adapted for use as a

built-in.

Washing Ability/Performance Washing Ability/Performance

Today's dishwashers are designed to provide

clean dishes without excessive use of water or

energy. However, each household has slightly

different needs: you will want a model that allows you

to put all of your household's dishes and eating

utensils in the dishwasher--or as many as reasonably

possible. You may decide not to place fragile items,

sharp knives, wooden items, and other utensils in the

dishwasher. Not all dishwashers accommodate dishes

of the same size, and you may have an extra large

platter or tall plastic tumblers that you use frequently.

You'll need to check that the dishwasher you are

considering will accommodate your unique items.

The internal configuration of a dishwasher

determines the size and types of items you can load.

A washer arm attached to the "ceiling" of the

dishwasher will limit the height of glasses or pots that

you can wash in the top rack. An arm under the top

rack will limit the size of plates or platters that you

can load in the lower rack. Some models use towers

to shoot water to the upper rack; these towers take

up space in the middle of the lower rack and reduce

the space for dinner plates and other items.

Some models offer adjustable upper racks that

can be raised, lowered, or tilted to make space for

taller items in either the top or bottom rack. Racks

may have dividers that fold down. Some top racks

are the same depth all the way across; others are

deeper along the sides, allowing taller items to be

placed in the center of the lower rack and along the

sides of the upper rack.

Dishwashers also offer different cycles. These

may include light, regular, and heavy wash cycles as

well as a rinse/hold or sanitizing cycles. These differ

in the number or length of washes and rinses in the

cycle. A sanitizing cycle will boost the temperature of

the rinse or wash water. Your household size, cooking

style, and consciousness

about energy and water usage will determine which of

these options are important to you.

Performance cannot be accurately assessed in

the showroom, even if you are able to learn about the

number of spray arms, "wash levels", type of filter, and

number of cycles. So, after determining which

washers will accommodate your needs (special dishes,

cycles, etc.), you may wish to examine comparisons of

performance in a publication such as Consumer

Reports. The October 1993 issue noted that

dishwasher performance varies more than does the

performance of other types of major appliances.

Conserving Water And Energy Conserving Water And Energy

Dishwashers vary in the amount of water they use.

To conserve water, you may choose a model that uses

a minimal amount of water per wash or rinse, and a

model that offers a light cycle consisting of fewer

washes and therefore less water usage. A rinse-hold

cycle will also encourage you to run the dishwasher

only when it is full, thereby saving additional water.

These choices will also lower energy consumption by

reducing the amount of water that must be heated.

Choosing "air dry" rather than drying with heated

air also conserves some energy. Dishwashers andBrought to you by the University of Illinois

Cooperative Extension Service Consumer

and Family Economics Educators.

their detergents perform best at water temperatures

higher than those required for other household uses.

Therefore, a dishwasher that includes a heating

element to boost water temperature may allow you to

lower the setting on your hot water heater and re-duce

the energy it consumes.

Noise Noise

While dishwashers as a group have become

quieter over the years, the noise level can still be

distracting. The noise may be a special problem if

your kitchen opens into a family room where your

family watches television or enjoys conversation.

Your visit to the showroom will probably not give

you any information about noise levels. You may want

to check published comparisons of dishwashers for

ratings on noise levels.

 

Other Options

You may choose models that have manual or

electronic controls. Some models may accept custom

fronts. A delay-start option is another choice that may

appeal to you.

Making The Purchase Making The Purchase

Inquire about delivery fees and installation

charges before making the purchase. Do not be

pushed into buying an extended warranty. Compare

prices between stores before making your decision.

 

 

Sources

Consumers Union. (1993). Dishwashers,

Consumer Reports, 58(10), 637-641.

Wilson, A., & Morrill, J. (1993).

Consumer guide to home energy savings (3rd

ed.). Washington, D.C.: ACEEE.

Prepared 6/94 By Karen Chan, Consumer & Family

Economics Educator.

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