Tag: built-in dishwasher

A Brief Guide to Buying the Right Dishwasher

These days no kitchen is considered complete without a dishwasher. Fortunately, there are sizes and styles of dishwashers to suit any kitchen layout. Here we will explore how to find the right dishwasher for your kitchen.

Styles and Sizes

The standard size for dishwashers is 24 inches wide, but there are narrower units if you have limited space. If you have less than 34 inches in height, due to new flooring being laid over old flooring or if you have lowered countertops for greater handicap accessibility, you will need to look for a “short tub” style dishwasher.

You can also choose a more streamlined style with a model with hidden controls. Many dishwashers now have the controls integrated into the top of the door rather than on the front of the appliance for a sleek aesthetic. If you want a fully integrated look, you will need to opt for a model with an unfinished door that can accept a custom panel.

Cleaning Power

Basic dishwasher models tend to be equipped with one or two spray arms, but there are many models that offer three or more arms, so the top, bottom, and middle of the tub are covered. The spray arms tend to have a direct water feed, but some appliances have specialized cleaning systems that offer alternate arm action and more concentrated cleaning.

Layout

Traditionally, the silverware basket is located at the front, center of the lower rack, but some manufacturers have increased flexibility and load capacity by offering a longer basket that can be split, removed or relocated. The conventional place setting capacity for a standard 24” dishwasher is 12, but some models can accommodate 15 or 16 place settings due to adjustable racks and additional shelves. This provides more space for cups, longer items, and larger crockery. If you tend to use larger platters or trays frequently, it is a good idea to look for a dishwasher that provides a more flexible load capacity.

Additional Features

Many dishwasher models offer additional features to improve the performance and effectiveness of the appliance. This includes measures such as anti-leak protection to prevent damage to hardwood floors in the event of an internal leak. A sensor in the pan shuts down operation and water is contained in the pan to prevent any external damage.

If you live in a hard water area, you may want to consider a model with an integrated water softener. Hard water causes glassware etching or fogging and can reduce detergent cleaning power. The hard water minerals can also accumulate reducing energy efficiency and leading to break down issues.

Features such as a hard food disposer can be particularly beneficial in a busy kitchen. These models grind up any food particles and flush them from the appliance to avoid the clogs and mess that result from failing to rinse dishes before they are loaded.

If you are concerned about stains or odors, you may prefer a stainless steel interior. Stainless steel is less prone to absorb stains or odors compared to plastic and offers a quicker drying time.

Finally, if you like to keep track of what your appliance is doing, you may like to have an LED electronic control panel. These models tend to show cycle remaining time and other settings, so you can tailor your wash cycle to suit your preferences.

No modern kitchen is complete if you don’t have the right dishwasher, and today, there are a wide variety of appliances to satisfy your unique needs.

If you’re looking for a new dishwasher, you can explore your options with this online collection of dishwasher models or speak to a home appliance expert for a more specialized service.

Which Type of Dishwasher Is Right For Your Home?

The kitchen should clean just as well as it cooks, and nothing boosts your space’s cleaning functions like a modern dishwasher. Today’s dishwashers offer an impressive selection of wash options and settings that are capable of blasting grease and grime off of dishes with ease. But choosing the right type of dishwasher for your home can be a challenge.

There are several types of dishwashers, each with their own design advantages and disadvantages. It can be difficult to navigate these choices, especially for homeowners inexperienced with the appliance purchasing process. To help you discover the ideal dishwasher for your kitchen, we’ve compiled key information on all common types of dishwashers.

Built-In Dishwasher

If you want a large unit that offers versatile washing possibilities, you should invest in a built-in dishwasher. These units are the standard for many homes, and are installed flush to your cabinets for an integrated feel throughout the kitchen. Built-in dishwashers are typically able to wash at least 12 place settings at once, and many can wash even more. Thanks to a host of modern innovations, many units offer advanced touchpad controls and specialized wash cycles that can effectively clean dishes with ease.

While these units can be found in many homes, they are significantly larger than any other type of dishwasher. As a result, a built-in dishwasher may not be an ideal choice if you’re hoping to maximize cooking or food storage space within your kitchen.

Dishwasher Drawers

For modern features in a space-saving design, consider investing in a dishwasher drawer. Like a traditional built-in dishwasher, dishwasher drawers are also installed flush to kitchen cabinets. But instead of a door you pull down to open, you actually pull out a drawer to access the interior of the appliance.

Most of these designs are smaller than a standard dishwasher, making them an ideal choice for more compact kitchens. That said, both single dishwasher drawers and double dishwasher drawers are available, allowing you to customize your kitchen’s dishwashing capabilities however you desire. The biggest benefit of a dishwasher drawer is its stylish design. Dishwasher drawers bring a unique look to any kitchen, enhancing your space’s contemporary aesthetic. These units can be pricey, but their stylish exteriors and powerful washing functions make them a great asset to any home.

Countertop Dishwasher

Are you lacking the kitchen space for a built-in dishwasher or dishwasher drawers? If so, you may want to look into a countertop dishwasher.

Countertop dishwashers are small, compact units that sit on your countertop and attach to the sink with a hose to draw water for the wash cycle. These units can typically wash between four and six place settings at once, helping you clean dishes with ease. A countertop dishwasher is ideal for small homes, apartments, or college dorms, as well as kitchens where installing a built-in unit is impossible. These units also tend to be significantly less expensive than other types of dishwashers, providing the washing capabilities your living space requires at a great value.

While countertop dishwashers are great alternatives for some kitchens, they do not offer the same advanced washing functions as a traditional built-in model. These units are best used for simple dishwashing tasks, and will not be able to provide the deep-cleaning features some homeowners require.

Portable Dishwasher

If you’re looking for a dishwashing solution somewhere between a full-sized built-in dishwasher and a countertop dishwasher, consider a portable dishwasher.

Portable dishwashers are freestanding dishwasher units that, like a countertop model, attach to your sink to collect water for the wash cycle. However, these units are significantly larger than countertop dishwashers, and are typically built on rollers for easy movement. You can store the portable unit in a closet or pantry, and simply roll it out to the kitchen for use. This portable design ultimately helps maximize space in your kitchen, providing more room for other appliances.

Portable dishwashers are often smaller than a standard built-in dishwasher, though many can still clean between eight to 12 place settings in one cycle. These units offer more cleaning power than a countertop dishwasher, and are great for homeowners that want the extra dishwashing space but are unable to install a built-in dishwasher or dishwasher drawers.

Choose From A Wide Range Of Premium Dishwasher Designs

Each type of dishwasher has its own unique advantages, and the best dishwasher is the one that will meet the requirements of your home. From traditional built-in dishwashers and contemporary dishwasher drawers to compact countertop dishwashers and versatile portable dishwashers, there is certainly no shortage of options to choose from. With basic knowledge on the various types of dishwashers, you’ll be in a good position to explore the wide variety of choices available on today’s market.

To explore a host of innovative and advanced units, consider browsing this online collection of dishwashers.