Whether you’re considering upgrading your dishwasher or you’re planning a complete kitchen remodel, choosing the right appliance can be a little daunting. So, here we’ll present your ultimate dishwasher buying guide to help you to make an informed purchase decision.
Functionality:
A good starting point when considering a new dishwasher is to think about how you will use it. How often would you run a dishwasher? Do you typically have larger baking dishes, pots and pans or do you prefer to run small loads more frequently? All of these things will influence the size and type of dishwasher you choose.
Finishes:
Unless you opt for a built in dishwasher, you will need to think about what appliance finish would work best in your kitchen. There are many types of finishes, so you can choose a new dishwasher that matches your other appliances and complements your kitchen decor. Common finishes include white, off white, black, black stainless and stainless steel.
A quick note about stainless steel and stainless look finishes is that there are some important differences. Both have a lovely modern aesthetic, but real stainless is typically not magnetic. It can also more easily accumulate fingerprints. Stainless look tends to be easier to clean and fingerprint resistant.
Control Panels:
Regardless of the feature set on your dishwasher, the control panel can have an impact on the overall aesthetics of the appliance. The control panel will be either on the front of the dishwasher or hidden on the edge of the door. This fully integrated design means that you can’t see the control panel when the door is closed. This can be a good idea if you have small children in your household who like pushing buttons or you want to have a clean look. But, if your new dishwasher has a hidden control panel, it can be tricky to see the stage of the dishwasher cycle. In this case, you may want to look for a dishwasher that has a time remaining display or one that shines a discreet light on the floor, so you can see if the appliance is still running or has finished the cleaning cycle.
The Interior Tub:
Dishwasher interior tubs are typically either plastic or stainless steel. Generally, a plastic tub model will cost less than its stainless steel counterpart, but you do need to think about the long term running costs. A stainless steel tub can have better energy performance, since this material will retain heat for longer. Stainless steel is also more stain resistant, odor resistant and durable compared to plastic.
Noise Levels:
If you have an open plan layout in your home or the noises in your kitchen can be heard in another room, you may want to consider a dishwasher with quiet performance. If you’re upgrading your dishwasher, you may be pleasantly surprised at how quiet the cleaning cycle can be on a new dishwasher. There are some models that barely make any noise when running.
Most dishwashers do have layers of insulation and a base to absorb sound to reduce noise, but if a dishwasher running would impact watching television or other family activities, you should look for a model with a low noise level. Many manufacturers rate the noise level in decibels, so the lower the number, the quieter the running noise. Bear in mind a rating of under 50 db is considered fairly quiet.
Rack Configurations:
Loading and unloading the dishwasher can be a chore, but when you choose a model with a rack configuration that suits your typical dirty dishes, you can minimize the hassle. If you tend to have a lot of cooking tools or odd shaped small items, you should consider a model with a third rack. This can be a great option for larger utensils or have silverware tines to keep all of your silverware items separate for thorough cleaning.
Some models also have adjustable or removable racks, which allows you to move the rack up or down to fit large plates, cookie sheets or tall glasses. You may also find dishwashers with moveable silverware caddies that allow you to put it where it fits best with the other items in the load. It can also be beneficial if there are fold down or adjustable tines, so you can fit larger items or use the tines to secure lightweight items that can tip and fill with water.
Wash Systems:
Most dishwashers use rotary spray arms that are situated the top, middle and bottom of the tub. These spin, circulating water during the cycle. A wash system with multiple washer arms can provide more thorough cleaning compared to a model with only one or two arms.
But, some manufacturers offer a more powerful wash system with strategically placed spray jets around the tub. These can blast water to clear stuck on food debris, offering a turbo wash.
Cycles:
Dishwashers tend to have the same basic wash cycles such as normal, light and heavy, but you may also find models with specialized cycles. These can provide additional cleaning power or better clean certain types of dishes. If your new dishwasher has more options and cycles, it will be easier to customize the cleaning for the specific load.
Some beneficial programs include:
- NSF Certified Sanitization: This is a rinse program that heats the water to an extremely high temperature to kill any germs on your dishes and cookware. This can be helpful for cutting boards or cleaning baby bottles. The certification reduces bacteria by 99.9%.
- China, Glass or Crystal Care: This is a shorter wash cycle with rinsing in cool water for your glassware and other delicate items.
- Steam Clean: Steam cleaning options can use steam in various ways depending on the manufacturer. Some have steam cycles to pre scrub the dishes, while others use steam to melt stubborn food debris. Some models allow you to add steam to other cycles for additional cleaning power, while others use steam as a special setting.
- Half Load: This program allows you to clean smaller loads typically using only one spray arm on the upper rack. Or it could be a shorter cycle that requires less water.
- Eco Wash: If your dishes are not heavily soiled, an eco wash offers a shorter wash cycle to save water and energy.
Energy Efficiency:
One of the benefits of upgrading from an old appliance is that you can enjoy greater energy efficiency. This can help you to enjoy a greener home and lower utility bills. It is a good idea to look for an ENERGY STAR label, which means that the model has met strict energy efficiency guidelines that are set by the US Department of Energy and the US Environmental Protection Agency.
You can further reduce your energy consumption by choosing a model with additional energy efficient features. These include:
Soil Sensors: Soil sensor technology monitors the dirt and food particle levels for each load, adjusting the cycle time and water usage accordingly.
Dry Cycles: If the drying cycle uses a fan, it will use less energy since the dishes will dry more quickly without additional heat. Many models allow you to run a drying cycle without any heat.
Tips for Choosing the Right Dishwasher for Your Kitchen:
Choosing a new dishwasher can be a little overwhelming, but there are a few tips that can help you find the right one for your kitchen.
Assess Your Needs:
Before you search for a new dishwasher, it is worth taking a little time to think about your specific needs. Consider how many people are typically in your household. If you entertain frequently or have a larger family, you will need a higher capacity model. You also need to ask yourself what type of dishes you typically use. If you tend to have a lot of dirty pots and pans, you’ll benefit from a model with adjustable racks and heavy duty cleaning settings.
Set Your Budget:
Dishwasher models are available from the budget friendly to premium, high end. So, it is important to set a budget to narrow down the options and avoid overspending. There is no point in spending more for all the bells and whistles if you won’t use the advanced features. Only you will be able to decide what represents good value for money for you.
Check the Brand and Warranty:
Finally, be sure to check the brand reputation and the warranty details. This can provide you with peace of mind in case there are any potential issues. A reputable brand will ensure that you can enjoy using your dishwasher for many years to come.
A new dishwasher can transform the efficiency and enjoyment of your kitchen, with all the features you need to ensure you have clean, safe dishes for the whole family. If you’re considering a new dishwasher, you can explore your options with our online dishwasher collection. If you need further guidance, be sure to speak to one of our home appliance specialists who would be delighted to help.