Every manufacturer markets their own special feature or at least put a spin on something they will hang their hat on. For example one manufacturer advertises they have the quietest dishwashers and after a while the consumer will believe without question that they do. But in fact several companies offer dishwashers that are considered to be virtually silent.
When shopping for a dishwasher I feel it is best to first know what features are available, decide how or if those features benefit you then compare products armed with that knowledge. Also if you will share your requirements with a knowledgeable appliance consultant he or she may save you hours of research time by helping to narrow your search to a manageable few choices.
Below are a few things to think about to help you make a solid decision.
- What color do you want?
- Control panel on the front or hidden controls on top of door with a front handle?
- If a front handle is your choice does it need to match your other appliances? If the handle needs to match you may need to stick with your existing brand or switch to a front control panel with no handle.
- Nylon or plastic/rubber rack material? The nylon does not chip or rust so longevity may be better with nylon.
- Tub material? Stainless steel verses plastic? White plastic verses white plastic? Keep in mind that stainless reduces noise and holds heat better while grey plastic will stain less than white plastic.
- Noise levels are a very important consideration for most people. But how do you decide what noise level is acceptable? Manufacturers publish the decibel noise levels for their models. Newer models mostly range from virtually silent at 42 to 43 decibels, very quiet at 51 to 55 decibels, and at the lower price ranges decibel levels into the low 60’s. So think about where your dishwasher is located in your home and when do you run the dishwasher. This may help to determine the importance of the noise level. Many people who run the dishwasher at night like a little “white noise” so that becomes a non consideration.
- Loading flexibility such as is the top rack adjustable? Can the tines be adjusted to accommodate different shape and size dishes and cookware?
- What type of wash system?
- Do you want a vented or non vented system & why would you care?
- Should you consider an extended warranty on your dishwasher? Are there differences in the extended warranties available?
- Do you want a filter only system or a system with a built in disposer?
Once you understand all the options you may still need to work within a budget if so you may want to give up a decibel or two for some extra cleaning features or you may trade the features for a quieter dishwasher. Whatever way you go at least you will have made your decision based on a better understanding of your available options.
Part II will discuss details of dishwasher features and options.
If you would like to add your info or opinions, ask questions, or get help selecting or pricing your appliances please visit www.applianceinfo.net
In many cases manufactures have replaced the white plastic tub with a grey color that is less prone to staining. Stainless Steel tubs are considered an upgrade because they hold the heat better this helps in drying and Stainless Steel also helps with noise reduction.
Nylon racks are an upgrade to the rubber covered steel racks because they do not chip or rust.
All wash systems are not equal. Be sure to look at the design and number of the spray arms or in some cases the spray system to determine what kind of wash coverage you are likely to get. Some wash systems feature spray arms or spray wheels that rotate on the main wash arms. Several also add targeted jet sprays for that baked on grime on your pots and pans and cookware. Some even will even offer both the extra rotating spray arms and the targeted jet sprays. Going one step further some models provide the option to control the water pressure to allow for an extra strong scouring cycle.
Another popular feature that not every model has is a top rack only wash cycle.
If you want racks that are adjustable to accommodate different types of loading be sure to check how easy the racks are to adjust. Some can be adjusted but with some difficulty. If it is not easy to use then you probably won’t use it.
A delay wash is another feature many people ask for. Some have several options but most that have this feature give you a 4 hour delay.
Something most people don’t think about is how and where does the dishwasher vent to. Some units vent to the side, the top, or the front of the dishwasher while others don’t vent to the outside at all keeping the heat inside the unit. This may be something to think about depending on the location and type of cabinets you have.
Some models have a display to show where the dishwasher is in the cycle and many people will find this feature helpful especially when the indicator showing the load is clean stays on until the door is opened to empty the dishwasher.
If you would like to add your info or opinions, ask questions, or get help selecting or pricing your appliances please visit www.applianceinfo.net
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