If you're interested in replacing your dishwasher, you may find the selection today more affordable than ever. In this article, we're taking a look at what to look for when buying a dishwasher. What to Look for When Buying a Dishwasher Your kitchen needs a dishwasher. Whether you cook a lot in your kitchen or not shouldn’t impact your decision. Why? Because dishwashers can take away the chore of having to wash your dishes by hand, of course, but they can also leave you with the comfort of knowing your dishes are highly sanitized as your water bill begins to decrease. You should definitely know, though, that not all dishwashers are created equal. Some provide a better quality of service while others simply do some basic cleaning. So, what do you look for when purchasing a new dishwasher? And do you really need something more than basic cleaning? If you are in the market for a new dishwasher, you will want to look at all of the options available to you, as well as the features, and get a good understanding of the racks, wash cycles, and more. We’ve broken down what you need to look for when buying a dishwasher. Different Kinds of Dishwashers As we stated above, all dishwashers are not created equally. Though you will likely discover that they come in two sizes of capacity, often referred to as standard or compact. Standard dishwashers are generally 24-inches in width and are normally what you would find in a single-family home. It typically has the ability to clean 10 to 12 place settings during one single wash. Compact dishwashers are around 18-inches in width and fit well in smaller kitchens. Most often they can clean up to 9 place settings in a single wash. Of course, on your dishwasher discovery journey, you will also find that there are different kinds of dishwashers, beyond their size. These are: Built-in dishwashers: The most common type of dishwasher. They are meant to look uniform in a kitchen, secured under the counter and flush with the cabinets. Portable dishwashers: Just as the name suggests, this dishwasher is portable. It can roll about your kitchen without any permanent plumbing connection. Instead, it uses the faucet. For those with tiny kitchens, this could be a great option. However, don’t forget to consider there is still a need for storage. Drawer dishwashers: Installed dishwashers, these high-priced dishwashers are designed to offer space, energy efficiency, and water conservation. Also referred to as dish drawers, they have incredibly high-end features and are the most expensive models on the market. Countertop dishwashers: These dishwashers are a great choice for single individuals, couples, or very small families who have a lot of countertop space to spare. Their capacity is small, but they Three Things to Consider So, we’ve talked about the types of dishwashers available, but there are three things to consider when making this purchase. First, knowing the size of the dishwasher and the space you have available is crucial. After all, the last thing you would want is to assume you have enough space and find out that you don’t after your purchase. Take the time to measure your space carefully. This is especially necessary if you have had a remodel or have added any additional flooring or custom-designed cabinetry. Secondly, the size of your dishes will also impact your decision, believe it or not. If the dishes in your collection are oversized, you may want to make sure the dishwasher you purchase is able to accommodate them. Third, dishwashers come in many colors and finishes. Bringing a new dishwasher into your kitchen that is already filled with kitchen appliances, you want to make sure it matches. Having a flowing, uniform look is a much more desirable way to go. Varying Racks There is a great variance in design and size when it comes to the dishwasher racks in a dishwasher. Typically, most come with two racks, but there are some that offer a third rack. While not always necessary, this extra rack is designed to hold silverware and large cooking utensils. Here’s what you should be looking for – an adjustable upper rack. Face it, not every wash you do is going to be the same. Using standard racks, you may not always be able to accommodate each wash. That’s where the bright idea for this feature comes in – you can adjust or remove racks to allow for extra space when needed. Having a dishwasher that can customize itself to meet your cleaning needs is just as important as the dishwasher itself. Available Features When purchasing your new dishwasher, you need to know what is available to you. Here are some of the most common features: Add a dish. You know how easy it is to miss a dish or glass that has been left lying around the home. Once you start your dishwasher, this option allows you to stop it and add a dish anytime. Light wash. Items such as crystal or china can break in a heavy wash. Get your dishes clean while being gentle. Delay start. Load up your dishwasher and set it to start at a later time, such as after you go to bed or when you leave the house. Plate warmer. Want to keep your food warm by serving it on a warm plate? This option allows you to do just that. Pots and pans wash. Burnt on food, oily messes, and more make pots and pans difficult to clean. This power wash option is designed just for these large, tough items. Thor Kitchen’s Dishwasher The HDW2401SS 24-inch dishwasher has a smooth stainless steel finish. And it comes with some great features: Delay start function so it can start and wash your dishes when it is most convenient for you. Is in Energy Savings Class at A++. This means that it is capable of saving money – and resources. A smart wash system gives you the right wash for your load every time. Quiet, with a noise level of only 45db. Four sprayer arms to reach every square inch inside the machine. When you head out looking for the perfect dishwasher for your kitchen, take this information with you. Know the features that are available and what your needs are. Then, whether you are preparing a meal for your family or for an entire dinner party you can rest easy knowing you won’t have to worry about the clean-up.
