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Dishwasher Buying Guide
Dishwashers are not only great time-saving devices, but they can also save water and energy over hand-washing. And the latest dishwasher features have made the hardest working appliance in your kitchen work harder than ever before. Do a little research before buying your next dishwasher. Your dishpan hands will thank you.
Types of Dishwashers
Built-in dishwashers are the traditional 24-inch models that most people own, installed below the kitchen counter.
Double-drawer dishwashers can be installed in a traditional built-in space. They offer extra flexibility for both large and small loads.
Single-drawer and compact dishwashers are 18-inch models. They’re often used in small spaces or if you don’t cook much. You can also use them in bonus areas like media rooms, wet bars or secondary kitchens.
Portable dishwashers are convenient if you don’t have room for a built-in or you’re renting a place that doesn’t have a dishwasher. No special installation is required and you can take them with you if you move.
Dishwasher Features
Cycles
Make sure the dishwasher offers the cycles you need for the types of dishes you have. From pots and pans to fine china and crystal, there's a cycle for just about anything.
- Delayed Wash: This feature allows you to set the start time to begin when you want it to. You can set it anywhere from one hour up to 24 hours ahead.
- Rinse and Hold: If you wash dishes only once every two or three days, you'll want a rinse-and-hold cycle to prevent buildup.
- Delicates: Varied wash cycles provide custom settings for fragile dishes and stemware.
- Quick-Wash: The quick-wash cycle can finish a load of lightly-soiled dishes in 30 minutes.
- Sanitize: A sanitizing rinse option kills 99.9% of bacteria. This is great for families wanting to sanitize items, such as cutting boards or baby bottles.
Energy Savings
ENERGY STAR® qualified dishwashers use less energy than other models, saving you money on utility bills. You may be eligible for local rebates when buying ENERGY STAR qualified models. This rating is earned by products that meet energy-efficiency requirements established by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Flexibility
Removable racks and adjustable shelves make it easy to customize tub space. Here are a few options:
- Adjust the top rack to make room in the bottom rack for oversized dishes and pans.
- Put dinner plates in the top rack. Some adjustable racks can be lowered to provide enough room.
- Remove the top rack so that you can load the bottom rack with stock pots, oven racks or chest coolers.
Other features include: fold-down tines, cup shelves, stemware holders and extra-capacity silverware baskets.
No Pre-rinsing
Pre-rinsing is not necessary with this feature. Equipped with filtration wash systems and built-in food disposers, some dishwashers can grind up food particles and flush them out with the waste water. This means dirt particles aren’t re-deposited onto your dishes.
Noise Level
If the noise level is a concern for you, there is a standard measure to help you decide on the best dishwasher for your home. You want to check the decibel level. The higher the decibel level, the more disruptive it can be. A rating of 45 or under will be virtually silent. If the decibel level is between 45-50, the sound will be similar to a rainfall. A rating of 50 or above will be equivalent to the level of a normal conversation. The amount of insulation around the dishwasher tub reduces the noise, so check the thickness of the insulation.
Super Capacity
Super capacity or tall tub models are capable of washing large amounts of dishes at once -- perfect for holiday gatherings and entertaining. They still come in the standard built-in 24-inch model, but the internal tub can accommodate up to 14 five-piece place settings at once.
Tub Material
Interior tubs come in different finishes. Stainless steel resists stains and odors; it also transfers heat better for faster drying. Gray or slate-colored tubs resist rust and minimize the appearance of stains. Plastic tubs, which are often found on more affordable dishwashers, are also very durable.
Water Temperature
The key to getting dishes clean is using very hot water. Some dishwashers have a device that raises the temperature of the water coming out of your water heater.
Easy Delivery
If the dishwasher of your choice is in stock at your local Lowe’s stores, have it delivered via Lowe’s Home Delivery. Delivery rates vary depending on how far you live from the store, but not by delivery weight.