How did we ever live without dishwashers? Once an expensive novelty, dishwashers are now practically a necessity—especially in busy households and large families. If you’re in the market for a new dishwasher, here are a few questions to ask before heading to the store.
What size do I need? Most dishwashers come in two sizes: the regular 24” size, and the more compact 18” size. The inch measurement here refers to width. Which one is right for you depends on the size of your household—and your home. A 24” dishwasher is generally considered “family size”—meaning better for a household of four or more people. It’s recommended for everyday use and for those who have the space. An 18” dishwasher is more suitable for couples or small families of three people. It’s more often used in a home with a small kitchen, such as a condo or an apartment, and is recommended if you plan to use it only occasionally.
What washing cycles are included? Most dishwashers come with a light, regular, and economy setting. The economy setting lets dishes air dry instead of drying them with hot air, saving energy. Fancier dishwashers have special settings for pots and pans, glass or stemware, rinse settings, quick wash, hold options, and even sensors that detect how many dishes are in the racks and adjust the water settings accordingly.
What interior material do I want? If you buy a new model in the U.S., you’re most likely to find two types of materials on the inside of the dishwasher (called the “tub”): stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel is preferable—it’s resistant to water damage, including corrosion from hard water; it dampens sound better; and it conducts heat so that dishes dry more effectively—even with the economy cycle. Plastics tend not to hold up quite as well as stainless steel, but they’re still better than older models, which you’ll find are lined with ceramic or baked enamel over steel, and are prone to chipping. Which interior you choose will come down to price: stainless steel comes at a premium. You can still get a good dishwasher with a plastic tub for a lower price.
What type of dishwasher do I want? We’re most used to seeing dishwashers that install under a counter, but dishwashers in fact come in three varieties. There’s the built-in version, which hooks up to your plumbing and takes up a cupboard’s worth of space under your counters; the portable version, which is often about the same size as the built-in models and which is hooked to the hot water faucet in the kitchen when in use; and the countertop version, which is much smaller than the other two and which also hooks up to the kitchen faucet. Built-in dishwashers take up some cupboard space and require more involved installation; many people hire plumbers or have the company install the unit. Portable dishwashers often have a butcher block table or square of countertop on top, but you’ll still need to find a place to put the dishwasher when you’re not using it. Countertop versions are much smaller; typically they can only wash one place setting at a time. Generally speaking, which is right for you depends on your space and kitchen layout as well as whether you’re owning or renting. A built-in dishwasher usually stays with a house, so if you’re planning to sell soon or if you’re renting, a portable or countertop version is your best choice.
How important are environmental concerns? It turns out that dishwashers aren’t as dirty as you’d think—using a dishwasher actually uses half the energy, a sixth of the water, and significantly less soap than hand-washing, according to a recent German study. Not all dishwashers are created equal when it comes to saving water and energy, however. If you’re looking for a dishwasher that saves energy, look for the Energy Star label. In addition, look for a dishwasher with a water-saving or quick-wash option if you want to save water.
Of course, how you use your dishwasher can make an impact on your energy and water savings, as well. Never run your dishwasher if it isn’t full. Use the economy or air-dry setting to minimize energy use, don’t rinse your dishes beforehand to save water, and leave the door to the dishwasher open to let the steam evaporate once your dishes are done, and the dishes will dry more quickly.
What extra features do I need? Some dishwashers provide three tiers of jets, which gives you a more thorough wash. Some provide sound-dampening so your dishwasher doesn’t keep you awake at night, child-proof locks, which are highly recommended for families with young children; electronic sensors that detect the amount of dishes inside and adjust the water settings; and even attached garbage disposal units. The more bells and whistles your dishwasher has, the more expensive it will be.
A dishwasher saves you time and effort in the kitchen—and it can also save you energy and water. Give some thought to these questions before buying your next dishwasher, and you’re sure to find a model that’s right for you.