Dishwashers
Every night right after dinner without fail, your wife will wash the dishes. Weekends will be a lot worse when relatives and friends come over to visit or watch a game. Piles after piles of plates, cups and utensils need to be washed after they left. She’s not complaining… yet. To help her lessen her already busy schedule, why not get her some of the best dishwashers that saves water (& money as well) but more importantly frees her up so that she can do more creative things she likes to do like cooking perhaps?
Dishwasher Buying Guide
1) Built-In Or Portable?
Built-in type dishwashers are usually positioned below the kitchen sink where there is usually a lot of free space to accommodate higher loading capacity models. A bigger capacity dishwasher usually comes with more advanced functions with greater efficiency at the push of buttons so a higher initial cost goes a long way in the end. Moreover built-in models can be fully integrated with the rest of the kitchen cabinets for a more consistent theme. Portable dishwashers on the other hand are usually compact and used when there is space constraints in the kitchen.
2) Capacity
You wouldn’t want to get a mini dishwasher that is too small as you’ll waste more water doing multiple loads. Bigger is better in this case however. For most consumers, having a standard tub with 12 five-piece place settings capacity is usually sufficient. For high volume user, consider opting for high capacity tub that besides capable of washing up to 14 five-piece place settings, the ability to adjust the racks to accommodate bulky and odd-shaped items such as pots, vases, pans etc is useful.
3) Efficiency
It’s the most important reason why you buy in the first place - to save time and money. To save on energy, look out for the ENERGY STAR label on dishwashers. It means that the product has met strict efficiency guidelines as stated by US EPA & DOE and uses about 41% less energy than models without carrying the label.
As for water conservation, it’s economical to go for one that comes with heat & soil sensor. Heat sensors ensure that water will reach the optimal temperature of 135 - 145 degrees before activating the detergents thus ensuring a thorough and hygienic wash with each load. Soil sensors on the other hand will automatically adjust the washing cycle based on the kind of load you put in ensuring dishes get cleaned the first time, every time with the right amount of water.
4) Noise
To some it may seem trivial but dishwashers do make a lot of noise when they shake in the process of cleaning the dishes. If possible, get a quiet dishwasher that includes fiberglass insulation that are able to absorb the noise. It may costs more but rather than get headaches each and every day listening to the unbearable noise, save your sanity and spend a little bit more.
Dishwasher Reviews & Ratings
We found the best dishwasher reviews from Consumer Reports. Professional testers there reviewed some of the best dishwasher models from trusted makers such as Ariston, Bosch, Fisher Paykel, Frigidaire, GE, Haier, Kitchenaid, LG, Maytag, Miele and Whirlpool. Dishwasher ratings based on washing ability, energy usage, noise, loading flexibility and ease of use determines the best dishwashers in their respective class.
Best Dishwasher (Built-In)
Dishwasher Reviews #1: Washing its way to spotless cleaning with fantastic dishwasher reviews from testers and users is the best rated Kenmore 24 in Built-In Dishwasher 13742. Save time and money with this ENERGY STAR qualified Kenmore dishwasher that will clean your plates, utensils and cups spick and span. This best dishwasher from Kenmore features TurboZone with Rotating Spray Jets plus UltraWash & SmartWash to clean dirty dishes more efficiently. Giant Tub capacity ensures bigger load washing at any one time, great for big families. Comes with NSF Certified Sani Rinse for elimination of 99.97% bacteria for hygenic purposes. With QuietGuard Deluxe sound insulation system, you’ll never hear loud noise ever again.
Dishwasher Reviews #2: Surpassing great expectations with impressive dishwasher reviews from users and expert reviewers is the top rated Whirlpool DU1100XTPQ Full Console Dishwasher. For a cleaner and thorough washing without too much hassle, let this ENERGY STAR qualified Whirlpool dishwasher do its job. This top rated dishwasher from Whirlpool features 5 levels SheerClean Wash System with Auto Purge Filtration for thorough cleaning. Comes with 6 washing options and 4 cycles including High Temperature Wash, NSF Certified Sani Rinse and Soak & Scour for multitude of cleaning options. Comes with Giant Upper Rack and 14-piece setting capacity for added flexibility. Quiet Partner II sound insulation system makes for quiet washing operation.
Dishwasher Reviews #3: Cleaning its way to ultimate satisfaction with superb reviews from dishwasher testers and consumers is the highly rated Bosch Sensotronic Evolution 800 Series Dishwasher SHE58CO 2/5/6 UC. For a sparkling clean wash without fuss, you can depend on this Bosch dishwasher. Features Sensotronic for efficient usage and energy and water for truly brilliant wash.
Resources: Dishwasher (Wikipedia)