How to Choose a Dishwasher

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers estimates that a dishwasher saves you up to four hours a week over hand-washing dishes. Like most modern appliances, dishwashers come with a variety of features for you to choose from.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Dishwasher Rinse Agents
• Dishwashing Detergent
• Dishwashers
• Measuring Tapes
• Consumer Reports

1. Measure the space where the dishwasher will go. Most dishwashers are either 18 or 24 inches wide and can hold 12 place settings.

2. Check the number of spray levels. The more directions of spray that a dishwasher has, the cleaner your dishes will be.

3. Look for a dishwasher that heats water to at least 140 degrees. Often, the water heating unit is located within the dishwasher itself.

4. Choose a dishwasher with a food grinder or heavy-duty disposal if you don't want to pre-rinse.

5. Check the yellow EnergyGuide label for the energy-efficiency rating. The lower the number, the less energy the dishwasher will use in a year.

6. Choose a delay start function if you will want to program the dishwasher to run when you are not home or at night.

7. Consider the kinds of cycles you want the dishwasher to run. Options include light cycles for washing lightly-soiled dishes or china and crystal; normal cycles for normal, everyday dishwashing; heavy or "pots and pans" cycles for dishes or baking pans with stuck-on food; and "rinse and hold" cycles to remove food and odors if dishes will sit in the dishwasher for some time before a full washing cycle is run.

8. Buy a sound-dampening package if you think the dishwasher will be too noisy.

9. Find out what the warranty covers and whether or not it is included in the price of the dishwasher. Decide on an extended warranty if desired.

10. Be sure the dishwasher can be serviced locally.

Tips & Warnings

• Because most dishwashers do the same thing, convenience is an important consideration in buying one. Be sure you like how the controls work, the way the racks are situated, and the way the food disposal system works.