Best Dishwasher - Consumer Guide to Dishwashers

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A DISHWASHER

How much do you want to spend on a dishwasher?

It's important to be realistic here. Set your budget too low and you'll probably live for the next 5-7 years with disappointment and unwanted (and sometimes unanswered) service calls. Set your budget too high and you'll end up not only bruising your wallet, but probably purchasing features that you don't need that require you to take certain actions that you're probably not prepared to take resulting in your disappointment with this high priced model.

Prices for dishwashers vary widely. At the low end (high $200s through $400) you'll find what are commonly referred to as contractor specials. These are basic models offering only a few features that are generally used by contractors building new developments. If you or the original owner didn't order any kitchen upgrades, this is probably the dishwasher sitting in your kitchen. This doesn't necessarily make them bad. They are just probably not as versatile or energy efficient as more expensive models and will probably not handle extreme cleaning chores quite as well. The term "good enough for government work" comes to mind here.

The middle range adds versatile features, better styling, probably larger capacity and runs from the $400 - $600. If you walk through any "big box store" you'll notice this as the sweet spot.

The upper price range beginning at about $700 and climbing through $1500 offers you the most options, cleaning cycles, higher grade materials versatility and of course aesthetics.

So, you see we're playing in a pretty big ball park here. That brings us to:

What do you need or want in a dishwasher?

It's important to start thinking about this before you start doing any serious talking with salespeople.

What were your gripes about your old model?

Was it large enough for your needs? Did it dry sufficiently? Too noisy? (this is a biggy). Write down all your pet peeves.

What's your lifestyle?

Someone living alone or empty-nesters who eat out often are probably going to have more basic needs (not necessarily wants) than a growing family or a household where entertainment is frequent. See where we're going here?

RESEARCH, RESEARCH RESEARCH - READ DISHWASHER REVIEWS!

You're ready to do some research. Fortunately, when it comes to major appliances there is no shortage of research sources. Professional reviews, consumer reviews, post purchase satisfaction surveys. In fact, you're at one of those sources right now, Viewpoints.

Over the last few years most major appliance retailers encourage their customers to rate their purchases and many customers do just that. But something I've noticed about reviews of this sort is that they generally get written soon after the purchase, you know, during the honeymoon phase.

Sites such as Viewpoints.com generally give you reviews of consumers who have lived with their purchases awhile. These are the reviews I really find helpful. Going to the Dishwasher review section of such a site and reading or skimming reviews sequentially, you start to develop a sense for which manufacturers do it right and which seem to miss the mark. Reading the reviews also helps to give you some context with regard to features and lifestyle issues.

THE TOP DISHWASHERS

The clear choice is a Bosch Dishwasher. Although German in name, they actually manufacture in the US. They are known to be quiet dishwashers. They are also known for superb reliability and style. Not quite so well known in this country is Fisher and Paykel dishwashers, a New Zealand-based company that produces some very high quality appliances at the top of the price scale. Another manufacturer in this price range that offers excellent dishwashers is the less well known Miele out of German. I still like KitchenAid and Maytag dishwashers, too.

KEY DISHWASHER FEATURES

Adjustable Tines - allow you to fold some or all tines flat to accommodate odd sized pieces such as pots and platters. This feature is found on some mid cost models and virtually all high end models.

Particulate (Dirt) Sensor - the washer continuously monitors the dirt in the water and decides how hot to make the water, how hard and how long to work. This is why higher priced dishwashers tell you not to pre-rinse dishes. It fools the sensors. It took me a good while to break this decades old habit.

Condensation Drying - eliminates the need for an exposed heating element inside the tub. This in turn allows you greater freedom to wash and dry items given to melting such as Tupperware and even disposable plastic containers and lids.

Internal Water Heaters - raise the wash temperature to the optimum 140f degrees while allowing you to keep your central household water heater set at a more practical and economical 120f degrees.

Tub Construction - You'll usually find that at the low end, tubs are constructed of either plastic or plastic coated metals. This construction method extends through much of the mid-range models as well. While it's quite capable at doing its job, plastic has a tendency to stain and chip. Tomato products can do a number on plastics. Stainless steel on the other hand is more durable, generally stain-free, more compatible with condensation drying features, permitting the contents to dry a little more quickly.

Tall Tub Designs - allow for the upper basket to be removed as necessary to accommodate odd, oversized items such as serving platters. My current washer permits items as tall as 22" to be placed securely in the washer.

Adjustable Baskets - allow you to raise or lower the top basket to either accommodate delicate stemware (often in stemware holders), or to fit slightly oversized items on either top or bottom.

Multiple Spray Arms - provide adequate washing of both top and bottom levels of the washer. A cheaper and less effective feature is that of the spray tower or wand that extends from the bottom of the washer when it senses water pressure. Extended, it provides water to the upper basket.

Ideally, look for models with spray arms that spray in both upward and downward directions.

SOME LAST DISHWASHER TIPS

If you find that after looking at everything on the showroom floor you don't see what you really want, know that a good salesperson has a book in his/her desk drawer. Tell them your requirements and they'll find an appropriate model for you. Copy the model number down, go home and read some dishwasher reviews and dishwasher ratings before committing.

Good Luck,

Rudi Xeno