Dishwasher Guide

Chances are that when you purchased your present residence there was a dishwasher there.  For those of us who can remember a time before dishwashers, we were generally pleased with the results.  We might have had some petty gripes, but in general just the thought of not having to wash a sink full of pots and pans by hand was more than reward enough.

But like with most things as time marches on new features and technologies are introduced, prices go up, our demands grow; the number of brand names increases and finally things just wear out.  In short, our lives become complicated by yet another new buying decision.

Personalizing this a bit, as our house celebrated its 20th birthday we began to notice an almost serial failure of all of our major appliances.  Yes, it is hard today to believe that at one time major appliances were expected to last 20 years.  This is not an urban myth.

When I make a major appliance purchase I tend to use the same technique, modified only by whatever special considerations that specific appliance might require.  By following this technique I think you'll find the best dishwasher to fit your budget and lifestyle.

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?

Ego Issues?

Do you always have to have the latest and greatest?  If you do, fess up.  I say go for it! 

Research, Research, Research- Read Dishwasher Ratings and 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.

If anything there could almost be too much information available.  I try to do my research in short bursts so I don't end up on overload.  It's also important to understand the nature of the information you'll likely get from each source.

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.

Post purchase satisfaction surveys such as those conducted by JD Power are particularly useful at culling the list of manufacturers you are considering.  In their 2007 Study they received input from about 12,000 respondents.  In their study they identify Bosch as their overall Award Recipient followed by KitchenAid then LG.  Bringing up the rear were Whirlpool, GE, and GE Profile dishwashers in terms of overall ratings.  In the middle you find Kenmore, Kenmore Elite and Maytag dishwashers.

I didn't mean to spoil the surprise for you but you should be aware that in recent years some of the mainstay brands such as KitchenAid and Maytag have been acquired by Whirlpool.  And even Kenmore units are being manufactured by Whirlpool.  How these acquisitions will affect the reputations of these brands in the future is uncertain.  My guess and experience is that it always runs downhill.

My Picks for the top dishwashers

Here are my dishwasher pick of brands by price level.

Best Dishwashers in the High-End Price Range ($700 and up)

If money isn't an issue then clear and away my choice is the Bosch Dishwasher.  Although German in name, they actually manufacture here in the US.  They are known for 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 Germany

Best Dishwashers in the Mid-Range ($400 - $600)

If you're willing to go to the top of this price range you just might still be able to purchase a Bosch.  Look for Bosch Evolution 300 series in any color (front panel) but stainless steel to keep the price within the range.  Also in this range I still like KitchenAid and Maytag dishwashers, and again expect to be bumping up against the top of this price range.

Best Dishwashers for those on a budget  ($200s - $400)

Here, you'll have less opportunity to choose since often the purchase is made by the contractor.  This is an area where GE dishwashers used to reign supreme.  Given my druthers, I'd prefer to see a Kenmore Dishwasher in its place.  Also, if this is tied into the purchase of a new house I would seriously consider an upgrade.

Some 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