We cook the most delicious meals and host our guests at the most beautiful tables. However, when the dinner is finished and it’s time to tidy up and wash the dishes, things turn into a nightmare rather quickly. Fortunately, dishwashers come to our rescue as they clean the piled-up dishes that are left behind by our guests and family, and make our lives easier!
Water and energy consumptions are the main factors to consider when purchasing a dishwasher. Household appliances, which use limited resources like water and energy efficiently, protect nature contribute to the family budget by preventing the increase in bills. The noise level of the dishwasher while working is also important, machines that make too much noise can cause discomfort in homes.
The fact that the dishwasher baskets are flexible and include foldable options, makes it easier to wash the large dishes such as pots and pans in the machine. In addition, if it is located in the lower part, the cutlery basket can be slid and moved, providing more ease of use. Some models include sensors that automatically determine the water consumption by adjusting the washing profile, according to the loading amount of the baskets and the type of dirt, which is an important factor in choosing a dishwasher.
Dishwasher Features
The placement of the dishes is important for both the machine and your dishes. To provide a long life for them, make sure the model you are looking for has racks that move up and down. Adjustable tines let you rearrange the interior of the machine. Even though silverware baskets with individual slots and a third upper rack help you organize the contents, they restrict how large an item you can place in the following rack.
Improving water efficiency, soil sensors adjust the cycle’s water and time use to the load’s soil level.
Filters keep the wash water free of food that could be deposited again on clean dishes. There are two types of filters; manual and self-cleaning. With the self-cleaning models, the debris is pulverized and flushed down the drain by a grinder. This can be quite noisy, which wouldn’t be the case with manual models as they don’t have a grinder.
Including the ‘quick’ and ‘express’ options, dishwashers come with ‘light, normal and heavy’ settings. These special washing cycles clean the dishes based on the amount of grease or debris and also the number of dishes inside.
Some models have a certain part of the dishwasher that is called the wash zone, which is for heavily soiled items needing a special cycle.
Types of Dishwashers
a. Portable Dishwasher
b. Countertop Dishwasher
c. Built-in Dishwasher
d. Drawer Dishwasher
Portable Dishwasher
If you tend to move a lot or have a free space problem, portable dishwashers are ideal for you. They are on wheels which allows them to be moved around easily. As they are not fixed in one place, you can also use them as an extra cabinet for your dishes when you need them.
Countertop Dishwasher
These small models are self-explanatory. Like a microwave oven, they sit on the countertop and if you don’t cook a lot or cook with small portions, these models will suffice. Compared to other models, they cost less because of the nature of their size and capacity.
Built-in Dishwasher
They are fixed into the countertop with all the attachments cleared from the sight. They also tend to be quieter. Some models are designed to be in harmony with the kitchen theme, controls invisible to the eye which makes the machine in camouflage until you use it.
Drawer Dishwasher
Even the way you put the dishes in is different from the other ones as you load the dishes from the top. These drawers allow you to load more dishes inside and water consumption per drawer is considerably less than a regular dishwasher, as well as the energy consumption.
Dishwasher Finishes
If you want your dishes to be clean and shine, the right choice of detergent will be playing a crucial role. Tablet detergents, in addition to the detergent effect, also show a water softening salt and/or a brightening effect. Some types also contain special-purpose washing chemicals such as glass and stainless steel protectors.
If you are looking for an alternative to tablet, capsule, or powder detergents, you can use liquid detergents as well.
Your dish soap should be stored in a cool, dry environment. If using powder, be sure to seal the pack to keep the product dry after each use and to avoid spillage. As with all cleaning products, keep your detergent out of the reach of children.
Extend the Life of Your Dishwasher and Improve Efficiency
· The dishes need to be placed properly in order to prevent scratches and obtain perfect washing results. The water intake section shouldn’t be blocked by the dishes. Using paper towels while scraping dirty dishes is a more effective and environmentally friendly solution. Regular filter cleaning of the machines is a detail required to ensure complete hygiene as well.
· Also, don’t fill your dishwasher with too many dishes. This will leave less room for the dishes to be cleaned. Make sure to clean your dishwasher seals. Just like a washing machine, your dishwasher collects dirt on the door seals.
· Call the authorized service every two years for them to provide a general check on the efficiency of your machine. If there’s something wrong, it’s not a problem only for your machine but also for your dishes.
· Make sure to check the filters, which are usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher. This is the part that allows the dishwasher to drain the water, and anything blocking it prevents it from working properly.
Dishwasher Installation
Each type and model of dishwashers have different installation guides that come with it so it’s always better to rely on them. But to give the outline, we will be mentioning how the process goes.
· Firstly, you will need to remove the old dishwasher or create a fitting cavity according to the size of your preferred model if necessary. Don’t forget to shut off the supply before you start the process.
· Prepare the new dishwasher by following the manufacturer’s guidelines. You will receive an installation kit coming with the machine. After preparing the dishwasher, you will need to connect the drain, electric, and water supplies. With the water supply, drain, and power lines are attached, turn on the electricity at the circuit breaker and check the dishwasher’s operation before securing it into place.
· If you have any doubts, it’s a must to call a professional for the installation. Some manufacturers have their own technicians.
Dishwasher Price Points
$500 or Less
If you are on a budget, you can still get a dishwasher that’s very good at cleaning since now most of the machines come with a soil sensor. It still improves water efficiency. Even though they won’t be coming with adjustable racks or stainless steel, they will get the job done nevertheless. Keep in mind that the cheaper models tend to be a little noisier.
$500 to $1,000
You will be getting features that are worth spending a bit more money such as the ones we previously mentioned. Special washing cycles, arrangeable racks, slots, soil sensors with better cleaning efficiency. There will be stainless tub options as well, which resist stains better than plastic. Oh, and they are quieter.
$1,000 or More
If you like to have your cake and eat it too, this price range usually has the luxury features that you don’t necessarily need but still want. Different colors and styles that will fit the aesthetic of your kitchen, Wi-Fi connection option, and many more.
We would like to add that a dishwasher’s price won’t guarantee its quantity. The most expensive model doesn’t equal the best dishwasher. The model that meets your needs will be the right and the best dishwasher for you!
Tips to Improve Dishwasher Cleaning
· Ensuring for your dishwasher to clean your dishes better, you want to make sure the dishwasher itself is clean. A clean dishwasher will improve the cleaning process without leaving any stains on the dishes. Here are some cleaning tips for your dishwasher;
· Get a small bowl or a cup and set it straight in the machine. Fill it with white vinegar and start without putting any more dishes in the machine. A short setting and the hottest degree of water will be efficient to get rid of any grease or stubborn soil.
· Use the correct cycle while cleaning the dishes. Higher soil levels mean higher settings and lower settings for lighter soil levels.
· While getting soap for your dishwasher make sure that it includes a rinse aid. If it doesn’t have any extra, add some white vinegar in the reservoir.
· There will be soil that the filter won’t be able to handle so make sure to clean the dishwasher trap and the seals.
Tips to Improve Dishwasher Drying
· The top rack should be reserved for cups, mugs, glasses, and bowls. Their openings should be facing down so they don’t collect water.
· Overfilled machines won’t only fail to clean, but also will fail to dry the dishes better. Make sure to leave some space between them and they are not nesting. To give an example, nesting happens when two spoons fit together, which blocks the water from cleaning them properly.
· Using rinse aid is important for drying the dishes as well as cleaning them. It allows the water to bead up and run off the dishes. Not using a rinse aid might result in water lingering on the dishes.
· Keeping the door open after a wash helps to get the trapped moist air out. You can give the dishes a couple of minutes to dry before taking them out.
· Start with the bottom rack when you take the dishes out. There may be excess water dripping down onto the lower bottom if you unload the top rack first.
Best Dishwasher Brands and Reviews
Frigidaire FFCD2418UB Built-in Dishwasher
Featuring a large capacity tall tub design with 14 place settings that allow you to wash more at once, this Energy Star certified dishwasher maximizes your energy and money savings. From small plates to large pots and pans, 5 versatile wash cycle options, including the sanitize cycle that removes the household bacteria, can handle all of your dishes efficiently. The removable multi-compartment Silverware Basket makes it easier to load and unload your dishes while the 8-inch upper rack gives you enough space to fit your standard dishware and glasses.
Maytag Built-In Tall Tub Dishwasher
The dishwasher feature a powerful motor, powerful enough to handle dried-on egg yolk and peanut butter without pre-rinsing. The power blast cycle removes any food on your dishes with high-pressure spray jets, increased temperature, and hot steam to dry them at the end. Built for high heat and less likely to crack than plastic, stainless steel materials also resist stains to help keep your dishwasher looking good. This dishwasher is made to perform at only 50 dBA which means you will be getting good results without the worry of unnecessary noise.
SPT Portable Dishwasher
One of the best things about this dishwasher is that you can easily connect it to any kitchen faucet without the plumbing or permanent installation hassle. SPT’s 18-inch dishwasher has an adjustable upper rack and 8 standard place settings that allow you to take care of your larger loads. The time delay feature of this model offers you to start your machine later between 1 to 24 hours. Apart from the automatic detergent and rinse agent dispenser, the rinse aid warning indicator alerts you to remind the refill time.
Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Countertop Dishwasher
Apart from the large dishwashers that take up large spaces in your kitchen, the countertop dishwasher models have been better options for small or minimalistic kitchens for some time now. Faberware’s countertop dishwasher includes a 5-liter built-in water tank, this means you don’t need a water hookup and that you can use this portable model outdoors as well. Featuring 5 washing programs, it fits a variety of dishes up to 12 inches in diameter at an angle. The Baby Care Cleaning Cycle generates steam that can be used to sanitize baby bottles while giving a sparkling clean finish to your dishes. Doing more than cleaning your dishes fast, the included fruit basket allows your fruits or vegetables to be cleaned and served directly from the dishwasher!
EdgeStar BIDW1802BL Built-in Dishwasher
If you are in need of an efficient dishwasher but have limited space, EdgeStar’s 18-inch dishwasher will be your best helper in the kitchen. Apart from the delay option that allows a cycle to be delayed for up to 24 hours, this model offers 8 place settings with the help of a digital display and digital push-button control panel. The control panel lock option also prevents accidental usage of the settings. The heated dry option is available for all cycles, excluding the rinse cycle. As your dishes are washed thoroughly, this machine provides a safety feature as the leakage sensor automatically shuts off the water flow when a leak is detected.
