Types of Units

Whirlpool GU3600XTVY Built In Dishwasher

The first factor to take into consideration is whether to purchase a regular large built-in dishwasher, a portable model, or a dishwasher with smaller capacity. Standard 24’’dishwashers have capacity for 12-14 place settings. This is sufficient for at least one regular family meal, taking into account pots, pans, and serving utensils. A compact 18’’ dishwasher is less common, and only holds between 6-8 standard place settings. Tall tub models have two smaller motors as opposed to one big one, making room for 2 more inches in the tub. Countertop dishwashers are the size of a large microwave and rest atop a counter or table and must be attached to the sink before use. With room for only 4 place settings without any pots, they are ideal for single people or couples as well as for use on RV’s or boats. Obviously, they require additional counter space.

There are a few different types of dishwashers, in addition to a traditional built-in model. Portable dishwashers are a good option for home renters since they do need not need to be permanently installed. Simply attach a pipe to the kitchen hot water faucet whenever needed. Portable units are built on wheels for easy mobility and usually have the same features as built-in models while saving valuable space since they do not need to be installed in place of a cabinet. Portable dishwashers also come with a cutting board surface on top, providing you with additional counter space. Nonetheless, many people prefer the stability of a built in unit that does not need to be hooked up to the sink before each use. Drawer dishwashers, first introduced by Fisher and Paykel, have two separate units that can be run independently for smaller, more frequent loads, generally recommended for people with many frequent guests. According to Consumer Reports, they seem to require more service than a regular dishwasher.

Adjustable Racks
Ever get frustrated trying to fit a large or awkwardly shaped item into the dishwasher? Dishwasher models containing adjustable racks and tines allow for greater flexibility and comfort. Lower the bottom rack to make room for large pots or the top rack for long stemmed wine glasses and the like. Some models come with removable cutlery baskets that make it much easier to load and unload flatware.

Internal Layout
Most American dishwashers have water heaters built into the bottom of the unit. This can occasionally melt delicate plastic items when placed on the lower level. European models on the other hand, often have an in-line heating element that is wrapped around the water pipe.

The cleaning quality of a dishwasher is determined by the number and placement of propeller arms. A minimum of three water jets, evenly spread out, usually ensures optimal coverage leading to adequate results.

Dirt Sensor
A dirt sensor is an uncommon feature found predominantly in more expensive models that adjusts water use and cycle length depending on the soil level of the dishes. Although a dirt sensor can improve efficiency, not all models are reported to work effectively.

Garbage Disposal
Most dishwashers today come with built in garbage disposals units, known as garborators, similar to the kind found under the kitchen sink, that grinds up the food debris and flushes it down the drain. Garbage disposal units add considerably to the noise of a machine, raising it as much as 10 decibels, tripling the noise. Nonetheless, anything under 50 decibels is still basically unnoticeable–most current average priced models don’t exceed that number. More expensive models do not have this feature but come with a manual filter instead that requires easy cleaning by hand every few weeks. In addition to being quieter, a manual filter keeps the water cleaner, because it is less likely that pulverized food particles will reenter the clean water.

Wash Cycles

Whirlpool DP940PWSQ Portable Dishwasher

Most dishwashers come with three basic cycles: light for lightly sullied dishes, normal for regularly used items, and heavy for pots, pans and baked-in grease. Additional cycle options include a gentle cycle for china and crystal, a longer pot-scrubber cycle that increases the water temperature, and a sanitizing cycle that increases the water to 161 degrees, killing all bacteria. A steam clean option removes food particles with steam before the cycle even starts, keeping the water clean during washing and decreasing chance of stubborn dirt.

Dishwashers possessing an Energy Star label usually have low water and quick wash cycles to save water. In areas where electricity costs vary according to the time of day, a delay start option will allow you to program the machine to go on during off peak hours, saving money and energy. A newer model can save you up to $20 per year on energy costs.

Often times you don’t have enough dishes to run a full load, but don’t want to let the dirty dishes sit overnight without being rinsed. The rinse and hold cycle is a useful feature that allows you to rinse dirty dishes before you’re ready to run a full cycle. It reduces odors and prevents food residue from hardening while waiting for enough dishes to accumulate to run a full load. Furthermore, you can save as much as 24 gallons by doing a rinse cycle instead of rinsing the dishes by hand!

Some units with plastic tubs possess a heating feature that dries the dishes after the cycle has finished. It is recommended to use a rinse aid such as jet dry in conjunction with this feature to prevent spotting. Dishwashers with stainless steel tubs do not need additional drying features. The metallic walls of the tub hold the heat long enough to dry most of the moisture naturally and although it is still recommended to use a rinse aid, it is not necessary.

Stainless Steel Tub

Remember that great spaghetti and meatball recipe? If your dishwasher has a plastic interior, you may never be able to forget it!

Plastic dishwasher tubs are more likely to become discolored over time from colorful foods like tomato sauce, and may retain odors. The more costly models, primarily the European brands, possess stainless steel interiors to prevent staining. Although less durable, plastic tubs generally last as long as the unit. Similarly, nylon coated racks are a plus. They won’t rust over time, preventing the possibility of chipping dishes on jagged rusty edges.

Control Panel Placement
Most standard dishwashers have the control panels on the top of the unit, making it possible to cover the door with a wooden panel to match the cabinetry. Some model dishwashers possess hidden touchpad controls, where the control panel is placed along the top edge of the door, keeping them totally hidden when closed. Although attractive, this stylistic touch makes it difficult to see the progress of the cycle to see how much time is remaining in the load. Some models have partially hidden controls that have a visible counter that displays the remaining cycle time.

After all is said and done, your average dishwasher will get the job done great. Even the cheaper models do a fine job, although they may be considerably louder. Additional features simply add to convenience and comfort, making doing dishes even more enjoyable. The only thing they haven’t invented is a dishwasher that puts the dishes away for you! Some things will never change, but at this rate it wouldn’t be surprising if the future dishwasher models do that too!