Tips for Buying a Dishwasher
Here are some tips to keep in mind when buying a dishwasher.
How Much Dishwasher Do You Need
Before buying a dishwasher, consider how much dishwasher you really need. The bigger the dishwasher, the more water it will use, and the more energy it will take to run it. Unless you have a large family, and go through a lot of dishes in a day, you’ll probably be better off buying a dishwasher that’s small and, bonus, less expensive than a bigger dishwasher that costs more to run.
Buying a dishwasher is one area where the saying, “You get what you pay for,” doesn’t necessarily apply. Costing more doesn’t necessarily mean a dishwasher will clean your dishes better. In fact, a cheaper dishwasher (made by a reputable manufacturer) will get your dishes clean, too. When you pay more for a dishwasher, what you’re really paying for is how it looks, how quiet it is when it’s running, its size, and how many extra features it has. If all you want is a fast way to clean your dishes, buying a cheaper model dishwasher will get the job done. If cosmetics, size, and noise level are concerns of yours, you can find plenty of low- to moderately-priced dishwashers that will suit your needs. These models will cost between $350 and $600 dollars.
Conserving Water and Energy
Pay close attention to the Energy Star ratings when buying a dishwasher. These will indicate how much water and energy a dishwasher uses. And, remember, the less water and energy a dishwasher uses, the less it will cost to operate.
When buying a dishwasher, one feature you should look for is an energy saving (or light) cycle. Unless your dishes are extremely dirty, the energy saving cycle will get them just as clean as the normal setting would. And this setting uses less water and energy.
Also consider buying a dishwasher with a time delay feature. This feature will delay washing your dishes until off-peak hours, when energy rates are lower.
Portable Dishwashers
If you don’t have room for a dishwasher that’s installed under your counter, consider buying a dishwasher that’s portable. Portable dishwashers are mounted on wheels, so they can be moved around with ease. When you’re ready to wash dishes, just more your portable dishwasher over near the sink. Plug it in (in a grounded outlet), drop the drain hose in the sink, hook the water supply hose up to the faucet, and you’re ready to go. Then, when your done, wheel the portable dishwasher out of the way.
Even if you do have room to install an under-the-counter dishwasher, portable dishwasher’s tend to cost less. Plus, buying a dishwasher that’s portable means you won’t have to pay to have an under-the-counter model installed.
Dishwasher Features
Another thing to consider when buying a dishwasher is what features you really need, and which you can do without. Along with the size, the features often determine how much a dishwasher costs. In most cases, a simple, inexpensive dishwasher will get your dishes just as clean as a more expensive dishwasher that’s loaded with features you don’t really need.
When buying a dishwasher, take note of how many spray arms each model has. Most dishwashers have between one and three spray arms. The more spray arms a dishwasher has, the better it will clean.
When buying a dishwasher, flexible racks are a good feature to look for. Flexible racks make loading dishes of different shapes and sizes easier.
If you worry about your child opening the dishwasher when it’s running and being exposed to the hot water, buying a dishwasher with a child-proof lock is definitely an option.
Buying a dishwasher will make washing dishes faster and easier. And, best of all, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a dishwasher that gets the job done.
