Buying a Dishwasher | Buying Guide : A guide to buying a dishwasher with recommendations.
Buying a dishwasher is more complicated than it seems. We asked experts and consulted the research to find out what you need to know before you buy.
Buying a dishwasher? We have a guide to help you through the process.
Measure your space, know your options and find the right model.
Decide what features you want
If you’re looking for a basic dishwasher, consider these features:
• Standard-size tubs fit 12 place settings.
• Choose a model with an Energy Star label to save money on utility bills.
• Some lightweight models can be installed without attaching them to the cabinet or countertop. They simply plug in to an outlet.
• Models with delay start let you run the washer when power rates are lower. Some dishwashers automatically adjust cycles to use less water and energy when the unit isn’t full.
• Some models feature child-lock controls, which prevent little hands from changing settings or turning on the machine.
Buying a dishwasher generally means beginning a long term relationship with an appliance that will last you many years. You may not think of your dishwasher as a loveable appliance, but if it breaks down so you can’t clean your dishes, you will see it in a new light.
When buying a dishwasher, there are a few things that must be taken into consideration. Make sure the dishwasher fits your needs and that it is appropriately sized for your kitchen. If you’re deciding between two different models, make sure that the features on one model justify the price difference between it and the lower-end model.
If you’re replacing an old dishwasher and want to install another one in its place, make sure the new one will fit in the space allotted for it. Also make sure that the electrical hook-up and water lines will accommodate the new model.
Dishwashers come in standard widths of 18″ or 24″. The 18″ models usually have an energy-saving feature that allows them to hook up to a hot water line rather than relying on internal heating elements to heat the water. Most 24″ models require a 120 volt electrical hook-up. When shopping for your new appliance, check to see what type of electrical hook-up
Dishwashers range in price from $300 to $2000. As with most appliances, the lower end of the price scale is dominated by compact portable models and the higher end by built-in models with more features and more flexibility. A good built in dishwasher can be purchased for around $600.
So what exactly are you getting for your money? We put together this guide to give an overview of what to expect when you spend more on a dishwasher.
The first thing to consider is that as you go up in price, dishwashers get quieter. You will often hear very cheap models described as having a noise level of about 50 decibels. This may sound quiet for a household appliance but it is still roughly equivalent to the noise made by a person talking in a normal voice. Most manufacturers quote noise level figures on their website and we have collected these so you can compare models side by side:
Dishwasher Comparison
As you go up in price, the noise levels drop quite dramatically. This may seem like something of an extravagance until you try and watch TV or have conversations in the kitchen while your dishwasher is running.
It is best to select a dishwasher with a stainless steel interior. Stainless steel is long lasting and will not chip, rust or discolor. It is also a better conductor of heat, which increases drying efficiency. If you choose a model with a plastic tub, make sure the tub is durable and resists staining.
Some models have two pumps and motors rather than one. They will cost more initially but will be quieter in operation and usually last longer than single-pump systems.
Dishwashers are very reliable these days. We have found that the failure rate is less than 1% in the first three years of ownership. This compares with about 3% for refrigerators, 5% for clothes washers, and 10% for gas ranges.
Dishwasher buying guide
The following table summarizes what we learned from our research. In each category we recommend a Best Buy model and a runner-up, along with several other models that scored well in our tests. The overall scores are based on the results of our cleaning tests combined with expected reliability and owner satisfaction ratings from a national survey of more than 74,000 subscribers to Consumer Reports magazine.
You can find more information about each model in our full dishwasher ratings, which are available to subscribers to ConsumerReports.org or CR’s print or digital editions. Also be sure to check our dishwasher buying guide for details on features, cleaning performance, noise levels, water use and expected reliability.
We’ve also named models that earned an Excellent rating for stain removal in our tests but are no longer on sale as of summer 2014. They appear under “Also Consider” in the chart below and may be available used from a local retailer or online source such as eBay or Craigslist.
Best dish
There are many kinds of dishwashers available in the market, so it is important to make sure you choose the right one.