List of Dishwasher Features and their Benefits:
Dishwasher Style: Front Control vs. Top Control
The controls on your dishwasher can be located at the top of the door (top control) or on the front of the machine below the door (front control). The following chart should help you in making a decision:
Style Advantages Disadvantages
Front control Looks sleeker and less “busy” Looking down to see what cycle is selected, which may be a little harder for shorter people. Also, these models are louder.
Top control Can see from across the room what cycle your dishwasher is on. Slightly quieter operation than front-control models. Controls take up more space on your door, making it look busier. Controls tend to get more fingerprints on them
Dishwasher Size: 18-Inch Dishwashers vs 24-Inch Dishwashers
If you are looking for a very compact dishwasher, an 18-inch model may be right for you. Most 18-inch dishwashers are only 18″ wide, requiring a special cabinet cutout. Standard 24″ wide dishwashers will fit a standard 24″ cutout. The following chart should help you decide
The Best Dishwashers have many different features to meet your needs. Some of the most common are:
Energy Star Qualified – This is a government rating that means the appliance is at least 20% more efficient than the minimum standards required by the US Department of Energy. These features will save you money on your monthly energy bill.
Adjustable Racks – These racks can be moved up or down, making room for larger dishes. Most dishwashers have some type of adjustable rack to accommodate plates and bowls of varying heights.
Delay Wash – Set the dishwasher to start its cycle later in the day, after peak utility hours when energy usage is cheaper or when you are home and able to monitor it’s progress. This feature can save money on your energy bill because it allows you to run the appliance during off-peak hours.
Economy Cycle – The Economy Cycle uses less water than a regular cycle so it is more efficient, especially if you have a limited supply of hot water available. It also saves energy by running at a lower temperature and taking longer to complete its cycle; however, your dishes will be clean even if they aren’t completely dry!
The semi integrated dishwasher line of KitchenAid has been around for some time, and many people swear by it. The reason for this is the performance and quality that has been built into this line of dishwashers. Not only does it include all of the features that you would expect from a high end dishwasher, but it also includes the KitchenAid name and a five year warranty on parts. This powerful combination helps you to feel confident in your purchase, knowing that you will be able to get many years of use out of your new appliance.
When looking at the semi integrated dishwasher line that is offered by KitchenAid, there are several things that pop out at you immediately. The first thing is the stainless steel tub that comes with all of these appliances. This helps to provide a much higher level of durability than you would get with a plastic tub. In fact, not only will it last longer, but it also reduces noise while the cycle is running so that you won’t have to worry about disturbing neighbors or those who are asleep in other rooms of the house.
Another great feature of this type of KitchenAid dishwasher is its ability to clean dishes in a very efficient manner. The reason for this is threefold: First, when using this appliance, you
A dishwasher is a machine for cleaning dishware and cutlery automatically. Unlike manual dishwashing, which relies largely on physical scrubbing to remove soiling, the mechanical dishwasher cleans by spraying hot water, typically between 45 and 75 C (110 and 170 F), at the dishes, with lower temperatures used for delicate items. A mix of water and detergent is pumped to one or more rotating spray arms, spraying the dishes with the cleaning mixture. Once the wash is finished, the water is drained, more hot water enters the tub by means of an electro-mechanical solenoid valve, and the rinse cycle begins. After rinsing, the water is drained again and a warmed drying element in most models activates to dry them (air-dry only in some).
Dishwashers are typically located next to or under a kitchen sink, as they have an electrical connection as well as a connection to a cold-water supply. The interior of a dishwasher is typically made of stainless steel or plastic. At one time most models had exposed heating elements; newer models incorporate controls to prevent damage from over-heating by automatically shutting off once dishes are dry.
The semi integrated dishwasher is a lot like the full integrated dishwasher. The only difference is that it’s not completely hidden behind a cabinet door. Rather, it partially shows, allowing the controls to be seen and used. So this type of dishwasher is essentially a freestanding unit that can be hidden behind a matching cabinet door.
There are two main advantages to having a semi integrated dishwasher. First, it appears more attractive because you can’t see the entire unit like you can with fully integrated models. This allows for a more modern look that’s ideal for any kitchen setting. Second, it’s much less expensive than the fully integrated model and is typically cheaper than the regular freestanding dishwasher as well.
The downside to owning this type of dishwasher is that the controls are visible to everyone who visits your kitchen, which means they may get bumped or touched at some point by accident. You’ll also need to buy extra-tall panels to cover the rest of the dishwasher when installing it in a standard height cabinet.
This is an example of a semi-integrated dishwasher. A semi-integrated dishwasher hides the controls behind the top panel, while maintaining the same appearance as a fully integrated model.
These dishwashers feature removable racks, delay start and a child lock. Some models offer stainless steel interiors, quiet operation, water softeners and special cleaning cycles such as Sani rinse and China/Crystal.
The SmartDispense technology dispenses the detergent at just the right time. The EcoSmart wash system uses less water and energy than most other models.
1. Top drawer is smaller and has a lower capacity than the bottom one