Dishwasher Buying Guide

DISHWASHERS 101
Dishwashers are not just dish washers anymore. They're plate warmers, sanitizers, even disposals. Dishwashers today come in many shapes and sizes and have a plethora of exciting features made to make your life easier.

SPACE
Like any appliance, you must always consider the space you have. If you're designing a new kitchen, you have more flexibility when it comes to selecting a new dishwasher. But if you're replacing an existing dishwasher, you need to know how much space you have available for the new unit.

Most dishwashers are a standard size, however, it's still very important that you measure the width, depth and height of the opening you have to avoid any problems. If you have an island or other obstacle in front of the dishwasher, be sure to measure the distance between the dishwasher cabinet and the objects in front of it to ensure there's enough clearance to open the dishwasher door.

Other things to make note of when replacing an existing dishwasher are the locations of your drains and water lines to make sure the new dishwasher you select is compatible with your existing conditions, as well as the power connection.

SIZE
Select the right size dishwasher for your needs. This ensures you don't waste time, money and energy running multiple or half full loads of dishes.

When determining the size or capacity of your new dishwasher, consider the size of your family and the types of dishes you wash. Dishwasher capacity is generally measured by the number of place settings the unit can hold. Most standard dishwashers hold up to twelve place settings, which is plenty for a family of four or five, even with pots and pans.

If you need more washing capacity, consider super-capacity models that can hold up to sixteen place settings and often have taller interior clearances to fit odd-shaped items, as well as larger pots and pans, yet still fit under counter.

If your washing needs are not so grand, or you're looking for a secondary dishwasher, a compact model might be for you. Compact dishwashers are typically 18" wide and can hold up to eight place settings. There are also drawer-style dishwashers that are great for smaller loads.

The design of the dishwasher's interior should be taken into consideration. The location of the spray arms and towers can affect how you load dishes. Don't overload your dishwasher or load the dishes in a way that blocks the sprayers - the dishes won't get clean. Fortunately, many dishwashers today have eliminated the central spray tower in favor of more direct spray systems.

The design of the loading racks should also be considered, especially if you have oddly-sized or shaped dishes, or plan on washing a lot of baking pans and cookie sheets. Many dishwashers come with adjustable racks, fold down shelves, and removable baskets providing a greater, more flexible use of space.