Dishwasher Buying Guide - Options and Special Features

source: KitchenAid

Today’s modern dishwashers offer many exciting options and special features that will make your life easier but narrowing down all these features can be a daunting task.

One way to start is to think about how much you want to spend on a dishwasher because typically the more bells and whistles, the higher the price. The good news is with today’s advancing technologies even lower priced models tend to have plenty of features and options to please almost anyone.

Some of the most common features to consider when shopping for a dishwasher include the number of wash cycles and spray arms. Multiple wash cycles give you the ability to do a light wash, normal wash or a heavy wash. Many dishwashers even include a high temperature cycle for sanitizing your dishes.

The more spray arms your dishwasher has the better so you will want to get a dishwasher with the most spray arms that your budget will allow. Lower priced models typically have only one spray arm while more expensive models may have up to three arms as well as spray jets. Obviously, when more water reaches your dishes, from more directions, the cleaner your dishes will get.

How much noise the dishwasher makes may be something you want to consider as well. Generally, the better insulated a model is the quieter and more efficient it will be.

Aside from these common features found on most dishwashers, here is a list of some special features and options you may want to consider for you next dishwasher:

• Specialty Cycles - Some dishwashers offer half load cycles, rinse and hold cycles, and delicate cycles for fine china and crystal. Many models even have sanitizing cycles to kill bacteria and germs.

• Sensor Technology - This feature uses a sensor to determine how dirty the dishes are and then adjusts the length of a wash cycle accordingly, resulting in a more efficient use of water and electricity.

• Delayed Start Option - A feature that delays operation up to 12 hours, allowing you to take advantage of off-peak electric rates and to use hot water at a time when it is not being used by other household members.

• Electronic Controls and Digital Display - Electronic controls offer one-touch options for ease of use and digital displays clearly show dishwasher functions and cycle progress.

• Filters and Food Disposals - Filters and food disposals work together to remove any leftover food particles from the dishwater eliminating the need to pre-rinse dishes in the sink, thus saving water and time.

• Stainless-Steel Tubs - Stainless-steel interiors are both more durable and quieter than plastic models. Also, the metal interior reflects heat so these tubs can withstand the high temperatures of sanitizing rinses. They also offer more efficient drying.

• Rinse-aid Dispensers - Rinse-aid dispensers automatically dispense a special solution to speed up drying and help prevent spotting generated by hard water.

• Hidden Controls - This feature has more to do with style and design than control. By hiding the controls along the top edge of the door, they literally disappear when the door is closed. The advantage is that you can put a custom panel on the front allowing the dishwasher to be fully integrated with the surrounding cabinetry. The disadvantage is you cannot see that the machine is running or how the cycle is progressing.

• Finishes - The most common finishes are white, black and stainless with the latter being the most expensive of the three. Many of the higher end models accept custom panels that can be made to match your surrounding cabinetry.

Learn more about dishwashers:

Dishwasher Buying Guide - Space and Capacity Considerations

Dishwasher Buying Guide - Types of Dishwashers

Energy Efficient Dishwashers