Choosing the Best Dishwasher
Washing dishes manually can be overwhelming, especially for people with busy schedules. Dishwashers have therefore become vital household appliances. With so many models on the market today, choosing the right one can be challenging. The following factors will guide you in making an informed purchase.
Consider the size, capacity, and installation requirements
Measure the space in your kitchen before buying a dishwasher. A standard washer measures 24 inches by 24 inches and fits under most countertops. If you have less space, consider a more compact option, preferably in a size of 18 inches by 24 inches. Also, check the dishwasher's capacity. Your choice will depend on the number of people in your house, cooking habits, and size of utensils. Dishwasher installation requires water and an electrical connection. Hire an electrician to handle the wiring, and if you live in Phoenix, reach out to Nu Flow to check the conditions of the drainpipe before installation to ensure smooth dishwasher operation.
Look for noise-canceling properties
Check the dishwasher's noise rating before purchase. A unit with 50 decibels won't wake up sleeping kids, but you will need to talk louder when holding conversations in the kitchen. Forty decibels is a bit quiet but disrupts conversations at times. Thirty decibels is the quietest, and you will barely know the unit is running.
Consider its energy efficiency
Check the ENERGY STAR and Energy Guide label to know the dishwasher water and power consumption rate. Opt for a model that consumes less than 307 kWh annually and uses under five gallons of water each cycle.
Check the settings and cycles
Look at the machine's cleaning power, and choose one with multiple washes to clean your dishes based on the level of dirt. If you have young children, choose one with the "sani-wash" option to sterilize baby bottles. Cycle time should be between 80 and 150 minutes.
Choose a suitable style
A dishwasher is one of the most trendy kitchen upgrades that you can use to make your space more impressive. Therefore, pick a design and color that matches your other appliances and kitchen cabinets.
Check for vital features
Get a unit with adjustable racks and tines to accommodate your delicate utensils. The advanced dishwashers have dirt sensors that adjust the water consumption based on the level of dirt on the dishes. A water filtration system helps capture food particles to keep your dishes and the machine clean. Others even have special zones for dishes that require extra cleaning.
Compare prices
The price of a dishwasher ranges from $200 to $2,000. Expect to pay between $100 and $200 for installation. Standard dishwashers will get the job done, but they lack essential features. On the other hand, high-end dishwashers come at an extra cost but have high-tech features. Choose a unit that meets your needs, set a budget, and stick to it.
As you plan to buy your dream dishwasher, keep the above guidelines in mind to help you narrow down your options and pick the right unit. For more information on how to choose home appliances, follow TheHomeMag on Instagram and Facebook.
