DIY Network

Buying a Dishwasher DIY's home care expert shares tips on buying a dishwasher. From "Home Made Easy" episode DHME-136

Host Stephanie Lydecker visits with Good Housekeeping Institute's home care director, Carolyn Forte, who shares tips on what to look for when purchasing a new dishwasher. As with most other major kitchen appliances, there is quite a bit to know about purchasing the right dishwasher for your needs.

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	Carolyn Forte shares tips on purchasing a new dishwasher.
	Figure A
	Figure B

Buying a Dishwasher

• The first thing to consider is your lifestyle. Do you have a large family or entertain a lot? If so, then you probably want to spend a little more money on a machine that offers more features. Or do you have a small family and eat out often? If this is the case, then you probably do not need all the bells and whistle that accompany some of the high end models. As far as size is concerned, most dishwashers are 24" built-in, under the counter models. If space is at a premium for you remember that they do come smaller—18" and even portable.

• They can range in price anywhere from $300 for a basic no-frills model to over $1,000 for a high end version. The low end models do not offer much rack flexibility and are usually a little efficient and have more features such as rack flexibility and electronic touch-pads and may be line with a higher quality material such as stainless steel. They also offer integrated or "built-in design," which is a big plus.

• Most people are concerned about how quiet their dishwasher is. Dishwashers that are more expensive are usually quieter. All high end models have reduced their noise level.

• If you have a large family, or entertain a lot you should look for a machine that can really hold a lot. Dishwashers are listed by the number of servings they can hold, or their capacity. For a larger family, look for one that can hold 14 place settings and 13" platters upright and offers adjustable racks to fit odd shaped serving bowls.

• Many dishwashers also have fold down shelves allowing more room for long utensils and more storage in general. Some even come with features such as stemware holders, flat silverware trays, or additional and separating flatware baskets. A great tip is to be sure to bring your largest plate or serving platter with you to the store when shopping for a dishwasher. That way you can be sure the item fits before you buy the dishwasher.

• Regarding cycles, most people use the normal cycle for everyday use. If you do a lot of cooking, you should definitely look for the "pots and pans" or heavy-duty cycle. It provides longer, heated washes for cleaning heavily soiled cookware. If you are single, or have small family you may also want to consider the upper/lower rack wash feature that allows you to wash just one of the racks instead of both. This is also a great feature for families with small children that tend to fill up the top rack with cups and bottles.

• Most models also come with a rinse and hold cycle that removes excess soil from dishes that may not get washed until a full load is accumulated.

• If you wash a lot of delicate items you should look for the china/crystal cycle that offers a short, less forceful wash for china or crystal or lightly soiled items.

• Another great feature on some machines is the delay start feature. It lets you start the cycle at a designated time after you have loaded the machine—when you are out of the kitchen, when water rates are lower or when water isn't being used for showers, laundry, etc.

• Certain models save energy, conserve water and cost less money to operate. You should look for the Energy Star label—it is an award give to appliances from the U.S. Department of Energy. They award the rating if the appliance is significantly more efficient than the medium government standards. There is an Energy Guide label (figure A) on every dishwasher that is for sale. This label tells you the models annual cost of operation at various utility rates—it is really extremely useful. Other great money saving features include air dry controls (controls that allow you to eliminate the heat drying cycle) and short cycle selections (shorter cycles use less hot water and can be used for light soiled dishes).

• Electronic touch-pads are easy to use and give your kitchen a sleek look (figure B). They are also the controls that are easiest to clean. Some electronic control panels also give you more information than mechanical models—telling you what state the wash is, if there is a blocked arm, or power failure. But, they make the machine more expensive. Mechanical knobs, on the other hand, are less expensive but also more difficult to clean. Push button models also collect soil. A good compromise is rubberized mechanical touch-pads—they work like buttons but are flatter and easier to clean.

• Extra tips: Always wash a full load, use the air dry setting to save energy and don't pre-rinse.

GUESTS :

Carolyn Forte
Home Care Director
Good Housekeeping Institute
E-mail: cforte@hearst.com
Website: www.goodhousekeeping.com