What to Look for When Shopping for a Dishwasher

1. Where to start when shopping for a dishwasher

The first step when looking for a dishwasher for your home is deciding exactly what you need in your new appliance. With such an importance purchase, it's important to be sure to do your homework before you shop. Things to consider beforey ou begin your search:

• How many dishes do you wash? Do you live alone or have a growing family? Depending on the size of your household, you'll need different dishwasher capacities.
• How often do you typically wash dishes? If you wash a heavy load of dishes everyday, you'll want to make sure you look at dishwashers with high endurance.
• What types of dishes do you regularly wash? China and nice dishes require special setting - if you stick to the basics you won't need extra bells and whistles.
• How much space do you have? Whether you're replacing an old dishwasher or springing for a new one, keep in mind how much space you have to spare for this new appliance.
• How much do you want to spend? Make sure you know your price range before you start looking. Keep in mind that the most affordable dishwashers are often the standard built-in drawer dishwashers. Also, if you don't have a dishwasher already, remember to account for installation costs.

2. How to shop for the right dishwasher type
With so many shapes and sizes of dishwashers available, you want to be sure to choose the right one when shopping for a new dishwasher. Here are some options to consider:

• 24 In. built-in dishwasher: This is your standard dishwasher - holding about 10 to 15 place settings. Keep in mind that's the typical wash load for a family of four, so if you're shopping for a small family you might consider a smaller size. The full size built-in dishwasher runs off its own power and water connections.
• Drawer dishwasher: With drawer dishwashers, you have the option of buying a single or double drawer. There are benefits to both: Single drawer dishwashers take up less space in your kitchen and typically hold 5 place settings. They are a great option for smaller families with fewer dishes. Double drawers have the same capacity as a full-size, but operate each drawer separately. The double drawer dishwasher is ideal for busy families on the go.
• Portable: Portable dishwashers are designed just how they sound - mounted on wheels for easy storage and transportation. Portable dishwashers can be stored out of the way and connect to the kitchen sink for easy use. For cramped kitchens or smaller families, portable dishwashers are a great alternative.

3. How to shop for the right dishwasher capacity
It's what's on the inside that counts, so be sure your dishwasher's capacity meets your needs. Think about these factors when shopping for your new dishwasher:

• The size of the dishes you regularly wash. When it comes to dishwashers, it's not just how many dishes you load in, but what size they are.If you wash a lot of large plates and bowls, you will need adjustable racks to fit everything in. Many dishwashers come with flexible racks so you can customize according to your dish size.
• Is your family growing? You might want shop for a larger dishwasher if you anticipate more people in your home.

4. Shopping for the right dishwasher cycles
Dishwashers offer various different cycle so it's important to decide what you need. Here are some options to get you thinking:

• Gentle Cycle: Do you wash a lot of china and crystal? Be sure to look at a dishwasher with a gentle cycle for delicate dishes.
• Normal: Are you just going to be washing the standard dishes once a day? A normal cycle is your best bet - you might not need many other options.
• Heavy Cycle: For the really dirty dishes or large pots and pans, you're going to want to run the heavy cycle. If you love to roll up your sleeves in the kitchen, a dishwasher with a heavy cycle will make for quick and easy clean up.
• Rise and Hold: For families who only run the washer once every few days, shop for a dishwasher with a rinse and hold option. It will rinse dishes and hold them until you're ready for a full load, minimizing food odor.
• Sanitizing Rinse: If you're really a clean freak, opt for a dishwasher with a sanitizing rinse option to make sure your dishes are all really sparkling.

5. Selecting dishwasher special features
Dishwashers come with a variety of special features that can make getting the dishes done even easier. Not every feature might be right for you, but take a look and decide which features your dishwasher must have:

• Energy Star: These days, everyone is going green. To save money and energy, consider investing in an energy star dishwasher.
• Air Dry & No Heat Options: Want another way to save energy? Dishwashers with air dry and no heat capabilities cut down on hefty energy bills.
• Quiet: Nothing ruins a relaxing evening at home like a noisy dishwasher. With noise reduction features, you won't even know how hard your dishwasher is working.
• Delay Start Timer: Not always ready to wash the dishes? This options assures your dishwasher works around your schedule.
• Wash sensors: For a really precise wash, consider wash sensors. They automatically target the right temperature and wash times for your dish load, always ensuring a perfect wash.
• Food disposal: Dish washing is especially easy when your garbage disposal is in your dishwasher. Simply load your dishes and go.
• High Temperature: For extra sanitation, shop for a dishwasher with a high temperature option. The extra boost in temp washes dishes above 150 degrees Fahrenheit, sterilizing over 99.9% of germs and bacteria.
• Child Proof: If you have little ones around the house, consider shopping for a dishwasher with child locks.

6. Match your style
You want your dishwasher to be the exact machine you want, but don't forget to consider the look and feel of your new appliance. With so many different styles available, be sure to get a dishwasher you love - inside and out. Black, white and metallic are standard colors but consider custom panels if you want to accent the wood in your kitchen.

7. Installing your new dishwasher
When it comes to installing your new dishwasher, you have two options: do it yourself or have it installed. If this is your first dishwasher, you will want to leave it to the professionals. Which installation method really depends on how comfortable you feel with your home's water and electrical connections.

4 tips for using your new ( or old!) dishwasher

1. Never use laundry soap, hand soap or regular dish soap in your dishwasher - it can only handle dishwasher detergent.
2. Use a rinse aid instead of the high-heat setting. Washing dishes in a high temperature repeatedly can cloud glass permanently.
3. Clean out the garbage disposer before you start a new load.
4. This might be a no brainer, but be careful to only load dishes that your dishwasher can handle. Check your manual for what can't go in.