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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 before you 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.
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