I’m planning on buying a dishwasher. I have no idea what features are important. I’ve seen the price range from $179 to near $400.
What are some standard features that one should look for?
What are some optional features that are highly recommended?
Any idea on a good brand? Thanks.
P.S. I’ve been the dishwasher these past years, but well, its about time I get a machine to replace my talent. grin
I realize tough jobs like pots and pans will still have to be done by me or whomever.
Munni here is a lil known secret. figure out what features are important and then look for a sears outlet in your area, they will sell last years models, store display models or lightly damaged ones (i mean do you really care that the side of teh dishwasjer had a scratch? ) for pretty good discounts.
Fraudia, I dont want a used one, but I dont mind an older model, if the features are good. So these outlets sell never been used ones, correct? Yep, scratches are not important. Now I just need to know what features are important. Thanks. smile
yeah Sears is about the best place.. they price match and discount too..
For features.. you have to see if you want hot air drying or just leave your plates to dry themself.. if you live in colder climates, you may desire "plate warming' as a part of the normal cycle.
The cleaning goes as far as your supply of hot water.. all dishwashers will do good if the water coming in is really hot.. that dissolves grease more than dishwashing liquids can.
Choose the capacity that will be sufficient for your needs and go with the reliable brands.. i don't have the CR guide for top reliability with me right now but may post later about recommended brands.
PakistaniAbroad, does this hot water use affect lets say, the hot water for the shower for example? Because my water heater is not so great when it comes to providing enough hot water for showers for even two people consequtively.
Would be great if you had a CR review. Thanks.
Munni,
I just got done buying a dishwasher.
The scratch and dent section, or clearance area of any appliance section is a good place to start. They are new, and fully warrantied, but perhaps last years floor model. One way to go about it is to pick the lowest end model of a good quality brand, like Bosch(I just got one for a rental property I own, and the technicians said they have NEVER had to service one. They hated GEs.). The only difference between the high-end and the low end models is the insulation and the number of washing cycles. So the model you would get has the same pump, frame, grinder etc. as the expensive ones, but a few less bells and whistles.
One of the things to look at is the mascerator. That is the little grinder thingy that grinds up food that falls off your plate. A good grinder prevents clogging in your pipes with poorly pureed food! A good filter system is helpful in the same way.
Also, the inclusion of a stainless steel interior is cool, but pretty expensive. Most of the wash cycles you will never use, a normal and pots and pans will constitute about 95% of your wash loads.
Lastly, cool looking appliances help sell your house or condo down the road. Make sure your appliances are neither too cheap or too expensive compared to the rest of your house.
I have got Maytag MDB9600A and I find it the best in that price range. I don’t know about US but in Canada its in $800 range. :k:
Checkout Maytag’s website…they must have reviews of each model.
Re: Buying a dishwasher
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Munni: *
I'm planning on buying a dishwasher. I have no idea what features are important. I've seen the price range from $179 to near $400.
What are some standard features that one should look for?
What are some optional features that are highly recommended?
Any idea on a good brand? Thanks.
P.S. I've been the dishwasher these past years, but well, its about time I get a machine to replace my talent. grin
I realize tough jobs like pots and pans will still have to be done by me or whomever.
[/QUOTE]
Well the CR people give Whirlpool the thumbs up.. it's supposed to be A CR Best Buy.. two modesl in fact.. around $400.. the cheaper one didn't fare that well.
As OG said, Bosch took the top two spots.. it's reliability is high too.. although Whirlpool and Kenmore occupied more tops slots and Whirlpool was among the quietest.. after Bosch though..
So if u can afford it.. go Bosch.. otherwise Whirlpool and Kenmore should be good.. I got a vibe that GE has to be avoided.
Best of Luck.. Happy Shopping.