Dishwashers

If you currently have an old dishwasher you will be surprised to discover the improvements that have been made lately. When you shop for a dishwasher you will notice that mid and higher priced dishwashers are designed and engineered to be much quieter, use less water, and clean dishes more effectively. For faster drying, some dishwashers have an optional convection fan. In addition, electronic control panels provide the option of a delayed start and are easier to keep clean (vs. the push-button panel). Some dishwashers are fully integrated where the control panel is inside the appliance. Many high-end dishwashers give you the option of applying a front panel that fully disguises its appearance. Some low-end dishwashers come with a few colored door fronts so you can change the color yourself.

Sherise Dorf writes in "The Dirt on Dishwashers" that "there is a fairly clear distinction between dishwashers made in the U.S. and dishwashers made in Europe." American made dishwashers are designed to include a miniature garbage disposer but use more water because of this feature. On the other hand, European models are geared to conserve water, but don't include a "grinder"--they use a filter that needs to be cleaned. Food particles need to be completely removed from your dishes before putting them into a European dishwasher. Toekicks are also higher for European models at 6" vs. 4 to 4 ½" for American made models.

Dishwashers with plastic tubs are found in every price point. Compared to dishwashers with a plastic tub, stainless steel tubs are more expensive, yet they are more durable, quieter, easier to maintain, and odor resistant. They also save energy by employing a lower-wattage, heating element during the drying cycle because stainless steel reflects heat better and thus is more efficient. Stainless steel allows for higher water temperatures, i.e. 165° F (Fahrenheit). Household dishwasher sanitization takes place at 155° F or above (typical plastic tubs reach only 140° F). For more information on dishwashers link to "Doctor In The House" "A Loaded Dishwasher Question".

Most dishwashers are built-in and are 18 to 24 inches wide. They are designed to be installed under the countertop and fit between two cabinets. To prevent backflow of water into the dishwasher, an "air gap" (an anti-siphoning device) can be installed on the countertop or the dishwasher's flexible drain line can be "looped" to produce the same effect (without having to cut a hole into the sink top or countertop). Contact your plumber or General Contractor to see which option your local code requires/allows (See Air Gaps in the Plumbing Section of Products).

Portable dishwashers are available when installation under the countertop is not possible. To accommodate a Universal Designs you can raise a single door dishwasher to reduce bending and straining (usually 6"). But, this shortens the run of a single level uninterrupted countertop--so it is advisable to place it at the end of a run.

Dishwashers are now being designed with removable upper racks (for extra-large items) and into energy efficient "drawers". This allows you the option to wash a small load or both loads at the same time--great for singles, small kitchens, wet bar or extra clean up. It also gives you the ability to run two different types of cycles simultaneously (i.e. dinnerware vs. pots and pans). You might even set one drawer on either side of the sink for easier access, Universal Design, or Kosher kitchens.