Tips for Buying a Dishwasher
Aug 09 '00 (Updated Apr 13 '01)
The Bottom Line It is important to pay attention to details when purchasing a dishwasher to get the maximum in performance and energy conservation.
When purchasing a dishwasher, many things should be considered. One of the main points to consider is the size of dishwasher you need. This is determined by the size of your family. Since the energy used to heat water for the dishwasher is the main expense, matching your dishwasher to your needs is important. A big family would do well to use one of the built-in, heavy-duty models, while a single person or a couple could use a smaller portable type.
Prices for dishwashers usually depend on the type features that are included, such as separate cycles for pots and pans, food grinders, multiple cycles, etc. For peak performance, a dishwasher with all the bells and whistles is not necessary. Many times, a basic model can be just as effective. The more features you include, the more energy is used to operate the dishwasher. The price for some full-feature dishwashers can be from $100 to $300 more than a basic model.
Setting your hot water heater thermostat to the level your owner's manual suggests (probably between 140 and 145 degrees) can increase your yearly energy costs from five to ten percent. If you set the thermostat at 120 degrees, you will have water hot enough for effective cleaning and save money on energy. If your dishwasher has a feature called Hot Water Booster, which increases water temperature, this option can save you on energy costs since you can turn this off and on when needed without having to keep the thermostat at a higher temperature all the time.
Opt for the plastic-coated racks instead of metal racks, which might rust and peel in time. Make sure the dishwasher you buy has a light or energy saving cycle and always use this cycle unless dishes are very dirty. Dishes will be as clean and this will result in saving water since the light cycle typically uses only half the normal amount of water.
As with a washing machine, don't forget to only wash when you have a full load and don't overload the dishwasher. Always remember to keep the food trap filter cleaned. Watching these details will keep your dishwasher running more efficiently and cost you less money during the life of your dishwasher.
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