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Ten tips

Choose dishwasher that meets needs

By Times Staff Writer
Published October 30, 2005

How is it that something human beings have been doing for centuries, washing their dishes, has become so complicated? Surely you've noticed this if you're in the market for a dishwasher. The array of available features - from dirt sensors to antibacterial wash cycles to turbo speeds - can be bewildering. The following tips can help you make sense of it all.

1. KNOW WHETHER YOU'RE STAYING OR GOING. Built-in dishwashers are the most common, but they can be difficult to move. Portable dishwashers are good for apartment kitchens, but they're less convenient and likely to occupy more room.

2. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU REALLY NEED. Don't spend too much for nonessential features, such as additional wash cycles beyond the three basic light, normal and heavy/pots and pans cycles, or a sanitizing or antibacterial, extra-hot wash or rinse option. (The dishes will cease to be sanitary as soon as you start handling them.)

3. THE SOUNDS OF SILENCE. You no longer have to pay top dollar to get a dishwasher that's surprisingly quiet. Before you buy, find out whether it's possible to take models for test drives while you're standing near them. Also ask whether you'll have to take out the food filter and clean it by hand every month or so, a requirement for some super-quiet washers.

4. DON'T PAY EXTRA FOR DIRT SENSORS. They're touted for making dishwashers use water in an ultra-efficient way, but that doesn't necessarily hold true when you wash a really dirty load. Sometimes they cause more water to be used than should be. If this feature exists on a reasonably priced machine, that's fine, but don't pay extra for it.

5. OPT FOR STYLE. You can choose from all sorts of colors and styles - from white to black to bisque to stainless steel to a custom-designed front panel that matches your cabinetry - without paying an exorbitant amount of money. (Tip: Stainless steel can show fingerprints and smudges, so be mentally prepared for that.)

6. SAVE ENERGY AND WATER. Compare models and take note of how much energy and water they need to run a normal cycle. You also can save water by opting not to prerinse by hand or via a prerinse cycle, a step that's rarely needed for most machines, and by running the washer only when you have a full load.

7. PAY ATTENTION TO CYCLE TIME. Most dishwashers require about 11/2 hours to complete a normal cycle, but some take as long as 21/2 hours.

8. CHECK FOR FLEXIBLE LOADING OPTIONS. Adjustable or fold-down tines and shelves and an adjustable upper rack allow you to accommodate a wider variety of items. As you shop around, bring a big plate or casserole dish you use often and see whether it fits.

9. LOOK FOR OTHER IMPORTANT FEATURES. These include a basket for utensils; a stemware holder that secures wine glasses; and a time display that lets you know how long you have to wait for clean dishes.

10. COUNT THE FULL COSTS. Remember to factor in the costs of having a new machine installed and an old one removed. Also, add in the extra energy and water costs that come with running a dishwasher.

Sources: Consumer Reports www.consumerreports.org; MSN Shopping (http://shopping.msn.com)

[Last modified October 26, 2005, 18:29:02]