| The dishwasher has now been labeled as one of | | | | may not be as important.* Cycle TimeA |
| the most important appliances in an | | | | dishwasher can take 80 to 150 minutes for the |
| average-income and medium-sized household. It is | | | | normal cycle time. Longer cycle times do not |
| usually used three to seven times a week in an | | | | really affect the level of cleaning. So if choosing a |
| average household.Buying a dishwasher is not as | | | | dishwasher, the cycle time should only be within |
| easy as simply selecting the cheapest one that | | | | that range.* EnergyGuideCheck the EnergyGuide |
| can do the task. There are several important | | | | stickers to know more about the power and |
| things that should be considered before choosing | | | | water consumption of the dishwasher model. |
| a dishwasher.* SizeChoose the dishwasher that | | | | A regular dishwasher can consume three and a |
| has the right size for your household needs. | | | | half to twelve gallons of water per load. Energy |
| Compact capacity models can contain eight place | | | | costs can reach up to $65 a year. So always |
| setting and six serving pieces, or less. Standard | | | | select an energy and water efficient model.* Dirt |
| capacity models can hold more than eight place | | | | SensorsA little while ago, dirt sensors were only |
| settings and six serving pieces. Most of the | | | | available as a premium feature. Most new |
| standard capacity models fit a twenty-four inch | | | | dishwasher models now have dirt sensors to |
| space under the countertop.Before choosing the | | | | adjust the water consumption to the level of dirt |
| compact capacity model, consider how often you | | | | of the dishes.* NoiseCheck the noise ratings of |
| will be using the dishwasher. If you will be using | | | | the dishwater. You may be able to get a |
| the compact model frequently, it will consume | | | | good-functioning dishwasher for a low price but |
| more energy and water than if you have a | | | | the noise may be one of its disadvantages.* |
| standard capacity model.There are also some | | | | DesignSince having a dishwasher is now popular, |
| dishwashers that have fold-down tines and | | | | several designs and colors are now available. The |
| adjustable racks, for differently-shaped serving | | | | most common colors are white and black. Those |
| pieces. Some dishwashers allow adjustments to | | | | with a stainless steel finish are popular but |
| have plates be cleaned on both layers at the | | | | remember that these can show smudges and |
| same time. This is helpful if you are hosting large | | | | fingerprints.Some dishwashers may also be fitted |
| parties.* Wash CyclesThe basic cycles usually are | | | | with a customized front panel, so it can blend with |
| light, normal, and pots and pans. Some | | | | the design of your kitchen cabinets.Most of the |
| dishwashers have a rinse and hold setting to delay | | | | new models have one door, eliminating the |
| washing until the load is full.Consider having a | | | | bottom panel for the dirt trap. This design creates |
| dishwasher that has multiple wash cycles so you | | | | a clean look.Some smoothly designed, costlier |
| can choose the cleaning level according to the dirt | | | | models have the controls along the top edge of |
| on the dishes. Check if there is an energy-saving | | | | the door. However, this makes the buttons |
| or light cycle setting. Such a setting saves you | | | | difficult to operate and labels hard to read.* |
| money by operating in less time and consuming | | | | Self-cleaning filtersSelf-cleaning filters may provide |
| less water. Apart from these, other cycle settings | | | | ease of maintenance but it can add to the noise. |