Thankfully, deciding which new dishwasher to buy is not as complicated a process as it can be with other appliances. Virtually all machines are a standard 24-inches wide and will fit into the space your current one now occupies. Here's what else to keep in mind:
✔️ Dishwasher cycles: When buying a new dishwasher, you’ll want the basics (and probably some bells and whistles, too):
- Soil sensors: All new dishwashers have soil sensors, so you'll see cycles called "Auto" and "Smart Wash." These cycles adjust the length of the cycle and the amount of water to better match the soil level of your loads. For a lightly soiled load, the cycle is shorter and uses less water. If the dishwasher senses a particularly dirty load, it adds time and water for better cleaning. We suggest that these sensor cycles replace "normal" as your go-to setting to get the best cleaning.
- Heavy-duty is best for dishwasher-safe pots and pans.
- Quick rinse or rinse only is ideal for when you don’t have enough items to run a full load.
- Dry boosting means drier, more spot-free results, especially on glassware and plastic.
- Delay start is great if you want to run the dishwasher during off-peak energy hours or in the middle of the night when water use in your household is low.
- Sanitizing cycle kills bacteria with time and a high-heat rinse (ideal for use if someone in the house is ill).
- China or delicate cycles are best for fragile items.
- Half-load cycles are for washes with just a few items placed in either the top or bottom rack.
- Speed cycle is ideal for cleaning lightly soiled items you need in a hurry, like extra glasses during a party. Many offer cycles that clean and dry in up to one hour.
✔️ Dishwasher racks: As you’ll soon find out, not all dishwasher racks (a.k.a where you place your dirty dishes) are created equal. Here are features we recommend considering:
- Mobility: When you are shopping, slide the racks in and out to make sure they are sturdy and roll smoothly, and check how they adjust.
- Spacing: Some shelves have very narrow spacing between the tines while others provide more room for thick or curved plates. Consider if they will accommodate the items you wash most often: if there’s a platter or plate you want to be sure fits into a new dishwasher, bring it with you to the store!
✔️Features: Folding shelves are great for double stacking cups and mini serving dishes and folding tines make room for large bowls and cookware. Stemware holders are a life-saver if you wash lots of wine glasses, and a third-tier flatware or utensil shelf means you can skip the flatware basket in the lower rack for extra room down below.
✔️Dishwasher tub: The two most popular materials used inside the dishwasher are stainless steel and plastic. Both can be durable, but our vote here goes to stainless steel. Once reserved only for the most expensive models, stainless steel tubs are common on virtually all but the most inexpensive machines these days. Stainless steel retains heat, stays clean and lasts forever.
✔️Dishwasher door: This decision is purely a matter of personal preference. Here's what you'll see when you hit the stores:
- Controls can be visible so you can see the status of the cycle and the time remaining, while other models have hidden controls for a sleeker look.
- Handles on the front are more likely to match the other appliances in your kitchen like the refrigerator or range. Recessed or pocket handles are hidden and won't protrude into the kitchen space.
- Door panels mostly come pre-finished with stainless steel, black or other standard panels but high-end models can also accommodate custom panels to match your kitchen cabinets for an invisible look.
- Finish can be stainless steel (which continues to be the finish of choice), but many brands are now offering black stainless, matte black, white or bronze tones to add warmth and variety. Whichever you select, don’t forget to ask if the door panel is fingerprint-resistant. Many brands offer it and, you’ll be glad you got it.
✔️Energy efficiency: All dishwashers carry Energy Guide labels, so you can check models for how much energy they use and approximately how much they will cost you per year to run. In a dishwasher, energy use is almost entirely tied to water use. The less water it uses, the less energy it consumes.
✔️ Loudness: Dishwashers are one of the few appliances where manufacturers disclose the decibel level of the model (check on the manufacturer's website if you can't find it in-store). The quietest models are around 40 dB or below.
