Dishwasher Buying Guide - How To Choose A Dishwasher For Home?
Are you confused between the various dishwasher types available these days? And wondering which one should you buy? If yes, you are not alone. Most of the consumers are confused when it comes to buying a dishwasher online. These days, the options are so many that it can be a daunting task to compare all of them leave alone choosing one. We will today provide you with a one-stop solution to this problem. We will help you understand the parameters which you should consider while comparing different dishwashers.
With our dishwasher buying guide, it will become easier than ever for you to pick the right one. Let us now move ahead and look at the factors that you should keep in mind.
Types Of Dishwashers
Did you know that dishwashers are available in many different types? The first factor which you should check is the type which you need. In case you aren’t aware of the types available, we can help you with that as well. We will highlight the various kinds of such washers below to help you understand which one will be perfect for you.
Built-in Dishwasher
This type of dishwasher is one of the most common ones which you will find. It is built-in under the counter. It is not portable, and you cannot remove it and reinstall it easily. Moreover, all the plumbing, as well as the power connections, are already done, and you need not connect the faucet or modify any other fixture to operate it. Most of them are available as stainless steel dishwashers to make the kitchen interiors look elegant without forming rust after several years of usages.When it comes to convenience, this one is undoubtedly a perfect choice.
Free-standing Dishwasher
Do yow want a portable dishwasher with cabinets to effectively place utensils? If yes, you should consider purchasing freestanding dishwasher. As the name suggests, it is of a type free-standing dish-washing machine; therefore, moving it around is not a problem. Also, it is not a permanent one, which means that when you’re not using it, you can simply store it away. You need to make sure to connect the plumbing fixtures, adjust the height, and power it by connecting to the electric socket. Only once you do so, you can start using this type.
Countertop Dishwasher
The best countertop dishwasher is one of the most compact ones available. As the name suggests, you need to place it on the countertop. They have the versatile functionality where you can use from small houses to medium and big-sized apartments without worrying about it's fit in the kitchen space. In contrast with portable dishwashers, countertop dishwashers have limited space internally and won’t occupy a lot of space. One of the main reasons to opt for this countertop is it acts as a full-size dishwasher with multiple wash cycles like light, normal, heavy, glass, speed settings and consumes 3 gallons of water for single wash.
Drawer Type Dishwasher
Do you want a discreet dishwasher? If yes, the drawer type one will fit your requirements. On the outer side, it just seems like a regular drawer and you will realize when you pull it out that you realize that it is a good dishwasher. The best feature about this drawer type is that it is available in 2 different variants. The first one is the single drawer dishwasher and the second is the double drawer dishwasher. You can choose the size you prefer.
As you can see, you have options when it comes to types. You need to decide which one is more convenient for you and choose accordingly. However, it is not the only factor to keep in mind when choosing one. Due to this reason, it is essential to go through the factors below to make the right decision.
Dishwasher Capacity
The next important factor to keep in mind is the capacity of the dishwasher. You need to look at the number of tubs or racks available. Next comes the number of plates or utensils that can be accommodated in each attack. When you look at this, it will be easier for you to gauge the capacity.
Most manufacturers directly list the capacity as well. In that case, you need to merely compare the size of one dishwasher with another to pick the right one. It is not always necessary to go with the biggest which you can find, but taking the capacity into account helps you choose the right one.
Washing Cycles
Did you know that dishwashers often offer different washing cycles? Generally speaking, the cycles are:
- Light wash
- Heavy wash
- Regular wash
- Economic wash
While you might not use all of these cycles but it is advisable to choose one that offers them. It will ensure that you can customize the operation of the dish-washing machine, which will once again make it easy for you to clean the utensils efficiently.
Construction Quality
The construction quality is dependent on the material in use. It will also determine the life span of the washer. Generally speaking, there are a few materials in use. These include:
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is often used in the interiors as well as the exterior. It is much better than the plastic alternative. So, get the most popular GE stainless steel dishwasher for longevity.
Steel: Steel is a pretty versatile material. It can be used for the exterior of the machine as well as for the top and side. While it is quite sturdy as well but it can transfer heat quickly, and therefore the insulation is on the lower side. On the positive side, it can keep odor and stains away.
Thus, when you’re trying to gauge the construction quality, it is essential to look at the construction quality first.
Noise Level
Noise level is an important criterion which many consumers ignore. Instead of making the mistake of ignoring this parameter, you should always find out the noise specification of each one which you are looking to buy. Only once you do so, choosing a quiet dish-washing machine will be possible.
Most dishwashers have a noise level above 50 dB. While it still allows you to work when the washer is working, but it is a bit louder nevertheless. Ideally, you should be looking for one with a noise level between 40 DB to 50 DB. It will ensure that nobody gets disturbed in their rooms.
If you’re looking for the quietest possible one and do not mind spending extra for it, you should go with dishwashing machine having a noise level lesser than 40 DB. It will ensure that nobody gets disturbed. Overall, the noise rating of a dishwasher can actually help you in shortlisting the perfect option for you easily.
Aesthetics
These days most appliances in our kitchen come in stainless steel finish. That, however, does not mean that every stainless steel appliance will fit into your kitchen when it comes to aesthetics.
You should never forget to look at the aesthetics of the dishwasher before making your buying decision. Ideally, you need an appliance that can amalgamate into your kitchen easily. It should not stand out like a sore thumb. Only when that is the case, it will become possible to choose the right one.
Size Of Dishwasher
Whether you’re buying a double drawer variant or a stand-alone dishwasher machine, it is crucial to know the dimensions of the same. Nobody wants to make unnecessary modifications in their kitchen. That is why; it is a much better idea to know the exact dimensions before buying.
When buying online, the specifications will clearly state the dimensions. It will help you understand whether you can accommodate it in your kitchen without any modifications or not. In an ideal case, it is necessary to choose an appliance that does not require any additional changes in your kitchen.
Energy Star Certified Dishwashers
Pick energy efficient dishwashers from the list of top dishwasher brands to reduce energy, water consumption and improve the overall device performance. Adding up, these energy-star certified dishwashers have come up with cutting-edge technology to minimize the power (electricity bills) throughout its usage.
Budget
Lastly, you have to consider the budget or cost of a dishwasher into account for easy shopping. It will be the last filtration criteria you can use. These days, there are a variety of such washers available spread across the diverse budget range. You also get the option of various brands as well. That is why it is necessary to keep the budget in mind to shortlist the right choice.
Going 5% or 10% above your budget is not a problem. However, when comparing with the top-rated dishwasher products, you should not choose one which costs double the budget as you will be imposed more on maintenance and repairing costs every year.
Top-Notch Dishwasher Brands
You might be thinking, should you go with a specific brand? When choosing an appliance from a specific brand, there are certain advantages and disadvantages which you have. We will go into both of these to help you understand whether you should go with the branded option or not.
Dishwasher Reviews And Ratings
It's pretty exciting to know that almost 80% of the global population look for reviews and ratings before purchasing any product online to make sure it is worth purchasing. In the same way, you should do a bit research work like checking for the dishwasher reviews and ratings (provided by the critics as well) to build trust and make purchase without any dilemma. Better the reviews and ratings, better the dishwasher brand is.
Advantages
The advantages of buying a dishwasher from a reputed brand include:
• The main advantage is that you are buying from a trustworthy company. So, you can be sure about the life and durability of the dishwasher.
• The after-sales support of most of the brands is up to the mark.
• You can be sure that you will get a proper manual and instructions to operate the dishwasher.
• You can avoid fly-by-night operators, and therefore you get an appliance that can last for years together.
Final Verdict - Which dishwasher should i prefer?
Instead of getting confused between the different types of dishwashers available in the market, it is a much better idea to use the above-mentioned factors above to compare and pick the right one from the top-ranking dishwashers in 2020. These parameters will surely help you shortlist a handful of options that are reliable, efficient, and feature-rich. Choosing between these options is very easy compared to comparing hundreds of different appliances. Thus, it will save you hours of research when you go with our dishwasher buying guide above to pick the right one such as frigidaire built-in dishwasher for apartment. Further, if you have doubts regarding purchasing the dishwasher online, put down the comments below. We will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
