There are dishwashers on the market to suit different lifestyles, with varying degrees of portability and installation requirements. So before you start shopping, it is advisable to know exactly what type of dishwasher is right for you to ensure it will fit nicely in your home and provide you many years of convenience.
Built-in Under-Counter Dishwashers (Traditional)
These built-in installed units provide the best operating convenience, being permanently located for easy access with no need to relocate it to the kitchen sink every time you need to use it. Since there is no hook-up to the faucet, your kitchen sink can be used for other purposes at the same time your dishwasher is running.
These dishwashers do require a plumbing installation to your home's waterworks, and instructions are usually available with the purchase, or through the manufacturer or dealer.
You will also lose a fair size cupboard for this installation, with the standard width of dishwashers being 24", and compact ones that have an 18" width. If you have ample cupboards in your kitchen, the convenience of a built-in dishwasher will quickly outweigh the loss of storage space.
After installation, if perchance you have a 6" to 8" width of cupboard space left under-counter, this provides a terrific narrow storage cupboard for cookie sheets, trays and muffin tins and a custom hinged door is easy to cut and hang for this size of cupboard.
Keep in mind that if you are planning a move in the future, a permanently installed dishwasher would be expected to remain with the home. For this reason, built-in dishwashers or dishdrawers are not advisable for a rental home or apartment.
Drawer Dishwashers
Also called dishdrawers, these non-traditional dishwashers are pricey but if you can afford one, you'll find it the most convenient. First introduced by Fisher & Paykel, there are only a few brands and models on the market, which accounts for the non-competitive pricing. Drawer dishwashers come in two styles - double drawers or a single drawer unit are require the same type of permanent installation as a traditional dishwasher.
Their biggest benefit is convenience - you can run one or both of the double drawers - each is independent of the other. You can even use different wash cycles. They are also the best when it comes to saving energy because you can run smaller loads when you need to. The single units are ideal for singles or couples that have few dishes to wash and loading requires no bending. As for features, you'll find similar features and wash cycles as you would with most high-end dishwashers.
Portable Free-Standing Dishwashers
Suitable for a family and with no special plumbing installation required, portable dishwashers are a great option for apartment dwellers or for those who relocate often. They only require a parking space in your kitchen and operation is simple. When you need to run it, wheel it to the kitchen sink, connect with an adapter to the hot water faucet, load and operate as you would a built-in model.
These units generally have the same features and capacity as their built-in counterparts, and they also provide additional counter workspace since most have a butcher block or durable counter top. There is also no storage space sacrificed for these models, but it is advisable to review your kitchen format for the most convenient location for it. At one time these units were higher priced, but now they are comparable in price to built-in models. It's the capacity and additional features that mostly affect price.
Countertop Dishwashers
These are the most economical of all models and require a counter or stand to locate them close to the sink. To operate, you need a connection or adapter to attach to the faucet and they generally run as long as the faucet is turned on.
I have used a countertop dishwasher for several years with a small family, and found it cleaned well as long as dishes were rinsed or food residue removed, and the unit was operated immediately after a meal. Capacity is usually a place setting for four (though there are larger models) and cookware or serving pieces might require handwashing. Dishes can either be heat, air or hand dried. Newer models now have some enhanced washing cycles and heated drying. However, these are impractical if counter space is at a premium and inadequate for a large family.
Dishwashers have become very economical to purchase and energy-wise to operate, making them a valuable time-saving and must-have kitchen appliance. Now that you've decided what type of dishwasher is right for you, Before You Buy a Dishwasher will provide other buying tips and considerations so you can be ready to shop for your dishwasher.
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Dishwasher FAQ's & Tips
Dishwasher Pitfalls - How Not to Load a Dishwasher
Cash for Appliances Energy Star Rebate Programs
Major Appliances Resources
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