Dishwasher GuideTo help you choose the Best Dishwasher

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Dishwasher Guide

Looking for a new dishwasher and don’t know where to start? Consumer Reports dishwasher guide will help you with the process from start to finish to help you choose the best dishwasher.

•How much do you need to pay for a dishwasher?•You can pay $1,500 or more for a dishwasher with hidden controls, interactive digital displays, and special grime-fighting cycles, but if you are just looking for clean dishes and good performance prices start at around $500 or less.

•Looking to conserve energy?•Dishwashers are becoming more energy efficient by using less water as manufactures strive to meet tougher federal energy standards. You might be tempted to choose a less efficient dishwasher due to the price difference between that and a high efficiency dishwasher. Keep in mind that lower operating costs can save you more money in the long run. A downside of efficient models is the longer cycle time and less heated water over long periods to get the dishes clean.

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Types of Dishwashers• Budget-priced conventional dishwashers

– If you care more about performance than glitz, and are willing to give up a few convenience features this type is for you.

• Pros: These types of dishwashers run roughly around $500 and clean as well as premium-priced models.

• Cons: These types of dishwashers tend to be noisier then the upscale models and don’t have as many flexible-loading features which can make it difficulty to accommodate tall items.

• Premium-priced conventional dishwashers• Pros: These types of dishwashers run roughly $800 plus. These models are quieter, have ample

flatware slots, folding tines, and other flexible-loading features that you don’t find with the budget-priced conventional dishwashers.

• Cons: When it comes to performance they don’t perform any better then the best low-priced models at cleaning dishes.

• Dishwasher-drawer models• Pros: These models include two small stacked draws that can be used together or individually. Pull

out draws are also easier to use.• Cons: These types of dishwashers are expensive, have relatively small capacities which limit how

much you can wash which contribute to lower efficiency.

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Dishwasher Features• Dishwashers have many features that you may not be aware of. Knowing what features

are available and accessing your own personal needs can help choose the best dishwasher for you.

• Some dishwasher features are:

– Adjustable racks and loading aids

– Soil sensor

– Rinse/hold cycle

– Filters

– Special wash cycles

– Stainless-steel tub

– Hidden touchpad controls

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Dishwasher Brands Need help deciding on a dishwasher brand? There are dozens of makes and models of

dishwashers from many brands. Use this list to help you compare brands and learn more about leading manufactures.

• Bosch

– This highly rated European brand is known as the maker of the quietest, most energy-efficient dishwashers with features that leave dishes sparkling.

• Fisher & Paykel

– This maker is known for having introduced the dishwasher drawer to the U.S. market.

• Frigidaire

– Frigidaire is know for its least expensive models and is normally sold in big-box sores, independent appliance stores, and other national retailers. Frigidaire is owned by Electrolux.

• GE

– GE is the second biggest dishwasher brand and has four lines: GE, Profile, Café, and Monogram.

• Kenmore

– Kenmore is the largest dishwasher brand in this country and is known for its reliability and dependability and has three lines: Kenmore, Kenmore Elite, and Kenmore Pro.

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Dishwasher Brands• KitchenAid

– This high-end brand positions itself as maker of heavily featured appliances geared toward the kitchen enthusiasts and sold through independent dealers

• Maytag

– The company positions its products as durable, but its dishwashers have been relatively repair prone, according to our Annual Product Reliability Survey. Maytag is owned by Whirlpool.

• Miele

– This European brand makes dishwashers that generally excel in energy efficiency but come at a premium cost.

• Whirlpool

– Whirlpool is the third-biggest dishwasher brand in the U.S. and is known for reliability and reasonably priced models. It has two lines: Whirlpool and Whirlpool Gold.

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