Important features Dishwashers
Most models offer at least three wash cycles—light, normal, and heavy or pots and pans—which should be enough for most jobs. Some offer power-washing features designed to remove baked-on residue. Kenmore's Turbo Zone exposes a section of the tub to high-pressure washing; it worked well in our tests. Rinse/hold lets you rinse dirty dishes before using the dishwasher on a full cycle. Other cycles on many models include pot scrubber, soak/scrub, and china/crystal, none of which we consider crucial for most homes. What's more, a sanitizing wash or rinse option that raises water temperature above the typical 140° F doesn't necessarily mean better cleaning.
Dishwashers often spray water from multiple places, or "levels," in the machine. Most models offer a choice of drying with or without heat. And all dishwashers use filters to keep wash water free of food that can be redeposited on clean dishes. Most filters are self-cleaning via grinders. Some pricey models trade the grinder's noise for filters you must pull out and clean manually. You can also check whether other models offer soundproofing insulation.
Most dishwashers have electronic touchpad controls, some fully or partially hidden in the top edge of the door. Touchpads are easiest to wipe clean. Dials indicate progress through a cycle, while some electronic models digitally display time left and others merely show a "clean" signal. A delayed-start control lets you set the dishwasher to start, say, at night when utility rates may be lower. Some models offer child locks.
Most models hold cups and glasses on top, plates on the bottom, and silverware in a basket. Adjustable or split racks can accommodate taller dishes. Some let you put 10-inch dinner plates on the top and bottom racks. Other features include adjustable and removable tines; slots for silverware that prevent crowding; removable racks that allow loading and unloading outside the dishwasher; stemware holders for wine glasses; clips to keep light plastic cups from overturning; and fold-down shelves for stacking cups in a double-tiered arrangement.
Stainless-steel tubs should last a long time. While light-colored plastic tubs may discolor, models that have them tend to cost far less, and the tubs should hold longer than most people keep the machine. Gray-speckled plastic tubs should also resist stains. Cabinet-matching front panels are available as kits, typically for several hundred dollars.
Most models offer at least three wash cycles—light, normal, and heavy or pots and pans—which should be enough for most jobs. Some offer power-washing features designed to remove baked-on residue. Kenmore's Turbo Zone exposes a section of the tub to high-pressure washing; it worked well in our tests. Rinse/hold lets you rinse dirty dishes before using the dishwasher on a full cycle. Other cycles on many models include pot scrubber, soak/scrub, and china/crystal, none of which we consider crucial for most homes. What's more, a sanitizing wash or rinse option that raises water temperature above the typical 140° F doesn't necessarily mean better cleaning.
Dishwashers often spray water from multiple places, or "levels," in the machine. Most models offer a choice of drying with or without heat. And all dishwashers use filters to keep wash water free of food that can be redeposited on clean dishes. Most filters are self-cleaning via grinders. Some pricey models trade the grinder's noise for filters you must pull out and clean manually. You can also check whether other models offer soundproofing insulation.
Most dishwashers have electronic touchpad controls, some fully or partially hidden in the top edge of the door. Touchpads are easiest to wipe clean. Dials indicate progress through a cycle, while some electronic models digitally display time left and others merely show a "clean" signal. A delayed-start control lets you set the dishwasher to start, say, at night when utility rates may be lower. Some models offer child locks.
Most models hold cups and glasses on top, plates on the bottom, and silverware in a basket. Adjustable or split racks can accommodate taller dishes. Some let you put 10-inch dinner plates on the top and bottom racks. Other features include adjustable and removable tines; slots for silverware that prevent crowding; removable racks that allow loading and unloading outside the dishwasher; stemware holders for wine glasses; clips to keep light plastic cups from overturning; and fold-down shelves for stacking cups in a double-tiered arrangement.
Stainless-steel tubs should last a long time. While light-colored plastic tubs may discolor, models that have them tend to cost far less, and the tubs should hold longer than most people keep the machine. Gray-speckled plastic tubs should also resist stains. Cabinet-matching front panels are available as kits, typically for several hundred dollars.
