A Simple Buying Guide for Dishwashers

Are you looking to buy a new dishwasher, but not sure where to start? Are you pressed for time, and need to replace that broken or outdated unit right now? Feeling in over your head is understandable, since dishwashers have advanced in complexity of design and use almost as much as a computer! Instead of relying on a gut decision, however, use some of these tips to guide you in the right direction for your next purchase.

What Is Your Budget?

The most important thing to keep in mind while shopping is how much you are willing to spend on a new dishwasher. If you are trying to keep a smaller budget, don’t get overly attached to a model priced at more than double what you can spend. However, if you do find something you adore, keep in mind that many retailers have sales or payment plans that you can work with.

Know Exactly What You Need

How many people will be using the dishwasher? How frequently will you be running the machine? Will all of your dishes need to be cleaned by it, or will you hand scrub pots and pans? It is advisable to sit down and think about what it is you’re looking for in your next dishwasher. With a wide variety of new features spread across many brands, you should have a good idea of your needs before setting foot in a store. These questions will also help you decide if you should go with a standard, compact, or drawer model. In general, dishwasher capacity is measured based on how many place settings you can fit in a single load. Here are the basic capacity ranges:

• Compact: Up to eight five-piece place settings
• Standard: Up to 12 five-piece place settings
• Tall tub: Up to 14 five-piece place settings

Know More, Get More

Don’t get suckered into buying a device that has options or settings you might not need. It seems like everyone is advertising a new sensor or screen for their appliances. Do some reading about different brands and what technologies they’re promoting in their dishwashers and decide whether they would be helpful. Bosch dishwashers, for example, tend to be a nice balance between modern and utilitarian. 

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