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How to Choose a Dishwasher by Nikki Willhite Do you consider a dishwasher an essential appliance in a kitchen? Call me old-fashioned, but in my mind they are still a luxury. I remember the days of washing dishes by hand. I wasn't so bad. If you had help, it was actually a fun time with your family. One person washed and one or more people dried the dishes and helped put them away. When you were done, you were done. You didn't have to empty the dishwasher in the morning. If you couldn't get any help, you just put them in plastic rack on the counter to dry. Having said that, one of my favorite things about a dishwasher is that the dishes can be sterilized with high heat.. Anything that contributes to the health and safety of my family is of great worth to me. Dishwashers have gotten very sophisticated. There are so many features. Dishwashers have many settings. They can do everything from just rinsing your dishes to running them through a heavy wash and double rinse for pots and pans. When you go out to purchase a dishwasher, you will have many options. It is important to decide which features you want, as generally speaking, the more "bells and whistles,"  the higher the price. HERE ARE SOME CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CHOOSING A DISHWASHER. ENERGY STAR APPLIANCES Does a higher price justify the energy star rating? Check the tag carefully. Sometimes there is no significant savings of energy - only a significant price increase. CYCLES If you normally just use the regular wash, it may not be worth paying for additional cycles. SIZE Don't buy a dishwasher so large that you cannot run full loads, or you will be wasting money. The biggest expense in operating a dishwasher is heating up the water. You always want it to be full. Be sure you measure the space available under your counter and that the unit you select will fit. COLOR Most people like their dishwasher to match their refrigerator and stove. Don't make a decision you are going to regret down the road. If your other appliances are going to need replacing soon, decide on a color now and choose that color for your new dishwasher. SOUND If you kitchen is part of an open floor plan family area, you may want to pay for a quiet model. These have extra insulation, quiet pumps, and other sound absorbing features. SPEED Some models have a light cycle that is quicker and uses less energy. Depending on your needs, this could save you some money. SPACE Some models are versatile in that they allow you to alter the position of racks and fold down sections for more space. If you wash a lot of oddly shaped pieces, this may be a feature that appeals to you. PRICE Wait for sales, do price comparison, and remember that most stores honor their competitions prices. Be mindful of delivery prices, and the cost of installation. If you have an old dishwasher, make sure they will absorb the cost of taking it away. Don't be in a hurry to buy a dishwasher. There are lots of models. Be sure you are spending your money wisely. It is also worth checking out Craig's list. When people remodel or upgrade their kitchen, they often get rid of appliances that are in very good condition. You may even find one for free. About the Author: Nikki Willhite, mother of 3 and an interior design graduate, has been writing and publishing articles on the topic of frugal living for over a decade. Visit her at www.frugalhappyfamilies.com - where you will find hundreds of frugal living tips and articles. Frugal Happy Families- more than just money!

 

 

 

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