The Basics: Built-In Dishwashers

Today's built-in dishwashers can cost a pittance or a small fortune, but either way you can be reasonably assured of receiving a reliable appliance that excels at its primary function -- washing dishes. A typical built-in dishwasher fits into a 24-inch wide space under a kitchen countertop and needs to be connected to both a hot-water line and electricity. For this reason, it makes sense to place it near a sink, where hot water is already available.

Many dishwashers, even in the low to middle price ranges, will offer sensors. Once an expensive and premium feature, sensors are now standard on many models. A sensor uses microprocessor technology to adjust the amount of water used and the length of time a cycle runs. The sensor makes adjustments based on the measurement of soil found in the wash water to save water and energy.

More expensive models will offer the latest trends in dishwashers. The most recent of these trends is the use of steam to boost cleaning and the addition of environmentally conscious or "green" features. PC updateable models that allow your repairman to reprogram your model from his laptop are also available. Less recent innovations, such as quiet operation and energy efficiency, are in extreme demand and ever more popular. Convenience features, hidden or unusually styled controls, stainless steel interiors and more attractive exterior designs are also important options to consider when looking for the right built-in dishwasher for your kitchen.

Budget models start at $300-$400 and can clean moderately dirty dishes without pre-rinsing. Most likely, models in this price range will not be particularly quiet or efficient in water or energy usage. They are also not likely to offer the latest in styling or convenience features. To move beyond simple, effective dishwashing, you will need to look at models with higher price tags. Many dishwashers are sold in the popular mid-range of $450-$700 and come with a decent set of features that should meet the needs of most households. At the very top end of the price range you'll find models than can easily cost you $1200-$2000, and these should offer the very latest and best dishwasher technology on the market.

How to Shop

Here are a few questions to consider when shopping for a built-in dishwasher:

How can I tell if a dishwasher will really be quiet? One of the most important features for many consumers is how quiet a dishwasher operates. Lots of families spend a good amount of time in the kitchen and want a dishwasher that is not so noisy as to be intrusive. The best way to determine how noisy a dishwasher will be is to find out how many decibels (db) of sound it produces. Typically the dishwashers with the quietest operation will publish this information in their specifications. Noisier models are unlikely to list any information about decibel output, making it difficult to make a logical comparison. You should check the specifications and compare the decibel output of each model to make an informed decision.

How will I know if a dishwasher is truly water and energy efficient? Efficient use of water and energy is yet another important consideration. An efficient dishwasher can save you money by limiting the use of both water and electricity. A model that uses water more efficiently often uses 1 to 4 gallons less water per load than is the norm. Typically, the European models are more efficient than the American brands. Sometimes the trade-off is that you will have to occasionally clean out a filter on a European brand. Cleaning the filter usually needs to be done only once or twice a month, but failure to do so can impair the efficient operation of the dishwasher. In an effort to conserve energy, the U.S. federal government has set standards for dishwashers. More efficient models bear the Energy Star label and exceed the minimum standards by at least 25 percent -- so be sure to compare models and look for the Energy Star rating. Another helpful feature to look for on an energy efficient dishwasher is a delay timer, which allows you to set the unit to operate at a later time when power rates in your area may be lower.

Which dishwasher model will be most convenient for me? Convenience, especially in the way the dishwasher loads, is yet one more factor to take into consideration. Will you need adjustable racks for stemware or lots of fold-down tines for large bowls or extra cutlery baskets? You may want an oversize 30-inch dishwasher, or a three-rack model may be to your liking. Those who often run out of dishes before amassing a full load might consider a smaller unit, such as a dish drawer model. This type is really two small pull-out dishwasher drawers mounted side-by-side or on top of one another. In this configuration, you can run one load while waiting to amass enough dishes for the second load. Alternatively, you can run two different types of loads at one time, such as crystal and china in one drawer and food preparation dishes in the other. Since the dish drawer models are smaller than the typical dishwasher, you will want to double check to be sure that your largest dinner plates will fit inside the machine. Yet another outstanding dishwasher feature is an upper flatware tray, which is one of the best ways to care for silverware. Utensils come out clean and shiny and resist the pock marks and stains that are commonly found in dishwashers that allow caustic detergent to drop on flatware as the door is closed. A final energy efficient dishwasher option to consider is a full-size model that can run just a half load, using either the upper or lower rack. All of these features provide certain conveniences -- to find out which type will best serve you depends on your personal preferences.

Why would I spend a lot on a dishwasher? Designer styling is one of the biggest reasons that buyers spend more on appliances. Increasingly popular are models with hidden or partially hidden controls that provide a kitchen with a streamlined look. The color of a dishwasher has always been important in the kitchen and today is no different. Stainless steel finishes are the most popular, while white, black and bisque remain common choices. Panels that match kitchen cabinets continue to be available and are making a comeback, especially for models with fully integrated (hidden) controls. On the horizon, we predict there will be additional metallic and some bronze-like finishes offered on some models. These add a nice appeal to the appliance and the kitchen -- and increase the price as well.

What other general information do I need to know when shopping for a dishwasher? The big three manufacturers of dishwashers are Whirlpool, Frigidaire and GE. These brands are sold under their own names and also manufacture units sold under the Kenmore label at Sears. Kenmore outsells all of the big three individually and is the largest selling brand in North America. Whirlpool manufacturers the KitchenAid and Roper dishwashers and recently purchased Maytag, the maker of the Magic Chef and Amana models. Ingliss is a brand that is made by Whirlpool Canada. GE manufacturers a wide range of dishwashers for their own company and produces the value-priced Hotpoint line. Frigidaire manufactures a large number of models and additionally offers the high-end, sophisticated Electrolux units. Common European brands include Miele, Asko, Ariston, Gaggenau and Bosch. Bosch recently introduced a "green" machine and also manufactures the less expensive line of Siemens dishwashers. Another big player is Fisher & Paykel from New Zealand. This company manufactures the unique dish drawer system, which can also be found bearing the DCS, Kenmore and KitchenAid labels. Asian brands are on the rise and are often particularly attractive in price. These brands include Haier, Samsung, Danby and LG Electronics, which offers more deluxe and also more expensive models.

To select the right dishwasher for your kitchen, we suggest that you set a starting budget before you begin shopping. Once you know what you can afford, you can look for the models that offer specific features to your liking. Compare models for noise output, energy efficiency and convenience features. Adjust the features list to your budget accordingly to meet your requirements. Remember that you can find a perfectly serviceable dishwasher for less than $400, while more expensive models will offer more advanced features. Whatever your budget, there are plenty of options out there that will get the dishwashing done for you.