Many people do not realize that washing dishes by hand can potentially use more water than using a dishwasher. Dishwashers are a great time-saver, but they can also save water and energy. The advanced dishwashers on the market work to sanitize your dishes and provide a sleeker, quieter operation that will blend into your kitchen decor. When buying a dishwasher, there are a number of factors to consider, including cost, features and energy efficiency, so it's a good idea to thoroughly research the different types of available dishwashers. Here are some basics for what to look for in a dishwasher.
There are a few common types of dishwashers to choose from: standard built-in, compact and in-sink. Select the one that fits your needs best. The standard built-in dishwasher is made with a drop-down hinged door and has a permanent place in the kitchen. This model is best if you wash large loads of dishes regularly. Most use approximately 2.4 gallons of water per load.
Compact dishwashers are suited for people with limited cabinet space, usually in an apartment or RV. These models are small but still offer many of the sane features found on the standard models, with approximately eight settings.
In-sink dishwashers are for washing small loads quickly and can literally fit into your sink. The smaller loads use less water than the standard or compact. If you do not mind paying a high price for the small load capacity, this is the right model for you.
Newer models have upgrades on many of the basic settings and features. The wash and rinse cycles on some advanced models have up to 19 options for specific types of dishes. These include crystal and china settings, pot scrubbing, steam cleaning and high-temperature sanitizing rinses.
Energy-efficient dishwashers are regulated by government energy standards and will have an Energy Star label. These dishwashers use approximately 41 percent less energy than the minimum standard set by the federal government for energy consumption.