| Dishwasher Trends
HSM Staff Most people agree that a dishwasher is something they just can’t do without. That does not mean that they are willing to settle for less than fabulous results. We want our dishwashers to be energy efficient, provide versatile loading options, deliver exceptional cleaning (complete with numerous cycle options); all while looking good and being quiet too. Fortunately, the many of the top dishwasher manufacturers have listened.
Photo courtesty Ariston
| Most dishwashers on the market are energy efficient- 670 carry the energy star rating. According to Energy Star, “dishwashers [those labeled with the energy star] use at least 41 percent less energy than the federal minimum standard for energy consumption.” These models use substantially less water than their predecessors. You can expect to save as much as $30 annually on your utility costs by running an energy efficient model. |  | Manufacturers have added specialized racks to many of their models to make them more load friendly. KichenAid includes racks to accommodate stemware and a silverware basket that can be split for smaller loads. Miele has increased its number of racks from two to three: (top) cutlery, (middle) glassware, and (bottom) plates. Frigidaire models feature an additional basket for small items and tines that can be folded to accommodate large ones. More expensive models will generally offer better loading flexibility, but only pay for the additional features if you will REALLY use them. Most dishwashers come equipped with multiple wash cycle options to maximize results. High end models include a steam option, but many consumer reporting agencies have concluded that the slight improvement in cleaning is not worth the $850 to $1,500 price tag. What does seem to improve performance are models that feature separate, concentrated jets. These extended cycles clean heavily soiled dishes better than the normal cycle alone and fall within the $600 price range. Stainless steel continues to be the finish of choice for kitchen appliances- nearly 80% of us buy stainless. While it does require a little more cleaning (darn fingerprints), stainless works in any style kitchen. Black or white models can usually be purchased in a stainless option for as little as $100 more. And it just looks good. While dishwashers have become more energy efficient, their run times have grown longer. If your kitchen borders a living area or you run it during the day, you may want to consider a quieter model. These models do come with a higher price tag however. So if price is more important, load it up and press start at bedtime. Any feature that you could possibly want in a dishwasher is probably available for budgets big and small. Be mindful of the features that are really important to you though. While some trends are hip and now they may not feel that way tomorrow. Avoid throwing your money away by doing your research and purchasing brands with a proven track record.
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