How to choose a dishwasher?

The dishwashers come as compact standard built-in and standalone models

You have to choose the type depending on the area where the dishwasher is to be located and the family size. I will discuss some of the features, you may want to consider.

The tub

Low end dishwashers have the tub made of plastic. Higher end tubs are made of Stainless steel. Stainless prevents rust and staining. Yes! the staining may be an important issue with the Turemeric in the curries.

Do not use bleach based detergents with stainless steel tubs.

The manufacturers are always optimizing the inside to increase capacity. Some of them have introduced a concept of 'tall tub' to this end.

Rack System/Drawers

You really need to asses this area to make sure it does meet your needs: the plate-sizes, the depth of pans, bowls and Katori, cups, glassware, flatware, and cooking utensils.

Some dishwashers have 3 three racks but may limit the size of the plates or the depth of pans. Most of the dish washers still have only two racks. Some have sloping racks, while the others are horizontal.

Some have drawers.

Water Usage

Dishwashers use a lot of water from 3½ to 12 gallons to do one load of dishes. This can really add up on your water bill. Manufacturers try to economize on water usage. Read carefully, how the water usage is defined, what cycles are included and what are not included.

Food Disposer

High end models have a built-in heavy duty food grinder. It grinds up food particles and flushes them out so they don't re-deposit back on the cleaned dishes. Some of the models require pre-rinse, others don't.

Sensor Wash

Some of the dishwashers use this technology to detect how dirty the water is and then adjust when water needs to be changed. This is done by passing a beam of light through water and measuring how opaque the water has become from food particles.

Rinse Hold

To save on water and electricity, you should use your dishwasher when it is full. This feature helps you rinse dishes to be washed another day till the dishwasher is full. Remember every time you use this feature, you may be using 3 to 5 gallons of water.

Water temperature and heater

Almost all the dishwashers are hooked to hot water supply. For normal usage (shower, washing hands), your 'hot water heater' heats water to 120 or 125º F. On low-end dishwashers, the dishes are washed at the same temperature.

You need water temperature over 140º F to effectively dissolve dishwasher detergents and remove grease. Hot water also eliminates need to pre-rinse or soak dishes to remove caked-on dry starchy foods. The high temperature also sanitizes dishes by killing most of the germs at 140º F. Mid-range dishwashers have a heater to sanitize dishes.

On the high-end, a booster heater is employed and used efficiently for various wash and rinse cycles.

Some of the new high-end dishwasher use cold water supply and employ a 'flow-thru' water heater. The water is heated, while the dishes are being rinsed in cold water.

In the long run a booster heater or a flow through heater will save both on your water and electric bill.

Wash Cycles

All the dishwashers have three wash cycles: light, normal, and heavy. Choose the dishwasher that have wash cycles you may need: Pot scrubber, soak/scrub,  china/crystal, energy saver, short-wash.

Spray holes

The spray holes are located in the wash arm that sprays water. Smaller holes do a better job of scrubbing.

Hot or Natural drying

This option is useful to save on electric bill. Heat drying takes a lot of energy. Circulation fan for natural drying uses a minimum amount of energy. The stainless steel tub is also preferred as it retains heat and helps with natural drying.

The noise level

The basic dishwashers are just noisy. The noise results from humming motor, water splashing, etc. Make sure the dishwashers have insulated walls to reduce noise level. Mid to high end dishwashers now actually specify the noise levels.

Delayed-Start control

This feature allows you to run the dishwasher while you are away from home, asleep, or during off-peak hours when utility rates or low. This feature can save you on your electric bill and let you sleep peacefully.

Hidden/Exposed Controls

Hidden controls are more for decor than utility. Hidden controls do reduce scrutiny by  small children.

Care

Familiarize yourself with the filter. At least once a month clean your filters. Always scrape your food off the dishes before loading the dishwasher.