And The Winner Is-Reviews of the Best Dishwashers

By: Deshawn Agtarap


What features do reviewer test when deciding on the best dishwashers? Dishwasher reviews can be based on cost alone. Others test loading ease, cleaning ability, noise of operation, and energy efficiency.

Expert reviewers say one important feature is the wash level. This means how many tiers from which water is sprayed to clean the dishes. The better choices will have at least three or more tiers, while the "builder grade" will have the one spray arm in the bottom of the dishwasher. Although builder grade dishwashers are often put in new construction homes because they cost less, they usually do not clean as well and are noisier during operation.

Features for cleaner dishes are another favorite of reviewers. If the tines that hold the dishes can fold down, it offers more configurations for loading various shaped dishes. Often without adjustable tines, casserole pans and mixing bowls will not get cleaned as well because they do not load in properly. A self-cleaning filter assures greatest water flow in case you forget to clean the filter by hand. Hotter water protects against germs as it sanitizes the dishes, so you want a strong heating element.

Noise is not a favored feature. Most people want a quiet dishwasher operation. Expert reviewers say noise level is directly related to price because pricier models are better insulated, which is the reducer of the noise.

According to seven reviewers who researched 75 dishwasher models, the Kenmore Elite was ranked as the best dishwasher overall. The Kenmore Elite is one of the most expensive models at an average price of $1050, but it has many desirable features that make it worth every penny. The tub is stainless steel instead of plastic, which will make stains non-existent. The top rack can be adjusted to allow for varying heights of dishes. The Kenmore Elite comes equipped with the QuietGuard system to reduce noise, making it one of the quietest operating dishwashers on the market. The best feature is the 3-year warranty that outlasts most any other warranty available.

If you do not need all of the bells and whistles but still want some of the extras, you can choose the model that was named Best Value in dishwashers. The Maytag MDB7601A offers the same cleaning ability as the Kenmore Elite at half the price: an average of $500. The racks are adjustable up and down, but it also has folding tines, cup clips, and a special feature to hold odd-shaped objects. It increases its loading flexibility by including an extra basket for items that do not fit elsewhere. It does not have a stainless steel tub but a plastic one, and the warranty is only for one year. However, saving over $500 may be worth it.

If you are on a tighter budget and need to save even more money, you can buy the reviewer-ranked Best Budget dishwasher. This Maytag MDB5601A is the basic Maytag model, but it cleans as well as the fancier models and still has some nice features. Although it does not have adjustable racks and special spots for odd-shaped items, it does work quietly and offer some nice panel features. It has a delay start timer, a sensor that detects dirt, and electronic controls. With a one-year warranty on parts and labor, this basic Maytag model is still a great choice in value at an average price of $380.

If you just need a decent, inexpensive dishwasher, you can get the Whirlpool DU850SWP for around $300. This model does not have the cleaning ability of the Maytag or Kenmore, and it is not quiet in its performance; however, any model in this price range will have those issues more or less. With three wash cycles, a self-cleaning filter, and a delay start as its only added features, this Whirlpool model is the least expensive dishwasher out there. It does have a one-year warranty, so if you are limited because of money, this could serve as a decent dishwasher selection.

The newest kid on the dishwasher block is the drawer dishwasher. These scaled-down versions of conventional dishwashers have a unique look of stacked drawers. They are convenient in that they hold smaller loads for smaller households since a one-drawer unit holds only a 6-place setting instead of the 10-place setting that fits in larger models. The reviews reveal that dishwasher drawers get mediocre scores for heavy cleaning. Only two companies make these drawer dishwashers, but Fisher and Paykel are more affordable ranging from $700 to $1700 depending on which model you choose.

Dishwashers come in all prices and several different cleaning abilities and added features. Depending on what features you feel are a must you can spend a great deal or go as cheaply as possible. Decide on what features are an absolute must for you so that you can research which brand and model are the best in that range. One must that will save you money in the long run is spending a few extra dollars up front on an energy efficient model.

How do you find out which dishwasher is rated as more energy efficient? That is easy. The government requires that all appliances, including dishwashers, have a label to show certain information to help you comparison shop. You will find a yellow and black label on the dishwasher, as well as other home appliances, that will show its capacity, its estimated yearly energy consumption, and a comparison to the energy use of equal-sized dishwashers. You can easily compare these tags among several models of dishwashers to find which is rated to use less energy each year.

When shopping for a new dishwasher, compare the energy ratings as well as these review findings to find the real best deal. Choose models of similar size and style to compare performance and Energy Guide labels




Deshawn has been a salesperson for automotive industry for more than 10 years and enjoys helping customers select the right atv according to their preferences. Come to www.atv-now.com to get free advice on different types of atv.