Dishwasher Shopping? Here’s What to Look For
Whether you are moving into a new home or the costs of repairing your old dishwasher are piling up, it’s time to go dishwasher shopping. But parsing through the various options and features in today’s marketplace takes time and energy. Luckily, your friends at Diamond Factory Appliance know just what to look for when it comes to choosing a new dishwasher. Read on to learn more.
Not quite ready to upgrade? Diamond offers dishwasher repair in St. Louis, Kansas City, and nearby. Contact us today.
A Dishwasher to Match Your Space
The conventional style of dishwasher has been around for decades. One of the defining attributes of these appliances is that they are built into the cabinetry of the home’s kitchen and draw their water supply from the home’s plumbing (either under the sink or from the basement).
For many homes and apartments, this style of dishwasher is not feasible. If you rent your living space, a portable dishwasher is likely a better option. These types of dishwashers still connect to a home’s water supply, but they are lightweight and can move with you when the time comes. Many styles come on wheels for easy transportability.
For those on a tight budget, countertop models of dishwashers offer an affordable and portable alternative to full-size appliances. In addition to transportability, these units tend to also have lower dishwasher repair costs compared to full-size models.
Dishwasher Cleaning Functionality
Today’s dishwasher technology allows for a variety of options when cleaning your dishes. For the water-conscious, there are “eco modes” available on some models that use a limited amount of water and incorporate steam cleaning to maximize the water used.
If you live in an area that has hard water (i.e. high levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium), consider looking for a model that has a built-in water softener. This will lower the number of mineral deposits that appear on your dishes after a load is completed.
The Noise Factor
The noise level of a dishwasher is something that many prospective buyers are likely to be very interested in. Typically, the retail cost of a dishwasher is related to how noisy it is; the cheaper the appliance, the noisier it tends to be.
Some of the loudest parts of a dishwasher include the drain pump, chopper blade, water inlet valve, and wash pump motor. By looking for a higher-end model of dishwasher, buyers will often find a quieter machine.
The Dishwasher’s Filtration System
The filter is a piece of equipment on all modern dishwashers, and they work to prevent food and other debris from coming into constant contact with dishes as they are cleaned.
Self-cleaning dishwasher filters work by using an electric motor to grind up food debris like a garbage disposal. Manual dishwasher filters hold onto this collected debris, but must be manually removed and cleaned on a regular basis. Because self-cleaning filters use electric motors to grind debris, they tend to be louder than manual dishwasher filters.
Variety of Wash Cycle Options
When shopping for a new dishwasher, it will be important to consider what types of washing cycles are necessary to meet your needs. Do you care about water and energy conservation? Do you wash a lot of delicate items? What about heavy-duty items like pots and pans?
While a unit’s normal washing cycle may be sufficient in many cases, it is important to review the specifications and features listed of any make and model of dishwasher you are considering. Nothing is worse than investing in an appliance that does not meet all of your needs.
Access to Buttons and Digital Controls
For parents of young children, having buttons within reach can lead to endless headaches and redirection. A toddler or pet who constantly starts washing cycles unnecessarily can waste a surprising amount of water and energy.
Many modern appliances come with hidden controls and even digital access via a smartphone application and wireless internet connectivity. While you may pay more for dishwashers with these features, customers tend to report high satisfaction.
At Diamond Appliance, we know a thing or two about dishwasher repair. We service many major brands like Whirlpool, Amana, GE, Maytag, and more. Contact us today with questions or to schedule your service.
