If you don’t presently own a dishwasher, your main concerns are probably your budget and the space you have available in your kitchen for this new appliance. Although you can spend upwards of $1,000 for a state-of-the-art dishwasher, you can also buy a serviceable model for about $300. And plenty of dishwashers are available in the $450–$700 range.
For anyone remodeling an old kitchen, a dishwasher is probably near the top of the wish list. Although portable dishwashers can answer the need in some small kitchens, choices and features are far more limited than those offered in under-counter models. Because competition is heated among manufacturers, most offer several models, each designed to address a different segment of the market. First-time buyers may be attracted to low-priced units with basic features. Move-up buyers may be enticed by stylish, upscale machines loaded with plenty of bells and whistles. What features are worth paying for?
Setting the standard at the high end are the European makers. ASKO, Bosch, Miele, and others make striking dishwashers loaded with features. You’ll find compact, ultra-quiet units with sophisticated controls, high-efficiency design, stainless-steel interiors, and even built-in water softeners. These dishwashers are truly amazing, and are priced accordingly. American manufacturers have followed suit by including some of the more popular options and have introduced a few tricks of their own.
“Smart” dishwashers have arrived. Using sensors to size up and monitor cleaning during wash cycles, smart controls are currently available at the high end of a couple of dishwasher lines, notably Maytag’s IntelliSense Plus and the GE Profile CleanSensor. They allow tailoring of a machine’s efforts and energy usage to meet the load’s requirements for optimum efficiency. If you want a dishwasher that truly takes the guesswork out of using controls, one of these would be a good bet.
Because models are continually evolving, before buying a new dishwasher, do your homework. Check out consumer ratings for reliability and convenience, and also assess your needs. Do you put on the dishwasher daily or just once a week?
Look for a strong warranty—one or more years for free parts and labor (Maytag offers three years plus free key parts for five years) and free parts and labor on the tub and door liner for 20 years or more. By combining careful, informed shopping and a strong warranty, you can select a dishwasher that will add style and convenience to your home for years to come.
