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Most models offer at least
three wash cycles—light,
normal, and heavy or pots and pans—which should be enough for most
jobs. Some offer power-washing features designed to remove baked-on
residue. Kenmore's Turbo Zone exposes a section of the tub to
high-pressure washing; it worked well in our tests. Rinse/hold lets you rinse dirty dishes before using the dishwasher on a full
cycle. Other cycles on many models include pot
scrubber, soak/scrub, and china/crystal,
none of which we consider crucial for most homes. What's more, a sanitizing wash or rinse option that
raises water temperature above the typical 140° F doesn’t
necessarily mean better cleaning.
Dishwashers often spray
water from multiple places, or "levels," in the machine. Most
models offer a choice of drying with or without heat. And all dishwashers use filters to keep wash water free of food that can be redeposited on clean
dishes. Most filters are self-cleaning via grinders. Some pricey models trade the grinder’s noise for
filters you must pull out and clean manually. You can also check
whether other models offer soundproofing
insulation.
Most dishwashers have electronic touchpad controls, some fully
or partially hidden in the top edge of the door. Touchpads are
easiest to wipe clean. Dials indicate progress through a cycle, while some electronic models
digitally display time left and others merely show a "clean"
signal. A delayed-start control lets you set the dishwasher to start, say, at night when utility
rates may be lower. Some models offer child
locks.
Most models hold cups and
glasses on top, plates on the bottom, and silverware in a basket. Adjustable or split
racks can accommodate taller dishes. Some let
you put 10-inch dinner plates on the top and bottom racks. Other
features include adjustable and removable tines; slots for silverware that prevent crowding; removable racks that allow loading and unloading outside the dishwasher; stemware
holders for wine glasses; clips to keep light plastic cups from overturning; and fold-down
shelves for stacking cups in a double-tiered
arrangement.
Stainless-steel tubs should last a long time. While light-colored plastic tubs may
discolor, models that have them tend to cost far less, and the tubs
should hold longer than most people keep the machine. Gray-speckled
plastic tubs should also resist stains. Cabinet-matching front panels are available as kits, typically for several hundred dollars.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Most dishwashers do a
solid job cleaning even the dirtiest dishes. Here’s what to
consider at the store:
Decide how many options
you need. Adjustable racks and fold-down
tines help dishwashers hold large bowls and other awkward items. But
you may want to skip them if you rarely cook for crowds. Think twice
about half-load cycles, which allow you to wash just one rack;
running two half-load cycles can use more water and energy than one
normal load. Half-load cycles that use only the top rack also limit
your options, since some top racks can’t accommodate dinner dishes
or silverware. As for "grunge" cycles, we’ve found most regular
dishwashers can handle even baked-on food.
Check quietness and
energy use. New dishwasher models are
probably quieter than the one you have now. But you might want the
quietest we tested if you have an open kitchen near a dining or
family room. You’ll also hear a lot about Energy Star labels. We
suggest using our energy scores, which are based on much dirtier
loads. Indeed, a more-efficient dishwasher could save you more over
its lifetime than buying a less-efficient, lower-priced model.
Use enzyme-based
detergents and rinse aids. Both tend to yield
cleaner results. Rinse aids reduce spotting, while enzyme-based
detergents help dissolve food starches and proteins. Some detergents,
such as Ecover, Citra-Dish, 365 Everyday Value, and Seventh
Generation, clean reasonably well without phosphates, which harm the
environment.
Keep style in
perspective. Most dishwashers have deleted
the bottom panel below the door, adding space for taller items inside
and sleeker styling outside. While hidden controls also add style,
cycle progress isn’t obvious at a glance.
A good compromise:
partially hidden controls, which show that the machine is running and
often display remaining cycle time.
Check cycle time.
The normal cycle (including drying time) ranges from about 80 minutes
to 150 minutes, but longer cycles don’t necessarily clean better.
Models with cycle times of about 100 minutes cleaned as thoroughly as
others that took 145 minutes.
Copyright © 2003-2007
Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
For the latest information on this and many other products and services, visit www.ConsumerReports.org.
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