Happiness

“Happiness is an empty dishwasher.”  (Anonymous)

A dishwasher is one of the most useful tools you can buy for your kitchen. It can save you more than twenty minutes when compared to washing the same amount of dishes by hand.  Dishwashers which were once thought to be a luxury appliance have evolved into must-have, time-saving kitchen appliance. Dishwasher prices are mainly affected by capacity and special features, but can also be influenced by certain dishwasher finishes such as stainless steel.  Below are some points to consider if you are in the market for a new dishwasher:

1.   Dishwasher Cutlery or Flatware Trays: The position of the silverware tray is usually a matter of preference and is generally not influenced by washing performance. I tend to prefer a compact tray that sits on the bottom rack, and that easily removes for loading and unloading cutlery. Others prefer a model that is attached to the inside of the dishwasher door which may take less room. 

 

2.   Dishwasher Performance Features: Performance is influenced by the number of washing levels - how and where the jets of water are distributed during the dishwashing cycle. A three-tier system will provide a good washing and more levels will ensure even better coverage, but the price will be influenced. A 'quiet' package is also a good feature. Dishwasher detergent and rinse agent dispensers are usually standard features and a detergent dispense system ensures the right amount to clean the load. Electronic dirt sensors are definitely nice-to-have features. A child safety lock is important if you have small children.

 

3.   Dishwasher Stacking & Racking Features: Standard dishwashers usually have two racks of dishes but some models now have three extending loading options and dishwasher capacity. Special dishwasher features can also include adjustable or removable tines, shelves, racks built to accommodate tall glasses or stemware, oddly shaped and tall items, or convertible racks for multi uses. A small closed basket for baby bottles and rings is also available on some dishwasher models.

 

4.   Dishwasher Washing Cycles: The most important dishwashing cycles are Light, Regular, Pots & Pans and Econo settings. The Econo cycle will air dry dishes saving on heating element energy costs. Enhanced cycles such as Glass or Stemware, Rinse, Quick Wash, Pots Scrub and Sanitize Wash are features you want to have but expect to pay more. A stainless steel dishwasher interior is a beautiful feature but will not improve washing performance. A stainless steel dishwasher washing arm will not rust and will be more durable.

 

5.   Dishwashers Energy Saving Considerations: A dishwasher that proudly displays the Energy Star symbol will save you energy dollars compared to non-qualified dishwasher models. Today's dishwashers have become much more efficient to operate, but cycles have become longer. Some dishwashers have low water features or 'quick wash' options which are handy if you're on metered water use. Another energy saver is a 'delay start' if your electricity usage is calculated on time-of-use rates - you set the dishwasher to wash later when energy is cheaper.

 

6.   Garburator or Hard Food Disposal Feature:  This is certainly a priority feature if you do not like to scrape, pre-wash or rinse your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. Installed right in the unit, it works to eliminate the food residue and grime so it doesn't return to your clean dishes during the rinse cycle. Some models have self-cleaning filters, while others have filters that must be removed and clean manually - you should confirm the type of filtration system with the dealer so you will know what to expect in way of maintenance.

7.   How Hot of Water Temperature Do You Need: The strength of your dishwasher and its efficiency will depend on the temperature it reaches. The market also features dishwashers with two temperature settings and some also include high sanitization settings, which let you protect your dishes from chemicals. Look at the dishwasher(s) you may be considering, and think about how much sanitation you need.

8.   How Many Gallons of Water Does it Use: After you’ve realized what capacity you want your dishwasher to have, you should also take a look at how many gallons of water the dishwasher uses for each cycle? This way you won’t have any surprises on your water bill. The dishwasher specs include the gallons of water used by the appliance, and you shouldn’t overlook these numbers. Don’t forget to consider the gallons per hour and per rack.

9.   What Are the Sound Levels: You don’t realize it until you get it installed, but some dishwashers can be loud if you have a small kitchen. You may not want a loud appliance while you’re trying to watch TV. Many dishwashers are advertised with a “quiet sound,” which can work perfectly for you. The sound you hear means the dishes are getting clean. Consider if you want a quiet dishwasher in an environment that needs to have a quiet atmosphere.

“Thank heaven for dirty dishes. They have a tale to tell. While other folks go hungry, we are eating very well. With home and health and happiness we should not want to fuss. By this stack of evidence, God is very good to us.” (Anonymous)[i]

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE 2018 FROM THE ADVICE BLOGGER

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[i] Sources used:

·        “5 Things You Need to Know Before Buying Your Next Dishwasher” by  Consolidated Foodservice in Kitchen Equipment

·        “Before You Buy a Dishwasher - Buying Tips” by Mariette Mifflin