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One of the most dreaded and time-consuming tasks in the kitchen is washing the dishes. Take some pressure off your plate with the help of a reliable and efficient dishwasher. If the time has come to invest in this household staple, this guide to finding the best dishwasher in 2023 will make your life much easier.
The sea of different brands, models, and features available on the market makes finding the best dishwasher for your specific needs and budget feel overwhelming. Let’s simplify things by exploring the following topics:
Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or a homeowner who wants to streamline your cleaning routine, this guide will help you make an informed decision and find the best dishwasher to suit your lifestyle.
For several reasons, brand reliability and warranty are essential factors to consider when shopping for a dishwasher.
A dishwasher is a long-term investment for your home, and you want to make sure that you’re purchasing an appliance that will last for years to come and increase the value of your home. By choosing a brand with a reputation for reliability, you can have greater confidence in the durability and performance of your dishwasher.
Big brands that have made quite the name for themselves lately include the likes of Bosch, Cove, and Thermador, to name a few. Cove is a U.S. brand and part of the Sub-Zero family, well known for their impeccable customer service.
It’s no secret that a dishwasher is a complex appliance with many moving parts and components, and it’s not uncommon for issues to arise over time. In the event that your dishwasher experiences a problem, a comprehensive warranty can provide you with peace of mind and financial protection.
A reliable brand will typically offer a warranty that covers parts and labor for a decent period of time, so you won’t have to bear the cost of repairs or replacements in the event of a malfunction.
When choosing a brand with a proven track record of reliability and a comprehensive warranty, you can be sure you’re making a wise investment. A high-quality dishwasher will provide you with years of dependable performance and hassle-free maintenance. And a high-quality dishwasher’s strong warranty and customer service will support you if you run into a hiccup.
After all, even the most advanced machines may encounter an issue—whether it’s user error or otherwise. Having the backing of a solid warranty and customer service will make overcoming frustrating situations less stressful.
The most significant difference between American and European design is the presence or absence of macerators. They are most often found in American dishwashers. While an excellent idea in theory, they can clog, break down, or strip, which is never fun.
On the other hand, European models use a basket or strainer mechanism to catch loose food, which should be cleared out after each cycle. Cleaning out a basket or strainer could be deemed annoying to some, but it cuts down on the dreaded macerator malfunction of the American version’s macerator system.
For example, European brands like Miele and Bosch use a three-stage filtration process to move all the food particles, so a macerator is unnecessary. Many users report they can get away with cleaning out the basket a few times a year since the filtration does such a good job.
Should your dishwasher need parts, higher-end models may be more expensive but will last much longer. Sometimes opting for a high-quality part will save you money in the long run, since you might end up spending more on parts if you have to replace them multiple times. Older models and low-end brands are known for discontinuing certain parts, which really leaves you in a tight spot.
A brand’s warranty clearly indicates its confidence in its quality and reliability. We recommend doing a little research on a dishwasher brand’s warranty because it can tell you a lot about what to expect in years to come. For example, Cove’s full 5-year warranty on all parts and service is a testament to its craftsmanship and reliability.
On average, modern dishwashers have a lifespan of about ten years. Some brands claim to last a bit longer, like Frigidaire and LG, which are both available at Atherton Appliance & Kitchens. The one brand boasting the best longevity out there is Miele, clocking in at 20 years, but time will tell on that claim.
Regular maintenance is the big determining factor for how long your machine will last. With proper checkups, your dishwasher should live well past the average of ten years. As mentioned earlier, cleaning out the basket of your European model often will be beneficial in this regard. Disassembling the macerator pump of your American design once a year to remove any accumulated debris is a good move.
Taking care of your dishwasher in between washes is a good way to increase the lifespan of your unit, but there are other things to consider when finding a dishwasher in 2023. Technology has come a long way, and there are many factors to consider, like loading capacity, drying features, and spraying arms.
How you load your dishwasher can significantly impact how effectively it cleans your dishes. Proper loading techniques can maximize the dishwasher’s capacity, ensure even distribution of water and detergent, and prevent damage to delicate items. When looking for a new dishwasher, consider the versatility of the cavity and ease of loading dishes.
Loading your dishwasher properly involves placing larger and more heavily soiled items on the lower rack, such as pots, pans, and plates. Load smaller items, such as glasses, cups, and utensils, on the upper rack, if possible. Newer models often have removable or adjustable racks, which opens up more real estate on the bottom for larger loads or oddly shaped items.
Adjustable racks can be handy for households that frequently wash larger items such as baking sheets or roasting pans. However, moveable racks may only be necessary for some families, and they can add to the cost of the dishwasher.
Ultimately, the importance of moveable racks depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you frequently wash large or oddly shaped items, moveable racks may be worthwhile. Otherwise, a dishwasher without this feature may be more cost effective and still meet your needs.
Opening your dishwasher to put away your freshly clean dishes should be a pleasant experience, but dishwashers often fail to dry your dishes adequately. Luckily, recent advancements in drying technology have altered the game.
Take Cove and Bosch, for example. Cove’s latest ability to dry plastic containers without the dreaded pooling of water is a highly anticipated invention. Bosch’s CrystalDry™ tech transforms moisture into heat to get dishes much drier. Samsung and Bosch, among others, have a feature that automatically unfastens the door at the end of a cycle to promote drying, which actually helps the process a lot!
Spray arms are a major dishwasher component that distributes water and detergent evenly over the dishes for effective cleaning. All dishwashers have at least one, but the newer models now have two or three to maximize their cleaning power.
The arms connect to a water pump that creates pressure to force the water through small holes in the spray arms. The holes in the spray arms make a high-pressure, fan-like spray that covers a wide area.
Whatever model you decide on, watching your spray arms to ensure they function correctly is a good idea. It’s important to clean them periodically to remove any buildup or debris blocking the spray holes. You can do this by removing the spray arms and soaking them in warm, soapy water or running water through them to dislodge any blockages.
Overall, spray arms play a vital role in cleaning by distributing water and detergent evenly over dishes and ensuring that every surface gets thoroughly clean.
A dishwasher’s carbon footprint is tough to pinpoint, but if you want to keep the environment and efficiency top of mind, keep an eye out for brands that are ENERGY STAR® certified.
Choosing a dishwasher with high-efficiency scores will save you money over the lifetime of your appliance. Although the older models may be less expensive, you’ll likely lose those savings through higher water and energy bills. For an appliance as important and frequently used as this, lean toward the latest model if possible.
Investing in a high-quality dishwasher that meets your needs can significantly impact your daily routine. You’ll save time and effort while ensuring your dishes are clean, sanitized, and ready to use.
Finding the best dishwasher in 2023 requires careful consideration of various factors, including brand reliability and warranty, loading capacity and flexibility, and drying features. Please feel free to contact our kitchen appliance experts at Atherton Appliance & Kitchens to chat with one of our friendly team members. We are happy to help answer any questions you may have in narrowing down your choices and making the best decision for your family’s needs.