Dishwashers have become an ubiquitous fixture in American homes because they save both time and effort. According to an estimate, over half of American households already own a dishwasher and new ones are being purchased everyday. People love the convenience of using a dishwasher to cut down on the time-consuming and sometimes arduous task of cleaning up after a meal.

If you are out looking for a dishwasher, you may be either a first time buyer or you may be buying a replacement for your old dishwasher. In the latter case, you will already have size specifications to go by. However, if you are a first time buyer, take care to measure the space your kitchen can spare for a dishwasher. Depending on the space availability, you can then choose a suitable one.

Built-in Dishwashers The built-in dishwasher is the most commonly used model. All leading manufacturers make built-in dishwashers to suit varying kitchen needs. The wisest thing to do would be to install your dishwasher next to the kitchen sink. This way the water inlet and the drain outlet can be accessed easily and most economically. The other thing a dishwasher needs is access to an electrical socket. This issue has already been resolved if you are simply replacing your old dishwasher. Just make sure that the model you choose has inlet, outlet and electrical socket needs compatible with your old model. Otherwise, you will need to make changes.

Portable Dishwashers Those who rent a home will find portable dishwashers a sensible buy. Portable dishwashers come equipped with castors so they can just be wheeled next to the kitchen sink before the running cycle. Once the wash is over they can be wheeled back to their resting place. There are no installation costs involved in portable dishwashers hence it suits people who are renting homes and do not want to spend on permanent fixtures. Portable dishwashers are also a good option for those facing a space scarcity.

Under-sink Dishwashers The other option for beating the space crunch is installing an under-sink dishwasher. A dishwasher of this kind is installed directly below the sink. Installation costs are therefore minimized due to easy access to water inlet and drain outlet. Under-sink dishwashers can even be fitted under cooktops. While a dishwasher of this kind is great for space utilization, it may be a bit limiting in terms of size. It will have a smaller capacity for holding dishes than other models.

Dishwasher sizes should not be estimated by the external dimensions. The usual selling size measures 85cm x 60cm x 60cm. Prospective buyers should estimate size by the number of place settings it holds. A twelve place setting capacity is usually sufficient for a family of four. A dishwasher of this size can hold twelve each of dinner plates, small plates, dessert plates, cups, saucers, glasses and an assortment of cutlery items. A single wash cycle would suffice for washing all dishes used during the day.

Bigger models, such as the tall tub dishwashers, are capable of fourteen place settings. The extra height also helps in accommodating dishes of odd sizes and shapes that do not fit into standard tubs. The presence of adjustable racks in tall tubs adds a lot to its versatility.

For a smaller space requirement or for a small family, a dishwasher with space for nine place settings would fit the bill. While these models generally have a width of 45 cm, the height and depth would be the same as the larger model. Smaller, compact dishwashers that hold a load of four place settings is another option available to those looking for a small model.

Spray arms and spray towers can eat into the space available in your dishwasher. Newer models have direct feed spray that does away with this problem. It would be a good idea to analyze this feature.

Do take a look at what material the racks are made of. The choice is generally between plastic and coated metal. Plastic lasts longer while metal eventually gets rusted. However, consumers rate metal tubs higher for durability than plastic tubs.

Once you have decided on the ideal size and essential features to suit your needs, the next item to be evaluated is performance. Take a look at the temperature settings. Remember hot water is needed to activate the detergent and help in a real clean wash. The presence of temperature sensors will help you set the dishwasher for an optimally clean wash for every cycle that it runs. However, no matter how clean the dishes are, make sure your hands are clean while removing the dishes from the washer!

A dishwasher fitted with soil sensors will give you clean dishes in minimal time. The soil sensors ensure that soiled water is not circulated to the dishes. This feature will help you save energy costs on a regular basis.

The amount of dishes used in your home kitchen can very greatly from day to day. Sometimes there are very few dishes to be washed and, on other days, cooking a large meal may result in a huge amount dishes that require heavy duty washing. An ideal dishwasher should be able to function optimally under both these conditions. This can be done if the dishwasher comes equipped with separate wash cycles for light, normal and heavy loads.

Other features like a delay wash setting come in very handy for saving on energy costs. This feature can be used to run the dishwasher during off-peak hours. Some dishwashers come with a sanitary rinse option that provides an extra round of rinsing. Households with small children will find the inclusion of a control lock very beneficial. This will ensure that children are not able to operate the appliance even if they happen to access it.

Then there is the food grinding option to consider. This feature may not be of much use to you if you already have the good habit of rinsing your dishes anyway. Food grinders may be a convenient option, but remember that they make a noise. So, if you are looking for a quiet dishwasher, you may have to sacrifice the food grinding feature. Of course there are other considerations to weigh when it comes to evaluate the noise made by a dishwasher. A quiet model with a delay start option will enable you to run the dishwasher when energy costs are low, which is typically during hours when everyone is at home.

Another feature to look at is the control type. Dishwashers may have electronic controls, push button panels or rotary dials. Models with electronic controls will obviously cost the most with ones with rotary dials being the least expensive.

The latest dishwashers on the horizon are ‘intelligent’ dishwashers. Equipped with sensors, they size up your dishes, monitor the whole wash cycle, and change settings as required. As with other conveniences, this one too comes with a hefty price tag.

The dishwasher that you finally choose should fit well in three aspects - the space available in your kitchen, your budget and your needs. Feature packed dishwashers are available in all price ranges. Analyze the features and compare and contrast them with your needs. This is very essential so that you do not end up stretching your budget for features that you may not utilize. A dishwasher which is the right size and has features suitable to your needs will help you save on energy costs, water and time.

A small, compact built-in dishwasher with a four place setting capacity, electronic controls and a few other features like sound insulation, adjustable racks and the like can be purchased in the $150-$175 price range. Leading manufacturers like Haier have models in this category.

Free standing dishwashers with a four place setting capacity are also available in the $160-$275 price range from manufacturers like Danby and Frigidaire.

If you are looking for an eight place setting dishwasher, there are several models from various manufacturers in the $300-$500 price range. Both built-in and freestanding models with differing feature combinations will give you a wide range to choose from. Models in this range generally have between four to eight wash cycles.

The $500-$750 price range category will bring you models with more than five wash cycles, sound insulation and food disposers. All top manufacturers like GE, Bosch, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, Danby, Maytag and others have several models in this price range. Both free standing and built-in models are available in this category to suit varying customer needs.

If you are looking for larger dishwashers with a twelve or more place setting capacity, then you will find one in the $700-$1000 price range. All the features of the models in the $500-$750 range coupled with increased capacity can be found in the dishwashers in the $700-$1000 price range. Here too, all top manufacturers provide consumers with a very wide range of models to choose from.

Once you are willing to cross the $1000 mark a wide range of aesthetic features are added to the gamut of features to choose from. Sleek stainless steel exteriors of dishwashers in the $1000-$1600 price range hold a promise of class for your kitchen. It goes without saying that the performance-oriented features of models in the $1000-$1600 price range will exceed all expectations. Multiple wash cycles, large load capacity, sanitary wash options, adjustable racks – the works. GE, Whirlpool, Bosch, Miele, Asko, KitchenAid and others vie with each other in providing the best features and looks for models in this category.

Heavy duty dishwashers that are used in commercial kitchens occupy the above $1500 slot. Dishwashers in this range may go up to $4000. Manufacturers offer custom fits to commercial users to ensure optimal usage. A few manufacturers also offer high end home use dishwashers in this price category. If a built-in model with twenty place settings with sleek looks is required in your home, this category is probably where you will find your ideal dishwasher.

Once you are through with your own evaluation of different makes and models, utilize the ratings provided by Consumer Reports to help you come to a final decision. You can also compare and contrast the warranties offered by different manufacturers. Warranty may be offered for parts and labor. On an average, most companies offer a three to five year warranty, although specific terms may differ.