Whether you run a busy household, work from home or simply don’t want to get your hands dirty, having one of the best dishwashers can be a lifesaver in the kitchen. Not only can these powerful appliances do all the manual labor of washing and drying dishware, but can save you valuable time and effort.
But with countless new models or upgraded specs on the market, it can be confusing for the novice buying a dishwasher for the first time.
And while these are all designed to serve the same purpose, I soon discovered that not all dishwashers are created equal. In fact, there certain things to consider before buying a dishwasher that we often don’t. This is especially the case if you happen to buy online, where you can’t actually see and touch the appliance.
From buying to suit your needs (and not just about the style), to considering the capacity and energy consumption, these can make all the difference, and offer more value.
So before you splash out on a dishwasher, here are the things I wish I'd known before buying.
1. Not considering capacity
It might be all well and good throwing your dirty plates and glasses into the dishwasher (out of sight), but it doesn’t make much sense if you have less dishware than capacity. So you’ll need to consider how many place settings your home would need.
Typically, standard dishwashers will offer 12-16 place settings for maximum capacity. However, I soon learned that as a household of three, you only really need 14 place settings to be more efficient. What’s more, you don’t want to wait days on end for full capacity — especially if you have a favourite coffee mug to use!
Another thing I didn’t consider was the size and shape of my plates, as some dishwashers provide awkwardly spaced tines that can be so close together. This meant that it was tricky to fit thicker plates without a struggle, so it’s always best to try and check the quality of the racks in person.
Nowadays, you can buy models with a ‘third rack’ in a dishwasher, which is essentially a sliding rack at the top of a dishwasher, designed to hold flatware, utensils, and measuring cups. These are great for those smaller items that often fall through the gaps when placed in normal racks. A useful feature I wish I’d known before buying!
2. Consider the programs that you actually need
Another common mistake when buying a dishwasher is not thinking about the features that you actually need.
While most standard dishwashers offer the essential programs including auto, normal, heavy, eco and a quick wash setting. But, some will offer additional options such as Intensive for heavily-soiled dishes, Delicates, Multi-zone or even a sanitizing option to get rid of germs.
Similarly, you might want to invest in a smart dishwasher that can be connected and controlled via an app on your smartphone. These can also download more fancy features such as automatically dispense more detergent on a timer.
However, if you’re not planning on utilizing any of these extra programs, it’s not worth the splurge. Only invest in the features you want and plan to use — and save money in the long run.
3. Not spending enough time reading reviews
Since I test various small appliances for a living, I know the value of reading extensive reviews, and we have our very own best dishwasher buying guide to help you. However, it’s easy to make the mistake of not spending enough time comparing models to find the right one for your home and lifestyle.
Before buying a new dishwasher, be sure to read as many reviews across multiple websites as you can. This will give you a better idea of its performance, quality, ease of use, efficiency, warranty and any shortcomings that might crop up.
Additionally, user reviews highlight honest experiences and tips that you won’t find on any manufacturers websites. You’ll also get an idea of the quality of customer support your preferred brand or retailer offers.
4. Don’t be tempted by the cheapest option
Like most, I love a good bargain. And if I can save money on a kitchen appliance, or spot a good deal, I’m more likely to opt for that option instead.
However, if you buy a dishwasher simply for its cheap price tag, you might be disappointed. Be realistic about the quality and performance you’ll be getting, and the features that you need, before setting a budget.
In most cases, it’s always better to spend a little bit more for a top-performing dishwasher, that is reliable and will give you that guarantee (and peace of mind!). What’s more, you don’t want to be spending more money on expensive repairs or a replacement in the long-term.
5. Not considering energy/water consumption
To be honest, energy efficiency has always been the last thing I look at when buying a new appliance. However, this can save you serious money on your water and energy bills.
First, look for a dishwasher that has an Energy Star symbol to save you money across your utility bills. In addition, using energy-friendly settings on your dishwasher, such as Eco mode, light load or air dry settings, can save you even more.
Essentially, the Eco setting will lower the temperatures of washing and rinsing, to reduce energy consumption. A caveat of this program is that it is a longer cycle compared to the standard times, however you’ll be saving money in the long run.
More from Tom's Guide
- You asked: When is it time to replace a dishwasher?
- And how often should you clean your dishwasher — experts reveal all you need to know
- Plus, 7 ways to improve your dishwasher's performance
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