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Dishwashers: Review specs and buy for your marketHow to compare dishwasher specifications, features and models to ensure you choose the best appliance for your next homebuilding or remodeling project
Today's homebuyers expect to find a dishwasher in the kitchen, regardless of the size or cost of the home. Part of your job is to provide the right dishwasher for the kitchen in each market you build for. Fortunately, appliance manufacturers recognize this fact and offer dishwashers in a broad array of styles, features, and prices.
Dishwashers: Prices and Key Manufacturers
Dishwashers range in price from about $300 to over $1,600. The difference in price is typically based on features, styling, capacity, and whether the washtub is made of plastic, enameled steel or stainless steel.
American companies--GE, KitchenAid, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, Maytag--dominate the market, but the field of international players is growing and includes such popular imports as: Bosch, Miele, Asko, Haier, LG, Samsung, and Fisher & Paykel. Domestic and foreign manufacturers offer dozens of different models, but there are only four basic types of dishwashers.
Dishwasher Types
Built-In Dishwashers A vast majority of dishwashers are built-in models that slide underneath standard 36-inch-high countertops, http://www.ebuild.com/countertop-materials.hwx and fit snugly between two base cabinets. http://www.ebuild.com/categories/default.hwx/Q/cabinets-closet--garage-storage/kitchen-cabinets/catCode.5530 To ensure the dishwasher fits the kitchen design and cabinet layout, you must know its size, or what appliance manufacturers refer to as the nominal width. Most models are 24 inches wide, but slim-line 18-inch units and extra-capacity 30-inch-wide models are also available. A typical 24-inch dishwasher holds between 12 and 14 place settings, which is more than sufficient for the average family.
GE 18-inch Spacemaker dishwasher
Dishwashers come in various finishes so you can easily match the other kitchen appliances. Standard dishwasher colors include white, black, beige, and stainless steel. Higher-end models have integrated doors that accept custom-made panels to help the dishwasher blend in with the surrounding cabinetry.
Built-In Dishdrawers Once used only in high-end kitchens, dishdrawers are growing in popularity, especially with small families, weekenders and empty nesters. These compact, glide-out dishwashers fit into the same space as a standard 24-inch built-in unit. They are available in single- or double-drawer configurations, and come in the same finishes as standard units. Each drawer holds about five place settings.
Homebuyers like dishdrawers because they can run smaller loads, while saving energy. Plus, with two drawers, diverse loads can be divided and washed separately: pots and pans in one drawer, delicate stemware in the other. Consider dishdrawers for wet bars, butler pantries, and rec rooms. Or, install them in the kitchen in support of a standard, full-size dishwasher.
Portable Dishwashers If a kitchen lacks the necessary under-counter space to install a standard dishwasher, the one option might be a portable dishwasher. http://www.ebuild.com/articles/article.hwx/Q/articleId.404461
Portable dishwashers come built into their own cabinet that's set on casters, so it can easily be rolled away when not in use. The disadvantage of this type of dishwasher is that it must be rolled out and attached to the sink during each use. And, of course, there must be sufficient space to store the unit when it's not needed.
In-Sink Dishwashers The newest type of dishwasher is the cleverly designed in-sink dishwasher, which fits into the countertop. This unit is basically a double-bowl stainless steel sink that has a dishwasher built into the right-hand bowl. The left-hand bowl forms the kitchen sink. http://www.ebuild.com/plumbing-fixtures.hwx It's available in 36- and 42-inch widths and comes with a stainless steel dishwasher cover that can be used as a food prep surface
KitchenAid briva in-sink dishwasher
The benefit of an in-sink dishwasher is that it takes up very little space, and homeowners can run small loads (five place settings) in about half the time as a standard built-in unit. It's an ideal solution for galley kitchens or small apartments. Or, it can be installed to complement a standard dishwasher. One drawback is that these specialty dishwashers cost more (about $1,800) than virtually any other type of dishwasher. For more information, see the briva In-Sink models by KitchenAid. http://www.ebuild.com/manufacturers/manufacturer.hwx/Q/manufacturerId.24/pageNum.0
Dishwasher Features
Here's a brief list of dishwasher features that homebuyers love:
- Skip-the-sink dishwashers are equipped with integral garbage disposers that grind up and flush away food scraps; thus eliminating the need to rinse and scrape plates prior to loading.
Special wash cycles--pot scrubber, sanitizing wash, start-delay, temperature boost, rinse-and-hold--add convenience and improve performance.
Energy-Star models reduce consumption of water and electricity, and save money.
Adjustable racks are a must, but also look for removable or fold-down tines, which accommodate long platters, large pots and other oversized items.
Super-insulated dishwashers cost slightly more, but run much quieter than standard units.
Stainless steel washtubs are long lasting, easy to maintain, and more efficient because they reflect heat.
Automatic self-cleaning filtration systems never need rinsing; although models with manual filters tend to run quieter.
Electronic controls offer one-touch operation and digital display windows show dishwasher functions, progress, and wash-time remaining.
Sensor technology, available on some high-end models, can detect how dirty the dishes are, and then automatically run the most appropriate wash cycle.
Mechanical Requirements
The minimum requirement for dishwasher hookup is a plumbing connection to a hot-water supply line and to a drain line; both are usually made at the kitchen sink location. In addition, each dishwasher must be connected to its own dedicated 15- or 20-amp electrical circuit. Check with the local building inspector for specific code requirements.
Fisher and Paykel Dish Drawer
Additional Resources
Association of Home Appliances Manufacturers
