Dishwashers Combine Energy Efficiency, Water Conservation, and Premium CleaningClean and Green

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GE

GE. Available this August, the Profile SmartDispense 2 dishwasher boasts steam-cleaning capabilities and a 47-ounce detergent reservoir. The unit will exceed 2007 Energy Star requirements (annual kWh usage not yet reported by Energy Star), and it includes an angle rack system to prevent pooling water and a top rack-only wash cycle for half loads. An optional acoustics package reduces sound emissions to 45 dBA. It is available with top controls or a front control panel. 800.626.2005. www.geappliances.com

LG Electronics

LG Electronics. According to the maker, a steam-cleaning system increases the LDF9810's energy efficiency versus standard dishwashers. The unit operates at 45 dBA and includes turbidity sensors to determine soil levels and set a required number of rinse cycles. Other features include a built-in food disposal system with self-cleaning filter, interior LED lighting, a third dish rack, a delicate cycle, and room for 14 place settings in a single load. It is Energy Star certified at 285 kWh* per year and is available in white, black, and stainless steel finishes. 800.243.0000. www.lgusa.com

Bosch

Bosch. The Evolution and Integra dishwasher lines feature the quietest and most energy-efficient models in the country, the maker says. 300, 500, and 800 Series models in both lines are Energy Star rated, exceed the federal minimum energy standard by 147%, and have a yearly energy usage of 190 kWh*. Infrared soil-sensing equipment, available on all models, customizes the wash cycle from 48 preset cycle options that use as little as 1.8 gallons of water per cycle. 800.944.2904. www.boschappliances.com

Kenmore

Kenmore. Developed in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute's Roots and Shoots program, the Elite Dishwasher with Ultra Wash HE exceeds 2007 Energy Star standards, and uses 34% less energy and 41% less water compared to a dishwasher manufactured seven years ago, the maker says. The unit uses 305 kWh* per year and features SmartWash turbidity sensors that assess soil levels and a top rack-only option that allows for partial loads. 800.349.4358. www.sears.com

Whirlpool

Whirlpool. Using European wash technology, the GU2800XTV and GU3600XTV dishwashers use one-third less water and energy than the company's models from seven years ago. Increased water pressure breaks up food more efficiently, the company says. This new wash system and a soft-start motor help reduce noise, providing for the quietest operation of any of the manufacturer's dishwashers. The appliances are Energy Star qualified and have a yearly energy usage of 299 kWh (GU2800) and 301 kWh (GU3600). Other features include a new nozzle configuration that delivers a fan of water to clean from all angles and cleaning power that adjusts to soil levels. 800.253.3977. www.whirlpool.com

Electrolux

Electrolux. New to the U.S., the Fully Integrated Wave-Touch dishwasher uses 4.4 gallons per cycle and meets 2007 Energy Star standards with 324 annual kWh*. According to the firm, the unit features the largest usable capacity as measured by adjusted rack space and is one of the quietest in its class at 53 dBA. It includes leak detection, a touchscreen that fades after selections are made, and nine wash cycles and five wash options that can be customized into a programmable memory. 800.243.9078. www.electroluxusa.com

Indesit

Indesit. Now available in the U.S., the Hotpoint Ariston LDF1235X freestanding dishwasher features a turbidity sensor that measures soil levels and adjusts water use accordingly. An acoustical dampening system reduces sound emissions to 43 dBA. It offers a Speed 25 cycle for half-rack washing in 25 minutes, and a "baby cycle" that heats water to sanitation temperatures. The unit meets Energy Star requirements, consuming 225.75 kWh of energy annually and 3.7 gallons of water per cycle. 800.356.0766. www.aristonappliances.us