The Dishwasher: A Kitchen Appliance I Cannot Live Without (I Tried)

Kitchen remodeling is one of the biggest home improvement projects that you can take on. You can help minimize the frustrations and spread out the expenses of this time consuming project by doing it in stages. One of the most helpful improvements you can make is to get a dishwasher.

I am amazed at families who live without a dishwasher. I grew up with one in every home, then when I got married we didn't have one in our first home. It was incredible how time consuming it was to wash dishes by hand. I definitely had better things to do with my time. When we moved to our next home I made sure there was one already installed, or at least plenty of room to put one. There's no way I'm doing without it again.

Dishwashers are more complicated than you'd think. They come in a variety of styles and have an astonishing range of features. There are built-in dishwashers, stand-alone dishwashers and countertop dishwashers. For instance, Bosch has a line of dishwashers that is so quiet you might forget you turned it on. I know because my mother in law has one. It's phenomenal. The most recognized are built-in dishwashers which are less visible once installed. If you have a very small kitchen and no available slot for a built in you'll need to get a portable rolling dishwasher, which are self contained units often with a counter top that can be useful for other kitchen needs. Some come with a full blown chopping block on top.

In addition to their obvious time saving factor, dishwashers can also be energy efficient. Electric dishwashers use less hot water than washing and rinsing dishes by hand. (If your spouse is complaining about the money for a dishwasher give him that fact). Many of them carry the energy star label and have special settings specifically to use less water and if you have a water softener you can use less soap, too.

If you don't have a dishwasher already I highly recommend one. From that point on you'll never voluntarily go back to hand washing again.

Get more information on dishwashers and portable dishwashers at our resource site. This is a sister site to Compact Refrigerator review.

Dishwasher Tips For The Buyer

So, you think you need a new dishwasher, but you don't know the why, where or how. Lucky for you we have a few basic pointers as to what to look for in a new dishwasher. So whether you've never owned a dishwasher before or are an old pro at buying dishwashers, there should be a few handy tips in here. Let's just start off by saying, that you've made a great choice in getting a dishwasher at all. The modern models available are very water and energy efficient, plus have the extra benefit of being able to disinfect your plates and cutlery in a way you could never do by hand.

The Many Types Of Dishwashers

Actually, there really aren't that many basic dishwasher types. There are two basic types, and they are portable, and undercounter. The manufacturers will hype a bunch of differences between the two, but there's only one good reason why I would buy a portable. If I was living in a rental accommodation like an apartment, and I wanted to take the dishwasher with me when I left. Otherwise, an undercounter takes less space, and blends in much better with your existing kitchen. I suppose if money is a concern, then a portable wouldn't have the installation costs that an undercounter would have.

Does Your Dishwasher Perform?

One of the biggest factors to influence the performance of your dishwasher, is the temperature of the water it is using. Manufacturers usually recommend that the hot water a dishwasher uses, be around 135 to 145 degreesfarenheit . If your water heater is not sending water to the dishwasher that is at least 120 degrees your dishwasher will under perform. Check the water at the tap nearest to your dishwasher with a thermometer to find out what temperature your dishwasher is using.

Size Does Matter

Consider the size of the dishwasher you'll need. A family of two will need a smaller dishwasher then a family of six. Even if you have enough dishes to allow a family of two to wait over a week to run the dishwasher, it's probably a bad idea to buy a bigger model. Dishwashers should be run at least once a week to keep them lubricated, and to prevent the seals from drying out. A smaller family should just get a smaller dishwasher, and run it more frequently.

Running Out Of Gas

In these days of energy conscious thinking, we should all do our part in minimizing our energy uses. While all dishwashers are required by law to meet minimum federal energy requirements, some do even better. Dishwashers with the ENERGY STAR logo, will use a minimum of 25 percent less energy than those who don't. Your great great great grandchildren will thank you.

So, that should be enough to get started in the wonderful world of dishwasher shopping. Keep looking around till you find the one that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Read more great information on your kitchen design and kitchen cabinets , visit http://foolishmumbles.com/2006/09/29/dishwasher-buying-guide/

Dishwasher Fever - What these Large Appliances Offer!

It wasn't that long ago, sometime in the 1950's, when dishwashing machines emerged as the dish cleaning staple in the kitchen of most homes. At the time, however, variety was limited and getting dishes clean was still a kink manufacturers had not quite worked out.

Fortunately, much has changed since then. If you're out looking for a new machine you can choose from a high end model that fully integrates into your kitchen cabinetry and has whisper quiet operation so that you don't hear it running; or choose an economical dishwasher, one without the bells and whistles, but that has the ability to clean very well.

Basically, there are several types of dishwashers; however we'll stick with the most common type, the traditional 24" built-in model that fits beneath your counter. These models are broadly manufactured. In fact, appliance manufacturers such as: Miele, Bosch, Maytag, Whirlpool, Kitchennaid, Kenmore and Jenn-Air often make several lines or 24" dishwashers to choose from.

For example, Miele has Incognito, Touchtronic and Novotronic; KitchenAid has the I Series, P Series, S Series, U Series; and Bosch has the Integra and Evolution line.

While it is useful to know something about the various lines, it is not the only approach to selection. Instead, you can determine which features are most important to you: top rack adjusts for loading flexibility, stainless steel tub, delay start time option, half load option, and so on. Of course, if you like the manufacturer, knowing that Novotronic is Miele's most affordable 24" machine, whereas Incognito is Miele's top of the line, is helpful. see: http://www.dishwashers-select.com/miele-dishwashers.htm

What's remarkable about today's dishwashers is that most perform very well at the job of cleaning. What you're paying then, are for features and technology. Features that will cost you more: quiet running (and there are different levels of quiet!), adjustable racks, cycle options and integrated design.

To shop, consider your lifestyle and the features that you need. You can buy a dishwasher for as little as $300 or you can spend $1500; not much when you consider the cost of a kitchen remodel!

Keep in mind the dish cleaning space you need inside the dishwasher. Many machines offer a half load run cycle which can be extremely useful when you've got a smaller dirty-dish load.

Also, you will find plenty of space in many machines. Jenn-Air and Maytag offer a model with 3 racks. Keep in mind capacity. Some machines wash 10 place settings, others wash up to 14. And finally, having flexible dishwasher racks can be extremely useful, especially for dinner parties, where large size platters and dinnerware need space to get clean!

Nicole Martins is author and researcher for DishwashersSelect. You can find about more about these manufacturers and others by visiting this site at: http://www.dishwashers-select.com

Secrets To Make Your Dishwasher Clean Perfectly

As a service company we are constantly asked, Why doesnt my dishwasher clean better. To this query we offer the following insights and suggestions.

As a service company we are constantly asked, Why doesnt my dishwasher clean better. To this query we offer the following insights and suggestions.

Whenever we diagnose a poor cleaning complaint the main things we want to know are:

1 Is the water hot enough
2 Using a proper detergent
3 Using a rinse additive
4 Loading practices

1 Water temperature --------------

Most manufacturers suggest a minimum 120 Fahrenheit for the dishwasher to begin the cleaning process, 140 to remove food soiling, and 155 to sanitize and remove bacteria. In restaurants they boost the dishwasher temperature to 180 Fahrenheit to satisfy health requirements. Consumers misunderstanding these requirements have led to problems for the household dishwasher.

In a dishwasher the temperature of the wash water is paramount. Unfortunately, It is now common to find household water temperatures of 100 Fahrenheit, or less.

Many people have lowered their household water temperature in an effort to be conscientious consumers. Yes, it lowers electrical consumption. Unfortunately it has other consequences.

Manufacturers say it does not provide enough heat to clean dishes properly and can leave them covered in bacteria and food residue. Supporters of lower water temperatures claim it is both environmentally friendly and necessary to protect children from any possibility of scalding at bath time.

One of the latest ideas is a mixing valve added to hot water tanks. It is preset and will not allow temperatures in excess of 115 Fahrenheit. It does this by mixing cold water with the hot to maintain this preset maximum.

This debate over hot water tank temperatures has resulted in a catch 22 type scenario. Lower the temperature to lower consumption and be more child safe, but end up leaving bacteria on the plates we use to eat.

Low water temperature can also affect the cycle length. If too low the dishwasher may keep stopping to try and heat the water. A normal cycle of 40 minutes could be extended to 2 or 3 hours with all the heating delays. Some dishwashers may stall completely.

2 Using proper detergent -------------

We always suggest you use a name brand detergent. A good detergent is always worth the price. So stay away from those that are super inexpensive, or ones that claims to clean the dishes plus everything else in the house. If unsure, ask your neighbours what they use.

Gel or crystal, the choice is yours. Both seem to work equally well. Whichever form you prefer the one thing we always stress is, when you find one that works for you stick with it even if it costs more than others.

Crystal is less messy, while gel will dissolve quicker with the water. If your water temperature is low (as described above) gel may be a choice because it will mix better.

If using crystal detergent be aware that it can pick up moisture from the air. When this happens it will swell up and become lumpy or harden. These lumps will be difficult to break down and will not fully dissolve. If at cycles end you see detergent left inside it may be evidence of hardened crystals.

Additional evidence of moisture buildup can be seen if the box itself appears to be swollen. If seen, replace immediately with a fresh box.

A box of detergent should be consumed within 2-3 months. If not throw it away and buy a new one. Match the box size to your needs. Do not buy a large box just because it is on sale. If you have to throw most of it away, it wasnt much of a bargain.

Some detergent manufacturers now offer a product that combines the detergent with the rinse additive. Others offer a detergent that includes a special grease-dissolving agent. Still others are in a tab form, or inside a dissolvable plastic pouch.

Also dishwashing detergent and dishwasher detergent are not interchangeable. Trying to do so will cause problems. Each type of detergent is formulated to do a specific job.

Dishwashing detergent is the one used to wash dishes in the sink is. It is definitely not meant for the dishwasher. Anyone who has ever mistakenly put it into the dishwasher can attest to the mess this will produce. The beating action of the water will produce massive amounts of suds. This results in the dishwasher flooding out the door and across the kitchen floor.

So the moral of this tale is: Dont confuse dishwashing with dishwasher.

3 Rinse additive -------------------

This is something that gets forgotten once the free sample bottle that came with the dishwasher has been used.

Its job is to make the water run off the dishes faster so they can dry quicker. Without it there would be little beads of water on everything at the end of the cycle. Glasses especially would appear to be water stained or be left with a gritty residue. So if poor cleaning is a problem, check the rinse additive level.

But remember, only one or two drops are added per load. A few ounces of rinse additive lasts a very long time. Such a long time those customers often think it is not being added, and blame the additive for problems it has nothing to do with

To refill, look on the dishwasher door for a cap or plug that is removable. It is often overlooked because the time between fill ups can be months. Also, the appliance manufacturers could help solve this problem if more of them added some sort of Hey, Im empty indicator.

Frigidaire dishwashers have a neat little indicator. Right next to the soap dispenser is a clear plastic eye that changes colour when the additive is empty. So every time you add detergent to the machine you also see this eye staring back at you. White if empty, and black if full. Simple, effective, and smart.

4 Proper loading --------------------

Lastly, dont forget that how you load the dishes can drastically affect how well they are cleaned.

Proper loading will allow the water to penetrate all the nooks and crannies. Try the following suggestions:

Cups and glasses on the top rack with bottoms up
Plates on the bottom rack all facing the same direction
Bowls either rack, but all facing the same direction
Utensils in the utensil holder in a mixed fashion (some knives, forks, spoons together in each compartment) to allow gaps between them
Large items, such as a spatulas, laying down on top rack
Pots bottom up wherever space allows (on their side okay if positioned so that water will drain out)

Placing the dishes and utensils in an orderly manner really does make for a better wash. It allows the water sprays to penetrate the dishes thoroughly. Try it it works.

The analogy I offer customers is: If you were going on a car trip would you pack the car efficiently, or just open the doors and throw everything inside so that the passengers had to fight with the luggage. I think you get the picture.

Dishwasher efficiency -----------------

If your dishwasher is having a mechanical problem the result may show up as poor cleaning. Anything from low water pressure, broken pump, not draining fully, or even a blocked filter could be the cause.

So how do you know if the machine needs repair? You dont. But, by checking all the previous problems first a lot of the more common causes of poor cleaning can be easily eliminated.

Also, you have probably heard this a million times before, but before telephoning for service read you owners manual. It can include some valuable information. It will usually give you a checklist of items to test before calling for service.

Summing up ----------------------

You now know what is needed to make the dishes come out of the dishwasher sparkling clean. Hot water, good detergent, rinse additive, and proper loading practices. Thats it thats all. Provide all four of these things to the dishwasher and your cleaning success is guaranteed.

So load up the machine, go get yourself a liquid refreshment, put your feet up and let the dishwasher do all the work. For more information about appliances including FAQ, Stain guide, and Recycling visit http://www.mgservices.ca

5 Commercial Dishwashers To Consider

There are dishwashers designed for home use and for commercial use. Not only is the price significantly different the level of work they perform is too! So what are your choice? Here are 5 commercial dishwashers to consider.

1. Jet Tech 747 High Temp Dishwasher
This dishwasher comes in around the $6000 mark and it is completely automated. The wash cycle occurs at 150F and the rinse at 185F so it meets all the health regulations. It has a dual thermostatic control and it is capable of 50 racks per hour so this will keep up with your demands.

It has double wash motor pumps which give it the extra strength. All components are stainless steel including the wash tank and hood and it is thermically sealed. The insulation will keep the heat confined in the dishwasher and it also keeps it quiet. It has a 6000 watts booster element.

2. CMA Under Counter Low Temp Dishwasher
This dishwasher has 24 racks with as much as 96 covers per hour. It's extremely economical to use because it uses only 1.7 gallons of water each cycle. The stainless construction will offer a long life with trouble free operation.

It has a unique spray arm system that has a reinforced end cap. All the electric components are found in the drawer and the pump drain is designed for flexible installation.

3. CMA High Temperature Under Counter Dishwasher
This high temp dishwasher costs around $3500 and it will sanitize as it washes and rinses with the built in 6 kw booster. It has an external scrap accumulator, pumped drain, filters and traps for debris, and it all lands in a drawer that is very easy to remove and clean.

It has an upper and lower rotating wash arm so your dishes get excellent coverage. There are no plastic parts to break. This one is definitely designed to last.

4. Fargo Under Counter Glass Washer
This high temperature glass washer has a built in boost. You can wash up to 30 racks per hour so this is a great choice for the smaller demands. And it costs only around $2500 which is considerably less than some of the slightly larger models.

It is made from heavy duty stainless steel with sanitizing wash, and a cool water rinse system. The drain pump is built in and there is a valve to prevent overflowing. It comes with an electric tank heater and low water protection so you won't damage it when the water stops flowing. The wash and rinse cycles are automatic

5. Fagor Commercial All Purpose Dishwasher
Sells for around $3400 and this heavy duty stainless construction won't let you down. It has a built in detergent pump, electric booster heater, and it has a hot water rinse. The electric tank heater will ensure an optimum hot water supply at all times.

It has a built in rinse dispenser, door safety, and it can do as many as 280 trays per hour or 1400 cups and glasses so this will meet the needs of a medium size venture.

These 5 commercial dishwashers are definitely worth considering. Of course there are plenty of others that are worth looking at so set your budget and start shopping online.

Dan is a part-time appliances repairman and with his dishwasher website at http://www.alldishwashers.com , he gives reviews of both commercial and residential models and states common problems that he encounters with each one, with solutions! To learn more visit the dishwasher reviews website.

Small Spaces? Choose a Compact Dishwasher

Less than a decade ago if you had a small kitchen there was no hope for a dishwasher and you were doomed to have dish pan hands. But Those days are gone and now you can choose a compact dishwasher that will take up just a small portion of your kitchen counter.

Whether you live in an apartment, mobile home, condo, trailer, or RV here are just a few of your options.

1. Haier Dishwasher
This compact model is convenient and reliable and it will sit on your table or counter. It holds a full 4 place settings and it has a silver basket that you can remove for just a little more space. It has 3 wash cycles and it comes with the adaptor kit for your sink.

2. Haier Table Top Dishwasher
This is a true space saver with easy touch pad controls and three automatic wash cycles. It even has a rinse and hold cycle which is very convenient. It's quiet and you can have it running without interfering with conversation or watching your favorite shows.

3. Danby DDW396W
Danby has a reputation for building a terrific space saver dishwasher that's reliable and affordable. It is a mini size model that's been engineered to perform like its larger counterparts. You don't have to sacrifice performance for size. Danby continues to provide a product you can rely on every year.

4. Bosch SKT5102GB
Offers you two temperature settings and it will hold a full four place setting. It has 5 programmed settings which include Intensive, Normal, Economy, Glasses, and Warm Pre Rinse. It also has an adjustable water softener. It has an easy to clean triple filter system and the rinse aid has a convenient refill indicator. The stainless steel interior looks great and it appears functional.

5. Zanussi
It has 5 place settings and residual heat drying. It is energy efficient and has a built in heating element. It also comes with a flood protection element which is a nice touch.

6. Vesta
Designed this dishwasher for small spaces. In fact it will fit anywhere including your RV yet you can easily get four place settings in it. There are three wash programs and two different temperature settings. And the super quiet operation is a real bonus. Clean up is a breeze with the stainless steel interior and easy to clean trap.

Today there is no reason why you need to suffer from dish pan hands. There are compact dishwashers that will fit your cabin, apartment, trailer, mobile home, or RV counter space with no problem. So are you ready to get convenient?

Dan is a part-time appliances repairman and with his dishwasher website at http://www.alldishwashers.com , he gives reviews of both commercial and residential models and states common problems that he encounters with each one, with solutions! To learn more visit the dishwasher reviews website.