Dishwasher buying tips?

[blondeatlast]

Our DW has been out of commission almost two years and I've just had it about washing dishes by hand.

"We" are me, husband, and 8 year old son who never entertain. Specifically, I wonder if I need:

adjustable racks?

lots of cycles?

any other bells and whistles?

We're on a pretty tight budget; I've priced them in my area and I can get them from about $200 and on up (not including delivery and installation); is it worth spending more? If so, what's worth getting at added expense?

Anything is better than doing them by hand, and my needs are pretty simple. Thanks!

[Berserker]

1. Check here

http://www.rateitall.com/t-680-dishwashers.aspx
http://www.consumersearch.com/www/kitchen/dishwashers/

[blondeatlast]

2. Excellent--thanks! nt

[LiberalEsto]

3. Stop by the library

and check Consumer Reports, too.

I just bought a KitchenAid dishwasher at Lowes because they had a great deal -- free delivery, installation, and hauling away the old one. Normally that costs $178. This KitchenAid got a pretty good rating from Consumer Reports as well as online ratings.

Ours just has three cycles -- heavy, normal, and rinse only. The racks don't adjust, but in a couple of places the spikes fold down to make room for larger items. And the inside is stainless steel. Nothing fancy, just a basic dishwasher from a reliable brand.

Some appliance dealers offer discounts on "scratch and dent" models if you don't mind a small dent somewhere.

[Longhorn]

4. For me, being quiet is the most important.

I hate hearing a loud dishwasher when we're trying to watch TV or having company or even trying to go to sleep.

Other than that, I rarely use more than one cycle. It's nice to have some flexibility in loading the dishes and maybe a closable compartment for small items that tend to fly around during the cycle. I also like the rinse agent dispenser but since you can buy solid dispensers to hang inside, it's not a necessity.

There's another thread in this forum (I think? or was it the Cooking/Baking Groups?) on dishwashers that you may wish to check out as well. Have fun! :D

[arkie dem]

5. In the past I have done appliance repair

I don't know if this still holds true. At one time there were only two manufactures of dishwashers. D&M manufacturing which is marketed under many different major brands and GE which is marketed under GE,& HotPoint. Of the two I prefer the D&M which seem to have less problems than the GE's.
As for noise as someone else mentioned would be the most important considerations. The more bells and whistles the more there is to go wrong. If it will clean the dishes that's all that matters IMHO.

[fortyfeetunder]

6. Reliability, and certain features

Read on the Consumer Reports guide on appliances, you want a DW that can stand up to your needs (frequency) without dying early in the game.

We are the same as you (parents and child about the same age), don't entertain much. We replaced our 19YO Whirlpool last year, the parts were too expensive to replace.

The only feature we considered a must have with the kid around was the sanitizing, high-temperature washing cycle.

[MARALE]

7. we have a bosch

And we love it. It is very quiet and has a sanitizing cycle. It cleans really well, we don't need to pre rinse.

[Digit]

8. I have always been happy with Whirlpool brand appliances...

Lowes Home Improvement carries them if they have one near you.
Sears also will put their Kenmore brand on various brands of appliances...the saleman should be able to tell you if it is a Whirlpool or not.

Even if they are charging for delivery, ASK for free delivery and many times they will do it.

Some of these stores have no interest, no payments for a year if you pay in full by the due date.

Stay within your means, and don't feel guilty about it.

[denile01]

9. Happy with my KitchenAid

I agree with the quiet feature bit. Especially if your kitchen is open to other living areas of the house.

Also important: professional installation. If you're a "do-it-yourselfer", pass on this one. Some manufacturers will not honor the warranty if the dishwasher isn't professionally installed.

[bleedingheart]

10. okay..I have a Kitchenaid...but....I adore my sister's Bosch

hers has the same stainless steel interior...but it is sooooooooo QUIET! it is so quiet that I have opened it thinking it was not on..