How to buy a dishwasher

My 30-year old GE dishwasher sprung a leak recently, so I began shopping for a new one.

First I went to a locally owned appliance store, where the contractor I work with told me to go. Then I went to Sears and Lowe’s. I talked to a salesman at each store who showed me six or eight models in four or five brands.

Despite the fact that I had information sheets printed out for each of the dishwashers that I thought I’d like, I quickly became confused.

I decided to stop shopping and consult Consumer Reports magazine to get more information on which to make a choice. It helped.

The March 2008 issue of the magazine listed as a Best Buy a Whirlpool model that’s still available. Often times, the products rated by Consumer Reports are no longer on the market by the time the ratings come out or by the time you need the product. However, the price for the Whirlpool had gone from $350 to $400.

In addition to the Whirlpool, I’m considering the Bosch SHE43M02UC. It heats the water to 160 degrees twice and has a stainless steel interior.

When I went back to the locally owned appliance store and reviewed my options with one of the co-owners, he tried to steer me to the KitchenAid KUDK031T that he said is similar to the Bosh. He said his company services KitchenAids, and I’d get an extra year’s warranty on the water pump and another part.

Consumer Report’s online article, “Dishwasher Buying Guide,” provides good tips for what to consider when you need to purchase a dishwasher.

Here some highlights from the article:

Getting started

• Dishwashers are available for below $500 that will do a good job of washing dishes.
• Dishwashers are using less water to meet energy standards, but it’s taking longer to get the dishes clean.

Types

• Low-priced dishwashers tend to be noisier and less convenient to load than more expensive models.
• High-priced dishwashers don’t clean dishes any better than the best low-priced dishwashers.
• Dishwasher-drawer models can be expensive and may have more repair problems.

Features

• Adjustable racks and loading aids increase flexibility and help accommodate large items.
• Dirt sensors, which adjust water use and cycle length to soil level, can improve efficiency, but not all work well.
• Most filters are self-cleaning, with a grinder that pulverizes the debris and flushes it down the drain. They’re convenient, but noisy.
• The basic three cycles – light, normal, and heavy – should be enough for most chores. A sanitizing cycle that raises water temperature above 140 degrees doesn’t necessarily clean better.
• While a stainless-steel tub is more durable than plastic, it costs much more. Light-colored plastic may discolor, making gray-speckled plastic a good choice.

The article also offers information about manufacturers so you can compare dishwashers by brand.

So armed with more information, I’m ready to go back and shop for a dishwasher again. Wish me luck.

Update: When I was talking with a friend, she told me about asking an appliance repairman how to get your older dishwasher to work better. I went home, looked at my dishwasher, and cleaned a couple of plastic spoons out of the trap. My dishwasher isn’t leaking now. I won’t need to buy a new dishwasher right away, but I’ve done the research and know what I want when the time comes to purchase a new one.