Table of Contents
Type
Integrated dishwashers can be fully integrated, semi-integrated or drawer. A fully integrated one is discreet and entirely hidden by the kitchen cabinet that encloses it, providing a seamless appearance. Its control panel is positioned inside the top edge of the door. A semi-integrated dishwasher has a concealed lower part, but it features a visible control panel at the top. A dishdrawer resembles a file cabinet and consists of one drawer or a double drawer design, like the Fisher Paykel DD24DAX9, with different wash cycles and other advanced features. It is ideal for kitchens with limited space.
Budget
Identify the amount you are willing to spend and the price range, and then narrow your options by factoring in the features that will perfectly suit your needs. While more features and advanced options might mean spending a bit more, you can still find affordable options that will do a great job. Price is not always an indication of performance. Some smaller and cheaper models have been known to give their pricier counterparts a run for their money. Frigidaire FFBD1831US has an array of versatile and powerful options, and it is fairly affordable. However, if your budget is very tight, check out stand-alone dishwashers under 300 dollars, for instance.
Dimensions
Integrated dishwashers tend to be relatively larger than freestanding ones. Since they are built-in, ensure the space available in your kitchen can accommodate its installation. In addition to the space your dishwasher will occupy, it will also need connections to a power and water supply as well as a drainage system. Due to these connections, a single inch in depth, width or height can make a whole lot of difference because both fully and semi-integrated dishwashers are designed for permanent incorporation into the kitchen.
Capacity
This indicates the number of dishes that can be accommodated in one wash cycle, also known as place settings. While external measurements of a dishwasher can give you a good idea, they do not necessarily indicate its capacity. Some smaller models can have high place settings through foldable racks and removable tines that can be adjusted to fit additional utensils. Others utilize movable baskets and trays that can be rearranged to create more space. Identify the size of your family, eating habits and the dish load to determine the most suitable capacity for you.
Number of Cycles
Cycles refer to the programs that are designed for specific types of loads. They can include light, normal, heavy, automatic, half load, express, pots and pans, china, plastics, rinse, anti-bacteria and eco-friendly. The number of washes, speed, rinses, pressure, temperature and amount of water varies from one cycle to another. Some cycles are only meant for fragile items while others can handle all types of utensils. Check out your integrated dishwasher manual for a guide on the cycles available and the dishes to use with them for an economical and more superior experience.
Hot Water Connection and Water Heating
Water heater boosters can raise the temperature of the water for up to 140°F and maintain it for sterilization and the final rinse. Look for an integrated dishwasher which features a built-in heating system that utilizes less energy since it allows you to lower the temperature to 120°F. As for models like EdgeStar BIDW1801SS you can connect them to a hot water supply that can be heated with solar or gas, thus reducing water heating costs. According to The National Sanitation Foundation, dishwashers must reach 150°F in the final rinse to be awarded the NSF/ANSI 184 certification.
Drying Function
With dishwashers becoming more energy-efficient, the concept of using heated air to dry utensils is being phased out, with newer models, such as Bosch SHXM98W75N having extra dry capability. The popular drying method with integrated dishwashers raises the water temperature in the final rinse, and the condensation that results from contact with the stainless steel drains moisture from the dishes. This also protects plastic utensils from melting. The sanitize cycle uses high temperature to eliminate 99.9 percent of bacteria. Another alternative is air drying, which uses 15 percent less energy than heated drying. It works by automatically opening the door after the wash cycle. This feature is a requirement for Energy Star Certification. Drying with a fan, which requires no heating, can also reduce your energy consumption.
Noise Level
One advantage of integrated dishwashers is their low sound to virtually mute, owing to their encapsulation into the kitchen cabinet which muffles sound. The insulation also reduces energy consumption by trapping heat. Sound dampening elements can be added to older models to reduce the noise. Check out the decibel rating, which is denoted by dBA. One decibel can increase the volume by 30 percent. A decibel rating of 60 can be ear-splitting while a rating of 40 is silent. This is why Frigidaire FFBD1831US, whose decibel rating is 52 dBA, is considered quite noisy. A good integrated dishwasher will not drone over you as you sleep or try to make conversation in close proximity.
Warranty
Most people take warranty for granted, which ends up costing them a lot. Considering an integrated dishwasher is designed to be permanently installed, it is important to select dishwashers with warranties that can cover you for a considerable period. Fisher Paykel DD24DAX9 has a warranty of 10 years on major components. Read the fine print to understand the kind of damage, servicing and replacement it covers so you can know what to expect. Reviews from other customers can also be enlightening. You can extend your warranty, which can be in the form of free repair and maintenance in case of malfunctioning or a breakdown of your dishwasher.
Adjustability
Adjustable racks, removable baskets, slots and foldable trays can greatly increase capacity through repositioning which allows fitting of odd-shaped and taller utensils or removal to create space for more dishes. Additionally, adjustable shelves make the loading and unloading process easier. They are convenient, especially where there is limited space available.
Energy and Water Efficiency
Integrated dishwashers with Energy Star certification are efficient and cost-effective. They save up to 12 percent of energy and 30 percent of water. Other ways you can lower your bill is by leaving the dishes to air dry instead of heat drying and electric fans. Most recent models have built-in heaters, but you can save 80 percent of the energy used to heat water by connecting the dishwasher to a hot water supply that is heated by gas or solar. You can skip pre-rinsing and just scrape off the food particles to save on energy. Use the eco-friendly or express wash cycle, if available. A soil sensor will also reduce cleaning time by adjusting the cycle to the size and soiling of the load. Avoid half loads and minimize energy consumption by operating full loads since both types of loads use equal amount of water, energy, and detergent. In case energy-efficiency is critical for you, you can also look for a dishwasher under 500 dollars. In this price range the models are fairly compact, and won’t increase your energy bills whatsoever.
Safety and Care
Avoid dishwashers with plastic interiors because when they melt, they can release poisonous chemicals. Stainless steel is preferable.
Remove food particles from dishes before loading them, and check every nook and cranny of the dishwasher for any debris that could cause clogging and blockage.
Dishwashers can only be used with specific detergents to avoid large production of foam and suds, which can cause spillage. Gels can minimize the effectiveness of the machine by clogging it and leaving film on dishes, particularly glassware.
Child Lock – This will secure the dishwasher door and prevent accidental access by your little ones when the integrated dishwasher is in operation.
Leak Sensor – The sensor detects overflowing and prevents flooding by cutting off the incoming water supply.
Sanitizing feature – This eliminates 99.9 percent of bacteria and speeds up the drying process through the increased water temperature in the final rinse.
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