Recently, a study was done that seemed to imply that dishwashers were not as important as they really are. At first glance, the title stated that dishwashers weren’t as used as other appliances in most Indian homes. However, if you take a closer look, you will discover that it is changing fast post covid-19 lockdown in India.
This figure may be confusing, but the study went on to show that more than half of American households that do own a dishwasher use it at least weekly. If this doesn’t convince you of its importance, a study conducted by Statista showed that in 2018, 8.34 million dishwasher units were shipped into the United States. Nowadays, dishwashers are in high demand even in developing countries such as India and China.
These statistics show that this home device is becoming more important and indispensable in most homes. As with most home appliances, you can easily get lost in the vast number of options to choose from.
To help you buy the right dishwasher for your needs, here are some things to keep in mind:
Effective Cleaning
Contrary to popular belief, not every dishwasher out there can effectively clean and dry your dishes. This is why you should look for one with cleaning and drying settings that meets your expectations. Do you normally wash or pre-rinse your dishes in the sink to get rid of food crumbs before loading it in the dishwasher? Then you don’t need a dishwasher with a heavy scrub. A basic one with a normal wash setting will serve you well and save you some money.
If, on the other hand, you don’t pre-wash or rinse off the crumbs, you will need a heavy duty clean. Think again when it comes to drying your dishes. Using heat instead of air drying could raise your bills. Consider air-drying them to save energy.
Energy Use
Dishwashers made in the 90s, particularly before 1994 use an extra 10 gallons of water and accumulate an extra 3000Rs yearly on the electricity bills. If you are using an old dishwasher, it may be time to buy a new one to save more on both electricity and water. Just make sure it states clearly that it is energy-efficient. Generally, IFB models are known to save more power compared to others.
Features
There are some cool features that can come with dishwashers beyond just washing and drying. One of the features is self-cleaning which empties the filter where waste food is collected. This inbuilt feature cleans the dishwasher’s interior.
Stainless steel tubs prevent stains and look more stylish than the common plastic tubs. Another feature is sanitizing that gets rid of bacteria and germs that may be lurking in your dishwasher after a cycle. Now that you know about these additional features, you can decide if they are worth the extra cost for you before buying a dishwasher.
Size
Average-sized dishwashers are usually 24” wide and smaller ones are 18”. When it comes to the right size for you, think of the dishes you have at home as well as other cookware. Also, consider the silverware basket size and how many shelves the washer has. Some come with adjustable shelves to make more room for bigger pots or longer utensils. Having this information will help you decide what the best size is for you.
Noise
Yes, dishwashers can become noisy, especially older models. All that rumbling from the dishes can interrupt your peace and quiet if your kitchen is located close to your bedroom or living room.
Final Thoughts!
These points mentioned above are important factors you should take into consideration when shopping for a dishwasher that will suit your needs. Don’t just go for the first one you find without first checking if it has the features you are looking for.
When you keep in mind energy conservation, extra features, size, cleaning, and noise, you will be able to choose the right one for you. It also helps to go with known and trusted brands.
