Your guide to choosing a dishwasher that WON’T waste money
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We all know how frustrating it is to do the dishes by hand. It's a time-consuming and monotonous task that we would all rather avoid if possible.
Thankfully, dishwashers have become increasingly popular over the years and for good reason.
All you have to do is pop your dirty dishes in, kick your feet back, and let the gadget do its magic. Easy-peasy!
But before you run out and buy the first dishwasher that you lay your eyes on, there are a few things you should take into consideration to get the best bang for your buck.
Which dishwasher suits your home the best? Source: KitchenAid
Will it hike your energy bills?
One of the most important things to consider when choosing any appliance is its energy efficiency rating. But what is that exactly?
According to Designer Appliances, being energy efficient refers to ‘a method of designing appliances so that they drain as little energy as possible while operating.’
Not only will this help you gauge the yearly operating cost, but it will also give you an estimate of how much electricity (and therefore money) similar models use.
Opting for cheaper models may be tempting, but if it’s the culprit behind the hikes in your energy bills, then you’ll end up spending more money in the long run. Not to mention, you’ll probably have to replace it after a few months too as cheap dishwashers are… Well, made with equally cheap materials.
Consider how much water the appliance uses. Source: Finish
How much water does it use?
The amount of water a dishwasher uses for a cycle goes hand-in-hand with energy efficiency. This is because it takes energy to heat that water. Plus, if you live somewhere where you have to pay for water, then that’s another bill to take into account.
Is it the perfect size for your household?
One or two-person households usually take a lot longer to fill up a dishwasher compared to big families living under one roof. Despite this, most dishwashers are the same size!
Smaller households can opt for a countertop dishwasher. If these aren’t on your radar, allow Lifehacker to enlighten you.
Make sure to check the appliance’s cleaning power. Source: Unsplash
How well does it perform?
Let’s face it – all of the factors above won’t matter if the dishwasher you purchased can’t wash dishes properly.
Luckily, dishwashers in the market come with a variety of features. So, ensure that you’re getting one with cleaning features that will match your needs instead of flashy ones.
The best way to know how well it cleans? Check out reviews online. People who really like or really dislike a product are the most likely to leave a review.
Is it reliable?
Whichever dishwasher you choose, you’ll want it to last for as long as possible. It’s simply not ideal to spend beyond the purchase price for maintenance and repairs.
Some factors and models generally extend the appliance’s lifespan. For example, stainless steel tubs are more durable than dishwashers with plastic tubs.
It’s also important to ensure that your dishwasher is installed properly as improperly placed drain pumps can become clogged and in turn, damage your dishwasher. But in the end, it always boils down to how much TLC you’re willing to give the kitchen essential. Learn more about what you should never put in your dishwasher by clicking here.
What are your thoughts about these tips? Do you have any similar ones up your sleeve? Share them with us in the comments!
Learn more tips by watching the video below:
Source: CNET
Thankfully, dishwashers have become increasingly popular over the years and for good reason.
All you have to do is pop your dirty dishes in, kick your feet back, and let the gadget do its magic. Easy-peasy!
But before you run out and buy the first dishwasher that you lay your eyes on, there are a few things you should take into consideration to get the best bang for your buck.
Which dishwasher suits your home the best? Source: KitchenAid
Will it hike your energy bills?
One of the most important things to consider when choosing any appliance is its energy efficiency rating. But what is that exactly?
According to Designer Appliances, being energy efficient refers to ‘a method of designing appliances so that they drain as little energy as possible while operating.’
Not only will this help you gauge the yearly operating cost, but it will also give you an estimate of how much electricity (and therefore money) similar models use.
Opting for cheaper models may be tempting, but if it’s the culprit behind the hikes in your energy bills, then you’ll end up spending more money in the long run. Not to mention, you’ll probably have to replace it after a few months too as cheap dishwashers are… Well, made with equally cheap materials.
Consider how much water the appliance uses. Source: Finish
How much water does it use?
The amount of water a dishwasher uses for a cycle goes hand-in-hand with energy efficiency. This is because it takes energy to heat that water. Plus, if you live somewhere where you have to pay for water, then that’s another bill to take into account.
Is it the perfect size for your household?
One or two-person households usually take a lot longer to fill up a dishwasher compared to big families living under one roof. Despite this, most dishwashers are the same size!
Smaller households can opt for a countertop dishwasher. If these aren’t on your radar, allow Lifehacker to enlighten you.
Make sure to check the appliance’s cleaning power. Source: Unsplash
How well does it perform?
Let’s face it – all of the factors above won’t matter if the dishwasher you purchased can’t wash dishes properly.
Luckily, dishwashers in the market come with a variety of features. So, ensure that you’re getting one with cleaning features that will match your needs instead of flashy ones.
The best way to know how well it cleans? Check out reviews online. People who really like or really dislike a product are the most likely to leave a review.
Is it reliable?
Whichever dishwasher you choose, you’ll want it to last for as long as possible. It’s simply not ideal to spend beyond the purchase price for maintenance and repairs.
Some factors and models generally extend the appliance’s lifespan. For example, stainless steel tubs are more durable than dishwashers with plastic tubs.
It’s also important to ensure that your dishwasher is installed properly as improperly placed drain pumps can become clogged and in turn, damage your dishwasher. But in the end, it always boils down to how much TLC you’re willing to give the kitchen essential. Learn more about what you should never put in your dishwasher by clicking here.
What are your thoughts about these tips? Do you have any similar ones up your sleeve? Share them with us in the comments!
Learn more tips by watching the video below:
Source: CNET
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