Photo courtesy of Maytag
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Controls -Across the board, controls have become easier to use. Whirlpool has a One-Touch(tm) control that allows you to push a single button, for example. Although electronic controls are trendier, they are more expensive and don't offer any particular advantages over mechanical controls.
They are the easiest to set but can be slower to reset than a dial. Pushbuttons are also easy to set but can leave you wondering what part of the cycle you're on if you have to reset.
Three basic cycles are important: light, normal and heavy. People who are brave enough to wash china and crystal in a dishwasher will want a delicate cycle. Delay start is a popular feature because it allows you to set the dishwasher to start automatically at a later time--one more way to reduce obstrusive noise.
Cycle choices let you tailor the cycle to the contents of your load. The gentle cycle is safe for washing china and crystal (unless it’s hand-painted or antique). The heaviest cycle will handle just about anything.
Racks - With racks, flexibility is the name of the game. When shopping for a dishwasher, match the rack style to the types of things you wash--if your dishes are unusual in size or shape, you may want to take one along. Covered baskets can be helpful for containing small items. Beyond that, watch for flexibility: terraced racks, fold-down trays and adjustable or removable tines.
As far as capacity is concerned, all conventional under-counter dishwashers are about the same size because they're made to fit under a counter in a 24-inch-wide space. If you're considering a European model, double check its capacity to be sure it isn't sized smaller than its American counterparts.
Finish - Stunningly simple is the preferred look. European-style models, including Creda and Regency VSA, do a beautiful job of integrating the control panel into the face panel. For the ultimate in clean design, check out the ASKO 1805, which has no visible controls from the front--they're located along the top edge of the door.
Finishes include stainless steel, white, black, and--with some--custom panels that match cabinetry. In their Designer Series, ASKO, for example, offers deep rose, teal, plum and slate blue. They will even paint the control panel to match any color sample provided by a customer, or offer a replaceable panel in a wider range of colors to blend with base cabinets.
Fuzzy logic
"Smart" dishwashers are on the horizon-- in fact, the vanguard has arrived. Using sensors to size-up and monitor cleaning during wash cycles, smart controls are currently available at the high end of a couple of dishwasher lines, notably Maytag's IntelliSense(tm) Plus and the GE Profile CleanSensor. They allow tailoring a machine's effort and energy to meet the load's requirements for optimum efficiency. If you want a dishwasher that truly takes the guesswork out of using controls, one of these would be a good bet. Whether it's worth the premium price--figure about $800 for Maytag, $429 for GE-- is another issue.
Other tips
Because models are continually evolving, before buying a new dishwasher, do your homework. Check out Consumer Reports' ratings for reliability and convenience. Look for a strong warranty--one or more years free parts and labor (Maytag offers 3 years plus free key parts for 5 years) and free parts and labor on the tub and door liner for 20 years or more. By combining careful, informed shopping and a strong warranty, you can select a dishwasher that will add beauty and convenience to your home for years to come.
--Don Vandervort
