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Rack designs are not all the same, and dishes might not fit like they did in your old machine.
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If you’re shopping in a store, consider taking some of your dishes with you to make sure they fit. Make sure the design is accommodating, whether you’ll need extra space for oversized bowls or a spot for chopsticks. Take a close look at the configuration of the dishwasher’s interior-the spacing of the tines and the placement of the silverware baskets and racks, for instance. Don’t forget to account for adjustment of the leveling feet. (Remember that when you retile your floors or redo your counters, that may change the height of that cavity in your kitchen.) To ensure your dishwasher will fit your kitchen before you make your final selection, carefully measure your space and ask the retailer for the specific height of the model you’re interested in. They’ve been growing in popularity, and Consumer Reports tests a handful of them. If you have a small kitchen, you might consider buying a dishwasher intended for an 18x24-inch cavity. They’re the most commonly sold type, and they’re what Consumer Reports buys and tests most often. When buying a dishwasher, look for exterior dimensions that fit your kitchen, as well as interior dimensions that fit your cleaning needs.Ĭonventionally sized dishwashers are intended for a cavity that’s 24 inches wide and 24 inches high. Finally, you’ll want to get the right dishwasher detergent to complement your machine and dishes. Once you’ve bought a new dishwasher, maintaining it will substantially lengthen its life-and if something does go wrong, look to repairs before replacing it. That’s why we’ve put together this buying guide-to help you separate the must-have features from the nice-to-haves, and explain what you can expect for various prices. And our article on the best dishwashers zeroes in on the top scorers of the bunch.īut not all dishwashers will match everyone’s priorities and budget. Our comprehensive dishwasher ratings cover more than 110 models from more than 25 brands, including Bosch, LG, Samsung, and Viking. But with hundreds of models available, and inventory often in flux, how should you go about choosing the best dishwasher to suit your needs? That means more than half an hour of your day, every day of the year, can be saved by this all-but-essential kitchen appliance. That’s according to the Energy Star rating, anyway.
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Using a dishwasher can save you more than 230 hours a year, compared with washing your dishes by hand.
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