Hey Appliance Fans,
What’s the single appliance in your kitchen that you wouldn’t want to go without, even for a day? A refrigerator? Possibly, but you could eat out until you replace it. How about an oven? Maybe, but a microwave could substitute for an oven– at least for a few days. (hint: guess dishwasher)
If you guessed a dishwasher, you are correct!
In my family, dishes are created on a minute by minute basis and they stack up fast! Typically, I’m so busy writing blogs or watching the Phillies that I don’t have the time, or the desire, to hand wash my dishes (does anyone really have the desire to hand wash dishes??).
Did you know that there are 1.2 billion dishwashers on the market?
Ok, maybe there aren’t 1.2 billion, but there’s an awful lot to choose from. And how do you choose the right one for you? Your first step is to visit our Lansdale showroom and talk to one of our salespeople. Obviously you already knew that so let’s dig a little deeper:
The four biggest features that change the price point of a dishwasher are:
- Number of Cycles
- Rack Configuration
- Decibel Level
- Quality of components (i.e. stainless steel interior vs. plastic interior)
Tips when purchasing a dishwasher:
- The look: Is it important that the handle of the dishwasher matches the rest of the appliances? Did you want an integrated model (controls “disappear” when the door is closed) or controls on the front? Stainless steel, black, white, panel overlay?
- Cycle Features: What’s in your cabinets? Lots of china and crystal? If so, make sure to select a model that has a china or crystal wash cycle. You’ll be glad you did. A lot of dishwashers today have “top rack” cycles meaning that only the top rack will be cleaned. This is perfect if you only have a small amount of dishes to wash.
- Rack configuration: Forget about the standard upper and lower rack configurations. Sure, companies still make them and this style is still standard in most units, but dishwashers have evolved. Models can now be equipped with cutlery trays and other racks to hold lids, large utensils, stemware, and more.
- Noise: If you have an old dishwasher, you know that running it makes your kitchen sound like a NASCAR speedway. It’s safe to say that all of the models on the market today, no matter what brand, are quiet. However, there are levels of quiet from brand to brand and model to model. Most dishwashers are in the upper 40 to mid 50 dB range. Check out this decibel chart to see where everyday sounds measure in dB’s.
For more information than you would ever want to know, stop in our Lansdale, PA showroom and have one of our salespeople help you to decode dishwashers!
As always, don’t forget to visit the Kieffer’s website for all of your appliance needs in Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington DC!
-The Kieffer’s Guy
