Throughout September, we'll be sharing tips from Sears Canada's Brand and Trend Director on purchasing major appliances. We'll find out what to look for when shopping for a fridge, stove, washer/dryer duo and dishwasher. This week, we take an in-depth look at buying a dishwasher:
The right dishwasher will last for years, so a number of factors must be considered before purchase, from the aesthetics of your kitchen to the more practical components like durability, efficiency and size. Below are a few points to consider while shopping for the right dishwasher.
1. Consider what types of dishes and glassware fill your cabinets, then determine what features you'll need:
- Adjustable racks can be folded down to accommodate large items.
- A cup shelf with fold-down or flip-up options help prevent breaking.
- Fold-down clips will keep lighter items from flipping during the wash.
- Stem-holders keep wine glasses secure during the wash.
- Storage accessories, like a utensil basket, can hold cutlery.
2. Decide what material you want for the interior of your dishwasher:
- Plastic is a durable, reliable, and rustproof polypropylene material.
- Stainless steel is a long-lasting, stain-resistant and rust-resistant material.
- Porcelain on steel: the tub interior is made of a stain-resistant porcelain on steel.
3. Noise is an easy factor to overlook while picking out a dishwasher, but will quickly become important after installation. There are a variety of sound-reduction packages to consider, from standard to high-end, so you barely notice a running cycle.
4. Make sure the dishwasher you choose is energy efficient. Check its energy star rating at www.sears.ca before you buy.
5. Look for dishwashers with dirt/soil sensors that use only the amount of water needed for cleaning — a potential savings on your next energy bill!
6. Choose a dishwasher with a good filtration system to ensure that all dirt and debris get flushed away.
7. Look for features such as a glass trap to prevent broken glass from clogging the system.
8. Before purchasing a dishwasher, decide what style is the best fit for your kitchen. Consider aesthetics such as colour and handle design. You may also want to add a fully integrated control panel, which hides the controls when the dishwasher door is closed.
Cindy Jardim has been working at Sears Canada for 29 years, with over 20 years experience in the Home division. Each season, she travels throughout Canada, the USA, Asia and Europe, scouring trade fairs and factories for the best of the best in home appliances and décor.
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