By Ilse Hagen

If you love to cook but hate doing the dishes, then a good dishwasher may be the best investment you'll ever make. Dishwashers are for cleaning cups, other kitchen utensils, and of course, plates. They clean by spraying hot water on the dishes to replace manual scrubbing. They usually use a special detergent that tends to be too strong for human hands.

How it cleans

Dishwashers start by spraying detergent mixed with water to remove dirt, followed by clean water when it is time for rinsing. Most models have a heating stage for drying, which can also be used for heating water before spraying.

The portable dishwasher

It is designed for counters and tabletops and they come in butcher-block styles so they can blend in with other appliances. You can also place them under the counter but these types are more expensive and difficult to install.

Undercounter dishwasher

It is installed under the counter and they usually have high loading capacities. They take up less space than portable ones and they last longer, too, since the body is sealed from heat, water, and other elements that can damage it.

Full-size dishwasher

It measures around 24 inches and you can choose whether to install them under the counter or not, making them more durable and versatile. They can hold up to 140 pieces of cutlery and 12 utensil sets but they take require more space.

The tub

Dishwashers with stainless steel tubs are ideal if you use hard water for dishwashing because they are resistant to alkaline content compared to plastic tubs. If you are using soft tap water, the plastic tub is a better choice since it cleans easy. Avoid enamel-coated tubs since they stain and chip easily.

Muffler

Pick a dishwasher capable of reducing noise while working. The damping is indicated in decibels on the dishwasher so pick one with 44 decibels or lower.

Shopping help / Consumer information

A complete Guide to DISHWASHERS is available in Picky Guide, one of the fastest growing online magazines giving free consumer advice and product information.