First, decide whether replacing your dishwasher makes sense. Sophisticated sensors, high-efficiency pumps, and improved filtration account for the improvements enabling today’s dishwashers to get dishes sparkling clean with as little as 3 gallons of water. Though the payback period on a new dishwasher is long, performance has improved, and the water savings are immediate and significant. So it makes sense to replace rather than repair a dishwasher that’s more than six years old.
Check energy use. Effective in August 2009, qualifying Energy Star models will use about 32 percent less electricity than the least-efficient dishwashers now on the market. That means dishwashers must use no more than 324 kilowatt-hours per year and 5.8 gallons of water per cycle and have an energy factor above 0.65, based on an electric water heater. Check the EnergyGuide label to be sure you buy a dishwasher that meets the latest Energy Star standards. Visit our Green Ratings section for a list of models to choose from.
Don’t get hung up on dirt sensors. Generally, all but the lowest-priced new dishwashers have sensors to adjust water usage and cycle time according to the amount of dirt on the dishes. But not all sensors are created equal. Consumer Reports tests showed that some sensors don’t distinguish well between slightly and very dirty dishes, increasing wash time and water use even if the load is lightly soiled. See our Green Ratings to find out which models have dirt sensors and how they performed.
Avoid detergents that contain phosphates. Most dishwasher detergents contain phosphates that may harm the environment by promoting algae growth. While the best performing detergents have phosphates and enzymes, Consumer Reports tests have also shown that some detergents clean reasonably well without phosphates. Check our Green Ratings to compare phosphate-free brands with enzymes.
RELATED LINKS
Consumer Reports Dishwashers Buying Guide (full report available to subscribers)
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