So yes, it is time to bring back a helpful hand with a new dishwasher.
Getting the best value dishwasher has become a must. About six months ago, our dishwasher quit. It decided after 11 years it had had enough. If I had to clean dishes for a family of six multiple times a week, I think I’d get tired after 11 years as well. Living without a dishwasher has been a challenge. When you depend on something and it’s gone, it’s hard to live without it. And, with four kids, a few hundred dollars isn’t always easy to come by. Luckily, we have extra hands to help wash and dry but that isn’t as convenient as the dishwasher was.
The real reason I want a new dishwasher: The holidays are approaching and I’m hosting dinner for 23 family members. Plus, I have four houseguests for five days. If I can get help around the kitchen, I’ll gladly take it. So yes, it is time to bring back a helpful hand with a new best value dishwasher.
My wish list is simple yet thoughtful. With a large family, we can easily run the dishwasher once a day so I definitely want something that is easy to use and efficient. I don’t care so much about sound as we usually run it over night or after we leave in the morning. As long as it is reliable and easy on the pocketbook, I’ll be happy.
My must haves:
- Electric panel
- Holds a lot of dishes / place settings
- Energy efficient
Our old dishwasher was 24”. My brother is a good handyman so if we go with a smaller option, he can build up the surround so size isn’t a huge factor. NSF Certified (this certification means dishes are sanitized and bacteria are reduced). Stainless Steele exterior and interior tub
I started my search on Amazon. Why? They have a variety of best value dishwasher under ‘one roof’ but they also have meaningful reviews. In addition, I looked at the manufactures websites for helpful insights as well. So, let’s take a look at 5 best value dishwasher in order of price.
Option 1: Frigidaire 24” Stainless Steel Built-in Dishwasher $279
Uses dual arms for a more thorough cleaning; Adjusts cleaning time based on more clean/less clean dishes; Removable self-cleaning filter; Energy Star Certified.
Pros:
5 wash cycles; 14 place settings; Stainless Steele exterior; Electric panel; NSF Certified sanitize rinse.
Cons:
Plastic interior (versus stainless Steele)
Option 2: EdgeStar 18” Black Dishwasher $329 USD
Lights indicate where it is in cycle; Buzzer indicates cycle is complete; Cup tray.
Pros:
6 wash cycles; Pull out dish racks; Silverware basket; Energy Star compliant.
Cons:
Manual panel; Holds 8 place settings; Black front panel; Because it’s 18”, it would require additional work.
Option 3: Sunpentown (SPT) 18” Stainless Steele Built-in Dishwasher $337 USD
Time delay feature for later start time; Rinse aid warning indicator; Smaller foot print; Two pull out dish racks.
Pros:
Listed as Best Seller on Amazon.com; Stainless Steele exterior panel and interior; 6 wash cycles; Adjustable upper rack; Energy Star compliant; Electric panel.
Cons:
Because it’s 18”, it would require additional work; Only holds up to 8 place settings.
Option 4: Frigidaire 24” White Dishwasher $355.49 USD
Delay start option; Energy Saver drying options; Multiple wash settings; Removable silverware basket.
Pros:
24”; Holds up to 12 place settings; Control lock option.
Cons:
Not Energy Star certified; Manual panel; 2 pre-programmed cycles; White front panel.
Option 5: Avanti 18” Black Dishwasher $379 USD
Three-stage filtering system; One piece silverware basket; Power indicator light.
Pros:
Stainless Steele interior; Electric panel.
Cons:
Because it’s 18”, would require additional work; Black front panel; Holds 8 place settings; 4 washing cycles.
My conclusion on the best value dishwasher
I was surprised at the number of options I would have under the $400 range for a best value dishwasher. But, with the models listed, I would not be able to get the perfect dishwasher of my dreams. Just like when looking for a house, sometimes you have to build it yourself to get what you want, which isn’t the option here.
I was able to find a model that met most of my needs, or, the needs most important to me. That model is: Option 1: Frigidaire 24” Stainless Steele Built-in Dishwasher.
For starters, this model fits the current dishwasher space. While my brother could easily build a surround for a smaller unit, this model is a perfect fit and it saves time for us all. Second, this dishwasher holds 14 place settings! Yes, 14! For a family of 6, that can mean I only have to run it every other day instead of every day! In addition, this model has an electric panel as well as a stainless steele exterior which in my opinion, updates the look of a kitchen with minimal effort.
I’m happy this model is NSF Certified. Why? This means that a hot water rinse is used to kill germs.
According to SF Gate: “…dishwashers bearing this certification kill 99.99 percent of bacteria when operated on the “sanitize” setting. In order to be certified, they also must reach 150 degrees Fahrenheit during final rinse. Dishwashers that don’t have this certification most likely don’t reach temperatures high enough to sterilize items”. This may seem like an unnecessary feature. Our old dishwasher didn’t have this feature and not once did I feel like our dishes weren’t clean or sanitized. By having this as an option, it makes me feel like I’m doing something good for my family.
This model didn’t have a stainless steele tub which wasn’t on my ‘must have’ list but it would have been nice. Such tubs are said to rust over time but they are quieter and better sanitize dishes and are also more energy efficient. They do tend to cost more but I felt like in the long run, it would be a better option. This model also doesn’t have a flexible utensil basket like our old dishwasher did. It was nice to be able to move the basket around to accommodate larger dish loads.
Overall, I’m excited about my choice of the best value dishwasher and cannot wait for it to deliver. I think the kids are more excited than I am to no longer have to hand wash and dry!
Here is an interesting post about The best gas stove cleaning way
— Amanda Pokorny
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