...Continued from the Dish Washer Resource Guide
Does Your Dishwasher Perform?
One of the biggest factors to influence the performance of your dishwasher, is the temperature of the water it is using. Manufacturers usually recommend that the hot water a dishwasher uses, be around 135 to 145 degreesfarenheit . If your water heater is not sending water to the dishwasher that is at least 120 degrees your dishwasher will under perform. Check the water at the tap nearest to your dishwasher with a thermometer to find out what temperature your dishwasher is using.
Size Does Matter
Consider the size of the dishwasher you'll need. A family of two will need a smaller dishwasher then a family of six. Even if you have enough dishes to allow a family of two to wait over a week to run the dishwasher, it's probably a bad idea to buy a bigger model. Dishwashers should be run at least once a week to keep them lubricated, and to prevent the seals from drying out. A smaller family should just get a smaller dishwasher, and run it more frequently.
Running Out Of Gas
In these days of energy conscious thinking, we should all do our part in minimizing our energy uses. While all dishwashers are required by law to meet minimum federal energy requirements, some do even better. Dishwashers with the ENERGY STAR logo, will use a minimum of 25 percent less energy than those who don't. Your great great great grandchildren will thank you.
So, that should be enough to get started in the wonderful world of dishwasher shopping. Keep looking around till you find the one that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Read more great information on your kitchen design and kitchen cabinets, visit http://foolishmumbles.com/2006/09/29/dishwasher-buying-guide/