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Dishwasher Buying Guide At Abt

At Abt Electronics and Appliances, we understand that a dishwasher is an essential tool in today's fast pace life. Dishwashers save time and energy to help accomplish all other chores around the house.We carry a large selection of dishwashers from over ten different manufacturers. We are sure you will find the perfect model to fit your needs. 

Before purchasing a dishwasher you should be aware of what style dishwasher you want.  Dishwashers come in three different styles: Full-size, Compact, and Countertop. View all of our dishwashers.

Full-Sized
(undercounter)
Full-Sized Dishwashers are usually built into (undercounter) your kitchen cabinets but can also be portable/convertible.  Most full-sized dishwashers are standard in size (34" high / 24" wide / and 24"deep).  Some European brands, however, are slightly narrower and shorter.

Built in dishwashers are permanently installed under a 36 inch counter with only the front door visible.  The front door of the dishwasher can be the color of your choice.   The majority of dishwashers come in white, black, biscuit or stainless steel. A few manufacturers allow you to attach a customized panel to the front. This blends your dishwasher with your cabinets.

Portable/ Convertible Dishwashers are free standing with casters that must be rolled to the sink for operation.  A tap adapter must be used to connect two hoses to the sink faucet.  One tap for filling the dishwasher with water and the other for removing wastewater from the machine.  The electrical cords and hoses connected to the dishwasher store neatly behind the unit.  These units can be converted into a built in unit by removing the exterior walls and rollers.  Portable/ Convertible dishwashers are ideal for apartments, older homes as well as mobile homes. 

Compact
Compact Dishwashers are only 18 inches wide.  They are available as both portable/convertible and built-in, they require the same electrical and plumbing connections as full-sized models. Some models can even be integrated into your cabinetry.

Countertop
Countertop Dishwashers are about the same size as a microwave (18 inches square).  They are designed to sit on top of a counter next to a sink during operation.  Countertop dishwashers require the same connections as both full-sized and compact models.  They can only handle small loads. 

The latest dishwasher style is the "dishdrawer" available either as a single drawer or a double drawer. Each drawer can be operated independently. Currently, there are products like this in the market by Fisher & Paykel as well as KitchenAid and DCS.

For additional help deciding on your perfect dishwasher, dishwasher features and for installation information please contact our knowledgeable sales staff at Abt Electronics and Appliance.

Dishwasher Categories:

HDTV Receiver
Under Counter Dishwashers


HDTV Siganl
Portable Dishwashers


HDTV Siganl
Dishwasher Accessories
 Glossary

Adjustable Racks
Many dishwashers have racks that can be adjusted in some way. Most often, Tines can simply be folded down. Adjustable racks make it easier to fit your entire load into the dishwasher.

Auto Clean
An electronic sensor monitors the rinse water and adjusts the cleaning until your dishes are clean.

Automatic Temperature Control
A control that automatically balances water temperature. It adds the correct amount of hot and cold water to ensure the proper temperature. This way, the detergent dissolves properly.

Brands
At Abt Electronics, our dishwasher manufacturers include GE, Bosch, Fisher & Paykel, Frigidaire, KitchenAid, Maytag, Miele, Viking, Whirlpool as well as other manufacturers.   

Child Lock
This indicates that the dishwasher has a locking feature that will prevent children from opening it or changing programs.

China/Crystal Cycle
This refers to a wash cycle characterized by a light wash with a minimally heated drying cycle. This may also be called a Delicate Wash cycle.

Control Type
Dishwashers have either mechanical controls, with push buttons and dials, or electronic ones.

Cutlery Basket
Most dishwashers have cutlery baskets for washing kitchen utensils.

Cutlery Tray
A select few will have a seperate tray for cutlery. The cutlery tray is usually added to the top interior of the dishwasher as a separate row. It will free up additional space in the bottom section since the cutlery basket will be gone.

Cycles
Each cycle differs in the number of washes and rinses. Select models will vary in washing speed, water pressure and water temperature.

Cycle Progress Indicators
This tells you the status of the cycle.

Delay Wash
This feature enables you to set the dishwasher to turn on at a later time. For example, you can set the timer to turn on while you are asleep when energy use rates are lower.

Drum Material
Dishwashers can have either plastic or stainless steel drums. Stainless steel may be more durable than some plastics, plus it retains more heat than plastic blends, thus allowing your dishes to dry faster. However, it is important to note that not all manufacturers use the same blend of plastic, so some plastic liners may be more resilient than others.

Electrical Requirements
Built-In dishwashers must be wired to a 120 volt circuit breaker by a licensed electrician. Portable dishwashers require a grounded 120 volt outlet and a three pronged plug. The full amount of electrical current is required so you should not plug in any other appliance to the same outlet as the dishwasher.

Energy Star
Dishwashers with the Energy Star label exceed the minimum Federal standards for energy consumption for dishwashers. Products with this rating benefit the environment and cost less to operate since they use less energy than those without it.

Hard Food Disposal
Dishwashers with hard food disposals are able to grind solid food into particles that are small enough to fit through the filter. By doing this, food particles will not be re-deposited onto your dishes. This feature also eliminates the need for rinsing dishes thoroughly before washing.

Hydro-Sweep™ 5-Level Wash System
Ensures that all dishware is thoroughly cleaned from both top and bottom. The upper rack is exposed to sprays from both the middle wash arm and the new SureWash™ Nozzle located on the top of the tub. The lower rack combines the washing action of the middle wash arm and the exclusive 4-Way Lower Wash Arm. The lower wash arm also sprays downward to continually clean the Ultra Fine Filter. (KitchenAid exclusive)

Insulation
Dishwashers are insulated with fiberglass batting on three sides and the top. Some have a layer of foil over the exterior of the tub to further reduce escaping heat and noise. Quieter models have additional insulation on the exterior of the tub. Select models include insulation on the door panel, access panel and kickplate to further reduce noise.

Integrated
Describes a dishwasher that accepts a custom front panel. Fully intergrated means the controls are completely hidden and the panel covers the entire front. Partially intergrated means the control panel is visible and the custom panel covers the lower portion of the door.

Plate Warmer
A feature that allows you to warm your dishes should you choose to serve food on warm plates.

Rinse Aid Dispenser
This feature applies to the rinse aid dispenser located on the inside of the door. During the cycle where the rinse aid is needed, this option sends electricity to the switch, which in turn opens the dispenser and measures the amount of rinse aid needed for the wash cycle. Rinse aids improve drying results and help prevent spotting and filming.

Rinse/Hold Cycle
This cycle allows you to rinse off dishes and leave them in the dishwasher so that you can add more dishes at a later time and wash them when you have a full load.

Sanitary Wash/Rinse
Dishwashers that offer this option use water heated over 150 degrees or higher to remove bacteria from your dishes.

Stainless Interior
Available on selected Maytag, Jenn-Air, Dacor, Miele, Viking, KitchenAid, Bosch and other Eurpoean brand dishwashers. Stainless steel interiors can get to a hotter water temperature quicker, usually provide the machine a longer lasting life and are easier to clean than conventional porcelin or plastic interiors.

Tall Tub
There is no seperate access panel above the toe kick. The front is an uninteruppted door - one panel.

Water Consumption
The amount of water required varies by brand and the type of wash you are performing. On average, American dishwashers use 4-8 gallons per wash. European models use 4-6 gallons. If you were to wash the same amount of dishes by hand, you would normally use 17 gallons of water or more.

Warranty:
Most dishwashers come with a one year parts and labor warranty. You can purchase a 4 year extended warranty directly through Abt by clicking here.

View our complete selection of dishwashers.

Click here to view all Buying Guides.

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