Sani-cycle

Is it time for a new dishwasher?Houzz has published its 2017 Kitchen Trends Survey. For homeowners planning kitchen renovations, dishwashers are the most likely to be first on the list for replacement. It really isn't a big surprise considering all the changes in dishwashers over the years. Here are the top trends in dishwashers in our view.Sani-CycleHomeowners are increasingly concerned with sanitation, particularly in the kitchen. Some new dishwashers have sani-cycles that are certified by the NSF which requires that the water is heated to 155 degrees fahrenheit and kept there for a certain amount of time. This feature can be particularly important when someone in the home is sick, or if there is a baby to care for.Energy and Water SavingsWhile dishwasher manufacturers are all keen on having the EnergyStar label, some dishwashers are more energy efficient than others. They work with smaller highly efficient motors that run quieter (and longer) to get dishes clean while running at whisper quiet sound levels.In addition, though dishwashers may have long run times, they actually use far less water. That's one reason why they are more energy efficient because a big part of a dishwashers energy usage is the cost of heating the water.QuietToday's open kitchens make it critical that dishwashers run quietly, and appliance manufacturers tout their "whisper-quiet" dishwashers. In my opinion, to be considered quiet, a dishwasher would have to operate at a decibel rating in the 40's. The really quiet dishwashers are often in the low 40's with a

Get the right features on your new appliancesAvoid costly mistakes in selecting plumbing fixtures and appliances Customers sometimes ask for basic appliances with no bells and whistles. However, it's important to be specific. Here's an example: After purchasing a "basic" dryer from one of the big box home improvement stores, this customer wrote:...no alarm to tell you when it is finished, had nothing but wrinkled cloths from day one because of this. Why would anyone build a dryer without an alarm is beyond me, not like you can stand next to it until it is done so clothes don't wrinkle."The truth is that the difference between a $299 dishwasher and a $399 dishwasher is not just $100. There are likely to be very important features missing on the entry level model such as delay start, heavy wash, or a sani-cycle. The time to find out about the features or bells and whistles on your appliance is before you purchase. If you wait until after your gas range has been in the home and used for a couple of weeks before you discover that you do not have a low simmer setting, it's too late.Here are some basic tips on getting the right features on appliances: Avoid "loss leaders". There's nothing wrong with buying an appliance that is advertised at a good price, but when you see something that is priced way below the market price for a comparable appliance ask the sales associate for an explanation. Get a sales associate