Dishwasher, How would you pick a new one?
As I write this post, my hubby is working on the dishwasher that has been pulled out and sitting in the middle of the kitchen. At some point today, this appliance will either be fixed and back working or it will be ready for replacement. Either way, the idea of choosing an environmentally smart dishwasher is on our minds.
Energy Star has a slick website that is aimed at helping in these kinds of decisions. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=dishwash.pr_dishwashers
There are two spreadsheets you can download at the right column of the site, Qualified Dishwashers and savings calculator. These are the first two files I looked at. The qualified dishwashers is a long list of dishwasher models with neat factors added such as:
Energy Factor
This Energy Factor is a number computed for each dishwasher which enables you to compare the relative efficiency of different units. The equation for Energy Factor is estimated loads per year (215) divided by the annual energy usage (kWh/year).
% Better
ENERGY STAR rated dishwashers must exceed the minimum federal standard (NAECA standard) by at least 25%. This column tells you by how much each model exceeds that standard.
These had the highest rating of both on that spreadsheet:
| Brand | Model | Size | kWh/Year | Energy Factor (EF) | Federal Standard (EF) | Percent Better | Active | Active Date |
| Bosch | SHE98M02UC | Standard | 190 | 1.14 | 0.46 | 147% | No | 5/31/2007 |
| Bosch | SHE98M05UC | Standard | 190 | 1.14 | 0.46 | 147% | Yes | 5/31/2007 |
| Bosch | SHE98M06UC | Standard | 190 | 1.14 | 0.46 | 147% | No | 5/31/2007 |
| Bosch | SHV98M03UC | Standard | 190 | 1.14 | 0.46 | 147% | Yes | 5/31/2007 |
| Bosch | SHX98M05UC | Standard | 190 | 1.14 | 0.46 | 147% | Yes | 5/31/2007 |
| Bosch | SHX98M09UC | Standard | 190 | 1.14 | 0.46 | 147% | Yes | 5/31/2007 |
| Asko | D5893 | Standard | 187 | 1.15 | 0.46 | 150% | Yes | 12/5/2008 |
Perhaps I’ll just see what a Bosch dishwasher would run!
Hey! neat article from treehugger on dishwashers. Thought I’d post it!
Built-in dishwasher vs. Hand washing
Oh and the dishwasher is fixed so this decision is not as imminent as it seemed then!
Happy Washing! (hopefully I will be doing the same with dishes soon!)
~Regina
3 Comments
Shannon
When we recently purchases our new one there were soooooo many choices, not only the energy factor but also the number of arms, the depth of the racks, with clips or without, tiered top racks, removable utility buckets…
I think it took us longer to choose the dishwasher than it did any of the other appliances lol
We ended up with the Kenmore Smart Wash with dual arms (one for the top rack and one for the bottom rack)…this is the best dishwasher I’ve ever had!!
Good luck with your search and heres to happy washing *cheers*
Shelley
We went with a Whirlpool last Spring when we got new appliances. Couple reasons: 1) We have had really good luck with Whirlpool Appliances. 2) We wanted a dishwasher with a grinder in it. (We have kids and I don’t pre-rinse dishes prior to putting them into the d/w.) 3) Not to be too corny, but it matches the other appliances. We had thought about a Bosch, but our main dissuading factor is that they clean like a restaurant d/w (which is great but they don’t have the grinder). However, I understand Bosch makes great dishwashers. Also, we have a very efficient front-load clothes washer, so sometimes it is about balance. And now that the kiddos are out of diapers we don’t use the washer near as much (cloth diapers). But, really for us it was all about the grinder in the dishwasher. 🙂
Home Appliane Review Fan
We bought a Bosh Ascenta dishwasher roughly 2 years ago and we absolutely love it! One of the best dishwashers we have ever owned. We liked many of the features like the Energy Star rating as you listed, but we also liked the stainless steel tub and the ability to move our racks around to accommodate different sizes of dishes and cutlery.
If I had any advice I would say start at the Energy Star site but it looks like you have already done your initial homework! I highly recommend going with the Bosch model!