Is it just me, or does anybody else hate doing the dishes as well? Sure, doing the dishes is something you can’t skip, and we do need clean utensils to eat. But why is doing the dishes so frustrating?
There are a couple of reasons why people don’t like doing the dishes. For instance, it’s an activity we all have to do at some point in our lives, and most of the time, we’re only doing it because it’s a chore.
Another reason why people don’t like doing the dishes is because it can be really messy. It’s pretty ironic; you’re cleaning the dishes but creating a bigger mess in the process. Yes, you can wear aprons and gloves, but that’s not enough. And can we address how annoying it is when you roll up your sleeves, but the water still finds a way to trickle up your elbow?
My point is that doing the dishes is not everybody’s forte. And for many, coming home after a long day and finding out there’s not a single clean dish to use is frustrating.
So, what do we do if we don’t want to do the dishes ourselves? Use a dishwasher, of course.
But wait. Are dishwashers worth it? Should you even spend all that money on an appliance that does what you can?
If you’re confused about whether or not you should buy a dishwasher, don’t worry because we’re talking about dishwashers and their worth in detail.
Key Takeaways | Are Dishwashers Worth It?
Before we head into the details, here’s a quick review of what you’ll read:
- A dishwasher saves time and effort and preserves water.
- You can set a dishwasher on a high-temperature setting to get a hygienic and effective cleanse.
- With a dishwasher, you can focus on other chores and tasks.
- Dishwashers consume energy and may boost your electricity bill by just a smidge.
- When choosing a dishwasher, you must consider noise, performance, and accessibility.
Why Choose a Dishwasher?
Let’s be honest here; you may not like doing the dishes, but at least the only thing you have to worry about is the water bill. But then again, having a dishwasher would make things so much easier. So which direction do you go?
Now, if you need a little convincing, here are one of the few reasons why you should invest in a dishwasher:
● Saves Time
We only have two hands, so we can’t do multiple tasks simultaneously. Doing the dishes takes between ten minutes to half an hour, and if you’ve got a ton of things on the to-do list, it doesn’t suit standing in front of the sink for a long time.
If you get a dishwasher, you get to pay attention to other tasks on hand. You can load the dishes once and start the wash cycle; by the time the dishes are done, you’ll have completed many tasks.
Dishwashers save a lot of time, so if you’ve been unable to do your chores simply because you can’t find the time, dishwashers will do the trick.
● Effortless Cleaning
Yes, when you’re doing the dishes yourself, you get to do it the way you want. But doing the dishes takes effort; you must wash every utensil carefully if you’re doing it by hand.
And it’s not only just the care that goes into dishwashing; sometimes, some utensils need a hard scrub or two to completely clean, which can be very frustrating.
Let’s be real here, you may dislike doing the dishes, but you absolutely hate washing that one plastic container that somehow needs at least 4-5 soapy runs to be grease-free.
A dishwasher makes doing the dishes, effortless. No more do you have to deal with greasy pots and pans and Tupperware that never seem to be clean; with a dishwasher, you can wash every utensil in one go!
● Saves Water
One of the biggest questions that pop up when anyone is considering getting a dishwasher is whether it saves water. Briefly put, yes, a dishwasher does save water.
How does a dishwasher save water? Well, when you’re doing the dishes by hand, you’re keeping the water open. It pours out continuously even if you try to reduce the water flow.
Dishwashers save water because they only use a little bit of water to clean all dishes, similar to washing machines. And, depending on how frequently you run your dishwasher, you could save up to 24 gallons!
● Hygienic Cleaning
Knocking out dirt and grime from your plates is one thing, and ensuring it’s clean is another. You can wash out as much dirt and stains from your dishes, but what about germs? What is the most hygienic way to wash dishes?
Some people prefer to wash their dishes in hot water, but that’s not as convenient. Well, with a dishwasher, you can clean your dishes hygienically.
Dishwashers have multiple temperature settings, so depending on your utensils, you can set the cycle for a high-temperature wash, and the dishwasher will eliminate grime, grease, and germs.
● It’s Cleaner for You
No matter how hard you try, doing the dishes can get messy. You might drop a lot of water on your shirt or have soap dripping down your pants.
A lot can make you feel disgusted when you’re doing the dishes. For example, there’s always that one spoon that washes you back whenever you put it under water. And then there’s the task of clearing out the sink when you’re done with the dishes. And nobody likes that.
A dishwasher is perfect for you if you hate doing the dishes solely because of how messy it gets. Dishwashers get the job done neatly, and you won’t have to worry about water splashes or accidental soapy spills.
Are Dishwashers Good Cleaners?
Now let’s get to the big question: are dishwashers good cleaners? To be honest, it depends.
You see, many people have preferences regarding doing the dishes. Some people like their utensils to shine, and others want every bit of dirt and grease removed.
When you’re washing the dishes by hand, you’re doing it the way you like. You might like to start by cleaning the glasses and cups and then move on to plates and the heavier utensils. In other words, you give each utensil individual attention.
But when using a dishwasher, you wash all utensils in one go. Now that does sound amazing, but are dishwashers worth it, especially when it comes to cleaning?
Dishwashers are excellent cleaners. You might have a preferred way of doing the dishes, but trust me, the dishwasher will do as good a job as you.
Dishwashers have multiple controls, and you can set your desired preferences on the wash cycle. You can regulate the dishwasher’s temperature, so if the utensils need a cold or hot wash, you won’t have to wait for the water to set.
Additionally, dishwashers have three racks, and each rack experiences a different cycle. The top rack is for sensitive utensils which need a gentle wash and the middle rack is for utensils and hardware that can tackle a rigid wash. The lower rack is for storage, which makes for a tidier kitchen too.
Are Dishwashers Expensive?
The one concern many buyers face is how much they will spend on a dishwasher. To be fair, you will be making a considerable investment, and what’s the use if it isn’t worth it?
Does a dishwasher increase the electric bill? Do dishwashers use a lot of water? Are dishwashers expensive? Is it better to use a dishwasher or sink? Is it cheaper to use a dishwasher or wash dishes by hand?
All of these questions pop up when you’re buying a dishwasher. So how do you know if dishwashers are worth it?
Dishwashers can be expensive, but only in the beginning. Yes, an average dishwasher costs between $300-$800, depending on your brand. For most people, it is costly.
However, factor in water bills and usage, and you’ll realize that dishwashers will save you a lot. Since doing the dishes by hand runs a lot of water, you’ll have to pay higher water bills than when you have a dishwasher.
Albeit, dishwashers can be expensive because they do use up more electricity. With a dishwasher, your bill will increase, but it won’t be more than a couple of dollars.
Disadvantages of a Dishwasher
So far, we have discussed the good things about having a dishwasher. But can there be disadvantages to having a dishwasher?
As sweet and practical as they sound, there can be a few disadvantages to having a dishwasher.
Energy Consumption
Dishwashers save water, but they pull a lot of energy. If you’re not keen on seeing the electricity bill rise because your dishwasher had a heavy toll, you might not find a dishwasher a significant investment.
Need to Stay Clean
You must clean dishwashers at least 2-3 times a week since they will get dirty from cleaning off the dishes. And although you can rely on a dishwasher to clean your dishes, there isn’t a household appliance to clean the dishwasher itself.
Have Specific Instructions
The multiple controls of a dishwasher can be a hassle, especially if you don’t like to follow strict instructions. You must follow specific rules when washing dishes in a dishwasher. You can’t place sensitive items on the middle rack and won’t get a rigid wash if you place greasy hardware on the top rack.
It can be annoying to follow these instructions to the dot, so it’s understandable if people want to continue washing the dishes by hand.
May Need Repairs
A dishwasher isn’t always going to work smoothly. Electric and energy fluctuations can damage your dishwasher and sometimes it will stop working without any reason. You’ll have to pocket a few bucks if your dishwasher is damaged, and sometimes you’ll even need to tune it if you haven’t used it for a long time.
Quick Review: Pros and Cons of a Dishwasher
There are multiple pros and cons to the dishwasher, some of which I have discussed before. But let’s take a quick look at this table:
| Pros of Dishwasher | Cons of Dishwasher |
| Saves water | Uses more energy/electricity |
| Saves time and effort | Has strict instructions/guidelines |
| Cleans thoroughly | Does not give individual attention to each utensil |
| Keeps the kitchen from getting messy | Needs to be cleaned itself |
| Expensive to buy | Reduces water bills |
| Makes multitasking easier | May make you lazier |
| Helpful for big families | Not suitable for single-person households |
As you can see, there are numerous advantages of having a dishwasher but disadvantages too. You can choose whether or not a dishwasher suits you, but I believe it’s a great investment.
Choosing the Right Dishwasher
If you have decided you want a dishwasher, you might be stumped with which dishwasher to get. There are several great dishwasher brands, but even if you know which brand to go for, how do you know which dishwasher is the one?
Well, here is a guide to choosing a suitable dishwasher.
Things to Consider
Before you go on choosing your dishwasher, there are some things that you need to keep in mind. Not thinking about these may lead you to choose a dishwasher that is not right for you.
● Space and Size
Does your kitchen have enough space for an average household dishwasher? Measure the space you have in mind, and then buy a dishwasher with those measurements.
If you buy a dishwasher smaller than your kitchen space, it will create a very uncomfortable gap. And if you buy a larger dishwasher, well, you won’t be fitting it in your kitchen anytime soon.
● Type and Accessibility
There are different types of dishwashers. You can get a front control dishwasher, a top control dishwasher, a portable dishwasher, and even a countertop dishwasher. Think carefully about what type of dishwasher will suit you best.
For example, for disabled people or anyone who has back problems, a countertop dishwasher is best. If you plan on placing the dishwasher under the kitchen sink, then a front-control dishwasher is best since you won’t get any water on the controls.
A portable dishwasher is best for those with limited space which frequently need to move stuff around.
● Noise
Dishwashers are electronic appliances; you expect a particular noise with every household appliance. Dishwashers can be very noisy, and a dishwasher may be too much to handle for people who don’t like noises or who might feel triggered from such noises.
Look into which dishwasher makes the slightest noise and buy accordingly.
● Material
You may not have thought about it, but the material of your dishwasher matters a lot. Dishwashers mainly come in plastic or stainless steel. Of course, plastic is convenient, but stainless-steel dishwashers are your best bet.
Stainless-steel dishwashers are easier to clean and can withstand higher temperatures than plastic.
What to Look for in a Dishwasher
Now that you’ve got your demands down, let’s look at what green flags are for a dishwasher.
● Cleaning Performance
Is your dishwasher an effective cleaner? You may not believe it, but a dishwasher’s performance varies from brand to brand and even model to model from the same brand. Choosing a suitable dishwasher is all about its cleaning performance.
Top Recommendation
Many brands offer a top-notch cleaning dishwasher, but I would place my bet on this dishwasher from the Bosch 300 series.
● Drying Performance
Now I did say to pay attention to the cleaning ability of a dishwasher, but there’s one thing that not many people consider: how effectively does a dishwasher dry the dishes?
The drying capability in traditional and old dishwasher models is not that impressive. With newer dishwasher models, you’ll find that drying is quicker.
Top Recommendation
Once more, I can’t help but recommend the Bosch dishwasher, but this time it’s the 800 series dishwasher.
● Controls and Functions
Nobody likes fumbling with controls they can’t understand, so you should find a dishwasher model with easy controls and functions and a user-friendly design.
Top Recommendation
The Frigidaire full console dishwasher is an excellent dishwasher for you to consider.
● Energy Consumption
Finding a dishwasher that does not consume much energy and even saves up on the water bills would be best. Getting a dishwasher that cleans effectively but pulls a lot of energy wouldn’t be much use.
Top Recommendation
This Samsung dishwasher saves a lot of energy and even uses less water to run its cycles.
● Ergonomic Design
The best sign you can look for in your dishwasher is if it’s ergonomic. If your dishwasher does not have a user-friendly design, you won’t feel comfortable using it. And if the owner isn’t pleased, what’s the benefit of getting a dishwasher?
Top Recommendation
The newer Dishdrawer series by Fisher & Paykel is all the rage, thanks to its user-friendly and comfortable design.
Things to Know Before Using a Dishwasher
Are dishwashers worth it? When you get a dishwasher, you’ll find it much easier to do the dishes. But often, if a user is uncomfortable with the cleaning process, it is because they don’t know what to expect, and if you’re buying for the first time, you need a little guidance.
You Don’t Need to Pre-rinse
You might have heard many people say that they don’t think a dishwasher is that efficient because they still have to rinse the plates before popping them in the dishwasher.
Well, that’s not true! You don’t have to pre-rinse utensils before popping them in the dishwasher, unless you want to.
You still have to scrape leftover food from the plates, but that’s about it. Plus, even when you’re doing the dishes by hand, you toss any scraps and compost away, so there’s no additional step to using a dishwasher.
Dishwashers are No-no’s for Some Utensils
Some utensils are unsafe to wash in the dishwasher, including crystal drinkware, wooden utensils, insulated mugs, gold-plated ceramic and China plates, and cooking knives.
So, how do you clean them? If your utensil isn’t safe to wash in the dishwasher, you must wash it manually. However, sometimes you can wash dishwasher-unsafe utensils traditionally in the dishwasher, but only if the care instructions for the utensils say so.
Dirty Does Not Mean Broken
New users will immediately worry when they see dirty plates after a cycle in the dishwasher. Most of the time, it does not mean that your dishwasher broke down.
Dishwashers are harsh cleaners, but sometimes some stains just need another go; for example, hot pots and greasy cookers may need more time in the dishwasher.
Another possibility of seeing dirty plates is that you haven’t cleaned your dishwasher like you are supposed to. Regularly cleaning your dishwasher prevents damage and makes wash cycles smoother and faster.
The Final Call: Are Dishwashers Worth It?
So, what’s the final verdict; are dishwashers worth it or not?
The decision depends on you. If you’d instead go through the hassle of doing the dishes manually and setting your kitchen, you’re fine without a dishwasher. But, if you want to get on track with other chores and focus on more important things, a dishwasher is precisely what you need.
Dishwashers are effective cleaners, save water usage and give dishes a hygienic wash. There are many benefits to a dishwasher; the only drawbacks are that they consume energy and might make you lazy.
But if it were up to me, I would go for it because I know that I would rather be lazy than have to scrub and rinse dishes that are only going to get dirty again.
Are dishwashers worth it? I believe they are because the benefits outweigh the drawbacks!
