Guide Note

A dishwasher is a machine that automatically washes dishes with high power sprays of hot water. Removing stuck on food before putting dishes into the dishwasher will help get better results.

Fast Facts

1. Price range: $200 to $2,700
2. Counter top and drawer models available

The modern dishwasher was invented in 1886 by Josephine Cochrane. She was rich and never washed dishes but invented the dishwasher because her servants would damage her china.

In 1937 William Howard Livens invented a smaller model that could be used in the average home. His model was very similar to the modern dishwasher.

In the 1940s the drying feature was added. They did not became commonplace until the 1970s.

Buying an energy efficient dishwasher will save you money in the long run and prevent global warming as well. To be sure that an appliance is energy efficient look for the Energy Star logo. If you replace your pre-1994 dishwasher with a new Energy Star one you can save an average of $30 dollars in utility bills a year.

Only run your dishwasher when you have a full load. The majority of the energy a dishwasher uses is in heating the water and the amount of water per cycle is set. Running your dishwasher less often will decrease the energy used.

Try not to use heat-dry, rinse-hold and pre-rinse options, these waste energy as well.