A decade ago, the thought of buying a dishwasher was considered luxurious. Today, however, purchasing a dishwasher is as commonplace as buying a Television set. As your lifestyle quickens pace, the need for a dishwasher arises. Because why wouldn't you want someone to do your dishes for you?

An average dishwasher would cost anywhere between the SGD 450 to USD 850 range. More expensive brands typically offer more features, but are not necessarily the best for you. Depending on how you live, and what kind of functionality you expect, some features in the pricier models may only be rendered useless. Before settling on a dishwasher budget, consider first the following guidelines:

1)       How many dishes do you actually wash per load?

The size of your dishwasher will depend solely on the number of items that you wash on a daily basis. A household consisting of 2-3 people would require only an 18" dishwasher. For households with around 4-6 inhabitants, a larger 24" dishwasher would be  more suitable. Of course, this number does not take into consideration the frequency of house parties and social affairs. If you throw a shindig at least once a month, the larger size should be perfect for you.

Your average dish count also will also dictate the rack space that you need. The average dishwasher usually has two racks for dishes, but larger models have up to three racks. More racks equals more space for your dirty items which translates to lesser time spent loading and unloading your washer.

2)       Do you rent or own your space?

This is a vital consideration when buying your washer. Depending on the kind of space and lifestyle that you have, you can either choose from portable or built-in dishwashers. A portable dishwasher is recommended if you are renting your space, so that it can move with you should the need arise. Home-owners can consider investing in built-in washers.

Note that built-in washers are more expensive to set-up than your handy portable models. However, this will be a one-time expenditure. It is important to note that a built-in washer can only be considered if you intend to stay in your space for a long time, if not for good.

3)       What kind of performance do you expect from your washer?

If you're the type to cringe at the thought of scraping leftovers from all of your dishes, consider buying a washer with a food disposal feature. If your dishwasher's speed is important to you, look for models with higher washing levels. A three tier system provides better coverage. Take into consideration child-safety features when needed. Most models now have a child-proof lock that protects accidents in the kitchen.

Whilst washing dishes manually may cause a fair bit of noise in the kitchen, dishwashers these days come with a 'quiet" feature that can maintain peace and quiet as they work hard at washing away the grime. You won't even notice that it's there.

4)       Is your washer energy- efficient?

In our eco-conscious era, this is more than just a guideline. You must be conscious of your appliances' energy consumption. Look for models with an Energy Star symbol, which assures you that you are doing Mother Nature good by choosing an energy-efficient piece of machinery. Save more than just your hard-earned dollars. Save Mother Earth.

Remember that a dishwasher is one of your kitchen's foundations, so choose wisely and prudently. Conduct a lifestyle check first before acquiring your washer. Consider its function over its price. .A smaller and cheaper washer may not be cost-efficient in the long run if it will mean loading it over and over again. Conversely, a larger washer with a hefty price tag will just be a drain on your finances if it is not used to full capacity. Spend only on models that would suit your day-to-day activities and your budget.

More than just being mindful about the monetary expense, it is also important to remember that water conservation is an effort that must be undertaken. Electricity usage is the energy key, but there is also the amount of water that your unit will consume. While some models use up to 10 gallons per load, many new models can actually use only 3 to 5 gallons. Make sure to ask your dealer about water-conserving dishwashers.

Remember the guidelines we've given you and make sure to seek the help of your local appliance store's sales personnel.

Be patient and be wise. Happy hunting!