By Team Planet Green | Mon Aug 3, 2009 17:28
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Buy Green: Dishwashers
With perks including eco modes and long-lasting motors, these dishwashers scrub using a fraction of energy tapped by standard models.
If you're using a dishwasher instead of hand-washing your plates, glasses, and silverware, then you're already ahead of the resource-saving game: Dishwashers use less water and energy than scrubbing by hand (which makes the convenience an added bonus). But the extra features on these models—from soil-sensing cycles to optional heat dry—let you save even more on water, electricity, and detergent (non-toxic, of course). And since they're all Energy Star-rated, we've included the efficiency of each model?as compared to the federal minimum.
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Profile Dishwasher with SmartDispense Technology From GE
Why We Like It: The GE Profile Dishwasher with SmartDispense Technology has a sleek, stainless-steel exterior and interior features that include a four-way adjustable rack (making it easier to fit those awkwardly-sized items) and angled dish holders that encourage water run-off, reducing drying time.
Eco-Factor: SmartDispense releases just enough detergent at just the right time for maximum efficiency, while the single rack wash feature cuts water consumption when cleaning smaller batches of glassware and other top-rack items.
More Efficient By: 50 percent
Where: Home Depot
How Much: $1,450
Image courtesy of GE
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Jetclean Plus Dishwasher From Maytag
Why We Like It: The Maytag JetClean Plus holds up to 14 place settings, room on the bottom allows extra-tall platters and serving pieces, and an optional steam clean leaves glasses water spot-free.
Eco-Factor: The extra-sturdy motor is designed to last twice as long as other washers—meaning you won't need to replace it as soon—while three wash cycles let you choose light, heavy, or normal wash to save on water. Plus, the off/on heated drying cycle allows you to cut your electricity use.
More Efficient By: 54 percent
Where: ABT
How Much: $530
Image courtesy of Whirlpool
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Evolution 800 Plus Series Dishwasher From Bosch
Why We Like It: The stainless steel front of the Bosch Evolution 800 Plus hides a dishwasher full of features, including two different eco-friendly modes, capacity for 15 place settings, enhanced leak protection, and a top sprinkler that cleans items up to 22 inches tall.
Eco-Factor: This model touts itself as the "most efficient dishwasher in the U.S.:" Just turn the dial to "EcoAction," and trim energy use by 25 percent, or "EcoSense," to lower it by 20 percent. A half-load setting saves water, while a third rack lets you get the most out of full loads.
More Efficient By: 160 percent
Where: AJ Madison
How much: $1,390
Image courtesy of Bosch
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Built-In Dishwasher With SmartWash Cycle From Kenmore
Why We Like It: The Kenmore Built-in Dishwasher with SmartWash costs only about $34 to run each year—and for that, you get six different cycles, three wash intensities, and a 25-inch deep tub that holds pots and pans of all sizes.
Eco-Factor: The SmartWash cycle judges the soil level of each load, and then adjusts the rinse time, detergent level, and energy necessary to get it clean—so no wasted time and water pre-rinsing or running the dishes through twice.
More Efficient By: 57 percent
Where: Sears
How Much: $680
Image courtesy of Sears
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Resource Saver From Whirlpool
Why We Like It: Whirlpool's Resource Saver promises to be the company's most efficient dishwasher—but it also includes special cycles for delicate china and sturdy pots and pans, adjustable racks for easy loading, and a scouring cycle for baked-on dirt.
Eco-Factor: The Resource Saver line of dishwashers uses 1/3 less water and energy on a full load—in part due to cleaning the top rack first so that water drips down for re-use on the bottom rack. Meanwhile, the auto soil sensor adjusts the length of the wash cycle based on how much dirt is in the water to save even more resources.
More Efficient By: 57 percent
Where: Lowe's
How Much: $850
Image courtesy of Whirlpool
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