The Wirecutter Show - Episode: "Dishwasher Disputes, Settled"
Release Date: January 15, 2025
Introduction
In the latest episode of The Wirecutter Show, hosted by Christine Cyrclassette, Kyra Blackwell, and Rosie Guerin, the team delves into the often-overlooked household appliance that can stir up significant marital strife: the dishwasher. Titled "Dishwasher Disputes, Settled," this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of dishwashers, from their functionality and maintenance to the best practices for loading and detergent use.
The Great Dishwasher Debate
The episode kicks off with a lighthearted debate among the hosts about which household appliance is most responsible for divorces in America. After dismissing the refrigerator and washer, Rosie Guerin humorously declares, “It’s obviously the dishwasher. Oh, duh.” (01:12) Rosie characterizes dishwasher users as either “white glove” loaders—meticulous and organized—or the “raccoons”—those who load dishes haphazardly (01:43). Christine humorously notes that her own marriage avoids these disputes, suggesting a harmonious middle ground.
Guest Introduction: Andrea Barnes
The conversation takes a more informative turn with the introduction of Andrea Barnes, a staff writer at Wirecutter specializing in large appliances. Andrea’s expertise sets the stage for an in-depth discussion on dishwashers, covering everything from how they work to optimizing their performance.
How Dishwashers Operate
Andrea demystifies dishwasher mechanics, explaining that contrary to popular belief, dishwashers do not fill entirely with water. Instead, a typical cycle uses 3 to 6 gallons of water, which is recirculated through spray arms to clean the dishes (07:08). She emphasizes that Energy Star regulations have led to more water-efficient models, resulting in longer cycles but greater water savings.
Dishwashers vs. Hand Washing
When compared to hand washing, Andrea highlights significant advantages:
- Water Efficiency: Modern dishwashers use considerably less water than hand washing, which often consumes 1.5 to 2 gallons per minute (07:43).
- Sanitation: Dishwashers generally provide more sanitary results, thanks to higher water temperatures and consistent cleaning cycles (08:17).
The Rinse Controversy
A contentious topic emerges when Christine shares that The Wirecutter recommends scraping but not rinsing dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. Andrea explains two key reasons:
- Dishwasher Design: The appliance is engineered to handle a certain amount of soil without pre-rinsing.
- Detergent Efficiency: Modern detergents are more effective when they interact with a small amount of food residue, preventing potential damage to dishes (08:58).
Kyra inquires about the implications of not rinsing, especially regarding filter maintenance. Andrea advises that while moderate scraping suffices, excessive food residue can clog filters and damage the machine (12:07). She recommends monthly cleaning of the dishwasher filter to maintain optimal performance (13:21).
Detergent Dynamics: Pods vs. Powders and Liquids
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to understanding dishwasher detergents. Andrea breaks down the components:
- Enzymes: Key for breaking down fats and starches.
- Bleach: Often oxygen-based, aids in stain removal.
- Salt: Helps in water softening (27:12).
The Wirecutter’s top pick, Cascade Free and Clear Action Packs, are highlighted for their effective dual-action pods that separate enzymes and bleach until the cycle begins, preventing premature deactivation (28:21). Andrea explains the environmental concerns surrounding pod films, clarifying that polyvinyl alcohol used in pods does not classify as microplastics per scientific consensus (30:37). Despite some environmental reservations, Andrea suggests that the cleaning benefits outweigh the minimal ecological impact.
Rinse Aid: Necessity or Not?
The discussion shifts to rinse aid, a surfactant that prevents water droplets from forming, thereby reducing spots on glassware. Andrea notes that while rinse aid can enhance drying and reduce spotting, its necessity depends on individual preferences and dishwasher performance (32:47).
Optimal Loading Techniques
Andrea provides expert tips on loading dishwashers to maximize cleaning efficiency:
- Spray Arm Access: Ensure that spray arms can reach all surfaces by avoiding overcrowding and placing items strategically (22:18).
- Utensil Placement: Load forks and spoons handle-side down, with knives laid flat to ensure thorough cleaning (22:23).
- Strategic Rack Loading: Place heavily soiled items toward the center where spray impact is strongest (24:05).
- Avoiding Overloading: Prevent large items from blocking spray arms, which can create “dead zones” where dishes remain unclean (23:37).
Maintenance and Warranties
Maintaining a dishwasher involves regular cleaning of filters and occasionally running maintenance cycles with products like Lemoshine or Affresh to keep the interior clean and odor-free (15:32). Regarding warranties, Andrea emphasizes their importance, recommending extended warranties for added peace of mind. She cites Top picks like the Miele G5008, which offers an automatic two-year warranty extendable to five years, and highlights retailers like Ikea and Costco, known for robust warranty policies (36:02).
Final Insights and Recommendations
As the episode concludes, each host shares personal takeaways:
- Kyra appreciates the advice on not running the dishwasher when leaving the house, aligning with her mother's wisdom (38:11).
- Christine plans to refine her loading techniques to ensure better cleaning outcomes (38:21).
- Rosie considers experimenting with different detergents to enhance dishwasher performance (38:46).
Andrea Barnes wraps up by recommending the League of Kitchens cookbook, praising its meticulous recipe development and diverse culinary perspectives (36:39).
Conclusion
"Dishwasher Disputes, Settled" offers listeners a thorough understanding of dishwashers, transforming a mundane appliance into a topic of both practical significance and nuanced discussion. Whether you’re seeking to optimize your dishwasher’s performance, choose the right detergent, or simply avoid household arguments, this episode provides actionable insights backed by expert knowledge and rigorous testing.
For more detailed tips and product recommendations discussed in this episode, visit nytimes.com/wirecutter or refer to the show notes.
Notable Quotes
- Rosie Guerin (01:12): “It’s obviously the dishwasher. Oh, duh.”
- Andrea Barnes (08:17): “Overall, absolutely. Yes, it’s more sanitary.”
- Christine Cyrclassette (08:58): “We actually recommend that you don’t rinse your dishes before you put them in the dishwasher.”
- Andrea Barnes (27:12): “The main cleaning agent in dishwasher detergent is enzymes, which are biological molecules that exist in your everyday life and like to break things down.”
- Kyra Blackwell (22:18): “Iyanla fixed my life. Andrea fixed my...”
Timestamps
- 01:12: Rosie introduces the dishwasher debate.
- 01:43: Rosie describes dishwasher user types.
- 07:08: Andrea explains dishwasher water usage.
- 07:43: Comparison of water efficiency.
- 08:17: Sanitation benefits.
- 08:58: Scraping vs. rinsing dishes.
- 12:07: Filter maintenance advice.
- 13:21: Monthly filter cleaning recommendation.
- 15:32: Environmental impact of pods.
- 22:18: Loading techniques overview.
- 22:23: Utensil placement tips.
- 23:37: Avoiding overloading for spray access.
- 24:05: Strategic rack placement.
- 27:12: Breakdown of dishwasher detergents.
- 27:21: Cascade Free and Clear Action Packs.
- 28:21: Chemistry behind detergent pods.
- 30:37: Clarification on pod films and microplastics.
- 32:22: Rinse aid usage.
- 36:02: Importance of warranties.
- 36:39: Andrea’s favorite recent purchase.
- 38:11: Kyra’s takeaway.
This summary is crafted to provide a comprehensive overview of the episode, ensuring that even those who haven't listened can grasp the key discussions and insights shared by The Wirecutter Show team and their expert guest, Andrea Barnes.