Dishwasher Discord

I thought this slightly edited (by me) info from Bosch's PR pro was rather amusing, so I thought I'd share it with my Gold Notes readers, especially the married and co-habitating ones! (Thanks, Heather!) I'm also going to share it with my relatives who insist on wasting water pre-rinsing.  

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Bosch recently launched a survey that found that while infidelity and financials are frequently cited causes, a new culprit is creating tumultuous relationships in homes across the country—the dishwasher. 

In fact, the study found that more than 40% of Americans fight about loading the dishwasher. Is loading utensils into a dishwasher becoming a knife through the heart of your marriage? Is the bond between you and your mate disintegrating faster than a plastic container on the bottom of a dishwasher? The top five reasons men and women fight about loading the dishwasher are listed below. 

No fights on this front... This Bosch 800 Series ultra-quiet dishwasher is the one I want next!

61% fight over whether dishes should be pre-rinsed or not 

Nearly two thirds of all men and women cited this issue as their leading cause for argument, proving the pre-rinse, rinse debate to be a universal annoyance. The truth is that you should not pre-rinse as the detergent needs to cling to food to avoid scratching your dishes. 


41% clash about separating dishes or cramming as much as possible to tackle a larger load 

Perhaps a case of Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, Women (48%) are more likely to fight about doubling together dishes than men (33%). 


39% argue over placing sharp knives point down or point up 

Out of the group of women who were concerned with this issue, 43% argue about whether knives should be placed point up or down, compared to 34% of males. Using safety as your guide, the final say is to load knives point down for safety, while forks and spoons can be placed either handle up or down.  [JG:  I vote for forks down for the same safety reasons.] A third rack can separate utensils to make it safer and easier to clean, load and unload. 


34% insist on placing cups on the top rack and plates on the bottom rack while their mate believe it’s every dish for themselves 

The biggest division in the dishwasher deliberation comes in the form of organization: nearly one third (32%) of all females who fight about loading the dishwasher insist that cups and plates not mix. Like any good relationship where each person needs their space, each dish should be separated by a dishwasher’s tines. Often, couples can keep the peace by splitting up large loads of dishes into smaller loads. A half load option tackles smaller loads so dirty dishes don’t sit in the dishwasher. 


30% debate about placing plastic containers on the top rack to prevent a major plastic meltdown, or placing containers wherever space is available 

You may think that loading the dishwasher could smooth over a fight, but your efforts could have the opposite effect if your dishes are ruined in the process. If destroying an entire collection of plastic storage containers has plagued your marriage, Bosch dishwashers feature a concealed flow-through water heating element to prevent plastic containers from dissolving, no matter where they are placed.  [JG:  I left this specific "commercial" in because I thought it was worth noting.]


The survey also revealed that almost four out of ten men (38%) admit to finding excuses for getting out of loading the dishwasher altogether. 

Perhaps a tactic for avoiding the dreaded dishwasher dispute, the most common excuses included deferring the cleanup because they cooked the meal and demand chore equality (16%), blatantly admitting to being too lazy to clean the dishes (12%), and feeling as though their time is too important to be spent loading the dishwasher (10%).

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FYI, I've specified more Bosch dishwashers than I can count... And they've won scads of awards, so I'd consider them a legitimate authority on this topic.  Wouldn't you?  

Furthermore, I'd like to dedicate this post to my lovely stepdaughter, Megan, whose dishwasher loading and unloading skills were beyond reproach and are greatly missed now that she's at college and I'm 2500 miles away, doing that chore myself.  

TOP KITCHEN PRODUCTS FROM KBIS 2008

Every year, the leading companies in the kitchen and bath industry gather for the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show, the largest gathering of manufacturers, dealers and designers in North America. This year, the National Kitchen & Bath Association, which produces KBIS, decided to feature official bloggers to cover the show as it occurred. I was one of those bloggers. My beat was "luxury products."

This posting extends beyond the luxury market, though, to products that could benefit any of our kitchens. Here are those I feel are the most helpful, and fill the greatest need.

THERMADOR'S RECIRCULATING DOWNDRAFT

The first is Thermador's recirculating unit for its downdraft ventilation system. While downdrafts and recirculating models are less powerful than a conventional hood vented outdoors, this is a good solution for condo kitchens with island cooktops where outside venting isn't an option. I had one of those projects earlier this year and was delighted to find this solution at the show. Sister company, Bosch, is also offering a recirculating unit for its downdrafts. They're expected to be available by the end of August 2008.


MIELE RETRACTABLE HOOD

Here's another innovation in cooking ventilation systems from Miele. This one elevates when not in use. It is ideal for open plan kitchens with killer views, that would be partially obstructed by a standard hood. Shown here: Model DA424 is scheduled for October or November 2008 release.



COUNTERTOP-MOUNTED POT FILLER

These are not a new introduction, but nonetheless merit a mention as they've more than proved their value, and showed up at most of the fixture companies' booths. They are ideal for an island-based cooktop or range, where a wall-mounted pot-filler won't work. Shown: Hansgrohe's Talis S Pot Filler, Deck-Mounted.

VIKING'S INDUCTION RANGE

Just about every appliance manufacturer was showing an induction cooktop at KBIS. Viking was the only one I spotted with an induction range in the works. This is ideal for homeowners who want to replace appliances, not cabinets. The new induction range, expected at the end of this year or early 2009, can fit in the same spot as a 30-inch gas or electric range, and save you money on your utility bills. For more induction advantages, please see my earlier posting on this topic. If you'd like a sneak peak at the KBIS-displayed range prototype, you can click here at my KBIS Blog - Day One entry and scroll down three snapshots to see the photograph I took at the Viking booth.


KUPPERBUSCH'S INDUCTION WOK

While on the subject of induction cooking which, by now, you know I heartily endorse, this induction wok from German manufacturer, Kuppersbusch, is a great kitchen addition for those who enjoy stir-fry.



GE PROFILE'S SINGLE/DOUBLE WALL OVEN

If you'd love to have a double oven, but have a space-challenged kitchen, you'll love this innovation from GE Profile. It allows you to cook in two ovens while only using the space requirements of one. The larger, lower oven can accommodate a 22-pound turkey, while the upper one cooks side dishes. This is the perfect holiday helper, and is expected to debut October 2008.

DISHWASHER INNOVATIONS

Asko introduced two dishwasher innovations: a third rack for low-profile items like bowls and a special rack for extra glasses. Electrolux added a light to the interior of their dishwasher, which is handy if you drop something in the bottom after a late-night snack attack.


FISHER & PAYKEL'S COOLDRAWER

Fisher & Paykel, the folks who energized the dishwasher category with their double drawer model several years ago, have come up with something new, unique and very convenient. It’s a refrigerator. It’s a freezer. You set the temperature for your current need, then change it in the future if those needs changed. This versatile, single drawer-based appliance can live in your cooking zone under a cooktop, so no more carrying a slab of ribs across the kitchen. I can see this chiller also working well in a catering kitchen, a Kosher kitchen, (which frowns on dairy fraternizing with meat), a wheelchair-user’s kitchen, given its upper drawer placement, and my next kitchen, too.



MIELE'S REMOTEVISION TECHNOLOGY REFRIGERATORS

Imagine if your refrigerator alerted you if one of its doors was left open, (or if there was a malfunction threatening your perishables). You don't have to imagine any longer. Miele's new RemoteVision technology will do that for you. It won't tell you which son or daughter left the fridge open, but at least you'll know to phone home and get someone to close it! Shown below: One of Miele's refrigerator/freezer models with RemoteVision -- KF 1901 SF.

COMING SOON

Look for an upcoming "Top Bathroom Products from KBIS 2008" posting.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you're interested in more information about any of these appliances not furnished here or on the company's web sites, please let me know. I may be able to get your questions answered through my manufacturers' contacts.

Also, if you live in the Tampa, Florida area, feel free to contact me to run some local comparison pricing for you. I do long-distance consulting on appliance planning, too, but not price comparisons out of area. Feel free to contact me at (813) 810-0467 or jamie@jgkitchens.com.