Because more than half the households in America have dishwashers, it's likely that you are already well-acquainted with the joys of using one. If so, you know that a dishwasher cuts valuable time off your chores, minimizes kitchen clutter and uses less water to do a better job than hand-washing.

If you don't presently own a dishwasher, your main obstacle probably isn't budget--it's space. Although you can spend $700 or more for a state-of-the-art dishwasher, you can also buy a solid, serviceable model for under $200--a price most families can afford with a bit of scrimping here and there. Plenty of models are available in the $350 to $600 range. Space is a more difficult issue. Many older kitchens simply don't have a place to put a dishwasher--but that is changing.

According to Paul Komescher, Executive Director of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, "It's estimated that there will be approximately 4 million kitchen remodeling jobs done this year." For most of those, you can bet that a dishwasher is near the top of the wish list. Although portable dishwashers can answer the need in some small kitchens, choices and features are far more limited than those offered with under-counter models.

Because competition is heated among manufacturers, most offer several models, each designed to address a different segment of the market. First-time buyers are lured by low-priced units with basic features. Move-up buyers are enticed with stylish, upscale machines loaded with plenty of bells and whistles. Because price and features are intimately linked, it can be difficult to know just where to draw the line when you shop. The big question: What features are worth paying for?

Setting the standard at the high end are the European makers. ASKO, Bosch, Miele and others make striking dishwashers loaded with features. You'll find compact, ultra-quiet units with sophisticated controls, high-efficiency design, stainless-steel interiors...even built-in water softeners. They are truly amazing and, at from about $800 to $1800, they are priced accordingly. Though these machines are sold to a niche market, American manufacturers have followed suit by including some of the more popular options and introduced a few tricks of their own.

Fuzzy logic "Smart" dishwashers are on the horizon-- in fact, the vanguard has arrived. Using sensors to size-up and monitor cleaning during wash cycles, smart controls are currently available at the high end of a couple of dishwasher lines, notably Maytag's IntelliSense(tm) Plus and the GE Profile CleanSensor. They allow tailoring a machine's effort and energy to meet the load's requirements for optimum efficiency. If you want a dishwasher that truly takes the guesswork out of using controls, one of these would be a good bet. Whether it's worth the premium price--figure about $800 for Maytag, $429 for GE-- is another issue.

Dishwasher ratings and warranties Because models are continually evolving, before buying a new dishwasher, do your homework. Check out Consumer Reports' ratings for reliability and convenience (Sears Kenmore and Whirlpool models both received high ratings in a recent update). Look for a strong warranty--one or more years free parts and labor (Maytag offers 3 years plus free key parts for 5 years) and free parts and labor on the tub and door liner for 20 years or more. By combining careful, informed shopping and a strong warranty, you can select a dishwasher that will add beauty and convenience to your home for years to come.