We ran the dishwasher about five times last week between all the pies, birthday cake, sweet potato muffins, and regular dinners that got whipped up in our kitchen. Since we have an Energy Star-rated dishwasher, use Seventh Generation powder, and pack it full each time, we don't feel too guilty about that. But we've also talked about taking things back to the basics, and cutting out some electronic gadgets. Which brings us to the Dishmaster, a vintage device we heard about through a reader tip.
...And she says that it conserves water and detergent when used in place of an automatic dishwasher. We haven't dug into the details yet, but we think this would be a great investment for someone who's currently living without a dishwasher. And with all the hoopla about all things vintage (Mad Men comes to mind), this would really take a kitchen back.
According to the Dishmaster site, it's "Clean, green, and all the rage in California, where there are water restrictions." The official Dishmaster soap is unscented, biodegradable, and phosphate-free.
What do you think? Do any of you readers have one? Would you install one in your kitchen?
Originally published 2008-12-02 - CB
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
is it just the sprayer, with a brush head? i don't really see that being much more efficient than handwashing in a basin and then rinsing. but maybe i don't understand it correctly?
view youreacigarette's profile
I've always found those brushes kind of disgusting.
view KateNonymous's profile
I had one, original to my 1950 house. I adored it. The sprayer actually came out of the mixer bar - it wasn't two pieces.
About a year ago it started leaking, and I called a plumber, and told the dispatcher that I wanted it saved if at all possible. The plumber laughed when he came in - he said he knew what faucet I had as soon as the dispatcher told him that, as everyone with the Dishmaster loves it to death.
It wasn't salvageable - the interior was completely corroded, but that's ok for an almost 60-year-old faucet. He replaced it with a newer one he had in his truck, but someday I'll definitely get a new Dishmaster.
youreacigarette: the red button on the side of the sprayer brush dispenses soap. It's just a neat, pretty, retro solution.
view morfydd's profile
One problem: the point of the dishwasher is to cut down on the amount of manual labor (ostensibly. Most people pre-rinse their dishes, which is certainly not eco and not terribly time-saving, either.) This doesn't. So how is it any different from using a (much cheaper) regular brush, besides the fact that you have to dip the brush in water?
view whytephoenix's profile
The post doesn't make what the Dishmaster does 100% clear. Let me elaborate:
There is a reservoir of water and soap. It's covered by that plastic lid on the top of the Dishmaster and it's very easy to fill. When you activate the water flowing through the brush, and press the red button with your thumb, soapy water comes out. Between the soapy water and the brush, your dishes are clean in a flash. When you release the red button, the soap turns off and clean water for rinsing flows out.
I grew up in a home with a Dishmaster. I installed one in the last home I owned, and will be installing one in my next home. Really, it takes no more time to wash a sinkfull of dishes than it does to rinse them and load them in a dishwasher -- it's great!
view mdorothy's profile
mdorothy is right: What's unique about the Dishmaster is that there is a hidden reservoir where liquid detergent mixes with water. It travels up the hose to the brush - where it easily washes dishes. You can also get plain water with the push of a button. Longtime users SWEAR by it!
There's a special veggie brush... A heavy duty pot and pan brush... Three different models... Including one that you can mount it on the wall, even!
As mentioned in the post, you can buy it at http://dishmasterliving.com, or my blog, http://retrorenovation.com.
Thanks so much for the plug, amberb. It's fun to be a part of such an interesting product -- in production since 1948, and still made in America, can you believe it!
view Mid Mod Pam's profile
um, how is this different from doing dishes by hand?
i save water by turning it on briefly to wet the dish rag, and only turning it back on to rinse. is this old fashioned, or am i ahead of the curve. heh.
view claire_quilty's profile
I love the physical appearance, and it does look like it would make hand-washing faster and easier, but I don't get how it saves water, since the water goes for the whole time you're scrubbing. That is surely what keeps the brush from getting nasty, though.
If they could make the wand so that it only dispenses water when you press a button, and soapy water with a different button, I'd be all over that.
view Lucifrix's profile
I grow up w/o a dishwasher. I will never go without one. When you utilize most of the features on newer models you use 1/10 the amount of water,less phosphates in the dish soap and the water is hotter than anyone could possibly stand. The dishes are sterile. Plus for me it is so hot in there I just turn off the dry feature and let the hot air dry them. That's were most of the energy gets used.
view sue3465's profile
I just wish brushes and sponges would stay clean and last.
view roundabout12's profile
About how much do they cost? I don't have a dishwasher and always wash by hand.
view Laucus116's profile
The link to the dishmaster site is actually http://dishmaster-faucet.com/
view Rebekkap's profile
I feel good about having a dishwasher that uses 12-13 liters of water during each washing and that is graded AAA; a lot greener than washing by hand (unless you belong to those who don't rinse with clean water - gross!) and saves me both time and vexation.
view luftskibet's profile