Dish detergents: enzymes rule.(Product/Service Evaluation)

The secret to a successful dishwasher detergent isn't a well-known name or cleaner packed into a gel pac of rolled into a power ball. Rather it's enzymes that make the difference between an outstanding detergent and one that's as dull as dishwater.

In our tests, all the products judged very good or excellent overall contain enzymes. Most nonenzyme detergents were merely fair. But you won't see the word enzymes trumpeted on the packages. If it's there at all, it will be listed with the ingredients or mentioned in the cautions.

Our tests also show that:

Gels aren't very effective. Enzymes usually aren't compatible with gel formulations, hence their generally poor showing in our tests.

A familiar brand name isn't always a top performer. Electrasol and other big brands appear through the list.

Store brands can also be standouts. The Trader Joe's and Kirkland (Costco) store brands are excellent, and one of our two CR Best Buys comes from Wal-Mart. Those products contain enzymes.

"Green" products can get dishes clean. Most dishwasher detergents contain phosphates, which enhance cleaning ability Phosphates also have a reputation for being environmentally harmful because they promote the growth of algae. But the enzyme-containing powders from Trader Joe's (2), Seventh Generation (9), and Ecover (11) are phosphate-free.