A Buyers Guide To Dishwashers
A Guide To Helping You Choose The Right Dishwasher:
Some dishwashers can use use less water than washing in the sink but this is not true of them all. The most efficient setting for using less water is the “economy program” on nearly all models. Do not let the potential waste of water put your off a dishwasher as they have other benefits such as they wash things more thoroughly and more hygienically than washing buy hand and there is less chance of costly breakages.
Which type of dishwasher is right for me?
Freestanding standard-sized dishwashers (60cm width) are common in the UK market and the most widely sold. As a rule, they will wash a 12 piece place setting (one place setting usually comprises a dinner plate, soup bowl, dessert plate, a glass , tea cup and saucer, a knife, fork, dessert & soup spoons and a teaspoon).
Your kitchen may demand that you choose an integrated dishwasher to fit inside your kitchen units. Integrated and semi-integrated models are generally smaller by a few centimeters but cost a bit more and also require more fitting work.
If your space is really limited then a slimline dishwasher will the the thing to get – Ideal if you are 2 people or less but no use for a family or lots of use as it become uneconomical to run more often to get all the washing up done. If you want a cheap slimline dishwasher (stand alone) we recommend this one.
What is the difference in efficiency between dishwashers?
Different models use different amounts of electricity and water. A-rated machines are most efficient while those with a G-rating are least efficient.
Energy efficient appliance’s are easy to identify by the labels attached to them. You should look for the blue Energy Saving Recommended logo, the Energy Star symbol and the EU energy rating label.
One of the most helpful indicators is the EU energy rating label which displays an efficiency rating from A to G with A being the most efficient. An A-rated appliance will consume about half the power of a G–rated model. All appliances being sold by a retailer in the EU must display this label by law.
The Energy Saving Trust is a Government body and is responsible for the Energy Saving Recommended labelling scheme for products that are energy efficient. Recommended products can be found at the Energy Saving Trust website.
Which programs are the most useful?
Many dishwashers have 3 main programs:
- An intensive wash at 65-70 C which uses most energy and is designed for very dirty pans;
- A standard wash at about 65 C;
- An economy wash, at around 50 C, which usually takes longer to run but uses less energy.
It goes without saying, the top program uses more water and more energy but if food is baked on, you need to use this one.
Also, . The more programs the machine has the higher the price will be. If you do not do a lot of baking, you are unlikely to need a machine with lots of features but if you often have plates and pots with really baked on food then it is worth the extra money.
Word of caution, check the length of each program. Do not get fooled in thinking a 2 hour program is OK for all settings – some models do offer a quick rinse of 20 mins and for many meals, this is all that you need and if you only have 2hours as the minimum it will drive you potty after a while.
What are rinse aid and salt for?
Rinse aid helps to reduce drying time and leaves dishes shiny and smear free. Salt helps to soften the water.
Should I rinse plates before putting them in the dishwasher?
No waste of time, just get as much extra food off as you can.
Which features are useful on dishwashers?
The following features are generally useful:
Adjustable racks: These give the option to change the rack height to accommodate different items. For example, you could have large saucepans in the lower rack and have a shallow upper rack or have tall glasses in the upper rack and have less space below. Some machines come with lay-flat cutlery trays instead of baskets where you place cutlery vertically.
Indicator lights: These warn you when the rinse aid or salt need topping up. If you let them run low, you risk damaging your machine or its contents.
Child lock: This is useful to prevent the door being opened mid cycle and risk scalding a child.
Timer delay: This may be useful if, for example, you want to time the machine to come on at night time if you have an Economy 7 tariff which charges less for electricity used at night. However, ensure you have a smoke alarm if you do run the machine when you are sleeping.
Anti-flood device: These detect the presence of water in the base of the machine and stop the dishwasher from filling further.
Three-in-one button: These are for using dishwasher tablets that have a three-in-one function
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