How to choose a dishwasher for your home - tips

A dishwashing machine, like any other household appliance, is purchased for a long term. We advise you not to buy the first model you like, but to carefully monitor various dishwashers that suit you from a financial point of view. Today we’ll look at how to choose the right dishwasher for your home.

Deciding on the type of dishwasher

Dishwashers come in tabletop and floor-standing types, free-standing and built-in. The specific choice is primarily determined by the dimensions of your kitchen space, the number of plates placed in the chamber or the size of the family, and the frequency of use of dishwashing equipment.

Tabletop models are recommended for small kitchens and small families. Their operating cycle does not exceed thirty to forty minutes, liquid consumption reaches thirteen to fourteen liters. But the models do not differ in the variety of capabilities and high-quality work.

Floor-standing machines differ in size parameters, sets of options, and the number of loaded dishes. Such models perfectly serve large families, efficiently washing and drying plates. As a rule, they are used only once a day at maximum load.

The choice of a built-in or free-standing dishwasher depends on your preferences. The first version of the machine will successfully complement the kitchen decor, but separately installed equipment will provide you with free access to inspect it and carry out repair work.

Dishwasher class

The following classes of dishwashing machines are distinguished:

economy option;
functional;
comfort;
elite

The main difference between such machines is the cost. For example, economy class devices cost from three hundred to four hundred dollars, functionality will cost you four hundred fifty to five hundred fifty dollars, for comfort you will have to pay six hundred to seven hundred fifty conventional units, and the most elite equipment costs from eight hundred dollars.

In addition, the models differ in performance, functionality, and case sizes. There is a certain differentiation in each class. For example, its price depends on the design of the machine; built-in models are somewhat more expensive than separately installed analogues.

The safety level of dishwashers also makes its own differences. All categories except economy class are carefully checked for reliability. And if you want your dishwasher to work for a long time, we advise you not to skimp.

Dimensions of dishwashers and their capacity

The size of the dishwasher is considered an important criterion for its selection.But when purchasing, it is recommended to take into account the fact that with the same dimensions, washing mashines may differ in capacity. So these two criteria should be considered simultaneously.

Available for sale today narrow models, which perfectly fit ten sets of dishes into the washing compartment, and large machines, the maximum load of which barely reaches eight sets.

Based on body size, all dishwashers are divided into the following groups:

full size;
narrow;
compact.

The first two groups have the same height and depth parameters, being 82 and 55 cm, respectively. The difference is the width: for narrow washing mashines it is 45 cm, for full-size washing mashines it is 60 cm.

Countertop dishwashers are slightly smaller in size. Height, width and depth do not exceed 44 by 45 - 55 by 45 - 55 cm, respectively.

But we already know that you should purchase a dishwashing machine not only based on its dimensions, but also on its capacity, which is measured by dishwashing sets.

The set consists of:

deep and shallow plates;
large and small spoons;
forks;
knife;
glasses;
cups and saucers.

In short, the set includes the utensils a person needs for one meal. All that remains is to clarify the capacity of the washing chamber, taking into account the composition of the family and the number of meals.

As a rule, families of up to two people are interested in small-sized models for five to six sets of dishes. Narrow models that wash ten sets at a time are chosen by families consisting of three to four members. A full-size dishwasher usually holds ten to fifteen dishes in its chamber, which is the optimal solution for large families.

Internal differences between models

Most dishwashers are designed to installation of two to three baskets for storing dishes. Place plates, glasses and cups in the upper basket. By the way, it can also be used with an incomplete load. Kitchen utensils are washed in the lower basket.

When choosing a machine, pay attention to the number of spray nozzles and their shapes - this has a significant impact on the washing process.

Look at the design of the basket - the comfort of their use depends on this.

Technical characteristics of dishwashers

After conducting an external and internal inspection of the dishwashing device and making sure that the capacity and dimensions of this model suit you best, check whether operating parameters those tasks that your home assistant will have to perform. In simple terms, you need to find out how well the machine will wash a certain number of dishes and how much water and electrical energy it will need for this.

How to decipher energy efficiency values

To determine the possibility of savings when using a particular dishwasher, it is necessary to study the energy consumption labeling.

Machine classes are designated by letters from “A” to “G” - this is how the quality of washing, drying and electrical energy consumption is graded.

Modern dishwashers are competitive in energy efficiency, and it is common to see "A" ratings with one or more "+" added. Their number indicates the efficiency of the technology.

On old machines, only the number of loaded dish sets and energy consumption were taken into account. Dishwasher efficiency was expressed in kWh.But soon the standby mode was additionally turned on, calculations began to be performed, taking into account 280 working cycles, the class was derived according to the EEI index.

High-quality machines include class “A” models, capable of saving up to forty-five percent of electrical energy compared to dishwashers marked “C” or “D”. You should not buy washing mashines of groups “F” or “G”, as they are considered low-cost, and you will have to constantly pay extra money for water and electricity.

Electronic control or mechanical

Dishwashers can be controlled in two ways - by turning mechanical handles or using touch buttons. Up to ninety-five percent of units fall into the second group, because many users consider the mechanics inconvenient and difficult to maintain.

Dishwashers with a mechanical control type can be equipped with LED indicator elements, digital displays or additional buttons that make it easier to configure the desired functions.

Buttons are usually located in one or several rows on top of the door. But there is a peculiarity here - for partially built-in models, all buttons are accessible, and a fully built-in machine can be started by opening the door.

The push-button model is characterized by difficulty in maintenance. Dirt gets packed into small gaps, it is difficult to remove, and using the machine in the future may be difficult. Touch dishwashers win in this regard. The panels are smooth and easy to clean. In addition, such machines have a button lock to prevent accidental pressing.

Another convenience of an electronic dishwasher is an information board that displays the operating cycle time, the selected function or program.A number of models have the convenient option of projecting all digital information directly onto the floor.

Availability of basic programs

A machine is considered good if it has a large number of programs for washing dishes.

But you shouldn’t chase the largest lists of options, because practice shows that they mainly use two or three of the most economical modes.

When purchasing a dishwasher, they focus on the parameters of the main programs - standard and ECO, detailed information about which can be found in the accompanying instructions. In addition to brief descriptions, there is data on the detergent compositions used, operating cycle times, water and electrical energy consumption.

As confirmed by statistics, the maximum amount of dirty dishes accumulates after dinner. This means that it is better to run the dishwasher at night using the ECO mode. True, it takes the longest, but is very economical and “diligent” in washing. During the day, the Express program is enough to clean dishes from small stains.

Basic and additional functions

Washing and drying processes form the basis of functionality any dishwasher. But each stage has fundamental differences.

Before washing, particularly dirty and greasy dishes can be pre-soaked, and glass items can be re-rinsed. In addition, dishes are washed at different temperatures, the cycles differ in duration.

Drying happens:

condensation The dishes cool down and dry naturally;
convection. The dishes are exposed to circulating currents of hot air;
zeolite. The air is heated by the mineral and dries the dishes;
intellectual. A special Sensor Dry system analyzes the temperature in the room and activates airflow.

There are no fundamental differences in the drying method. This is especially true for night washing - in any case, you receive clean and dry plates for breakfast.

Models from various manufacturing companies may vary in additional functionality because companies are constantly introducing something new to increase demand for their dishwashers:

a common function is delayed start. With its help, the washing time is transferred to a convenient period;
working in “partial” loading mode This feature is not typical for all models, but for a small family or a single person this function will be useful. With its help, washing dishes is faster, water and electricity are saved;
by using AQUA-STOP systems Possible leaks in the body and sleeves are prevented. If the program fails, or one of the machine parts fails, the dishwasher will stop working. The dirty liquid will be discharged into the sewer, and the fresh water supply will be blocked. If this system is not available, you can purchase a hose that works on a similar principle;
Easy-gloss – This function forces the door to close. If the latter does not slam shut, the dishwasher will not start. To prevent this inconvenience, a special locking mechanism is provided that automatically pulls up and slams the door;
Power Dry – a new product from Whirpool that speeds up the drying process of any dishes. According to the manufacturer, even plastic plates dry within one hour;
Dual Wash – Can wash dishes with different characteristics in the total load.Utensils and glass glasses will be cleaned at the same time, but you will have to put them in separate baskets. The dirtiest dishes are placed in the bottom tier, the rest is placed on top;
Opto Sensor – a useful option that determines the degree of water hardness. If the sensor signals the likelihood of scale formation, the amount of salts in the water intended for washing dishes increases;
Rackmatic – adjusts the extension and height of the upper loading basket to better distribute cutlery;
Vario Speed Plus – increases the washing speed by increasing the pressure of the supplied liquid and regulating the rinsing process. Due to this option, the work cycle is reduced by three times.

To find out what functions the dishwashing unit you like is equipped with, you should carefully read the accompanying instructions. Remember that first of all, you select the modes that you will use daily.

Is there a need to focus on the noise level of the dishwasher?

The noise level of a dishwasher, like other household appliances, is measured in dB. The average value for modern models is almost identical and falls within the parameters from 40 to 50 dB. These are the types of equipment that allow you to do other things without experiencing discomfort.

The electric motor and pumps operate quietly, and all this is thanks to high-quality sound insulation. In addition, the walls of furniture cabinets are protected from noise, which once again proves the need to choose a built-in dishwasher.

Connection options

Every dishwasher model can be connected to cold or hot water supply. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages:

by connecting to the cold water supply, you get a cleaner liquid for washing dishes, but increase the financial costs of the electrical energy required for heating;
By using the hot water line, you begin to save money, but you won’t be able to use the dishwasher if the central water supply is turned off.

There are models belonging to the “luxury” class, which are simultaneously connected to both types of water supply through a special mixer.

We take into account the rating of models

When choosing a dishwasher, we study its technical parameters and functionality, unique design, design, connectivity to communication systems and cost.

Price, by the way, is not very important, because the manufacturer presents its product in a series from inexpensive models to luxury options. True, there are branded brands that consist only of elite dishwashers. They are distinguished by the power and reliability of the motor, a set of programs, and design.

Expert advice

We already know how to choose the right dishwasher, but a few useful recommendations won’t hurt:

For a family of two people, a dishwasher capable of washing up to six sets of dishes at a time is enough. You can consider the option of a machine operating at partial load;
For a large family, it is better to purchase a class A machine that can hold up to ten sets and has a drying function;
Do you want to use water sparingly? Pay attention to models that use no more than nine liters of fluid per working cycle;
when a family uses a lot of dishes every day, you should choose a dishwasher option with the largest number of working programs and functions, up to delicate washing;
those who want to maintain the overall design of the room can buy themselves a fully built-in dishwasher;
fans of comfort are recommended to choose partially built-in models with control panels located outside;
Don't forget about the neighbors living below you. It is best to buy a dishwasher equipped with protection against possible leaks;
As an additional tip, always read reviews from dishwasher owners.

Conclusion

It is difficult to make the right choice with the available range of dishwashing equipment. But if you carefully study all the main points, you can purchase a successful model that will serve you for a long period.