Introduction
- Dishwashers
Despite the huge choice of dishwashers
available on the market, choosing the one most suitable for your requirements
is not difficult as the main criteria are quite simple: size, cost and
functionality. We hope that the information provided in this guide will
help you make an informed choice.
Product Types
Integrated Dishwashers
These dishwashers are usually designed
to sit under the kitchen worktop and the front is covered by a panel
that matches the rest of the kitchen.
Semi-integrated
Dishwashers
These are similar to integrated dishwashers,
but the panel does not fully cover the front as the control panel is
visible for easy access.
Freestanding Dishwashers
These dishwashers are not designed
to be built into kitchen units.
Product Advice
The main criteria for choosing a dishwasher
are size, cost and functionality.
Capacity and
Size
The capacity is determined by the number
of place settings that a dishwasher can hold. For example, a 12 place
setting capacity would hold 12 each of the following: full dinner plates,
dessert plates, soup plates, cups and saucers, glasses as well as knives,
forks, soup spoons, dessertspoons and teaspoons. The capacity of a full
size dishwasher will usually range from 12 settings up to 14 settings,
although there are also models on the market with 15 and even 17 setting
capacities.
Some models offer a more flexible arrangement,
with the ability to remove or adjust the baskets to increase capacity
and/or feature folding shelves and tall glasses racks.
Apart from the capacity, there is also
the physical size of the dishwasher to take into consideration. Most
dishwashers measure 60cm wide x 60 cm deep, and some feature height
adjustable tops. The heights of dishwashers can vary and include models
81.5, 84.5 and 86.5 cm in height. However there are also slim-line models
and compact models available for the smaller kitchen. Slim-line models
are usually 45cm wide and hold 9 or 10 place settings. Compact or table-top
models can vary in size but are usually 45cm or 60cm high with 6 or
8 place settings.
Cost
As well as the initial machine cost,
a consumer should also consider running costs, both electricity and
water. The higher specification and more expensive machines often have
higher energy ratings and offer energy saving features. It is important
to check the water consumption for each model which is shown on the
specifications sheet.
Some models offer a sensor technology
which can gauge the level of soiling of the dishes and adjust the cycle
time and temperature accordingly, as well as the amount of water used.
Others can detect the level of soiling of the water. Certain models
re-use the pre-rinse water if it is only lightly soiled therefore saving
water. Some also determine the level of hardness of the water.
Functionality
Generally speaking, a higher cost machine
will offer more functionality and flexibility to the user. Most dishwashers
will have at least three cycles including an intensive 65 degree cycle,
a regular cycle and an economy cycle, as well as a rinse-only option.
Some additional programmes offered by certain models and brands include:
- Express wash programmes
which save time, water and electricity.
- Hygiene programmes with
a hotter final rinse, especially designed for chopping boards, baby
bottles etc.
- Programmes specifically
designed to protect cutlery and glasses.
- A half-load option where
the user only fills one of the two levels within the machine.
- A rinse and hold option
for very dirty dishes or pans.
Other features can include:
- Child safety locks to ensure
that children cannot access the dishwasher
- Anti-flood
devices to detect leaks
- Electronic
time delay.
- Automatic detergent detection
The way the dishes are dried differs
from machine to machine but the main technologies are:
- Residual heat, where the
heat created from the washing cycle dries the dishes.
- Heated air.
- Fan assisted heat process.
Heated air and fan assisted air are
the quickest and most energy efficient way to dry the dishes.
Buying Tips
- Check out the noise level
of each machine as they can vary widely from model to model.
- If you are buying a free-standing
model, some manufacturers offer alternative colours to the traditional
white such as stainless steel or black. If you are considering stainless
steel, some manufacturers offer fingerprint- free stainless steel finishes.
Brands
Bosch - as the market leader for
household appliances in Western Europe, they offer a wide range of dishwashers
in four distinct series. The premium Logixx range which features their
patented Active Water technology, designed to maximise water efficiency,
and the unique Variodrawer, a third level loading drawer which replaces
the cutlery basket if required, allowing additional space in the bottom
drawer; the Exxcel range; the Avantixx range; and the value for money
Classixx range.
Hotpoint - this UK manufacturer has
an extensive range of dishwashers including 45 cm slim-line models as
well as 60cm full-sized models.
Indesit - their range of machines
offers a capacity of 9, 12 or 14 place settings with some featuring
their Speed+ technology for quick intensive washing and delay timers.
Whirlpool - they have a complete
range of dishwashers, many of which offer their 6th Sense,
Aquasteam and Powerclean technologies.
Hoover - they sell a select range
of slim-line and full-sized dishwashers, including a machine with a
15 setting capacity.
AEG Electrolux - they offer a full
range of dishwashers, including slim-line and full-sized with the higher
end models featuring the AEG Electrolux Proclean technology.
Beko - they offer a range of both
full-size and slim-line dishwashers in white, silver and stainless steel.
Miele - this high end manufacturer
of household appliances offers a comprehensive range including full-size,
compact and slim-line models, with some models featuring auto-sensor technology.
Neff - their range of integrated
and freestanding dishwashers includes some with their Hydrosensor technology
which detects if water from the first cycle is clean, and if so, reuses
it, thus saving water; and their Optosensor technology to determine
the hardness of the water and adjust it accordingly.
Baumatic - they offer a complete
range of integrated dishwashers and freestanding dishwashers, as well
as 45 cm slim-line dishwashers, and a 46cm compact dishwasher for smaller
kitchens.
Candy - they offer a small selection
of dishwashers amongst their extensive household appliance range.
Smeg - their range of dishwashers
includes their 'Aqua Centres' - machines that are fully integrated
into a 90cm or 120cm wide sink unit, as well as 50's style retro
dishwashers in lime green or red.
Siemens - this German manufacturer
has a complete range of dishwashers in their iQ series, the iQ300, iQ500
and iQ700, with some machines featuring their Zeolith drying cycle,
using a natural silicate mineral to ensure faster and more efficient
drying.
Fisher and Paykel - they invented
the unique DishDrawer type of dishwasher, designed similarly to an office
filing cabinet, and which is available in a range of designs and sizes.
Jargon Buster
Anti-flood devices - this detects
any leaks and stops the machine automatically.
Auto-sensor technology - this
is where the dishwasher automatically detects either the level of soiling
of the dishes and adjusts wash intensity, the cycle duration and the
number of rinses accordingly, or detects the soiling of the pre-rinse
water which it then re-uses if possible.
Time Delay - this allows the
user to load and pre-set the dishwasher which comes on later at a specified
time. This is useful if electricity rates are lower at certain times
or if the user prefers to avoid the noise during the day.