Dishwasher Buying Guide
It sounds simple, buying a dishwasher. After all, the appliance’s role is to wash the dishes and save you from doing it by hand. But then, once you’ve taken the decision to buy a dishwasher, there are a few things you need to have in mind so you can choose the best to suit your needs.
Freestanding or Built-In Dishwasher
This shouldn’t really be a criterion when you have built-in kitchen or are planning on having one soon. Then again, you may decide on a kitchen that would have only a few built-in appliances and the dishwasher might not be one of them.
Freestanding dishwashers are more common than the integrated or semi-integrated models, and you have more choice of sizes and colours. Freestanding dishwashers’ models could be found at lower prices and are easier to move, so you could easily clean behind them when required.
The built-in models dishwashers sit behind cupboard doors, and being invisible, allow for a sleeker look of the kitchen.
Dishwasher Size
There are three different sizes dishwashers to choose from – Full size, Slimline and Compact, for a perfect fit in your kitchen.
Once you know where the dishwasher will stand in your kitchen, take the measurements of the space you have available. With freestanding dishwashers you might be able to make space for a bigger appliance at a later stage, whereas the build-in kitchens have fixed cupboard sizes, and you’ll need to choose in advance.
When choosing a dishwasher you should also think in advance about the amount of items you’d be washing per week. The best you can do to keep your appliance in optimum condition is to run a wash when it’s fully loaded, this could be the main indicator about the size you choose.
On the other hand, running two washes using a compact dishwasher would use more water than a load of a full size one, increasing your water consumption, a full size dishwasher would be more energy efficient, if you have the space.
Full Size Dishwasher
The dimensions vary slightly from one brand to another and for the different models, but the average full size dishwasher is 85 cm high, 60 cm wide and 60 cm deep.
Slimline Dishwasher
Again variable dimensions, average H85/W45/D60.
Compact Dishwasher
Dimensions vary, with up to 45 cm in height, about 55 cm in width and 52 cm in dept.
Dishwasher Programs and Features
Apart from the perfect wash, there are other things that you may want to consider when buying a dishwasher. The latest technologies promise to wash all items even in the difficult to reach corners and this is set to become the norm soon. If you are unable to afford a newer model dishwasher, you can at least buy the best for your budget.
To be able to accommodate more and/or larger items in your dishwasher, you should look for height-adjustable upper racks and foldable prongs. This will allow you to find the best place for any item, from glass to casserole dish.
Safety features, such as Child lock and Anti flood, could be essential for your household. Once set, the Child lock prevents from changes being made to the program currently running. The Anti flood feature function is something we would recommend as a must for every dishwasher as you never know when you might need it.
Sensor wash is another clever feature, usually included in the more expensive models. It measures the cleanness of the water and adjusts the time and temperature of the cycle accordingly, making the appliance more sufficient and probably saving energy and water.
How to Take Care of your Dishwasher
Once you’ve bought your new dishwasher, make sure to take a good care of it, for a longer lifespan.
-Make sure to empty all plates well and don’t let food particles in the dishwasher. Although you can easily clean them once the cycle has finished, it would be more time consuming and the appliance will become less efficient with time.
-Clean your dishwasher regularly – use dishwasher salt and other cleaning detergents according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
-Bear in mind that even the best washing machine won’t be able to wash well burnt food from roasting trays or pots/pans. For best results, fill the dishes with water, leave them to soak, scrub them and then wash them in the dishwasher.