How to choose a dishwasher for your home: selection rules and tips

The modern kitchen pleases housewives with its technical equipment: today, almost every process associated with cooking and maintaining cleanliness in the house can be automated. And it is all the more pleasant that the process of washing dishes and kitchen utensils, which is not the most beloved by many, can also be entrusted to a special unit - a dishwasher. In this article, we will give advice on how to choose, what models are available and what to look for when buying a dishwasher.

Do you need a dishwasher in the house?

Almost all experts are unanimous on this issue: if there is an opportunity to purchase and install a dishwasher in the house, it should be done without fail. It will be especially useful in such cases:

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• If you love to cook or want to make cooking your life's work.
• If you have a large family and the amount of utensils used is very large.
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• If you have children and need to keep your kitchen utensils as clean as possible.
• If you like to invite guests, after each meal or tea party there are many used plates, dishes or cups left.

But there are much fewer options when the dishwasher will not help speed up and facilitate the process of washing dishes: unless you constantly stay on trips or business trips, eat out, prefer to order ready-made meals, or there is simply nowhere to install such food in your home device. And in this case, compact models with a small load will be a good help in everyday life.

The principle of operation and the main functions of dishwashing units

Dishwashing equipment functions quite simply:

• After loading, the machine draws the required amount of water from the water supply.
• The water in the dishwasher is heated to the required temperature, which is determined by the selected washing mode.
• From containers for special cleaning chemicals, the agents are dosed to the water and pumped into the spray nozzles.
• Sprays located in the upper and lower sectors of the machine spray the dishes under high pressure with detergent. Sometimes plates and cups are also steamed.
• The used water is drained away, after which the rinsing process takes place.
• Sometimes, when choosing deep cleaning programs, the washing and rinsing process can take place in several cycles.
• The last stage is drying, which is performed by turbo-blowing.

Depending on the model, some of the steps can be simplified: for example, in more budgetary options, there may be no steam processing or drying system, and in more expensive ones, ionization of water or preliminary soak.

Responsible for the full cycle of work with the dishes in the dishwasher are the water and air temperature sensors, as well as the electronic control, which ensures the passage of each stage of the washing program.

Of course, all these manipulations with the dishes can be performed manually. But the obvious advantages and benefits of dishwasher household appliances include:

• For its operation, the obligatory presence of hot water in the water supply tap is not required - the machine heats it up itself.
• Saving time: the technician can handle washing even when you are away, and most of the models can be set to start washing on a timer.
• The detergents used in this equipment are much stronger than standard detergents used for hand washing. They wash an order of magnitude better.
• Rinsing at a high temperature rinses off all residual detergent solutions from the dishes, which is difficult to achieve by hand rinsing.
• Dishwasher is economical! It uses three to five times less water than when processing dishes in the sink. Moreover, the cost of electricity in Class A models is much less than heating the same volume of water using electric heaters.

All these advantages make life much easier and allow you to spend much less time on household chores.

How to choose the right one: tips and options for choosing a dishwasher for the kitchen

In order to choose the right equipment for your needs and for the requirements of the kitchen, you should pay attention to several parameters at once. And first of all it concerns the capacity.

Dishwasher capacity, built-in and free-standing models

There are three standard types of this equipment, depending on the size of the load:

• The standard dishwasher capacity is 10-15 sets. This is the optimal amount for a family of 3-6 people. Most often these are multifunctional machines with many additional modes.
• Compact versions are designed for 5-8 sets of dishes. In addition, they are small in size and can be easily installed in a closet or just on a table. They are good for a small family, one person, or as a technique for a country house.
• Narrow dishwashers are a compromise between large load capacity and compactness. They hold up to 13 sets, and their dimensions allow them to be placed even in a small kitchen space.

In addition, please note that there are both free-standing models and built-in kitchen sets. If you are planning to purchase a ready-made and equipped kitchen, it is better to pick up a free-standing car. And if you want to fully equip the kitchen space, it is better to choose a built-in model for the dimensions of the future headset. By the way, built-in appliances also have several modifications: partially built-in dishwashers leave the loading panel visible, and in fully built-in ones it is masked behind the kitchen facade.

Water and electricity consumption

One of the most important indicators when choosing such an expensive technology is the economy in terms of water and electricity consumption. Indeed, in addition to the initial cost of the product itself, you have to pay bills for the consumption of water and light.

If we talk about energy consumption, pay attention to the marking of the vending model. It is usually presented in the form of Latin letters - from A to G. At the same time, the A-class is the most resource-efficient units, whose consumption does not exceed 0.8-1.5 kW / h per cycle. In addition to machines of class A, more energy-consuming machines of class B and C are often on sale: they consume from 1.06 to 2.99 kW / h during operation. If we talk about the rest of the classes, then there are two options:

• Or these are outdated models, created without the use of modern energy consumption technologies.
• Either it is professional equipment for catering establishments, workshops or factories, which is much more powerful than home dishwashers, but also consumes more energy, respectively.

With regard to water consumption, a standard wash cycle consumes no more than 15-17 liters, which is much less than a manual wash. A little more can be used with the intensive wash program or the extra rinse.

Sets of programs and options

The basic set of functions for any dishwashing device usually includes:

• pre-soaking or washing,
• a package of standard modes for certain types of dishes (glass, plates, pots),
• rinsing from detergents,
• blowing with hot air for drying.

In the extended version, they can be supplemented with an express mode, an intensive wash program or a special mode for delicate washing (for example, fine ceramics, porcelain or crystal).

As for the pleasant, but optional options: in good technology, a waste crusher may be present, protective mechanisms against children, start timer, self-filtering water system and self-diagnostics malfunctions. Each of them will help save time and money on repairing the car in case of unforeseen situations, so you should choose the most functional model within your budget.

Noise level

For dishwashers, a single noise level standard has been established: in different models it can vary from 37 to 65 dB. If you have a kitchen isolated from the rest of the house, a car with any level of sound insulation will suit you. Often, modern manufacturers make equipment with minimal noise reproduction, but for combined rooms, for example, studio apartments, kitchens located next to children's rooms or bedrooms, you should still pay attention to this parameter.

If we talk about the type of dishwasher equipment, then fully built-in machines work almost silently, unlike stand-alone ones. This is due to the fact that part of the sound is extinguished by the facade of the kitchen and its walls, including the panel that masks the lid.

Types of detergents

For a dishwasher, specialized detergents are required. In no case should you use ordinary household chemicals or folk remedies for them!

All dishwashers chem. compositions can be classified according to their environmental friendliness:

• Conventional the products are created on the basis of complex chemical compounds, they can cause irritation of the respiratory tract and allergic reactions. But they also have a high cleansing effect.
• Eco-products have a mild action, composition with a minimum of chemicals harmful to humans, hypoallergenic characteristics. But it is also more difficult to wash heavily soiled kitchen utensils with their help. Sometimes several wash cycles are required.

By the form of release, funds for machines differ in:

• Gels - liquid formulations that are optimal for everyday use. They are economical, easy to use, clean even delicate materials, and do not contain abrasive particles that can scratch glass or porcelain. For a normal cycle, 30 ml of gel is enough.
• Powders - the most common type of detergents for PM. Among the disadvantages: they do not soften the water and require the use of additional salts or rinses, their it is easy to spill past the container, and due to hard particles, the dishes may be clean, but scratched.
• Tablets - a universal product, convenient in that it is dosed under the wash cycle. Often the tablets also contain salt and rinse aid. Disadvantages: high price compared to other types. In addition, in an express car wash, the tablet may not completely dissolve, and some outdated machines simply do not perceive them.
• Salt (softener) is an irreplaceable agent for our realities. If you want your unit to serve for a long time and not suffer from limescale, be sure to use salt - it softens tap water.
• Rinse aid - should be used in combination with powder or for separate rinsing programs. It not only completely removes particles of the detergent composition, but also protects glass products from stains and makes them shiny.
• Flavoring - can be added if you don't like the original smell of dishwashing chemicals.

Before buying household chemicals, be sure to read the instructions for your model - there may be recommendations or restrictions on the use of certain products.

Washing quality

To make your car happy with the high quality of washing, it is not enough just to choose the right model and correctly install it.

The following factors also affect the quality of washing:

• Composition of tap water: too hard can quickly damage the machine and leave marks on the dishes. In turn, too soft is also not the best solution, it washes away dirt much worse.
• They affect the quality and design features (shape and location of the nozzles, regulation of the level of baskets).
• Another factor is the quality of the detergents. If they are incorrectly selected, used in the wrong quantity or simply of dubious quality (unverified manufacturer, counterfeit products), high quality cannot be achieved.
• Do not forget to load it correctly: dishes evenly distributed in the baskets will clean up much better than piled dishes.

Drying type

With a reasonable approach in choosing dishwashers, you should pay attention to the type of drying that is used in the model.

There are three types of them:

1. Turbo drying - the most common option in which the fan starts at the end of the wash. He blows the washed dishes with a stream of heated air, due to this, it dries quickly. The disadvantage is higher energy consumption.
2. Condensing drying - previously used universally. This is the natural process of drying objects after the end of the cycle. In order to speed it up, finally, the baskets with the contents are poured over with very hot water or steam. Disadvantage: Takes longer than turbo. This dryer is the easiest to use if you plan to load the dishwasher overnight.
3. Intensive - a new type of drying, which is becoming more and more popular. Its essence is that air circulation is created inside the machine due to the difference in pressure. Advantages: energy efficient and fast enough option.

Child protection

One of the most important functions in a dishwasher bought for a family with small children is to protect them from their curiosity. To avoid traumatic situations, manufacturers offer several options for such protection:

• Key lock, which is activated by dialing a specific combination described in the instructions. Such a safety measure is suitable for cars in which the controls are placed on the front panel and can attract little ones with backlighting.
• The placement of keys on the end panel of the door is typical for built-in options. Since the door of the machine itself is heavy, access to the buttons will be problematic.
• Automatic stop of the program and drainage of water if the door is opened while the program is running. It will help to avoid scalding by steam if the child nevertheless opens the door during the operation of the device.

It is best if in the chosen model these types of protection are present in combination, so the likelihood of an unforeseen situation will be minimal. In addition, it is worth additionally purchasing mechanical door locks in order to surely protect the child.

Installation

It is best to entrust the installation of the dishwasher to the craftsmen. The fact is that there are certain norms that regulate both the connection to the power supply and the connection to the water supply and sewer drains.

In general, the connection process boils down to the following steps:

• Preparing the installation site (you need to correctly mark the future location of the machine in order to provide access to water and electricity, fit into an existing environment or fit the kitchen to its dimensions (for built-in models).
• Purchase of additional components.
• Connection to the drainage system.
• Connection to the water supply (by the way, you only need to connect to cold water, the connection to hot water is strongly discouraged by manufacturers).
• Electrical connection.
• Check for leaks.
• Checking work.

Correct installation is a guarantee of a long service life of your dishwasher.

Which one is better to choose: an overview of popular models of dishwashers

If you look at the ratings of the most popular models of dishwashing equipment, you will notice that brands from Europe invariably remain leaders - such as Bosch, Hotpoint-Ariston, Electrolux or Whirlpool. This is understandable, because they are famous for the high quality of products and thoughtful functionality.

So, one of the most popular was the built-in Bosch SPV 43M20 - narrow, only 45 cm wide, model with 9 sets loading, energy consumption class A + and consumption of only 10 liters of water per cycle. It has functionality for 4 standard programs, condensation drying, water pollution and partial load sensors. This is a great option for a small kitchen.

And if you want a compact car, pay attention to Bosch SKS 62E22 - it holds up to 6 sets, has 6 preset programs, sensors for recognizing water pollution and the type of detergent. There is only one drawback of this model - the price, which hardly fits into the middle segment.

The budget segment will also allow you to pick up good equipment. For instance, Candy CDP 4609 - at a low cost, this narrow machine works silently, holds 9 sets of dishes, has 5 programs and the ability to choose one of four temperature modes. It has a timer and childproof lock making it a great choice for a large family.

And for those who want to choose a premium dishwasher, a model from a Scandinavian manufacturer is optimal - Asko D5536 XL. It not only holds from 13 to 15 sets, but also has a super economical energy consumption (class A +++), a wide range of programs, turbo drying, water supply options, a self-cleaning function and a protection system against leaks.

Video: how to choose a dishwasher 

Choosing a dishwasher is a responsible business, but once done, it will facilitate your homework and save you from not the most pleasant activity for many years.