What are the criteria for choosing a dishwasher?

If the automatic washing machine has firmly entered our lives and replaced hand washing, then the dishwasher is still considered an inadmissible luxury. Many housewives dream of her, but are afraid to make a mistake when buying expensive equipment and wasting money. Deciding on a dishwasher and avoiding overpayments is simple: just get acquainted with its pros and cons and find out the basic criteria for choosing a practical and reliable model. We will talk about this.

Should I buy a dishwasher?

The question of whether to purchase a dishwasher is purely individual: someone considers this a routine and cannot put up with the need to wash two cups a day, another is happy to clean the appliances for hours after a large family. But many are at a crossroads and cannot decide for themselves whether or not it is worth it. A detailed review of all the pros and cons of buying another technique that facilitates everyday life will help you orient. We formulate arguments for the machine.

1. Saves time - the machine does everything for you. Moreover, you can start the cycle and leave home or use the delayed start and get clean dishes upon return from work.
2. Heats the water. Enough cold water, as the machine itself will heat it to the required temperature.
3. Consumes less water. It is estimated that the average dishwasher spends 14-17 liters per cycle, which is 3-5 times less than with a manual wash.
4. Protects the hands of the hostess. A person no longer needs to contact household chemicals, especially when it comes to aggressive cleaning products.
5. Better launder. The technology of cleaning, rinsing, boiling and steaming allows the machine to thoroughly remove all impurities and wash off a harmful detergent from the surface.

But there are serious counterarguments. Some of the theses are controversial, but they still need to be considered.

1. The dishwasher takes up extra space in the kitchen, especially freestanding models.
2. The new device will give a serious load on the mains. You will have to consider a reliable connection to the network with a voltage stabilizer, a separate outlet and grounding. High energy consumption will affect the increased communal.

To reduce energy consumption, it is allowed to connect the dishwasher directly to hot water so as not to waste electricity on heating.

3. It is not suitable for all dishes, since it is forbidden to load non-heat-resistant, as well as cracked and glued plates and cups into the working chamber. Taboo on the dishwasher applies to utensils made of rusting steel, copper, tin and wood, up to the presence on the items of small wooden inserts and elements. It is impossible to wash in the machine without the inclusion of a special delicate program and fragile silver, crystal, earthenware devices.
4. High-quality and smart units are very expensive. However, many argue that the money spent is worth it.
5. Not all models support the half load function, so you have to “save” dishes to fill the machine.
6. Dishwashers require special cleaning products in the form of tablets, capsules or powder. As a rule, they cost an order of magnitude higher than standard dish gels.

Advantages and disadvantages of a dishwasher - this is what you need to know before going to the store. Then there will be no risk of seduction, and soon regret the new acquisition. Now, to decide whether to take or not to take is much easier. It remains only to understand how to choose a good machine and not overpay for useless devices.

Type of equipment, dimensions and its capacity

The modern market offers hundreds of options for dishwashers, and sometimes choosing your own one is far from easy. The first step is to determine the type of equipment - freestanding, fully or partially integrated, depending on where you plan to install a new assistant.Next, we select the size and capacity suitable for the kitchen and according to needs:

• Full-size models have dimensions of 60/60/85 cm and at one time accommodate from 12 to 14 sets of dishes. They are more expensive, more functional and more reliable. They have excellent quality of washing and are suitable for large families.
• Narrow cars have a width of 45 cm, due to which they can "accept" no more than 9 sets. The quality of cleaning does not suffer, the machines have two utensils and ideally clean the dirt. They are considered optimal for small kitchens.
• Compact at times smaller and have dimensions of 45/55/45 cm, are installed on a shelf or countertop and are suitable for a maximum of a family of 3 people. Holds no more than 8 devices at a time. It is notable for its low price, because of which the quality of the sink suffers greatly.

Rarely, but non-standard models are found that do not fit into the typical size range. Therefore, we always pay attention to the dimensions mentioned in the marking. Ideally, you need to measure the space available in the kitchen and build on it when choosing a dishwasher.

Energy class and equipment

Energy costs are among the things that are important to consider when buying a dishwasher in the first place. It is displayed on the factory label in the form of a class assigned to the technique in the letter designation A to G. Level A models are considered the most economical, among which there are more advanced models like A +++. Such machines consume about 0.8-1.05 kWh per cycle, while category B 1.06-1.09 kWh, and C 1.1-1.49 kWh. It is logical that the closer to G, the more expensive each wash.

As for the configuration, that is, the standard set: dispenser, two levels of wire racks, cutlery tray and filter. But the number of devices increases with increasing prices for equipment and may include:

• basket adjusters;
• illumination of the working chamber;
• external indicator;
• multilevel door fixation;
• heat exchanger;
• increased sound insulation;
• holders for glasses.

Dishwashers are often equipped with adjustable “legs”, allowing you to set the machine on an uneven surface. Some machines have a display that allows you to track the washing phase and adjust the cleaning process.

What can a machine do?

For a family of 2 people, a standard dishwasher with basic features will be enough. This technique will first conduct a preliminary cleaning, then it helps with hot water and a product, rinses and dries. But if you want more, you will have to pay attention to more “advanced” models that can offer:

• intensive washing at temperatures up to 75 degrees;
• delicate cleaning for fragile utensils;
• express wash, quick and superficial.

But this is not the limit. Newly-built dishwashers allow a multi-level filter system to prevent clogging, the built-in waste grinder immediately removes food debris from plates and start a start at a certain time thanks to a delay timer.

Some models boast leakage protection, half load and child lock.

Does the brand matter?

Another point to look at when buying a car is the manufacturer. The recognized leaders in the production of reliable and high-quality dishwashers are the brands Miele, Bosch and Siemens. Next in the ranking are Whirpool and Zanussi, followed by Beko, Gorenje and Indesit. Last but not least, it is worth buying machines from Chinese firms.

But more important is not the brand, but the observance of the rules of operation of the device. In order for the machine to last longer and the soap is better, one should not forget about some recommendations:

• it is necessary to clean the baskets regularly, at least 2 times a month;
• after 2-3 cycles, wipe the case and door seal with a damp cloth;
• clean the filter as it becomes dirty;
• in case of accumulation of greasy deposits on the walls of the chamber - treat with special means.

To choose the best model of the dishwasher, you will have to think through your needs in advance and carefully study the labeling. The main thing is not to save on the important and not to overpay for the useless.