Checking the dishwasher upon purchase

When purchasing a dishwasher for the first time, many do not understand how to correctly assess the condition and technical characteristics of the unit. Consultants at home appliance stores should not be completely trusted, since their primary task is to sell equipment, and not a sincere desire to help in choosing. We will tell you further how to check a dishwasher when purchasing and make sure that it will meet all your requirements and wishes.

Where to start checking?

You need to carefully examine the dishwasher at the point of sale. The buyer should ensure that the sample meets all the characteristics declared by the manufacturer. After you find out all the main technical parameters, study the functionality of the machine, evaluate the practicality of the purchase, it is very important to select a unit of the required dimensions. Only the user knows how much space in the kitchen is allocated for the dishwasher, and what dishes will have to be cleaned in the device.

Afterwards, you should examine the body of the machine, as well as the internal washing chamber for scratches, dents, chips, or any other mechanical damage. If there are no defects, proceed to inspect the dishwasher baskets.

Inspecting the baskets

The standard configuration of the average dishwasher includes two baskets. The one located below has a larger capacity and is used for pots, plates, pans and other large items. The top one is designed for loading small dishes - saucers, cups, spatulas, etc. You can also clean glasses in it if you secure them with holders.Some dishwasher models are equipped with a third small container used for washing spoons, forks, and knives.

The quality of cleaning dishes is greatly influenced by the design of the baskets and container. It’s great if the lower container has folding holders. This addition will make it possible to “adjust” the basket for dishes of different sizes. Proper loading of cutlery will ensure perfect removal of all contaminants.

It is better to give preference to dishwashers equipped with three containers.

A separate basket for cutlery is a much needed addition. Judging by the reviews of many users, the technique cleans knives, spoons and forks much better if they are loaded into a special separate container. In addition, the likelihood of scratching the surface of other dishes with sharp knife blades or the ends of forks will be reduced to zero. It is also convenient to load small items into the third container, for example, baby supplies.

It is better to choose models that offer the ability to adjust the upper basket. So, by changing the height of its attachment, it will be possible to increase the lower container for washing large items.

The number of plastic elements inside the dishwasher should be kept to a minimum. Under the influence of aggressive detergents, plastic quickly loses its properties, becomes thinner, deteriorates, which inevitably leads to failure of parts. It is better to pay attention to models where the baskets, clamps and fastenings are made of metal.

Be sure to check how freely the baskets extend and retract in the new technology. Pull all containers, lower/raise clamps, etc.It’s good if the movement occurs freely, the baskets “move” unhindered. The dishwasher door should close tightly and easily. If closing it requires effort from you, it means there is a manufacturing defect.

Check that all baskets lock freely. Since the upper impeller is attached to the container, it must be in perfect contact with the water supply pipe. Be sure to examine the latch blades; there should be no bulges/concavities or other defects on them.

Let's look at the package

For ease of use of the dishwasher, it is better to choose new equipment equipped with additional accessories. The more “things” included with the equipment, the more interesting and comfortable the use of the unit will be. What useful additions are we talking about?

1. Holders for small kitchen utensils. They are usually represented by hooks of various sizes and shapes, where you can attach additional items for cleaning;
2. Stand for washing glasses. Special design on which you can hang 4 tall glasses. This addition will allow you not to worry about the safety of fragile dishes during washing;
3. Mount for baby bottles. A very necessary thing for young parents, which allows them to securely hang children’s accessories in the camera for high-quality cleaning;
4. Attachment for washing baking trays. It is a special attachment that is attached to a standard sprinkler. With its help, it is easy to wash a mountain of dishes as cleanly as possible.

Depending on the model of the dishwasher, it can be equipped with either the entire set of accessories, or one or two. If you like a dishwasher with a minimal set, don’t worry, you can buy the holders you need in your household yourself.

Studying moving elements

Checking the serviceability of a dishwashing machine includes inspecting the impellers, or the elements through which the cleaning solution enters the cabinet. Full-size dishwashers have impellers both at the bottom and under the top rack. Compact models are equipped with bottom sprinklers only.

During operation, the impellers rotate. The holes in the elements are made at an angle, and water flowing out of the sprinkler at high speed sets it in motion. When the impeller has a defect, the risk of it rupturing under strong water pressure is very high. Therefore, carefully inspect the element for cracks and chips. The sprinklers are easily removed from the housing, so assessing their condition upon delivery or preliminary inspection in the store is not difficult. Ask a consultant to help you remove the impellers.

This verification procedure is mandatory for machines of little-known brands or used dishwashers. In such cases, the original sprinklers can be replaced with low-quality parts that have already been repaired.

The machine must be safe

Almost all modern dishwashers are equipped with a protection function against emergency leaks. This technology is one of the main security systems for equipment of this type. Protection can be either complete, involving the protection of the housing and all hoses, or partial, covering only the housing.

When purchasing a dishwasher with partial protection, it is better to replace all factory hoses with double ones before using the equipment, which minimize the risk of leaks.

The next function is to protect the machine from child intervention. It is expressed in blocking the mechanism control panel. If you have small children, be sure to choose a model with this option. A child who accidentally opens a car door while working can be seriously burned.

The electrical safety system minimizes the chance of getting an electric shock while using the equipment. The add-on only works if the machine is connected correctly, taking into account all the rules for installing equipment.

We will inspect it after it arrives.

Even if you have examined the dishwasher thoroughly, you will need to re-inspect it upon delivery. During transportation of equipment, there is a high probability of damage to the equipment. So, when lifting the dishwasher to the floor or bringing it in, the loaders could accidentally hit the unit against the wall, “shake up the insides,” and place it unsuccessfully on the floor.

In the presence of the courier, once again carefully examine the body of the machine for defects, the internal chamber and its contents.

Unscrupulous sellers sometimes change the equipment of the car after paying for the equipment and send you an incomplete set. If you find a discrepancy, do not fill out the acceptance certificate, but file a claim and submit it to the store through the loaders. Do not sign documents if you discover any defect in the dishwasher.

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