What to look for when buying a dishwasher?

What to look for when buying a dishwasher The desire to buy a dishwasher often results in unsuccessful attempts to find the optimal “home assistant” among dozens of brands and sizes. Such a device is not cheap, and purchasing a dishwasher at random, relying on the help of a consultant, or focusing only on the price tag is short-sighted and very risky. It’s better to understand the issue in advance and when choosing, pay attention to whether a particular model has suitable characteristics and capacities. We will discuss in detail below what parameters we are talking about.

Types of machines and their loading

First of all, we evaluate the appearance of the machine you like, more precisely, its capacity and dimensions. These characteristics are interrelated and determine the maximum loading volume of the working chamber for one cycle. This is expressed in the number of sets of dishes - a standard set for one person, which includes plates for soup, salad and side dishes, as well as a spoon, fork, knife and mug. Pots, pans, baking sheets and other additional utensils are counted separately.

Information about the capacity of the model is displayed on the price tag by the number of sets. The type of dishwasher also indicates the permissible load volume. Dishwasher load capacity is important

Full-size, depending on the brand, can hold from 10 to 18 sets, which is suitable for families consisting of 3-6 people. They are distinguished by a width of 60 cm, numerous modes and multifunctional equipment. All this affects the price - they cost more.
Compact options are designed for a smaller amount of dishes and are ready to “accept” no more than 8 sets.They are also inferior in technical terms, as they have a modest range of options and programs. But their advantage lies in their small size, which allows you to install the machine on a countertop or in a cabinet. Their cost is lower, but they are only suitable for a summer house, single people or a family of 2 people.
Narrow machines are the “golden mean”, which, along with a compact width of 45 cm, can also boast an excellent loading capacity of 6-13 sets. They are considered the most popular and ideal for average families of 4-5 people.

There are atypical sizes, so we carefully study the markings.

Next, pay attention to the type of installation. All dishwashers are divided into free-standing and built-in. The former can be freely placed anywhere and can be purchased if the kitchen is already furnished and installation is impossible. The latter are adjusted to the cabinets and “hidden” directly in the cabinets. The machine can be built in completely or partially. In the first case, the facade door will hide the entire unit from view, and in the second, the dashboard will protrude.

Economical

It is important, before buying a dishwasher, to evaluate its efficiency. It is logical that during operation the dishwasher will actively consume water and electricity. You can understand how much utility bills will increase by carefully studying the factory markings.

First of all, we look at energy consumption. As a rule, each unit has a special sticker indicating the assigned class - from A+++ to D. Models A are considered the most profitable, the consumption of which does not exceed 0.8-1.5 kW per hour per standard cycle, and more energy-consuming - all letters below B. Here, 1.06 kW per hour is spent, since these machines are either too outdated and lack modern cost-saving technologies, or are designed for production capacities and are not suitable for domestic use. energy efficiency of dishwashers

Let's not forget about water consumption. More often than not, all modern models do not take more than 15-17 liters from the water supply, which is more economical than the 60 liters spent during manual washing. But you should understand that with intensive use or copious rinsing, the given figure will increase slightly.

Modes of modern models

The available functionality is no less indicative. The basic set includes pre-soaking, washing, rinsing and blowing with hot steam for drying. Often the list is supplemented by a couple of modes for certain types of dishes, glass, plates or pans. But more often, manufacturers offer other options:

express wash (shortened rinsing program for minor stains);
intensive washing (long soaking and intensive cleansing);
delicate mode (for fragile materials such as porcelain and crystal);

Also simplifying the operation of the dishwasher is the built-in crusher for waste left on plates, child lock, delayed start within 24 hours, additional filtration and self-diagnosis of system faults. Many manufacturers offer illumination of the working chamber, sound and automatic mode selection by scanning loaded dishes. However, all modifications directly affect the price tag and subsequent repair of the machine, so it is better not to overpay for “extra” functions.

How noisy is the machine?

If the kitchen is located away from the bedrooms and a fully built-in model is purchased, then you don’t have to worry about the noise level. But for owners of small families, studios and detached cars, there is a little advice - pay attention to noise reproduction.

For different dishwashers, this parameter can vary from 37 to 65 dB, and the lower the number on the label, the more inconspicuously the machine will operate.

Completely silent machines are expensive, so it is wiser and more economical to opt for units with 45-50 dB. Don’t forget about sound dampening - the kitchen façade will mask not only the dishwasher itself, but also the vibrations emanating from it. noise level of different dishwashers

What means are used?

Regular dish gels are strictly prohibited from being used in dishwashers. For automatic washing, special detergents are provided, which can be purchased at almost any hardware store. There are both domestic and foreign, expensive and cheap brands, but the determining characteristic will be the environmental friendliness of the composition.

Eco-friendly products are gentler, have a natural base and are hypoallergenic, while conventional ones, on the contrary, consist of harmful chemicals, irritate the respiratory tract and mucous membranes (if ingested) and often cause allergic reactions. But aggressive substances deal with dirt better and faster, since it is impossible to wash dirty dishes the first time with environmentally friendly powders. The cost of boxes and bags with the inscription “Eco” is many times higher, so we focus on our financial capabilities.

Sometimes detergent alone is not enough. To ensure a long service life for your dishwasher, it is necessary to use softening salt and prevent the formation of scale.You will also need a rinse aid, which helps to better clean dishes from cleaning ingredients and make them shine. Flavorings are optional, but desirable, giving plates and cups a pleasant fresh or herbal scent. Dishwasher cleaning products also differ in their form.

Gels. They are economical, easy to dose, quick to rinse and, most importantly, do not contain abrasive components, which allows you to carefully wash dishes without scratching. Great for daily use. About 30 ml is needed for one wash.
Powders. The most popular product, characterized by availability and low price. But there are many disadvantages: it is necessary to additionally soften the water, granules spill past the tray and scratch the plates. One cycle requires about 25 g.
Pills. Their main advantages are versatility and dosage. Also included with the powder is a rinse aid and softening salt. The disadvantage is the high cost. One tablet is designed for one cycle.

Typically, the manufacturer indicates in the instructions the preferred type of product used and the required dosage. Sometimes specific models have some restrictions on the use of certain products.

We achieve the best quality of work

Washing class is another parameter that shows in advance how well the dishwasher washes dirt. Almost all modern models have the highest level A, so it is extremely difficult to make a mistake with your choice. However, do not forget that the degree of purification is influenced not only by production capacity, but also by other factors:

Design features of the working chamber. We look at the shape, number and location of sprayers and nozzles, as well as the ability to adjust the inclination of the grilles.
Tap water hardness. If the water entering the house is too saturated with impurities, then expect scale and stains on the dishes. Soft water is no better, as it does not cope well with contaminants. To avoid trouble, you should take care to soften/harden it sufficiently or pay attention to the dishwasher’s ability to automatically adjust the hardness level.
Detergent quality. It is important to use trusted manufacturers, wisely select suitable formulations and correctly calculate the required dosage.

The last piece of advice is to remember the rules for loading dishes onto the wire rack. If you place the plates in specially designed holders and at a sufficient distance from each other, then the chances of a high-quality result are many times greater. We also choose the mode wisely - there is no point in stopping at the express wash if the dishes are heavily soiled.

Let's see how it dries

The dishwasher should not only wash, but also dry. Then the hostess will not have to wet her hands and waste time wiping the plates. Therefore, we look at the type of dryer installed in the machine:

Turbo drying. It is a fan that evenly blows hot air over the dishes. All this will require a lot of electricity.
Condensation drying. It works like this: the plates are doused with boiling water or steam, after which they dry freely on their own. Drying takes longer, but the cost of such dishwashers is lower.
Intensive drying. A modern alternative that allows you to quickly and inexpensively obtain dry dishes due to the air circulation created in the chamber.

Intensive drying is just gaining popularity, so now dishwashers equipped with it are not cheap.The main thing is to focus on your needs: if you don’t need to dry quickly, you can take an inexpensive condenser one.

Equipment security level

Technical capacity is not everything. You also need to think about your safety. Therefore, we pay attention to the following points:

Leak protection. It’s great if the dishwasher has full protection with the Aquastop system.
Child lock. It wouldn't hurt to be able to lock the control panel by pressing certain keys.
Automatic stop of operation and draining of water when the machine door is opened during the washing process.

You can purchase special door locks that will prevent your child from reaching the dishwasher.

Knowing the useful functions, deciphering the symbols on the dishwasher and some tips, you can choose an excellent model without unnecessary thought and doubt. And free up your time for more meaningful things.