How to choose the right dishwasher, important parameters and the best manufacturers
Many housewives have to spend a lot of time doing the dishes. To facilitate this process, some people buy special dishwashers. There are many different models, and therefore it is necessary to determine in advance how to choose a dishwasher and what factors to look for when buying.
Advantages and disadvantages
A built-in machine for washing dirty dishes has several advantages and disadvantages that everyone should familiarize themselves with before buying such a device.The advantages are:
- Save time on dishes, cups and pots. People who use dishwashers have a lot of free time, because the device is used alone for washing and drying dishes. The only thing a person needs to do is to load dirty dishes and unload them after washing.
- By saving water. If a person does the dishes on his own, he will need 10-20 liters of water for this. When using a dishwasher, liquid consumption is reduced by 3-4 times.
- Automatic liquid heating. You can use the dishwasher even if the house is not connected to hot water, because the appliance heats the water on its own. The heating temperature directly depends on the selected program, in which the maximum allowable temperature of the liquid is indicated.
- Efficiency. Modern dishwasher models are very efficient. With their help, you can remove even dry stains that are in hard-to-reach places from the surface of pots and plates.
- Sterilization. The dishes can be sterilized in the dishwasher. To do this, they are loaded into a drum and a special heat treatment mode is set. Most often, sterilization is used when storing food for the winter.
- The presence of a protection system. The dishwasher systems are equipped with a special Aqua Stop protection function, which prevents the leakage of liquids.
Among the disadvantages are:
- Price. Some people refuse to buy such a device because of its high cost. Even economy dishwashers are expensive.
- Electricity consumption. Most types of dishwashers consume a lot of electricity. To reduce energy consumption, you must purchase class A + products. Such devices consume fewer kilowatts per hour.
- Dimensions.People often do not have enough space in the kitchen to install a dishwasher, therefore, before buying, it is necessary to determine in advance where the device will be placed.
- The high cost of cleaning fluids. It's no secret that when washing dirty dishes, you need to use detergents. For dishwashers, they buy special salt and rinse aids that soften the water and remove greasy stains.
- Care. The device must be maintained regularly so that it does not get dirty. For this, the filter mesh and the blades are removed at least twice a month and rinsed with warm water.
- Incompatibility with certain types of cookware. The appliance should not be used to clean copper, pewter or aluminum pans. It is also contraindicated to load wooden or plastic dishes into the dishwasher, since after washing they will begin to deform.
Principle of operation
It is recommended to understand the peculiarities of dishwasher systems in the kitchen in advance in order to understand how they work. There are several stages of operation of such devices:
- Piling up dirty dishes that need to be washed. First, you need to fill the appliances with dirty kitchen utensils. Plates with pots are placed vertically, and spoons with forks and knives are placed horizontally in a special compartment.
- Switch on the device. To start the dishwasher, you need to click on the "Start" button, which is installed on the front panel. After starting with the water inlet valve, the liquid is introduced into the system and enters a small tank.
- Addition of detergents. Salt is poured into the compartments located in front, and liquid detergents are poured.They are added to get rid of greasy stains on dishes.
- Turn on the fluid heater. Before washing, you need to determine the temperature of heating the water.
- Activate soaking. To make dirty dishes wash better, you need to select the soak mode. In this case, detergents with water will be dispensed very slowly, due to which all dried stains will soften and quickly wash off.
- Rinsing the dishes. After soaking, the rinse mode is automatically activated. When activated, sprayers are turned on, which treat washable cookware in cold water. Sprayers are installed at the bottom of the dishwasher so that they can treat all the dishes.
- Draining waste fluids. When the flushing mode ends, the system automatically pumps out the waste water. For this, a drain pump is used, located at the bottom of the device. It pumps water and passes it through a pipe connected to the sewer system.
- Rinse again. To remove dirt particles remaining after emptying, the rinse mode is activated. In this case, everything is rinsed with cold water. After the procedure is completed, all the water is pumped out of the system.
- Drying. Older models could not dry washed dishes, but modern dishwashers have this feature. Drying can be done using built-in fan heaters or by convection.
Important Types and Parameters
Before buying a dishwasher, you should familiarize yourself with the types of systems and their most important parameters.
Size and capacity
Depending on the capacity and dimensions of the structure, there are three types of dishwashers.
Full size
Most often, kitchens have a standard full-size dishwasher system.
These models are considered the largest, and therefore it is recommended to install them in rooms where there is a lot of free space.
The average height of such models reaches eighty centimeters, and the width is 70 centimeters. In this case, the depth of the dishwashers is about fifty centimeters. Full-size models are suitable if you need to wash 15-20 patches of dirt at a time. They can be integrated into kitchen furniture or installed separately from them.
Narrow
Sometimes people cannot fit a full size dishwasher in the kitchen due to the lack of free space. In this case, you can use narrow models, the width of which differs by 45 centimeters. Their height is also small and is only 40-50 centimeters. It's almost half the size of full-size devices. Small dimensions affect the capacity of the device. You cannot wash more than 10-12 plates at a time in a narrow dishwasher.
Like other types of dishwashers, narrow designs differ in terms of installation. However, most of them belong to the group of built-in devices.
Compact
Compact devices are suitable for people with small kitchens, in which there is no place to place even a narrow dishwasher system. These dishwashers are installed on bedside tables, tables or on the floor. The main difference between these models is their height, which does not exceed 35 centimeters. Some units have screw feet that can be used to lift the mower.
Most compact dishwashers are 30 to 40 centimeters wide, but there are wider models. The depth is 30 centimeters, which allows you to wash 7-10 plates at a time.
By installation method
Dishwashers can differ from each other in the way they are installed.
Fully recessed
Such devices cannot be installed separately and are therefore fully integrated into the kitchen set. In this case, a facade is installed on the front panel, a control panel is placed on the door. This method of installation is considered the most common, since it is suitable for any room design. The disadvantages of built-in dishwashers include the fact that they cannot be transferred. They are also more difficult to care for.
Partially set back
These are stationary devices that are not fully integrated into the helmet, but only partially. This feature simplifies the installation of dishwashers, as they can be installed anywhere. Experts recommend buying partially built-in models if you plan to reinstall furniture in the kitchen.
Among the features of stationary dishwashers, the color of the door stands out, which can be white, black or grayish. The advantages include the placement of the control panel, which is located at the top of the door. This makes the dishwasher easy to install and use. To turn on the machine, just press the button on the panel.
On foot
Freestanding dishwashers, like other household appliances, have advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of non-integrated machines are:
- Accommodation anywhere. When using such devices, a person is not limited in any way in their installation. Pedestal dishwashers can be placed anywhere in the kitchen.
- Independence of a kitchen set. To install such a dishwasher, you do not need to change the headset in the kitchen.
The disadvantages of free dishwashers include poor sound insulation. During operation, the machines make a lot of noise, which causes discomfort for people in the kitchen.
table top
Tabletop dishwashers have the same features as full-size models. The advantages of these machines include:
- Dimensions. The main advantage of tabletop dishwashers is their size. They are very compact and suitable for small apartments with a small kitchen.
- Profitability. Due to its compactness, the device consumes little liquid and electricity.
- Mobility. These devices are called mobile, because if necessary, they can be moved to another place.
Dish baskets and trays
When choosing a device for rinsing dishes, you should pay attention to trays for kitchen utensils. It is recommended to purchase dishwashers equipped with two baskets.
However, if a compact machine is chosen for the kitchen, it can be purchased with only one basket.
For models with two baskets, the lower one is used to accommodate large dishes - pots, pans, bowls and deep bowls. The top shelf is used for cups and glasses. You can also put spoons, knives, forks and other cutlery in it.
Washing quality and type of drying
An important factor to consider when choosing a dishwasher is the type of drying and the quality of stain removal.
Turbo drying
Some types of dishwashers are equipped with a turbo dryer designed to dry wet dishes. In such dishwashers, a heating element with fans for blowing hot air over the plates is installed. This method of drying is considered the most efficient, as it can dry kitchen utensils in 5-7 minutes.Most often, turbo drying is found in expensive models. The high cost is due to the installation of additional fans, which are not installed in budget devices.
Condensation Drying
The cheapest dishwashers use the condensation type of drying. In this case, all the washed dishes are dried naturally. To speed up the process, conditioner dryers rinse the dishes with hot water at the end of the wash. This leads to the formation of steam which settles on the side walls of the device.
The main disadvantage of the conditioning method is that it is very time consuming. The average drying time is 2-3 hours. Therefore, it is recommended to wash the plates in the evening so that they dry in the morning.
Drying with heat exchanger
Intensive drying with a heat exchanger is considered the most modern and efficient. When creating this drying, all the advantages and disadvantages of other methods were taken into account. In dishwashers with such drying, hot air circulates inside the cabinet with wet dishes, which speeds up the drying of dishes several times.
Many people think that the circulation is carried out by the installed fans, but this is not the case. Air movement occurs due to pressure drops inside. Air enters the dishwasher through the openings near the water trap.
Zeolite drying
In expensive modern devices, a zeolite drying technique is used. To remove moisture residues from the surface of dishes, a special mineral component is used - zeolite. The mineral container is located at the bottom of the structure. The substance begins to act when the drying mode is activated in the device.
Features of the method include:
- security;
- the rate of removal of water from a wet surface.
Connection to cold or hot water supply
It is necessary to remember to connect the device to the water supply upstream, during the selection. Dishwashers can be connected in three ways:
- hot water only;
- only in cold water;
- in cold and hot water.
Experts recommend connecting dishwashers to cold water supplies, as there is much less rust in this tap water.
However, if you want the machine to use less electricity, you will need to hook it up to a hot water supply. In this case, the device does not need to heat the water on its own.
Energy and water consumption
Important criteria to consider when buying a dishwasher are water consumption and electricity consumption. To determine how much electricity a device consumes, you need to pay attention to its class:
- A. The most economical models that consume less than 1 kW per hour.
- B. Also economical dishwashers, but with high energy consumption - 1-1.2 kW per hour.
- C. Devices with increased power consumption.
Information on water consumption is indicated on the box with the machine. On average, about 10-12 liters of water are consumed at a time.
Noise level
The noise of a dishwasher is considered an important parameter, which should also be taken into account when buying a typewriter. The noise level is measured in decibels. It is recommended to install silent models that are almost inaudible during operation. If the machine is installed in the kitchen, the sound level should not exceed 45-50 decibels. Noisier models can be placed in the bathroom.
Water recovery
All dishwashers are equipped with mechanisms responsible for the flow of water.It is recommended to choose models that, when supplying liquid, are responsible for filtering it. Inside these devices, filters are installed that clean the water from debris, dirt and other waste.
How to choose the right features and options
To find the right machine for washing kitchen utensils, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic features of these devices.
Choice of sizes
Before buying a dishwasher, you need to decide on its dimensions. When determining the size, you need to take into account the size of the kitchen and the amount of free space.
If the room is spacious, you can choose from full-size models with a width and height of more than 70 centimeters. However, such devices are not suitable for small kitchens, so you will have to find something more compact. For example, you can install a narrow dishwasher or buy a mobile compact model that sits on the table.
What programs are needed
Cars are known to work with built-in programs. The functionality of the device depends on it.
Delayed start
This is a useful feature that automates the start of the dishwashing process. With this function, a person independently sets the time at which the machine should turn on. This allows you to configure the device to only work at night or in the morning. Almost all modern dishwashers have a delayed start option. Only older models cannot be configured to turn on by themselves at a set time.
Half charged
Half load is an additional function that allows a person to load the machine not fully, but half. This feature has the following advantages:
- a person does not have to wait until enough dirty dishes have accumulated to fully load the dishwasher;
- fluid saving, as very little water is used when half the load is on;
- reduction in energy consumption, which is due to the use of a small amount of liquid.
automatic car wash
People who do not want to customize the operation of the dishwasher system themselves can purchase a model with an automatic washing function. Dishwashers, which have an automatic washing machine, independently adjust the washing process. The only thing a person has to do is load the dirty dishes. After loading, the machine assesses the degree of soiling of the dishes, sets the optimum temperature for heating the water and determines the duration of the wash.
Delicate wash
Sometimes people have to wash fragile dishes which can be easily damaged if used carelessly. In older models of dishwashers, it was forbidden to wash fragile glasses, glasses and glasses, as they quickly beat. However, newer dishwashers with a built-in delicate wash feature can clean these dishes.
After turning on the delicate mode, the water warms up to only forty degrees. In this case, the washing and rinsing process is carried out with low water pressure so as not to damage the dishes.
Baby care
Young parents should buy dishwashers that have a Babycare function. This built-in program is used to clean milk bottles, cups and other utensils used to feed your baby. Babycare is also used to sanitize toys and other commonly used baby accessories.Disinfecting cleans the surface of treated dishes and other items of germs.
Sterilization
Another function designed to eliminate germs from the surface of dishes is sterilization. Devices with this feature are able to get rid of dangerous microbes without using harsh chemical detergents. At the same time, the sterilization process is carried out in different ways for different dishwashers.
Older models sterilize dishes with steam, while modern devices use ultraviolet rays for this.
Organic programs
Appliances with built-in biological programs are better than others at cleaning the surface of plates from greasy traces left after eating. These models should be used if you wash dishes with detergents that contain enzymes to break down grease particles. The bioprograms are responsible for regulating the temperature of the water at which the enzymes will not die. Most often, the temperature is set at about 45-55 degrees.
Type of control
Some people prefer to choose dishwashers by order type.
Electromechanical
Electromechanical control devices are easy to use and are therefore suitable for older people who are unfamiliar with electronics. Control buttons and buttons are located on the front panel of the device. It also has red indicators that indicate which of the operating modes is selected. The main advantage of devices with electromechanical control is considered their low cost. The price of such dishwashers is almost twice as low as electronically controlled machines.
Electronic
Modern and expensive dishwashers are equipped with electronic controls.These devices have touch buttons or a display on the front panel, with which you can select the desired mode of operation. It is recommended to buy cars with large screens, since most of them have a convenient and clear navigation menu. In addition, the display can show other information: water heating temperature, time, operating time. Sometimes the display shows information about a dishwasher malfunction.
Technical solutions
When choosing a dishwasher, you should pay attention to the technical solutions described below.
Box height adjustment
In many dishwasher models, the dish trays are placed in small baskets that can be manually adjusted. Some appliances do not allow you to customize the arrangement of the baskets, which complicates the process of cleaning kitchen utensils.
They are adjusted according to the type of dishes to be washed. For example, before washing the pizza tray, the width of the basket is adjusted. Before washing glasses, cups and glasses, the height must be adjusted. You will also have to take care of the height adjustment if you have to place large non-standard dishes in the dishwasher.
Heat exchanger
Dishwashers with a heat exchanger consume less energy during operation. Immediately after switching on, the device pumps liquid into a container, in which it remains until flushing.
When washing dishes from fat, water supplied from the water supply is heated and passed through a container filled with water. The result is heat exchange, in which heat is transferred from hot water to cold water.
Water spray systems
One of the main components of dishwashers is the system responsible for spraying water.It depends on the quality of the dishes.Experts advise buying expensive models in which the sprayers can turn left and right. This will allow the liquid to be sprayed evenly over the entire cookware.
Self-cleaning filter
Dishwashers are equipped with self-cleaning filters, responsible for filtering the liquid. Most often, two types of filters are installed in dishwashers:
- Sprayers. For such models, filtration is carried out using nozzles, the front of which is directed towards the filters. After washing the debris with dirt, water passes through the nozzles.
- With a chopper. It is installed in front of the filter and is responsible for grinding food residues and preventing clogging of the filter.
Intensive washing area
Sometimes you have to deal with very dirty and difficult to clean dishes. In this case, it is recommended to use dishwashers that have an intensive washing zone. Most often it is located at the bottom of the structure. In this zone, hot water is used to clean kitchen utensils, which are heated to 60-70 degrees. In this case, the power of the water flow also increases several times.
It is thanks to the strong flow and the hot water that it is possible to do the dishes better.
Inverter motors
Inverter motor types are used in many warewashing systems. Brushless models are often installed, speeding up the ongoing conversion process. The main advantages of inverter motors include:
- economical consumption of electricity;
- work silence;
- sustainability;
- Efficiency.
The main disadvantage of inverter-type motors is their price. These models of dishwashers are considered the most expensive.
Lighting
Some dishwashers are difficult to use because they do not have additional lighting in the cooking compartment to accommodate the dishes. Therefore, it is necessary to purchase models inside which lighting lamps are installed.
Recommendations for use
To use dishwashers correctly, you need to understand the main recommendations for their use in advance.
What you can and can't download
First you need to familiarize yourself with the fact that you should not wash in the dishwasher. It is contraindicated to load bamboo and wooden dishes. Due to the influence of hot water, the surface of such dishes gradually rots and cracks. Therefore, it is best to wash all wooden cutting boards by hand.
Also, dishwashers cannot be used to clean cast iron dishes. Due to the heat treatment, traces of corrosion may appear on it. Hot water will destroy the non-stick protective layer. Plastic tableware also cannot be washed in the dishwasher. Sometimes it is made of poor quality material, which begins to deform due to washing in hot water.
Leak protection systems
Even economical dishwashers are equipped with a protection system that prevents water leaks. If during the cleaning process water enters the bottom pan, the system will block the hose, stop the liquid supply and start pumping water out of the system.
Leak protection is activated in the following situations:
- drum surface damage;
- depressurization of a container with water;
- using a large amount of detergent, which leads to soapy liquid leaking from the dishwasher;
- damage the water supply hose.
Lock
The dishwasher door lock is a useful feature that helps protect the machine from young children. The blocking is carried out thanks to the locks which are installed in the doors. Most devices are equipped with mechanical protections, which must be turned on independently. To do this, you will need to open the door of the dishwasher and go through the groove to a special latch that blocks the door.
The electronic blocker is much easier to use, as it can be activated by pressing a few buttons on the front. When using electronic protection, not only the door of the dishwasher is blocked, but also the control panel.
Energetic efficiency
All modern models of dishwashers in terms of energy efficiency are divided into several classes, which are designated by the letters from A to G. Devices belonging to the first classes consume the least energy. Therefore, the least amount of electricity is consumed by class A+++ models.
To make the produced cars more economical, manufacturers use special technologies. To do this, they implement the functions of heat transfer, half load and much more.
popular brands
There are several manufacturers that produce high quality dishwashers.
Bosch
This is an old German company, which for a long time only dealt with the production of parts for trucks and cars. However, at the beginning of the last century, the company began to expand and produce other products. The first Bosch dishwasher was launched in the mid-1960s.
The advantages of dishwashers produced by this company include:
- quick washing and drying of kitchen utensils;
- the ability to adjust the location of the box with dishes;
- the presence of an additional box for placing small kitchen appliances.
Candy
Previously, this brand was engaged in the manufacture of washing machines. However, after gaining popularity, Candy began to produce dishwashers. A distinctive feature of Candy machines is their manufacturability. Even the cheapest models use new technologies to expand functionality. Other dishwasher features include:
- economical water consumption;
- integrated anti-leakage system;
- energy saving;
- compactness of narrow models that can be installed in small kitchens.
Siemens
It is a popular German company that started operations in the middle of the 19th century. Today, Siemens is engaged in the production of household appliances, medical equipment, and works in the energy field. For the first time, a dishwasher from Siemens was produced in the distant 44 of the last century.
The dishwashers made by this German manufacturer have the following advantages:
- economical consumption of liquid when cleaning dishes;
- the use of modern pumps that pump wastewater quickly;
- high quality sound insulation.
Ariston
It is a well-known American brand that produces small and large household appliances. Ariston dishwashers are popular due to their quality, functionality and affordability.
Experts advise buying compact models of machines, since their functionality does not differ from full-size products. Their advantages include:
- a variety of washing modes;
- low fluid consumption;
- the possibility of drying the washed dishes.
Electrolux
A Swedish company that in the first years of its existence was dedicated to the sale of vacuum cleaners. When Electrolux began to actively develop, they took over other well-known companies, thanks to which their range was replenished with other household appliances. Electrolux is now renowned for its quality dishwashers, which are its core products.
Advantages of the machines:
- minimum energy consumption;
- small dimensions of narrow dishwashers that do not take up much space;
- the possibility of using detergents in the form of soluble capsules.
Hansa
It is a young domestic manufacturer which entered the household appliance market at the end of 1997. For 23 years of existence, the company has established itself as a manufacturer of high quality dishwashers in the economy segment.
The variety of the assortment allows a person to choose equipment with different designs and built-in functions. Hansa not only manufactures large dishwashers, but also more compact tabletop models.
Kuppersbusch
World renowned dishwasher manufacturer. This company is renowned for producing high-quality models that last 12 to 15 years. However, Kuppersbusch's products lose out to many other companies, since modern technologies are rarely used in their dishwashers. Therefore, these dishwashers are not very functional.
Among the disadvantages of Kuppersbusch equipment is the unreasonably high cost. Sometimes the cost of dishwashers is several times higher than that of other manufacturers.
honey
This is a German company specializing in the production of high-quality household appliances.At the end of the 70s of the last century, representatives of the Miele company presented to the public the world's first dishwasher in which computer control was integrated.
Miele Dishwasher Features:
- By saving water. The devices have special programs that save water when washing dishes.
- Sliding pallet. This makes it easier to place dirty dishes and cups in the machine.
- Automatic door opening. On the front of many Miele machines there is a button to unlock the doors.
Smeg
The company is engaged in the creation of modern multifunctional dishwashers. The technique created by the manufacturer "Smeg" has many advantages:
- Low noise level during operation. In the manufacture of household appliances, the company uses modern technologies, thanks to which it is possible to reduce the noise level of dishwashers.
- High quality dishwashing. The Smeg technique removes all stains left after eating.
- Low power consumption. All dishwasher models are characterized by low power consumption.
Expert advice
Before choosing a dishwasher, you should read in detail the recommendations of experts that will help you choose the right technique for washing dirty dishes.
Solidify
Before deciding on the choice of dishwashing equipment, you need to decide on the company of the manufacturer. When choosing a company, they pay attention to the quality of its products. To do this, it is enough to read the opinions of people who have already purchased the material. It is recommended to purchase products from trusted companies that have proven themselves in the home appliance market.
Also, when determining the most suitable company, you should pay attention to the cost of its products. Some companies unreasonably overprice their products. Therefore, you should make sure in advance that the price of the dishwasher corresponds to its functionality.
Review
Check your dishwasher before buying. For this, a thorough visual inspection of the equipment is carried out, during which attention is paid to the following elements of the dishwasher:
- Baskets for placing dishes. First, the basket in which the dishes are placed is carefully examined. It should slide and slide well. You also need to check if the baskets snap into place in the machine. If the container is difficult to move and snaps every time, it is better to refuse to buy.
- The outer part of the structure. The exterior walls of the machine must not show any chips, scratches or other damage.
- Sprinklers. It is recommended to remove the spray arms before the visual inspection. They must be intact and in good condition.
Niche
Before installing the purchased dishwasher, you need to prepare a niche in which the machine will be placed. To do this, you need to know the exact dimensions of the dishwasher and only after that start creating or choosing an already made niche. The full-size models with a width of 60 cm and the narrow models with a width of 45 cm can measure from 70 to 85 cm in height.
It is recommended that the size of the niche be slightly larger than the dimensions of the machine, therefore, you will need to choose patterns with a height of about 90-95 centimeters and a width of 50-65 centimeters.
Facility
It is necessary to correctly place the dishwasher in the niche so that it is level without deformations.To do this, you must check with a building level that the unit is perfectly level. If there is a slight tilt forward or backward, you can put height adjusters on the legs, with which you can level the position of the dishwasher.
For additional fixation, you can install clips on the legs and screw them to the bottom of the niche.
facades
Having placed the dishwasher in the niche, you can begin to install the front part - the facade. Many people entrust this work to professional furniture makers, but there are people who do it themselves. Before installing the front, the dishwasher is screwed to the side walls of the worktops. Then a handle is screwed to the front side of the facade, with which the door will open. After that, the points for creating the mounting holes are marked and the screws are screwed in. If you determine all the features of the installation of facades in advance, then the work will take no more than an hour.
Conclusion
Housewives often have to clean dirty dishes, cups and other utensils. To speed up this process, some people buy special equipment for washing dishes. Before buying a dishwasher, you need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of these devices, with their varieties and a list of companies engaged in the manufacture and sale of high-quality dishwashers.