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Buying a Dishwasher

Types of Dishwasher

Dishwashers come in three basic types. Freestanding machines are suitable for most applications but the front of machine remains visible. These are available in full-size, slimline and compact forms (see sizing information below). Built-in dishwashers in contrast are less visible once installed. Again there are three main variants: fully integrated which are fully concealed by a door front and have controls positioned at the top of the dishwasher door to allow for this; semi-integrated which are covered by a kitchen door up to drawer line height and in-column which are designed to be built in at chest height to ease loading and unloading.

Other Key Features and Things to Consider

Energy Efficiency

With so much emphasis on environmental matters, it not really surprising that today's dishwashers have been developed to consume less energy than needed to hand-wash the dishes! Whatever type of dishwasher you decide is appropriate, you can reduce your running costs by: avoiding rinsing the dishes under the hot tap before loading; making sure that you have fully loaded the dishwasher before running it; using 'off-peak' electricity where available; using the machine's economy cycle unless the load is heavily soiled and by connecting the machine to the cold water supply rather than to the hot supply.

Guarantee

All manufacturers include a twelve month parts and labour guarantee. Many also offer extended parts guarantees but in many cases these require you to use the manufacturer's own engineers - at a premium cost when compared with independent engineers.

Half Load

The 'half load' function is now found on many machines. It enables you to tell the dishwasher to wash a smaller load using the top tray only. In practice it remains better to fully load the dishwasher before running it as many elements operate fully regardless of whether or not you have asked for a half load.

Noise Levels

Most modern machines have been engineered to run quietly. Naturally the more expensive the machine, the more quietly it will run. As a guideline, some 50 db or lower is generally regarded as an appropriate noise level.

Programmes and Temperature

All dishwashers have a regular cycle. Most also offer a rinse-only cycle and a further optional cycle for delicates which uses lower temperatures. The temperature should be a maximum of 55°C (although the drying cycle in some machines will exceed 55°C). It is worth noting that a reduction in temperature from 65°C to 55°C reduces energy consumption by around 25%. It is also worth avoiding the use of the drying cycle when washing delicate items.

Reliability and Longevity

When looking at total costs, it is worth bearing in mind that although cheaper brands may seem to cost less to buy they may also require more engineer call-outs and not have the durability or the longevity of the 'better' brands. Cheaper brands may sometimes actually cost more in the longer term.

Timer Function

If you can use 'off-peak' electricity at reduced rates (generally at night), you may wish to consider a dishwasher that has a delay or timer function. This means that you can tell the machine to wait until a particular time before starting its cycle, thus reducing energy consumption and running costs.

Water Supply

Water and heating are both important cost factors. A dishwasher that consumes less water is therefore preferable. Virtually all dishwashers can be connected to either the cold or the hot water supply. A cold supply connection is better because the water is only heated in the machine during the cleaning and final rinses - although the need to heat the water does lengthen the cycle. When you connect to the hot water supply, in contrast, the dishwasher demands hot water with all cycle elements including rinsing and pre-washing.

Water Softener

Buyers in hard water areas will be all too familiar with those calcium stains on glasses and cutlery. Most current dishwasher models have built-in water softeners, making use of iodine-free salt. The more advanced models may include an electronically controlled softener which is activated when needed (at a threshold that you choose).

Other Features and Functions

These vary hugely depending upon the manufacturer, model and price range. Examples include vertically movable upper trays; special holders for glasses and / or bottles; and safety options.