Slimline Dishwashers

Buying a Slimline Dishwasher

Slimline Dishwashers

Slimline dishwashers are usually some 45cm wide and are able to take around 7 or 8 place settings. This contrasts with their full-size counterparts which are around 60cm wide and designed for 12 to 14 place settings. Slimline machines are ideal for environments where space is at a premium or where there are only one or two members in the household. Do bear in mind, however, that by definition, they are marginally less energy efficient than their full-size counterparts, using slightly more water and electricity per place setting. There are both integrated and free standing slimline machines on the market.

Other Key Features and Things to Consider

Energy Efficiency

With today's focus on environmental issues, current dishwashers have been built to use less energy than needed to wash the dishes by hand! Whatever type of dishwasher you decide on, you can still further reduce its running costs by: avoiding rinsing items under the hot tap before loading; making sure that the dishwasher is fully loaded before running it; using 'off-peak' electricity if available; selecting the economy cycle unless washing a heavily soiled load and by connecting to the cold water supply as opposed to the hot water supply.

Guarantee

All manufacturers include a twelve month parts and labour guarantee. Some offer an extended parts guarantee but may require that you use their own engineers - at a higher cost when compared with independent engineers.

Half Load

The 'half load' function is becoming increasingly common. This allows you to ask the dishwasher to wash a smaller load in using the top tray only. In practice however it is better to wash a full load as many elements of the machine operate whatever option is selected.

Noise

Nearly every modern dishwasher has been built to run quietly. As you might expect, the more expensive machines are the quietest. As a guideline, around 50 db or lower is generally regarded as an appropriate noise level.

Programmes and Temperature

All dishwashers offer a regular cycle, some also have a rinse-only cycle and some also offer a delicates cycle at lower temperatures. 55°C should be the maximum temperature (although the drying cycle in some dishwashers will be higher). It is also worth noting that simply reducing the temperature from 65°C down to 55°C reduces energy consumption by around 25%.

Reliability

When considering total costs, remember that although cheaper brands may cost less to buy on the day, they may actually require more engineer time and parts and may not offer the durability of 'better' machines. Cheaper machines may therefore cost more in the long term.

Timer Function

Where 'off-peak' electricity is available, it is worth considering a dishwasher with a delay function or timer, allowing you to ask the dishwasher to wait until a particular time before starting. This reduces energy consumption and thus your costs.

Water Supply

Water and heating are both both important cost factors so a dishwasher that uses less water is preferable. Most dishwashers can be connected to either cold or hot water supplies. A cold connection is generally better because water is only heated in the machine during the main cleaning cycle and final rinse - even though heating the water lengthens the cycle itself. Contrast this with a connection to the hot water supply where the dishwasher demands hot water with all cycle elements - even rinsing and pre-washing.

Water Softener

Buyers in hard water areas will know all about calcium stains on glasses and cutlery. Most current dishwashers include a built-in water softener, making use of iodine-free salt. More advanced machines provide an electronically controlled softener, activated when needed.

Other Features and Functions

These vary greately depending upon manufacturer, model and price. Examples include vertically adjustable top trays; various specialised holders; and safety options.