A Guide To Buying Dishwashers

!±8± A Guide To Buying Dishwashers

Most of us would forego a cupboard or two in order to accommodate a time-and-labour saving dishwasher, and with the choice of sizes and configurations now available, it's becoming much easier to fit one into even the smallest of kitchens. Sophisticated technology means that dishwashers can be incredibly quiet and energy efficient. Some employ Fuzzy Logic to sense load size and adjust wash cycles accordingly, and the latest models have LCD screens that display programme options, time left to run and warnings about refilling salt and rinse aid.

Programme choices vary - basic models have a choice of around four, but these will cater for most people's needs. Intensive, normal, economy, and quick washes are the most widely used and pre-rinse is useful if you're loading the dishwasher throughout the day. Special glass-care, half-load and ultra-quick programmes are also available on advanced models.

If you have a favourite set of over-sized dinner plates, take one with you when choosing a dishwasher to ensure they'll fit. Flexible interiors that allow you to raise the top basket to accommodate larger items in the bottom are especially useful.

Types of Dishwashers

Integrated

There are two types of integrated dishwasher. Semi-integrated models have a visible control panel, with the furniture door mounted below it. Fully integrated models are concealed behind a full-size furniture door and the control panel is positioned on the top of the door, so it is visible only when opened. The benefit of many integrated models is they can be fitted at any height for easy access. If you want a built-in model but don't want to hide it, consider one that has a stainless-steel or glass fascia panel.

Freestanding

Usually the most inexpensive option, freestanding dishwashers can be placed anywhere in the kitchen. The latest stylised models from the likes of Smeg, not to mention the Electrolux Insight range, make fantastic focal points, or you can choose models in stainless steel or white to match your existing appliances.

Which Size?

If you have a large family or love to entertain, you'll reap the benefits of a full-size dishwasher with a capacity of 12 place settings. Some models have two cavities, or specially designed baskets with room for 14-16 settings. Compact models hold fewer crocks, and require more frequent unloading, but suit small households, or kitchens where space is tight. If you're short on space, go for a slimline 45cm-wide model. You'll sacrifice a few place settings - expect nine instead of the standard 12 - but these models benefit from the same high standards of performance and energy efficiency as their 60cm-wide counterparts. For those who are seriously struggling, a solution could be to invest in a tabletop model. However, these machines tend to have longer running times and hold just four place settings.

Energy Efficiency

Washing up by hand can be an inefficient process, especially when you consider a dishwasher can deal with a single dinner party-sized load using less than 17 litres of water, whereas it can take 20 litres of water to fill a single sink. Dishwashers also clean to a higher standard, as the water reaches hotter temperatures than hands can tolerate. To reach these temperatures, a dishwasher uses approx 1.5kW of energy per cycle, yet a hot water system uses 2.5kW to heat the water to fill a sink.

Check the energy ratings of the appliance before you buy. The letters refer to energy efficiency, washing performance and drying performance, with AAA-rated models the best. For energy costs, allow 11p per cycle, before detergents.

To economise, wait until the dishwasher is full before running a cycle, and don't rely on half-load settings - they save less than 25% of the energy and water used to run a full load.

Detergents

To get sparkling results, dishwashers use a combination of detergent (to clean the crockery), salt (to combat water hardness), and rinse aid (to eliminate watermarks). All dishwashers have an indicator light or other reminder to let you know when the salt or rinse-aid reservoirs need topping up, but if this is too much effort, why not try three-in-one tablets, which provide salt, detergent and rinse aid in one dose?

Some machines now have programmes to optimise results using three-in-one tablets, or you can use the tablets and still fill up the salt and rinse-aid reservoirs, too.