One of the most visited places in the house is, of course, the kitchen. All family members happily gather there to try the culinary delights, but few people with the same enthusiasm take up washing dirty dishes.
So who to entrust this responsible, but not very pleasant mission? It's time to think about which dishwasher to choose! To help you in this difficult task, we will consider the main characteristics of these devices and decide which of them are really important and which are not.
Dimensions
How to choose a dishwasher? First, find out how much space in your kitchen can be allocated for this indispensable assistant. Decide how many dishes on average you need to wash at a time in your family. An excessively large or small device for you personally will not be a successful acquisition, which will please you for many years. Below are the standard sizes of dishwashers:
- Narrow. Dimensions of such devices - 45 x 60 x 85 centimeters. This is a great option for a small kitchen area. Six to eight sets of dishes can be washed in one cycle.
- Standard. Their dimensions are 60 x 60 x 85 cm. They are more expensive, but at the same time economical. The capacity of such machines is from ten to fourteen sets. As a rule, they are equipped with a half load mode.
- Compact. The dimensions of this type of dishwasher are 45 x 55 x 45. They can easily be placed in a cupboard or even on a table. Standard capacity is four to six sets of dishes. They cost, of course, inexpensively, but they are unlikely to wash off all the pollution as successfully as the previous ones.
You do not quite understand what is meant by the phrase "set of dishes"? Let’s explain. According to European standards, one such set is limited to three plates, a glass, a cup, a knife, a fork, three spoons and a saucer. However, do not think that these “smart” appliances are not intended for washing pans and pots. Just for this kind of utensils, it is imperative to provide additional space.
Type of connection
Any dishwasher can be connected to both hot and cold water. The second option, experts call the most preferable. This is because cold water is much cleaner than hot water. However, in this case, take into account that the home assistant will spend more energy, because, in addition to washing, rinsing and drying, she will be assigned the responsibility of heating the liquid.
So it’s more economical to connect the machine to hot water (provided that you don’t very often turn it off for various kinds of work, including preventive ones). Some people put in special faucets, with the help of which it will be possible at their discretion to switch the machine from cold to hot water. Such a solution cannot be called popular, because it is quite expensive (its implementation will cost about a hundred dollars).
Profitability
Which dishwasher to choose so that it does not change the level of energy consumption in your home so much? Pay attention to highly economical models. How is this parameter determined? The amount of water consumed and the amount of electricity. Consider the types of dishwashers in accordance with the specified characteristic:
- Highly economical. The standard consumption for one full cycle is 14-15 liters of water. Such devices are classified as classes A, B and C.
- Average. For 1 time they use 16-20 liters.These are cars of classes D and E.
- Uneconomical. The average consumption is approximately twenty-five liters per wash. These are devices of classes F and G.
Which dishwasher is best? Of course, classes A, B and C. There are devices with the Aquasensor function on sale. They check fluid contamination. If the water is clean enough, it rinses it.
Washing efficiency
How to choose a dishwasher so that it fully copes with the work entrusted to it? For this, it is important to consider a whole range of characteristics. Among them are the following:
- Hardness of water. A mild liquid is much better at eliminating pollution. In addition, less detergent will be needed. Almost every modern dishwasher has an ion exchanger. With its help, hard water is softened to the required level.
- Fluid direction. This parameter is called one of the most important. A device cannot be effective enough if one jet crashes into another. In this case, there will be areas in the machine that are not washed at all. So, considering the question of how to choose a dishwasher, be sure to ask the seller about the features of the described characteristics.
- Spray guns. The more these elements are in the device, the better the dishes are cleaned. Moreover, their diameter should be small.
- Rinse. This process determines how the remnants of detergent are washed off the dishes.
- Drying class. If it is low, then the result is unlikely to please you. Ideally, the dishes should be completely dry at the end of the process. In expensive cars, the most efficient and fastest option is used - turbo-drying (using hot air). In second place in quality and speed are fans that pump air from outside. On the third - condensation drying (moisture evaporates, and then is removed through a special hole).
Functions, Modes
How to choose a dishwasher? Should I purchase a device equipped with a large number of options? We list the most useful features that you will surely find useful:
- "Strong pollution". In addition to the main wash, an additional one is provided.
- "Soak". Actual for dishes on which there are dried particles of food, oil, etc.
- "Daily washing". Provides a normal wash at a temperature of sixty degrees.
- "Economy mode". Designed for washing cups and plates according to a simplified scheme at 40-45 ˚С.
- "Quick wash". How to choose a dishwasher? User reviews confirm the fact that it is better to purchase devices with the above function. It is designed for not very dirty dishes. It saves up to twenty percent of water and electricity.
- "Delicate sink". Thanks to this program, you can not worry about the integrity of fragile dishes. The cleaning process takes place in water with a temperature of thirty degrees.
- Timer. Thanks to him, washing dishes can be started or suspended at your chosen time.
- Time indicator. Provides information about how much is left until the process is complete.
- Easy lock. Thanks to this function, the door of the machine will close itself if you leave it a bit ajar (no more than ten degrees).
- Opto sensor. Very useful development. Infrared rays quickly recognize scale. When it is detected, a little salt is automatically supplied in order to soften the liquid.
- Camera lighting. Allows you to control the process of water intake and the quality of the jet.
More about the washing process
Which dishwasher is the best - with an open or closed heating element? To answer this question, we consider in more detail the characteristics of each of them.
- Open. As a rule, it is installed at the very bottom of the washing chamber and is in direct contact with water. The advantage is that the dishes are dried much easier and faster.
- Hidden. This type of heating element is located under the washing chamber.In this case, water does not fall on hot surfaces. Such devices are considered more economical, but they do worse with drying dishes.
The question of how to choose a dishwasher, based on this characteristic, you can answer only yourself. The first option is more suitable for one, because they appreciate the speed of kitchen appliances, while the other - only the second, because they have the main goal of saving energy.
Management ways
With mechanical control, the operation of the machine is regulated by pressing special buttons. This method is not only cheap, but also reliable. If the device is equipped with an automatic control system, it is certainly more convenient, and such a dishwasher looks more beautiful. All that is required of you is to establish the type of washing, as well as rinsing and drying. The smart device will do the rest itself.
Leakage protection
The principle of operation of such a security system in modern dishwashers is approximately the same: special sensors monitor the liquid level and respond to overflow. The differences are only in the names. So, for Miele it is Waterproof, for Electrolux - Aqua-Control, for Siemens - Aqua-Stop.
Capacities for utensils
According to current trends, most manufacturers equip their cars with stainless steel dish trays. Such containers are more durable and durable. The metal responds well to high water temperatures and effectively reflects heat, and coupled with reliable insulation, it allows the use of a heating element of not such high power. This, in turn, reduces energy consumption.
This is not to say that plastic trays are far inferior to metal ones in quality. They are lightweight and can reduce not only the weight of the device, but also, importantly, its cost.
Pay no less attention to the shape and size of the containers. Find out what types of dishes and how much they hold. Think about whether such trays are suitable for your pots, pans, etc. The most convenient and versatile containers with adjustable, removable and folding parts. Some models are equipped with special shelves in which you can put small cutlery. When choosing a dishwasher, carefully examine all the trays, try to pull out and put each of them in place. Carefully inspect the parts for damage.
How to choose a dishwasher? Built-in or freestanding is better to purchase?
Let's say you have a small kitchen or built-in appliances do not fit into the interior. In this case, we recommend purchasing a freestanding machine. It will take much less space, but at the same time it will be no less convenient and functional. Such a device can wash a maximum of six sets of dishes at a time.
How to choose a built-in dishwasher? Measure how much space in the kitchen you can allocate for it. Choose the design and design of the device. The main advantage of such a device is that it organically fits into the interior. In addition, it is incredibly easy to use. Built-in dishwashers can be either narrow - 40 cm, or as wide as possible - 80-85 cm.
What to stop at?
In the modern market, the price level in the first place is often dependent on the brand and only then on functionality. The same can be said for dishwashers.
Manufacturers of budget models are Indesit, Zaanussi and Ardo. Kitchen assistants from Ariston, Candy and Gorenje will be a little more expensive. In third place in terms of cost are products from Siemens, Electrolux and Bosh. Premium dishwashers are manufactured by AEG and Miele. They fully justify their price with economy, washing quality and environmental friendliness.
Customer opinion
Consider reviews of dishwashers. If there is not much space in the kitchen, users recommend purchasing either the Bosch SKT 3002 or Electrolux ESF 235, for four and five sets, respectively. These models are also suitable for small families.The cost of such devices is within three hundred dollars.
If you have a large kitchen, take a look at the Indesit D 41 dishwasher. This appliance with dimensions of 85 x 45 x 60 centimeters does an excellent job of cleaning eight sets of dishes. It will cost four hundred dollars.
More about Bosch brand products
Reviews of dishwashers often enthusiastically describe all the advantages of Bosch appliances. The company produces both built-in and stand-alone models. Especially noted is the optimized space of the Bosch cars. So, in them you can load one set more than in dishwashers of the same size produced by other companies. This seemingly minor change is actually very convenient.
How to choose a Bosch dishwasher? Pay attention to the 2013-2014 model. release. They are equipped with a separate low cutlery basket. In addition, the machines of this company are equipped with an expanded set of functions. Thanks to this, you can choose, for example, the option of more intensive washing the dishes in the lower basket. Thus, in one part of the machine you will place pots, pans and other heavily soiled utensils, and in the other - fragile kitchen products.
Among the most common budget models are Bosch SKS 50E16 and 50E02. Their dimensions are 45 x 55 x 50 centimeters. The capacity is six sets. The number of programs is five. The first model will cost fourteen thousand rubles, the second - twelve.
Options for those who are not used to saving are Bosch SMS 69M68 and 63N02. They cost twenty five and thirty thousand rubles, respectively. The number of built-in programs is six. The first one can handle fourteen, and the second with sixteen sets of dishes. Please note that the prices above are indicative.
Advantages of Dishwashers
- Because the dishes are cleaned at high temperatures, detergents dissolve very well.
- It will be possible to save significantly on water.
- The machine is able to heat the liquid on its own.
- For effective operation, the described device will need only salt, softening water, and detergent. Therefore, you will not need to constantly purchase sponges, washcloths and other accessories to clean the dishes from dirt.
- The washing process can be started at any time you choose (this is achieved thanks to the delayed start function).
- The most valuable thing you will save is your own time.
disadvantages
- Do not put wooden, aluminum, or crystal objects in a dishwasher or kitchen utensils. Otherwise, they will be hopelessly spoiled.
- A “smart” device takes up an additional place, which is not always a lot.
- The home assistant must be connected to a two kilowatt network.
Conclusion
As you can see, the question of how to choose a dishwasher cannot be called simple. To purchase the device that is most suitable for you, you need to study many characteristics. It would be useful to consider the feedback from experienced users. We hope that the above overview of dishwashers and a description of their parameters will help you make the right choice. Enjoy the shopping!
