How to choose a dishwasher: selection criteria + expert advice
A dishwasher, like a refrigerator, a washing machine or other household appliances, is usually bought not for a year or two, but for at least the next decade. Therefore, it is important not to take the first model that comes across, but to analyze several suitable dishwashers that fit within the family budget.
Let's find out how to choose a dishwasher so that it meets your needs as much as possible and does not disappoint after the first week of use.
When choosing appliances for the kitchen, its appearance is the first thing that catches your eye. If the unit does not meet the taste preferences of the buyer, he is unlikely to choose it.
Built-in models are an exception, but even they differ in the filling of internal compartments, the design of baskets for dishes, and the design of the control panel.
Manufacturers of freestanding and partially built-in dishwashers range from economical standard models with no frills to retro-style dishwashers with rounded corners and bold colors.
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Partially built-in machines are distinguished by a control unit placed outside - it is located in the upper part, in a conspicuous place. The door is not always decorated to match the kitchen facade, some models are completely open for viewing
Regardless of the type of installation, the machines are full-sized, that is, the most voluminous, narrow, reduced in width, or compact.
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before "G". They indicate the gradation of the quality of washing, drying and spending on electricity / energy. The decoding of the sticker, which each device must have, is given below.
Modern models compete in energy efficiency classes, so more and more often you can find the markings "A", "A +", "A ++". The more benefits, the higher the percentage of savings
With the old type of labeling, only two criteria were taken into account: the number of downloaded kits and the amount of electricity spent. Energy efficiency was expressed in kWh.
After 2010, the standby mode was additionally turned on, the calculation is made taking into account 280 washing cycles, and the class is derived depending on the EEI index.
High-quality equipment of class "A" and above can save more than 45% of electricity compared to equipment marked "C" or "D"
Dishwashers of classes "F" or "G" are not recommended to purchase because they are considered uneconomical. This means that you will constantly overpay for extra kilowatts of energy and liters of water.
Difference between classes "BUT" and "A+++" is about 25%. If the machine is used frequently, then the savings are significant.
Electronics or mechanical control?
There are two types of machines - with mechanical rotary knobs and buttons / touch controls. The second type includes 95% of devices, since the mechanics are less convenient and more difficult to maintain.
Mechanically controlled dishwashers can also be equipped with LED indicators, digital displays or additional buttons, making it easy to set programs
The buttons are usually arranged in one or more rows on a panel at the top of the door. However, if they are visible for partially built-in units, then for fully built-in units they become available if the door is slightly opened.
Push-button models have the only drawback - difficulties with care. Dirt gets into the small gaps between the buttons and the case, it is difficult to remove it, and in the future it makes it difficult to use.
Touch dishwashers are free from inconvenience during care. Smooth panels are easy to clean, grease and dirt do not linger anywhere. Touch models are often equipped with child protection - the button lock protects against accidental pressing
A convenient addition to electronic models is an information display that indicates the operating time, the designation of the selected program or option.
Some cars are equipped with a comfort option "beam on the floor". During operation, the panel is hidden, and it is impossible to monitor the washing process, but information about the operating time is projected on the floor in the form of a digital designation. At the end of the wash, the color of the beam may change.
Overview of popular programs
The more programs for different types of dishes, the better. However, chasing a large list is not worth it, since in practice few people use more than 2-3 economical modes.
When buying, they are usually guided by the parameters of two programs: "Standard" or "ECO".
A detailed description of each program can be found in the instruction manual. It includes a brief description, recommendations for the use of detergents, washing time, water and electricity consumption.
With the help of the table, it is easy to choose the mode on request: the shortest, economical or intensive.
According to statistics, the largest load of dishes, including heavily soiled ones, occurs after dinner. Therefore, at night it is better to run the car in mode "ECO"- it is longer, but economical and "diligent".
During the day, you can get by with an express wash program to quickly remove light dirt.
Main and additional functions
Main functions - washing and drying - laid down in the work of all dishwashers without exception. However, both stages can be fundamentally different.
Sinks come with pre-soaking of especially greasy and smoky pans or additional rinsing of transparent glass, at different temperatures of water heating, different in duration.
Drying differs by type:
- condensation- natural drying during cooling;
- convection- turbo, under the influence of circulating hot air;
- zeolite- drying under the influence of air heated by a mineral;
- intelligent Sensor Dry– analysis of the temperature in the room and airflow.
There is no fundamental difference when choosing the type of drying, especially if washing is planned for the night period - the dishes dry out by breakfast anyway.
Additional functions for representatives of different brands may differ, as from time to time companies introduce new, more technological and economical developments.
Common features include a “delayed start”, with which you can move the dishwashing time to a more convenient period - at night or, conversely, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. while no one is at home
Half load mode"works" not in all models, but can be useful for small families or single people. It allows you to speed up the washing process, reduce energy and water consumption.
System AquaStop prevents leakage inside the body and in the hoses. If the program fails or one of the machine parts fails, the unit stops. Used water is discharged into the sewer, and the flow of new water is blocked.
If the machine is not equipped with AquaStop, you can buy a hose that works on the same principle.
Easy lock– Forced door closing function. If you do not slam it, the machine simply will not turn on, so a lock is provided that automatically pulls the door up and latches it.
power dry- Whirlpool's development for quick drying of dishes made of different materials. The manufacturer claims that even plastic dries in 1 hour
Dual wash- the ability to wash dishes with different characteristics in one load. Pots and fragile glasses are cleaned at the same time, but with the only condition - they are loaded into different compartments.
The dirtiest dishes are placed in the lower tier, glasses and rinsing cups in the upper tier.
OptoSensor- a very useful function related to the determination of water hardness. If the sensors report a risk of scale buildup, the amount of salt in the wash water increases.
Rackmatic- the ability to adjust the extension and height of the upper basket for a better arrangement of items.
VarioSpeed Plus- a system that increases the speed of washing by increasing the pressure of the supplied water and adjusting the rinse. Thanks to this function, the time is reduced by three times
To learn about the functions of a particular unit, you must carefully study the technical documentation. Modern machines have many more useful options, but it is better to choose those that are required for daily washing.
Is the noise level worth it?
The noise of dishwashers, like the rest of household appliances, is determined in dB. The average indicators of the latest models are approximately the same and fit within the boundaries of 40-50 dB. These are machines that allow you to calmly go about your business and do not cause discomfort.
Quiet operation of the motor and units supplying / discharging water is ensured by high-quality sound insulation. Additionally, the walls of furniture modules, in which dishwashers are built-in, are protected from noise.
Sounds below 45 dB are considered low noise levels. For example, for the Bosch SPS66XW11R model, it is only 43 dB. If you are purchasing a powerful unit of 55-60 dB, then take care of the possibility of a delayed start.
The importance of the brand when choosing a model
To choose a dishwasher of a certain brand, you should rely on the following criteria:
- technical and functional capabilities;
- unique developments;
- design features;
- connectivity;
- price.
The last point is not so important if the manufacturer presents several series, from budget to premium. However, there are brands, all models of which are elite.
The most "cheap" and little functional Smeg dishwashers cost more than 35 thousand rubles, while the cost of expensive ones exceeds 140 thousand rubles.
Dear and hyped representatives of the dishwasher world: Asko, Smeg, Miele, AEG, Kuppersbusch, De Dietrich, Fagor.
Middle price segment: Bosch, Whirlpool, Electrolux, Gorenje, Siemens, Neff.
Inexpensive dishwashers: DeLonghi, Beko, Ariston, Zanussi, Midea, Indesit.
Expensive cars have a more reliable engine and pump, a more stylish design, many useful features, and more comfortable driving. But some models practically do not differ from economical ones, so a high price is not always an indicator of quality.
We present some tips from amateurs and experts: how to choose a reliable dishwasher and not miscalculate.
If financial possibilities allow you to choose any model, then in no case do not select equipment at the most expensive price tag.
Compare several models. It happens that an expensive car works loudly, creating noise at a level of 60 dB, takes up a lot of space or requires constant care.
For a large family, a tall built-in or freestanding model is needed. The width is not fundamental, since narrow ones are not inferior in functionality to wide ones. Their only drawback is less capacious boxes.
A family of 2 people will be satisfied with a compact machine. If the kitchen is already installed, you can purchase a tabletop dishwasher - it takes up as much space as a microwave
If you have a dacha, a compact machine can, if necessary, travel with you and make it easier to care for dishes throughout the warm season.
If a certain amount is allocated for a new household assistant, then it is better to choose 5-6 models and compare their capabilities.
Most likely, they will differ in the number of programs, two or three additional options and sizes. Choose a priority criterion and build on it.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Expert advice on choosing a PMM - the subtleties are considered and useful tips are given for choosing the optimal model:
An overview of the main criteria that play an important role when choosing dishwashers for the home:
There are a huge number of manufacturers of dishwashers, and each of them annually releases new models on the market. It is quite difficult to choose a dishwasher for your home, given the range, so try to take into account the important points: dimensions, capacity, technical specifications, and the possibility of repair. Read the reviews of the models you like and choose the one that best suits your needs.