A Buyers Guide to Dishwashers

Over the years, the dishwasher has become a staple appliance in the kitchens of many families. Advances in technology means that todays dishwashers are more efficient, easier to operate and cheap to run than ever before. However, there is a bewildering choice of dishwashers on the market, and choosing the right model for you can be a headache.

Read the guide below to give you a better idea of what you should be looking for in your next dishwasher.

Sizes

Full size machines: with the dimensions H85xW60xD60 will fit snugly under a counter top and will usually hold 12 full place settings in a single wash.

Standard size dishwashers are best suited for families or properties with two or more people.

Slimline models: are normally 45cm wide and have a capacity for up to nine place settings. Slimline models are ideal for smaller kitchens or a couple or single person household.

Compact dishwashers: The smallest type of dishwasher, compact are suited to single person properties, particularly smaller open plan style flats. Compact dishwashers are designed to sit on counter tops for easy access.

Standard and slimline models can be found built-in, integrated or freestanding. Integrated dishwashers are particularly good for maintaining the visual coherence of the kitchen.

Energy Rating

Over the course of a year, the energy efficiency rating of a dishwasher can make a big difference to the running costs of a machine. Most machines are now A to A+++ rated, which means their efficiency is at the top of the scale, however some older or cheaper machines may be lower on the scale. If you can afford it, you should always choose an A rated machine.

Washing Programmes

There are many washing cycles available on todays machines, some of the most useful are:

- Economy, a wash using cooler water that uses less energy than a standard wash. Ideal for washing lightly soiled dinnerware.

- Half load, as the name implies, ideal for running a wash when the machine has been loaded to half-capacity or less. As the machine runs for less time than a regular wash, less energy and water is used.

- Timer delay, very useful for choosing the best time to run a load. Some households may have a cheaper energy tariff at night, which makes the time delay function particularly useful.

Other Useful Features

- Adjustable racks, some dishwashers include adjustable racks which can be lowered and raised to fit different sizes of crockery, pans and glasses. Additionally, some machines will include removable baskets which are great for placing cutlery in vertically.

- Child lock, helps prevents children from opening the door mid-wash. When in operation, the water can become very hot temperature, enough to scald skin.

- Anti-flood sensors, checks the water levels in the machine and automatically stops the filling of the machine to prevent flooding,

- Indicator lights, useful to inform of low levels of rinse aid and salt. These can also indicate other problems such as food clogging the filter.

Noise Levels

The specifications for each machine should state the volume level the machine produces when operating, as measured in decibels (dB's). If you plan on installing the washing machine in an enclosed area, or would like to run it at night, pay particular attention to noise levels. The lower the dB's the less intrusive the machine will be when operating.

With these essential tips, your next dishwasher purchase will be a well-informed decision and should leave you with a dishwasher that gives years of reliable service.


Looking for more help and advice on choosing your next kitchen appliance? Then look no further than Long Eaton Appliances - experts on kitchen appliances Nottingham. Give us a call today.