Top 10 tips for buying a dishwasher

Dishwashers have become an essential part of any modern kitchen, and to meet the increased demand there has been an influx of numerous different types of models and brands in the market.

Consider what kind of wash programmes a dishwasher has – the more it has, the better you can economise by selecting a cleaning level according to the amount of dirt on the dishes and the size of the load.

With such a large variety of models to choose from, it can often become a little confusing as to which model best suits your individual needs.

1. Capacity

It is important to select a dishwasher that is the right size for your household needs.

There are compact, standard and large models available – all with different load sizes.

It is interesting to note however, that if you will be using a compact capacity model often, even though it is smaller, in the long run, it will end up using more water and electricity than if you had to use a standard capacity dishwasher less often.

For this reason, standard sizes are generally the most popular options.

A standard size can accommodate around 14 international place settings – with each setting comprising 1 soup bowl, 1 plate, 1 desert bowl, 1 cup and saucer, 1 drinking glass and a knife, fork, soupspoon, dessertspoon and teaspoon.

2. Wash programmes

The basic programmes comprise light, normal and heavy-duty, however, many luxury models boast a number of different settings for added convenience and energy efficiency.

These extra programmes can include a quick wash programme, an automatic programme that automatically senses what kind of programme needs to be run, depending on the size of the load and the dirt on the dishes, an economical programme, an extra quiet programme, a gentle programme for delicate china and stemware and a super intensive programme for heavily soiled pots and pans.

3. Energy efficiency

Choosing an energy efficient dishwasher can save you lots of money in energy bills.

With the cost of energy ever on the rise, the majority of modern dishwashers have become much more efficient than their older counterparts.

South Africa doesn’t have its own energy label, so your best bet would be to look out for the European Union (EU) energy label.

This label rates appliances in terms of a set of energy efficiency classes, from A to G – A being the most energy efficient and G being the least.

In an attempt to keep up with advances in energy efficiency, A+, A++ and A+++ (the best in its class) grades have been introduced.

For dishwashers, the EU energy label calculates the energy efficiency of a dishwasher according to the number of place settings it can hold.

The label also contains other useful information that can help you differentiate between various models of dishwasher, including:

The energy consumption in kW.h/cycle
The efficiency of the washing cycle with a class from A to G
The efficiency of the drying cycle with a class from A to G
The capacity as a number of place settings
The water consumption in litres per cycle
Noise in dB(A)

There are a number of other features present in many modern dishwashers that further add to the energy efficiency of the model in question.

One such function for example, is a delay start, which allows you to delay the start of the programme by up to 24 hours, so that your appliance will only switch on in off-peak periods when electricity doesn’t cost as much.

Quick-rinse cycles are also useful, especially if you are on metered water use.

4. Automatic sensors

Comparatively new features on modern dishwashers, automatic sensors allow the dishwasher to automatically adjust the water consumption and temperature to suit the level of dirt on the dishes for a truly automatic programme.

Load recognition is another function that was previously only found in top-end dishwashers, but has become a must-have feature of any modern dishwasher today.

Essentially, it senses the load size and allows for a suitable amount of water to enter the dishwasher.

5. Noise reduction

Silent operation of dishwashers has never been so important – especially with the growing trend of open-plan kitchen and living area designs.

As such, it is imperative that you investigate how noisy a dishwasher is when it is in operation.

This can be done by actually experiencing the machine in action or by checking out the machines noise rating in the EU energy guide.

A dishwasher with a low sound emission when in use should emit a low rating of around 43dB (A).

6. Quality and durability

Obviously you need to consider your budget when buying a dishwasher; however, it is important not to make your choice on pricing alone.

The old adage of getting what you pay for often stands true, especially when it comes to white appliances.

Question what kind of warranty you get on the various models of dishwashers available, what kind of service plan they come with and also, ask the retailer what the expected lifespan of the machine is.

7. Stacking and racking features

Enviable features include adjustable or removable tines, shelves and racks, which can be individually aligned to accommodate various irregular-sized items such as tall stem- and glassware, as well as oddly shaped and bulky items.

The more options you have, the more your dishwasher will be able to accommodate all your washing-up needs, including baking, large-scale entertaining, baby bottles, and so on.

8. Drying capabilities

A very convenient feature of any dishwasher is the fact that the dishes come out of the machine clean and dry.

However, some offer better drying functionality than others – so look into what drying features various models offer.

Some models boast a function that adjusts its drying capabilities to suit the load size and the ambient temperature of the kitchen.

Often, dishes may go through the drying process, but the condensation of steamy air within the dishwasher, after the cycle is complete, inevitably ends up leaving the dishes damp.

To combat this problem, a couple of luxury models boast a very useful drying function that automatically opens the dishwasher door at the end of the rinse and drying process to allow steam to escape and let cool air in to circulate.

9. Safety features

Safety features are an important consideration, especially if you have a family with small children.

Important features to look out for include a child safety lock, which comprises a special switch that can be turned to prevent children from opening the door and accessing the cabinet.

Other useful safety features include a waterproof anti-leak system, which features a double-skinned inlet hose and a solenoid valve attached directly to the dishwasher’s stopcock.

If water leaks between the two skins in the hose, the valve automatically shuts off the water supply – thereby avoiding any possibility of water damage to the dishwasher’s surrounds.

The dishwasher’s door should also be inspected – it should be completely self-balancing, and if you are looking at a top-end model, it should feature a soft closing function.

10. Design

Last, but certainly not least, the aesthetic appeal of the dishwasher ought to be considered.

The vast majority of dishwashers come in a standard white, for a traditional, practical and unobtrusive look that will complement virtually any kitchen design.

However, stainless steel is fast becoming a firm favourite as well.

Up until quite recently however, the problem with stainless steel is that a stainless steel finish is prone to fingerprint and oil marks.

As such, if you intend on choosing a dishwasher with a stainless steel finish, choose one that boasts a special coated finish that looks like stainless steel, but is also resistant to fingerprints and other marks. - Antonella Desi

Picture courtesy of Miele