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Choosing the Right Size Dishwasher
The typical dishwasher will have a 12 place setting. Cutlery capacity refers to the number of eating utensils and plates the machine can handle in one wash. A standard capacity of 12 cutlery will be able to clean;
10 – 12 x knives, forks and spoons
10 – 12 x 24 cm flat
10 dessert plates 12 x 18 cm
10 – 12 glasses
10 – 12 cups and bowls
10 deep plates 12 x 23 cm
If you can’t fit a full-size dishwasher in your kitchen, you should consider upgrading to the many other types available; extra flat, compact, integrated and semi-integrated.
Dishwasher Size Guide
Full/Standard Size Dishwasher – H 84.5 x W 60 x D 60 cm
Extra-flat dishwasher – H 81.5 x W 44.8 x D 55 cm
Compact dishwasher – H 44 x W 55 x D 52 cm
Integrated dishwasher – H 81.5 x W 59.8 x D 55 cm
Semi-integrated dishwasher – H 84.5 x W 60 x D 60 cm
dishwasher programs
Link most appliances, dishwasher programs vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. As a general rule of thumb, most dishwashers will have 3-5 different wash settings and a rinse only cycle. The main washing programs usually only differ in temperature. Most will feature an ‘eco’ setting which will be around 30 to 40 degrees. The other settings will generally increase the temperature and duration to around 70 degrees.
High-end high-end machines often feature more personalized programs, such as window cleaning or half load. They will also include sensor functions that are designed to adapt the program to handle the different loads within the machine. The sensors will assess the total load inside the dishwasher and then adjust the wash accordingly by reducing or increasing the amount of water required.
The usual way to dry dishes in a dishwasher is to use the heat generated in the washing process, the residual heat. However, some of the more expensive machines may come with a drying assist option. These machines use a fan or hot air to help speed up the drying process.
spray arms
There are four main things to consider when using your dishwasher for best results; heat, dish placement, detergent, and spray arms. The spray arm controls how water is distributed throughout the interior of your dishwasher. They are designed in such a way as to ensure that they do not leave blind spots resulting in dirty dishes. The four main types of spray arm are;
Traditional
Dishwashers typically house 2 spray arms, one below the bottom basket and one above the top. The water that heats up in the bottom of the dishwasher is pumped under high pressure from the two arms. The angle of the holes in the arms will cause the arm to rotate at high speed. – The same way grass sprinklers work.
Additional spray arm
Some manufacturers like Miele often offer a third spray arm. These machines usually have a very thin top tray that is designed for cutlery. This option is highly desirable as it eliminates the need for a cutlery basket at the bottom, allowing you to increase your load. It also allows your cutter to spread more evenly, leading to much better cleaning results.
satellite spray arm
The satellite spray arm is a very common feature on Smeg and AEG machines. The system works by having a smaller spray arm connected to the top of the lower spray arm. This smaller spray arm helps create a cyclone effect inside the dishwasher, maximizing the way the water is distributed. This system is highly recommended if you often wash a wide range of garments in different ways.
WaterWall Jet Wash System
This is a Samsung exclusive feature, just like its eco-bubble technology in its washing machines, WaterWall offers a completely different and innovative way of washing dishes. The forearm is replaced by a bar that moves from side to side. Samsung claims this gives you maximum coverage as its row of tight jets create a wall of water, hence its name.
What you should never put in your dishwasher
Most items you buy will state whether or not they are dishwasher safe. Although some machines will have low temperature options, it’s worth noting that if the item is important to you, it might be best to play it safe and just hand wash it. You should avoid taking chances with tracking;
Cutlery with attached handles, for example, wooden, bone or pearl handles
cast iron cookware
China: patterned/decorative and gold/silver can fade
Care and maintenance
The ideal place to locate your dishwasher is as close to your sink as possible, this will make plumbing much easier. A water softener must be installed before the dishwasher to maintain performance.
Every dishwasher will require you to add dishwasher salt. Adding salt to your dishwasher will help with the water softening process and help prevent plumbing problems.
The polish is not necessary, but it will give you a much better end result with shinier dishes and glassware. It will also help speed up the drying time.
There is an endless variety of dishwasher detergents/tablets on the market. They can range from £1 for 10 to £10 for 30 with every possible combination of ‘dishwashing tablet science’ Three in one, although more expensive, will include everything you need; detergent, salt and rinse aid. However, it is usually cheaper to buy all three individually.
Energy efficiency
The energy rating of dishwashers is classified from A+++ to G. In 2011, the law in the UK changed and it prohibits manufacturers from selling dishwashers with an energy rating lower than D. This means that if you bought your dishwasher before 2011, there is the possibility that you could be adding unnecessary costs to your energy bill.
If you have a water meter, the issue of water consumption should be a consideration for you when purchasing your dishwasher. It is very common for water companies to offer cheaper water rates throughout the night. If this applies to you, we suggest purchasing a dishwasher with a timed delay and low noise level. This will allow you to set your dishwasher to run during the cheapest rate hours.
As a general rule of thumb, you’ll find that the most expensive machine offers the best energy efficiency ratings. The tradeoff here is if you’re willing to spend more up front and then save on your bills in the long run. If you’re looking for a cheap dishwasher from a high-end brand, then you should look at NewLife Appliances. They sell classified and newly renovated kitchen appliances at 60% of the RRP