Buying guide - DISHWASHER

Types of dishwasher

Generally, there are two types of dishwashers:

1. Food-disposing: Named aptly according to their function, Food-disposing dishwashers intercept food particles clinging on to dishes. The dishes when run under water, which rinses off food particles prior the actual washing process initiates.

1. Non-food disposing: In the non-food disposing type of dishwasher, initially food particles are collected into a strainer attachment. These dishes are to be usually washed beforehand inserting them into the dishwasher prior to actual washing cycle.

Users of older dish washer models were annoyed at the not so fully automated dishwashing units. Previously dishwashers required the dishes to be actually washed beforehand. Unlike older models, the newer models feature pre-wash, offer extra wash cycles for different washing requirements along with being power efficient as well. Majority of such smart features have completely automated dishwashing, and also managed to save up on your energy bills.

Whether one is buying a dishwasher for the first time, or requiring a replacement for an existing one, one must equip oneself with the knowhow of the essential features, considering the usage and requirements, there are plenty of choices available in the market.

Working of a dishwasher

A mechanical dishwasher cleans its utensil by spraying heated water directly, with the water temperature approximately being around 55-65 degrees Celsius or 130-150 degrees Fahrenheit. This water used for cleaning is treated with detergents before being sprayed, while the second cycle involves rinsing water, which is clean water that washes away all food and detergent remnants. Few dishwashers include a rinsing accessory for use during the rinsing cycle. Other dishwashers execute the wash and rinse cycles quite a few times at one go. During the actual washing process, vigorous detergents can be used, which would otherwise have been harmful to the human skin. Several dishwashers provide heating functions for quicker drying of washed dishes after completion of the entire wash cycle.

What to look for in a dishwasher

Considering the wide range of dishwashers now available, it can be a little intimidating when choosing the correct one to suit your requirements. The information provided underneath is a checklist for reviewing the necessary features before purchasing the right dishwasher.

1. Size of the dishwasher:

A dishwasher must have enough capacity for washing the usual number of dishes you often use, along with some room to spare. Though, this appliance should not be too large externally as it would then waste floor space, water as well as energy. The ‘Place Setting’ usually determines the size of a dishwasher. A single ‘place setting’ usually comprises a small plate, large plate, cup, and saucer, as well as cutlery. This is often a capacity of holding about 6 dishes simultaneously. Hence, place setting is the most reliable estimate of the number of dishes such portable dishwasher can hold at a time. The dishwasher’s inner parts should be arranged such that all the dishes turn out completely cleaned and shiny. 18” dishwashers are a popular choice with many households.

1. Dishwasher Tub:

The internal area of a dishwasher holding the dishes is called the tub, which is made using either plastic or stainless steel. Such stainless dishwashers are resistant to the corrosive effects of hard water, and also provide efficient noise dampening. Moreover, high heat levels are preserved during the drying process of dishes. Hence, stainless steel dishwashers with stainless steel tubs are preferred.

1. Wash Cycles/Programs:

Various types of dishes need varying types of wash cycles. Greased up dishes typically need a heavy or longer wash cycle, whereas relatively dry dishes require only a little rinsing for turning out all cleaned up. More the wash cycles and programs offered, the more flexible will be the dishwasher for differing cleaning needs. In majority of dishwashers, the three main washing cycles are — light, normal, and heavy. For delicate items like chinaware or glassware, the light option is usually used, heavy option being used for sturdier or stronger metallic dishes, cutlery, and utensils. Thus, more the number cycles offered by a dishwasher, greater is the versatility of such a dishwasher.

1. Delayed start:

You can preset the dishwashing machine to initiate the washing cycle at a pre-designated time as per your convenience.

1. High temperature wash:

Using this function, you can control the temperature of the water used during the washing cycle.

1. Electronic controls:

These are preferred controls as they offer precision adjustments, are longer lasting, and can be easily operated. Moreover, electronic controls provide higher number of preset dishwashing programs for differing washing processes. Additionally, hidden controls safeguard the dishwasher from tampering by children.

1. Energy efficiency:

With every kitchen appliance, whether it is a refrigerator or a dishwasher, being energy-efficient is a must. Usually, dishwasher models sporting an Energy Star® logo conserve at least 25% more power than the prescribed minimum Federal standards for power conservation. Dishwashers usually produce better results when using heated water. Any dishwasher consumes a lot of power for increasing the water’s temperature. This leads to higher power bills.

1. Water consumption:

Around the world, countries and people are now aiming at minimizing water consumption, and most families being conscious of their water bills too, the quantity of water consumed by the dishwasher is a prime concern. The water consumption depends on the dishwasher’s size, and the types and number of cycles executed. Several newer dishwashers are microprocessor-controlled with wash cycles self-adjusting to the washing time period after evaluating the quantity of dishes. An electronic sensor diagnoses changes in the water temperature whenever more dishes are inserted mid-cycle. This function allows saving both energy as well as water.

1. Noise output:

You would certainly not desire a noisy appliance in your kitchen. The loud humming and droning sounds of internal water pumps, and washing motors could be infuriatingly loud. Hence, it is wiser to choose a dishwasher with noise levels lying in the range of 45 dB to 50 dB.

Summing it up:

1. The ultimate household appliance, a Dishwasher takes care of all your cleaning woes allowing you to invite friends over or throw a party at your place without having to worry about all the cleaning you would have eventually ended up with.
2. Broadly, dishwashers can be categorized as food disposing dishwashers and non-food disposing dishwashers.
3. The newer dishwasher models feature pre-wash, offer extra wash cycles for different washing requirements along with being power efficient as well. Majority of such smart features have completely automated dishwashing, and also managed to save up on your energy bills.
4. The internal area of a dishwasher holding the dishes is called the tub, which is made using either plastic or stainless steel. Such stainless dishwashers are resistant to the corrosive effects of hard water, and also provide efficient noise dampening. Moreover, high heat levels are preserved during the drying process of dishes. Hence, stainless steel dishwashers with stainless steel tubs are preferred.
5. Different size options are available with dishwashers ranging from portable dishwasher to medium and large sized ones. 18” dishwashers are a popular choice with many households.
6. Several newer dishwashers are microprocessor-controlled with wash cycles self-adjusting to the washing time period after evaluating the quantity of dishes. An electronic sensor diagnoses changes in the water temperature whenever more dishes are inserted mid-cycle. This function allows saving both energy as well as water.
7. Considering the wide range of dishwashers now available, it can be a little intimidating when choosing the correct one to suit your requirements. Research well as regards to the features offered on different models; prepare a checklist to narrow down the choices.
8. Some of the prominent options include Bosch dishwashers, Kenmore dishwashers, and KitchenAid dishwashers. 

Making the right decision

A dishwasher is a valuable investment, and guarantees saving your time, efforts, and money. As is evident, buying a dishwasher that is right for you can be slightly challenging. Use this guide to judge the various options that you may come across so as to narrow down the choices. Lastly, evaluate the after-sales service and warranty schemes offered by the manufacturer prior to buying a dishwasher. For better performance and longevity of the dishwasher, buy a dishwasher from a reputed brand. Some of the prominent options include Bosch dishwashers, Kenmore dishwashers, and KitchenAid dishwashers.