The choice of the dishwasher: types, functions, modes

Benefits of Dishwashers

• Significant reduction in water consumption (up to 8000 liters per year).
• The ability to use only cold water, which is especially important in the absence of hot water.
• The contact of the skin of the hands with detergents is completely excluded, which allows the use of stronger formulations than with a manual wash.
• All types of dishwashers provide significantly more effective rinsing than is possible when washing dishes by hand, due to the use of hot water.
• Finally, the biggest plus is reducing the time for washing dishes, in fact you only have to load dirty dishes into it, choose a program, and then get a clean one - the rest will be done by the machine itself.

When choosing a dishwasher, you need to consider many factors. Not only the dimensions, but also the functions and modes of the dishwashers.

Types of Dishwashers

The main parameter by which dishwashers are compared is the number of "sets of dishes" that the machine washes in one cycle. The concept of “set” includes three plates, the same number of spoons, a knife, a fork and a cup and saucer. Of course, this concept is conditional, and is used precisely to make it possible to compare the performance of various dishwashers.

According to dimensions separation is carried out on:

• tabletop;
• narrow
• full size

First type - the most compact. The width and length of such a machine do not exceed 55 cm, the height is 45 cm. It can be put on the table, or can be hidden under the sink if there is not enough space to install a large dishwasher. This option is suitable for a small family, as in one cycle cleans no more than five utensils.

Second type It has a standard height and depth (85 and 60 cm), but the reduced width is 45 cm. Finding a place for such a machine is easier, suitable for a family of three to five people.

Third type - the largest, 85x60x60 - these are the dimensions of a full-sized dishwasher that processes up to 15 sets of dishes at a time. It makes sense to buy such a machine if you have a really big family and you really like to cook.

When choosing a dishwasher, you also need to immediately imagine whether it will stand alone or whether it can be built into the kitchen set. According to how these units are installed, they are divided into two types, one of which, in turn, is divided into two more:

• free standing
• recessed (fully or partially).

Full integration will ensure the "invisibility" of the car in the interior, and partial will allow easy access to the control panel.

Dishwasher classes

How efficient the dishwasher works is judged by its class.

Class of quality work. Seven classes mean seven levels of work quality and are denoted by Latin letters from A to G. A corresponds to the highest quality, and as a result, the maximum price.

A-class machines use less water for washing dishes than representatives of lower classes. Accordingly, they need less detergent and special rehydration salts. Thus, each working cycle requires less expenditure on consumables, and the operation of the machine as a whole is cheaper. For comparison, we give the numbers: in class A, 15 liters of water are spent on the working cycle, in class E - up to 25.

Energy class. The ability of a dishwasher to save electricity is also evaluated by classes, which are the same as the efficiency classes, and they are also indicated.

Drying class. Types of dishwashers, in addition, are distinguished by the class of drying, which can be carried out in various ways:

• condensation;
• ventilation.

And in this case, classiness is determined by Latin letters from the beginning of the alphabet, and decreases to its end. The most efficient drying method is ventilation using heated air. After the process, you take out the dishes not only dry, but also warm.

Noise level. A very important characteristic of any household appliance is the noise it produces during operation. On the body of any household appliance, the average noise level in decibels is usually indicated, which you need to focus on. A quiet dishwasher is one that is noisy in the range from 47 to 57 dB.

Dishwasher functions

Among the many different functions of dishwashers, it is not so easy to determine what is really needed and what is a marketing move to improve sales. Let's try to figure it out in order to understand what it is worth paying special attention to when choosing a model.

• Basket. How convenient it will be to use the machine depends on the design of the place for loading dishes. The dishwasher may have the ability to tilt the basket, this increases the efficiency of washing dishes. A variety of holders, removable trays and other devices will increase the convenience of use, and, in addition, will contribute to the better preservation of your dishes, since this parameter largely depends on the reliability of fixation of devices. In a basket, the holders of which can be adjusted in height and width, it is easy to place dishes of non-standard dimensions, for example, baking sheets, colanders, large pans and more.
• Nozzles Water is supplied through these devices, and the larger their quantity, and the smaller their diameter, the more efficient is the washing.
• Filters Usually, filters are used to clean water before washing; the best solution is three degrees of purification. Using pre-treated water will extend the life of the machine.
• "Stop". Among the modes of the dishwasher there are necessary, there are additional ones, as well as those that can be dispensed with. Among the additional ones, pay attention to such a function as “stop” - the ability to suspend the machine at any time, it is very useful if the machine suddenly breaks down or a leak occurs.
• Programming. In dishwashers there are not only standard modes, but also a manual programming function - you can set those conditions for washing dishes that suit you best in each case.
• Additives. The appearance of the dishes often depends on what they rinse after washing. For example, acidifying additives will let the crystal shine. In some machines, it is possible to add rinse aid, the indicator will show their level. Rinses help to remove completely detergent, give the dish a pleasant smell and maintain its attractive appearance for a long time.

The choice of the dishwasher is also affected by the convenience of the control system, the presence of a timer, a signal about the end of work, a warning system about the end of the next cycle, and a display that helps to control functions.

Dishwasher Modes

The minimum number of operating modes, or programs, is four. The maximum can vary from different manufacturers, and reach eighteen. As a rule, no more than four of the most convenient modes are constantly used.

In all types of dishwashers there are such modes as:

• Daily. The standard mode for washing dishes, the water temperature is about 55 degrees, the consumption of detergents and water is average.
• Fast. Suitable with minimal contamination of dishes. In this mode, less energy is consumed, detergents and water are 20% less than in standard.
• Economical. Usually in this mode, coffee and tea cups and other small and not very dirty dishes are washed. The water temperature is 40-45 degrees, the minimum consumption of detergents and water.
• Heavy pollution. This mode usually includes additional cycles to ensure the washing of very dirty dishes, including pans, pans.

In addition, dishwasher functions may include:

• Soak. It is used to wash dried dirt on dishes, and also if something burns to the bottom of the dishes.
• Delicate. A special function for washing fine porcelain, crystal, and gilded dishes.
• Express. One type of quick wash.
• Half load. It allows you to save money if you haven’t typed up a full machine of dirty dishes, and what has accumulated must be washed immediately.

Whether these functions are necessary in your case is up to you. Some manufacturers also offer "sensor" functions to extend the life of the machine. An additional “double wash” function, or Duo Wash, can also be useful - placing fragile and delicate dishes at the top of the basket and very dirty at the bottom, you can wash them in one pass, without risk of damage or not washing.

Additional modes of the dishwasher can reduce the cost of the washing process, help save electricity and water, control the process, for example, the Easy-lock function will control the closing of the door and protect it from leaks by tightly closing the door, even if you forget to press it firmly before turning it on. There is even a function to track the scale layer on the metal parts of the machine, and automatically add a softener.

Separately, it must be said about machines equipped with a self-cleaning system. Dishes with food residues can be loaded into them - they will be washed off, crushed and filtered, so that clogging of your communications is not threatened. It is really convenient, but will require additional costs.