There is a wide range of dishwashers to choose from in the market, which can make selecting a new appliance a challenging task. It is important to consider factors such as the space available, capacity, and functionality when making a decision. The various programs offered by dishwashers also play a vital role in the decision-making process.
And any special functions that the dishwasher has. Choosing based on real needs is the first step for a conscious purchase. Dishwasher built-in or freestanding, small dishwasher, or standard sizes: here are the main types on the market, each designed for a specific user.
In addition to the measures and internal capacity, washing systems, consumption, and noise emissions also vary. All without underestimating the economic aspect.
Right here we had listed out the best models of dishwashers that are given below.
Buyer Guide to Choose the Best Dishwashers
Those with large families find themselves having to wash dishes and dishes in large quantities. A convenient method to simplify and speed up this operation is to have a dishwasher, one of the most purchased appliances in recent years, also because its price has dropped over time.
The Load of Dishes
The first discriminating factor in choosing a dishwasher is its size, i.e., the ability to accommodate a certain number of dishes, pots, and glasses. In general, the various models on the market are divided into three categories: mini, slim, and full size.
The mini versions, as can be easily guessed from the name, are those that offer a smaller load capacity, between five and six place settings (where covered means a set consisting of the flat plate, soup plate, cup, two glasses, and cutlery).
They are designed for those who live alone or for young couples who often eat outside the home but also for those who have limited space available.
The full sizes are placed diametrically opposite since they ensure a load capacity of up to 15 seats and can meet the needs of very large families but also of those who have no problem of space in the kitchen.
The slim ones represent the classic middle way, meet the needs of families of 3-4 people, and combine a good load capacity with a small footprint.
Therefore, carefully evaluate your situation and avoid choosing an oversized or undersized model to avoid running the risk of having the dishwasher work when it is half empty or of not having space for all the dishes.
An Eye on Savings
Contrary to what one might believe, using a dishwasher saves significantly on the amount of water compared to washing dishes by hand. On average, a family runs around 20 liters of water a day to clean the dishes.
This quantity is reduced to about 15 liters per wash cycle if a medium-sized dishwasher is used, therefore in perspective, the cost incurred is amortized in the bill … without considering time savings, all to the benefit of relaxation.
The models of the best brands are also made in energy class A +++ (the classes vary from D up to A +++). Therefore if you opt for a dishwasher of this type, you will also benefit from a limited consumption of electric current.
Compare the prices of the various models, these are, of course, the most expensive, but the investment is certainly amortized over time, especially if you use it every day.
Design and Functions
After evaluating the spaces you have in the kitchen, you should also consider whether to buy a built-in, concealed, or visible model.
The offer is particularly rich and, if you are ready to spend something more, you can opt, for example, for models with ultramodern or vintage designs that give an extra touch to your kitchen.
Another aspect is linked to the richness of the washing programs, the availability of which is often directly proportional to the sale price. The complete models offer the possibility of carrying out half-load or rapid washing, when not even drying the dishes so that they are ready to be used.
Easy to Lift and Remove the Basket
To let everything you need into the washing machine, you can also lift and remove the upper basket with a single gesture. A good function that allows you to find a place even for larger pots or to serve dishes with dimensions out of the standard.
In this way, the lower basket can be entirely dedicated to the washing of the more bulky or not real dishes. Other objects can also be machine washed and allow rapid and effective sanitation without having to wash anything by hand.
The subdivision of the compartments, in the upper and lower baskets, is made in such a way as to make it’s filling intuitive and thus make use of all the available space.
Energy Class at The Top
The built-in model proposed by Hotpoint lends itself well to meeting the needs of larger families. Here it is possible to maximize electricity and water consumption obtaining perfect and certainly more convenient results compared to hand washing the same dishes.
The energy class it belongs to is A +, with an A for both washing and drying dishes, a result that allows you to count on a very advantageous cost/effectiveness ratio.
Even the complete cycle that takes 190 minutes to complete does not involve an excessive waste of resources. Also, the low noise level of 43 dB allows it to be used even in the evening, to choose to activate it only in the evening after dinner, and after having collected all the dishes that got dirty during the day.
How to Use a Dishwasher?
The Models
The market, as mentioned, offers several models that are divided into two main categories. The dishwashers called slim are ideal for married couples or singles, since they can wash between five and six place settings and are small and easy to install even if you have little space.
The models called full size are those designed for large families since up to fifteen seats can be loaded. These appliances are also more voluminous.
The Consumption
A feature to be carefully evaluated concerns the energy class that each dishwasher, by law, must have and highlight in its technical characteristics.
A model that corresponds to the energy class A +++ will be the one that will have the least impact on the costs of the electricity bill, a class D (the lowest) will consume a lot of electricity, and the running costs will go up.
The models of energy class A +++ are also the most expensive, but a cheaper electricity bill can repay the greater investment.
Washing Functions
Nowadays the most modern dishwashers offer different washing programs, more or less useful. When you are about to buy a new dishwasher, evaluate them because you don’t necessarily need them, and you may be able to orient yourself on less performing but undoubtedly cheaper models.
Among the most popular programs stand out those that allow a half load wash or those called rapid. The most advanced dishwashers also offer the drying of dishes, cutlery, and pots.
Reduce Consumption
In order not to wastewater, electricity, and detergent, it is always better to leave the dishes to soak for a few minutes to remove as much food residue as possible. If possible, it is advisable to start washing at night, when the electricity costs less.
But to do this, evaluate the noise that the dishwasher generates when it is running, because, in addition to the risk of disturbing the neighbors, it could become very annoying for you too.
Accessories for Maintenance
The most modern dishwashers are equipped with a series of accessories that help prolong their life. For example, one of the most important is the descaler, which allows you to avoid the formation of limescale inside the baskets, and therefore not to stain the dishes.
In this case, the water passes through a container equipped with synthetic resins that regenerate themselves in contact with the salt.
The Importance of Acquastop
Evaluate the presence of this device in the dishwasher you are going to buy since it is very important. The models with Acquastop are equipped with a valve which, in the event of even the slightest leak, blocks the appliance. This allows you to avoid unpleasant inconveniences due to the leakage of water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does the Dishwasher Work?
A question that intrigues many, especially the less experienced, concerns the correct functioning of the dishwasher, an appliance that washes dirty dishes and returns them perfectly clean.
The first step concerns the forfeiture, i.e., a quantity of water is taken from the water network, which fills a large tank on the bottom of the dishwasher. This is then brought to higher temperatures and mixed with the detergent contained in the special door, where it must be inserted before starting the washing process.
The mixture is then transported to the spray arms, which, depending on the pressure and the set temperature, take care of getting the solution to all dirty dishes, cleaning them thoroughly.
How to Clean the Dishwasher?
A dishwasher is an appliance that needs some maintenance, considering that after many washes, it tends to get dirty, due to the numerous food residues.
There are special detergents on the market that perform a double action. On the one hand, they eliminate excess limescale inside the drain pipes, and on the other, they make the appliance shiny, leaving a pleasant aroma of fresh and clean.
Alternatively, if you want to use a more natural method, wine vinegar also performs its function well. Set a vacuum cycle by filling the door with 1 L of pure white vinegar, which has the degreasing and above all sanitizing effect for dirt and bacteria.
How to Load the Dishwasher?
To obtain a deep and impeccable cleaning, it is advisable to be able to load your dishwasher in the right way, so that the water reaches even the most insidious points.
The appliance consists of two parts: an upper and a lower one. In the upper one, the smallest dishes, i.e., plates, glasses, lids, and so on, will be placed in the appropriate compartments and without keeping them tilted.
In the lower part, on the other hand, you will insert the larger and more bulky objects, that is, pots and the like, while the cutlery will go into a special compartment on the bottom. In this way, loading the dishwasher will be a breeze, which will not take your time.
How Much Water Does a Dishwasher Consume?
The amount of water consumed by a dishwasher with each wash depends on its capacity, i.e., how large it is, and when it was produced because a more dated appliance could consume more than a more recent one.
About 20 years ago, water consumption reached 45 L, while in recent years this load has decreased to 25 L, thanks to the development of modern technologies and progress.
Today, with a series of additional functions, even many of them consume only 7 L of water to wash the dishes necessary for a meal of four people. Some also have a special valve to reduce consumption by over 60%.
How Much Should Salt Be Put in The Dishwasher?
Salt must be added to your dishwasher at least once a month. There is a small compartment covered by a cap, which takes the name of softener; it is right inside that you will have to put the right amount of salt and water, to obtain a solution that makes the water less hard.
If you do not have the light that indicates when to put it, reset it and at the right time: after purchasing the salt for the dishwasher, you must fill the softener up to the edge, perhaps with the help of a funnel, to prevent it from coming out of the cap. In this way, you will always get shiny dishes without streaks or streaks.
