Guide to Dishwashers
There are lots of things to consider when buying a new dishwasher, the best price isn't necessarily the most cost-effective solution over time. Our guide aims to give you the lowdown on all the things to take into account before purchasing.
Contents
Intro
There have been many technological advances in dishwashers over the last few years. The best new dishwasher models are packed with features to save time, water, and electricity, with the latest machines designed to give maximum protection to your dishes, glasses, and cutlery.
The biggest concern when buying a dishwasher tends to be the noise levels. Manufacturers provide noise level information on their machines, which should be measured in decibels.
What does the decibel level mean?
The decibel level for dishwashers is a measure of the noise level of the dishwasher while in operation - decibels measure the intensity of a sound. The dB rating shows how quiet (or noisy) the appliance will be, based on an average reading taken whilst in operation. Decibel levels will range from about 38 dB (quietest) to about 60 dB (loudest). A dishwasher with a rating of 50 dB or below will be very quiet compared to most older models. To give a comparison, normal conversation measures at about 60 decibels.
Quieter dishwashers are recommended for homes with open plan layouts, where sound can easily travel from the kitchen to other areas of the home, and for homes where the kitchen is a central gathering place.
Decibel level examples for appliances
You may also find "dBA" measurements used for dishwasher decibel levels. These decibel values are adjusted to appreciate how the human ear hears, and are commonly used to measure environmental noise. In this case, there is not much difference between dB or dBA and you can treat them as interchangeable.
What else affects dishwasher noise?
The decibel rating of a dishwasher goes way beyond the design. The biggest factor in lowering the decibel rating of your dishwasher lies in the quality of the materials used in the assembly. Dishwashers contain insulation in the sides and at the front of the machine, the higher the quality of the insulation, the lower the decibel rating will be. Thicker insulation can also result in a lower decibel rating. As a bonus, better insulation can increase the energy efficiency of your machine.
Dishwashers with stainless steel interiors are a popular choice, and although they can be more expensive up front, they are much quieter than models with plastic tubs. Stainless steel tubs are more capable of absorbing sounds from the water spraying around inside the unit.
As well as this, stainless steel can retain heat more efficiently than its plastic counterpart. Not only does this help shorten the drying time, but it also helps you save money on energy costs. Stainless steel is also easier to clean, and won’t absorb odours like plastics can.
Dishwasher Types
Freestanding
Freestanding dishwashers are common and are not built into your kitchen units. On the plus side, freestanding dishwashers can go with you if you move house and there are plenty of design options.
Integrated
The front panel of the dishwasher is hidden behind a kitchen cabinet door, which allows for a completely seamless design. The cabinet door needs to be opened to check the control panel. An integrated dishwasher tends to cost slightly more than a freestanding one.
Semi-Integrated
Less popular, but a good option if you want the dishwasher to blend into the kitchen whilst also having the option of seeing/using the control panel. This type of dishwasher is the most expensive option but comes with the most benefits.
Dishwasher capacity and place settings
Dishwasher capacity is often measured in place settings. One set generally consists of a dinner plate, dessert plate, a bowl, a glass and a teacup along with the cutlery, serving spoon, ladle and a serving bowl. Place settings are therefore a great way to assess how many items you will be able to wash at one time. However, it’s important to note the larger items such as pots, pans and baking trays all come in different sizes so it can be hard to estimate how much will fit. Dishwashers often come with folding tines so that you can fit in different shaped items. Dishwashers that have a cutlery tray at the top may be more suitable to fit larger items at the bottom.
Dishwashers come in 3 different sizes; full-sized, slimline and compact. It is important to measure the width of the area if you are fitting a new dishwasher into an existing kitchen.
Dishwasher Sizes
Slimline
A slimline dishwasher is narrow (approximate width 45cm) and is great for small spaces or if you have a smaller number of people in your household. They wash up to 10 place settings.
Full-sized
If you have got more room, a full-sized dishwasher (approximate width 60cm) is a better option because they can be more water and energy efficient. Capacity is approximately 13 place settings.
Compact
Are also called worktop dishwashers (approximate width 55cm) and are suitable for households that don’t have the room for a larger machine. The bigger items can be trickier to fit inside and the machine will wash approximately 5 place settings at one time.
EU Energy Efficiency Label
Water consumption and energy ratings
Modern dishwashers can help save water and keep your energy bills down. Leading brands have developed very low water consumption dishwashers that use less water than washing by hand. Generally, water consumption per cycle varies from as little as 6 litres up to 27 litres depending on the make. Therefore, make sure you check the water consumption per cycle for the most water-efficient option. This is the number displayed in litres on the energy label.
Most dishwashers also come with quick wash programs. In comparison, washing your dishes in the sink for the same load can use up to 100 Litres. In fact, switching from hand washing to dishwashing always saves you water and money.
Always look for energy-efficient models as manufacturers are improving energy and water usage constantly with the development of energy save and eco programs for example. These programs wash your dishes for longer than the main program but at a lower temperature, whilst also using less water. Most dishwashers come with an official A rating for energy efficiency. This comes in the form of an energy label and is often based on the eco-program of the particular dishwasher. You can also save energy and water by not overloading the dishwasher. Large items should be placed at the back or on the sides of the racks.
How to install a dishwasher?
Before installation make sure the area you are using is big enough for your new appliance. You will need access to a power and water supply as well as the drain. You can follow these step by step rules for simple DIY installation.
- Turn off the water supply under the sink.
- Check in the manufacturer’s manual whether your appliance should be connected to the cold or the hot water.
- Connect the hose from your dishwasher to the water supply by screwing it on tightly.
- Connect the dishwasher’s waste pipe into the household drain pipe.
- You can now move the dishwasher into place, making sure it’s level.
- Plug the dishwasher into the power supply, turn the water supply back on and turn on the appliance to run a test cycle.
Please find more detailed installation manuals from the manufacturer for each product.
How to clean a dishwasher?
By regularly cleaning your dishwasher you can eliminate unpleasant odours. Maintenance is also important to ensure that your dishwasher continues to run smoothly. Keep your dishes clean every time with these handy tips.
- Clean the dishwasher filters regularly to prevent food waste from building up. The inner filters at the bottom of the dishwasher can be cleaned under running water in the kitchen sink with a dishwashing brush. The bigger outer metal filter that acts as a cover can be rinsed with hot water.
- Wipe door seals clean regularly because food can stick to them and in the worst case cause seals to perish. Poorly maintained seals can result in your dishwasher leaking. A quick wipe of the rim and seals with a damp cloth is all you need to do.
- Occasionally topping up with dishwasher salt and rinse aid stops limescale build up and can also soften the water. Dishwasher detergents only work effectively in soft water and rinse aid helps dishes to dry without streaking. Most dishwashers have indicators showing when to top up both. If you're struggling when topping up the salt, try investing in a funnel to make it easier to access and reduce spills. Some more expensive dishwashers also come with a salt well in the door.
- Remove and clean the spray arms twice a year by poking the holes clear of any blockages and by rinsing under running water.
- Running the dishwasher empty and hot will eliminate bad odours especially when regularly using the eco-program on your machine that uses cooler water. Every six months when you run an empty and hot wash you can also use a dishwasher cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. You can also use a cup of lemon juice or plain white vinegar instead to help clean out the interior and the pipework.