How to choose a dishwasher: selection criteria + expert advice

A dishwasher, like a refrigerator, washing machine or other household appliances, is usually bought not for a year or two, but for at least the next decade.Therefore, it is important not to take the first model you come across, but to analyze several suitable dishwashers that fit within the family budget. Is it true?

We will talk about how to choose a dishwasher. We'll tell you how to determine a unit that will best meet your needs and won't disappoint after the first week of use. Our recommendations will provide effective assistance in finding the ideal model for you.

Modern Factory Design Possibilities

When choosing kitchen appliances, the first thing that catches your eye is its appearance. If the unit does not meet the buyer’s taste preferences, he is unlikely to choose it. The exception is built-in models, but even they have different filling of internal compartments, design of baskets for dishes, and design of the control panel.

Manufacturers freestanding models and partially built-in machines offer both economical standard models without unnecessary frills, and dishwashers in retro style, with rounded corners and in daring colors.

Standard models, especially the built-in type, are similar. If the shade of the front panel or the body as a whole is important, it is better to clarify this issue in advance. Manufacturers are developing several variants of popular models that differ only in color.

If you find a car with a white body on sale, then an alternative steel or silver color option can most likely be ordered to order.

Dimensions and type of installation

The choice of location for the machine and its type according to the installation method are interconnected, since all dishwashers are divided into:

• freestanding models;
• built-in units;
• partially built-in cars.

Freestanding ones are not attached to the furniture, they can be installed autonomously - they are independent equipment, with decorative finishing on all sides. The built-in equipment does not have an external design of the walls, and the front panel is intended for mounting a façade lining.

Partially built-in machines are distinguished by a control unit located outside - it is located in the upper part, in a visible place. The door is not always decorated to match the kitchen facade; some models are completely open for viewing

Regardless of the type of installation, machines are full-size, that is, as voluminous as possible, narrow, reduced in width, or compact.

If there is little space and you need to camouflage the machine, this will do built-in compact model. For large kitchens, various options are possible, but freestanding dishwashers are less often chosen.

To prevent a large number of different appliances from cluttering up the kitchen, they are usually hidden behind the facades. Manufacturers focus on demand, so they offer a large range built-in units – they are easier to pick up.

Will familiarize you with the rules for installing and connecting a built-in dishwasher to communications next article. We recommend reading this very useful information.

Which components are most important?

Modern models operate thanks to inverter motors equipped with a frequency converter. Thanks to a special device, the speed and rotation frequency are more accurately regulated.

The first models were equipped with commutators with brushes, which were noisy, wore out quickly and consumed a lot of electricity. The main components include a filter system, a water pump (pump), a liquid supply device under pressure, leakage protection, a water softening device, a condenser, and a heater.

However, these details are hidden from the user. Some parts of the dishwasher are located in direct access to allow regular cleaning.

Before choosing a machine, you need to make sure that the baskets or containers for detergents are convenient to use, and that caring for the internal parts will not take much time. Ask if it is possible to rearrange the boxes, change their inclination, or use additional holders. When there are a lot of dishes, the number, shape and size of the compartments are important.

Technical characteristics of PMM

After inspecting the dishwasher outside and inside and making sure that it is suitable in size and capacity, be sure to make sure that the technical parameters correspond to the tasks set. Simply put, find out whether the machine can efficiently wash a certain amount of dishes while using a minimum of water and electricity.

Decoding energy efficiency values

To understand whether you can save money when using the selected model, just study the markings on the energy consumption sticker.

Classes are usually designated by letters from "A" before "G". They indicate the gradation of the quality of washing, drying and energy consumption. The explanation of the sticker, which every device must have, is given below.

Modern models compete in energy efficiency classes, so you can increasingly see the markings “A”, “A+”, “A++”. The more advantages, the higher the savings percentage

With the old type of marking, only two criteria were taken into account: the number of loaded kits and the amount of electricity consumed. Energy efficiency was expressed in kWh.

After 2010, a standby mode was additionally included, the calculation is made taking into account 280 washing cycles, and the class is derived depending on the EEI index.

High-quality equipment of class “A” and above can save more than 45% of energy compared to equipment marked “C” or “D”

Dishwasher classes "F" or "G" It is not recommended to purchase, as they are recognized as uneconomical. This means that you will constantly overpay for extra kilowatts of energy and liters of water.

Difference between classes "A" And "A+++" is about 25%. If the machine is used frequently, the savings are significant.

Electronic or mechanical control?

There are two types of machines - with mechanical rotary knobs and buttons/touch controls. 95% of devices belong to the second type, since the mechanics are less convenient and more difficult to maintain.

Manual dishwashers can also be equipped with LED indicators, digital displays or additional buttons, making it easier to set programs

The buttons are usually located in one or more rows on a panel at the top of the door. However, if for partially built-in units they are visible, then for fully built-in units they become accessible if the door is slightly opened.

Models with buttons have the only disadvantage - difficulties with maintenance. Dirt gets into the small gaps between the buttons and the case, it is difficult to remove, and in the future it makes it difficult to use.

Touch dishwashers are free from inconvenience during maintenance. Smooth panels are easy to clean; grease and dirt do not linger anywhere. Touchscreen models are often equipped with child protection - locking the buttons prevents accidental pressing

A convenient addition to electronic models is an information display that indicates the operating time and the designation of the selected program or option.

Some machines are equipped with a convenient “beam on the floor” option.During operation, the panel is hidden and it is impossible to monitor the washing process, but information about the operating time is projected on the floor in the form of a digital symbol. At the end of the wash, the color of the beam may change.

Review of popular programs

The greater the number of programs designed for different types of cookware, the better. However, you shouldn’t chase a large list, since in practice few people use more than 2-3 economical modes.

When purchasing, they usually focus on the parameters of two programs: “Standard” or “ECO”.

A detailed description of each program can be found in the operating instructions. It includes a brief description, recommendations for the use of detergents, washing time, water and electricity consumption

Using the table, it is easy to select the mode on request: the shortest, most economical or intensive.

According to statistics, the largest loading dishes, including heavily contaminated ones, occurs after dinner. Therefore, at night it is better to run the car in “ECO” mode - it takes longer, but is economical and “diligent”. During the day, you can get by with the express wash program to quickly remove light dirt.

Basic and additional functions

The main functions - washing and drying - are included in the operation of all dishwashers without exception. These stages may be fundamentally different. Washing systems come with pre-soaking particularly greasy and smoky pans or additional rinsing of clear glass, at different water heating temperatures, and different durations.

Drying differs in type:

• condensation – natural drying during cooling;
• convection – turbo, under the influence of circulating hot air;
• zeolite – drying under the influence of air heated by the mineral;
• intelligent Sensor Dry – analysis of room temperature and airflow.

There is no fundamental difference when choosing the type of drying, especially if the activation wash cycle planned for the night - the dishes are dry by breakfast in any case.

Additional functions for representatives of different brands may differ, as from time to time companies introduce new, more technologically advanced and economical developments.

Common features include “delayed start”, with which you can move the dishwashing time to a more convenient period - at night or, conversely, from 9 am to 12 pm, while no one is at home

The half-load mode does not work in all models, but it can be useful for small families or single people. It allows you to speed up the washing process, reduce energy and water consumption.

System AquaStop prevents leaks inside the housing and in the hoses. If the program fails or one of the machine parts fails, the unit stops. Used water is discharged into the sewer, and the flow of new water is blocked.

If the machine is not equipped with AquaStop, you can buy a hose that operates on the same principle. Easy-lock – forced door closing function. If you don’t slam it, the machine simply won’t turn on, so there’s a lock that automatically pulls the door up and latches it.

PowerDry - a development by Whirlpool for quick drying of dishes made of different materials. The manufacturer claims that even plastic dries in 1 hour

Dual Wash – the ability to wash dishes with different characteristics in one load.Pots and fragile glasses are cleaned at the same time, but with the only condition - they are loaded into different compartments. The dirtiest dishes are placed in the lower tier, glasses and rinsing cups are placed in the upper tier.

OptoSensor – a very useful function related to determining water hardness. If the sensors indicate a risk of limescale, the amount of salt in the wash water increases.

Rackmatic – the ability to adjust the extension and height of the upper basket for a more successful arrangement of items.

VarioSpeed ​​Plus – a system that increases the washing speed by increasing the pressure of the supplied water and adjusting the rinsing. Thanks to this function, the time is reduced by three times

To learn about the functions of a particular unit, you must carefully study the technical documentation. Modern cars have many more useful options, but it is better to choose those that are required for daily washing.

Is the noise level worth paying attention to?

The noise level of dishwashers, like other household appliances, is measured in dB. The average performance of the latest models is approximately the same and falls within the range of 40-50 dB. These are machines that allow you to calmly go about your business without causing discomfort.

Quiet operation of the motor and units supplying/discharging water is ensured by high-quality sound insulation. Additionally, the walls of furniture modules that have built-in dishwashers protect against noise.

Low noise level is considered to be sounds that do not exceed 45 dB. For example, for the Bosch SPS66XW11R model it is only 43 dB. If you purchase a powerful unit of 55-60 dB, then take care of the possibility of a delayed start.

The importance of brand when choosing a model

To choose a dishwasher of a certain brand, you should rely on the following criteria:

• technical and functional capabilities;
• unique developments;
• design features;
• connectivity options;
• price.

The last point is not so important if the manufacturer presents several series, from budget to premium. However, there are manufacturers whose all models are considered elite.

The “cheapest” and least functional Smeg dishwashers cost more than 35 thousand rubles, while the cost of expensive ones exceeds 140 thousand rubles.

Dear and popular representatives of the dishwashing world: Asko, Smeg, Miele, AEG, Kuppersberg, De Dietrich, Fagor.

Middle price segment: BoschWhirlpool Electrolux, Gorenje, Siemens, Neff.

Inexpensive dishwashers: DeLonghi, Beko, Ariston, ZanussiMidea, Indesit.

Expensive cars have a more reliable engine and pump, a more stylish design, many useful functions, and more comfortable operation. But some models are practically no different from economical ones, so a high price is not always an indicator of quality.

Expert recommendations for choosing PMM

We present some tips from amateurs and experts: how to choose a reliable dishwasher and not make a mistake. If your financial capabilities allow you to choose any model, then under no circumstances choose equipment based on the most expensive price tag.

Compare several models. It happens that an expensive car runs loudly, creating a noise level of 60 dB, takes up a lot of space or requires constant maintenance

For a large family, you need a tall built-in or free-standing model. The width is not important, since narrow ones are not inferior in functionality to wide ones. Their only drawback is that the boxes are less spacious.

A family of 2 people will be satisfied with a compact machine.If the kitchen is already installed, you can purchase a countertop dishwasher - it takes up the same space as a microwave

If you have a summer house, a compact machine can travel with you if necessary and make it easier to care for your dishes throughout the warm season.

If a certain amount has been allocated for a new household assistant, then it is better to choose 5-6 models and compare their capabilities. Most likely, they will differ in the number of programs, two or three additional options and sizes. Choose a priority criterion and build on it.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Expert advice on choosing a PMM - the subtleties are considered and useful tips are given for choosing the optimal model:

The following video contains medical recommendations that you should pay attention to when choosing a dishwasher:

An overview of the main criteria that play an important role when choosing dishwashing equipment for the home:

There are a huge number of manufacturers of dishwashing equipment, and each of them annually releases new models to the market.

Choosing a dishwasher for your home, given the assortment, is quite difficult, so try to take into account important points: size, capacity, technical characteristics, repairability. Study reviews of the models you like and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Would you like to tell us about how you chose a dishwasher to install in your own kitchen? What criteria did you rely on when determining the most suitable model? Please write comments in the block below, share useful information and post photos related to the topic of the article.