How to choose a dishwasher for your home? TOP best advice from a specialist
There are several proven ways to choose a dishwasher for your home. The unit should be spacious enough and at the same time not take up much space. You should take into account the number of programs, type of drying, electricity and water consumption. Practical advice on choosing a dishwasher from a specialist is described in detail in this article.
The content of the article
Dimensions and capacity
First of all, you need to familiarize yourself with the types of dishwashers. The main criterion for understanding how to choose the right dishwasher is the dimensions. The standard height is 85 cm, which allows the unit to fit under the countertop. However, the depth and width are different, and depending on them, 3 classes of devices are distinguished:
- Full-size - they reach a width of 60 cm. These are the most capacious models; they can simultaneously process up to 12 sets of dishes, and sometimes more. Suitable for large families (from 5 people).
- The narrow ones are 45 cm wide and can accommodate up to 9 sets. If you have any doubts about how to choose a dishwasher, you can consider these devices. They are suitable for a family of 3-4 people.
- There are also compact dishwashers, the width of which is 40-44 cm (sometimes even less). They process only 5-8 sets of dishes, but take up minimal space.
The choice of an IXBT dishwasher or other models must be made taking into account where it will be located in the kitchen. It is better to calculate the entire project in advance, although the unit can be built into an existing set. Moreover, you can choose from 3 classes:
- Fully built-in units - they are placed under the countertop, and the front panel is closed with a door. Thanks to this, the dishwasher is not visible, and the kitchen has a uniform design style and looks very attractive.
- Another way to choose a dishwasher based on the advice of experienced craftsmen is to purchase a partially built-in device. It is also placed under the tabletop, but the front panel is not covered, that is, both the door and the control panel are visible. This option is used when you need to integrate the unit into an already installed set.
- If there is no space at all, you can purchase a portable (countertop) dishwasher. It holds only 4-6 sets of dishes and is only suitable for a small family. But on the other hand, it costs much less and takes up minimal space.
When figuring out how to choose the right dishwasher, built-in or free-standing, you need to understand what “dishware set” means. This concept refers to a bowl, a flat plate, a cup and saucer, as well as a spoon and fork. Based on this, you can calculate how many dishes and cutlery a particular unit will accommodate.
Another parameter related to capacity is the number of baskets. Typically there are 2 of them, but sometimes there are 3. In the latter case we are talking about dishwashers with the third level. Forks, knives and other small items are placed in it. This is the best option to make the most of your space.Therefore, most often, experts recommend just such devices in their advice on choosing a dishwasher.
Leak protection system
A very important parameter, which is often even more important than capacity. Manufacturers produce 2 types of devices:
- Complete protection system.
- Partial protection.
In the first case, the model is equipped with tanks and hoses. A special sensor is installed in the lower pan, which determines whether there is water in the tank. If even a little liquid gets there, it begins to be automatically pumped out using a pump, and a corresponding error code appears on the screen.
If the protection is partial, this means that the unit is equipped only with a float valve, which is located in the pan below. This option on how to choose the right dishwasher is somewhat worse. But if you purchase an additional set of double hoses and install them, you can create an analogue of a complete protection system.
Water and electricity consumption
When considering what criteria to use to choose a dishwasher, you should not lose sight of the technical parameters. One of the important ones is water consumption. On average, units spend from 8 to 13 liters per cycle. Moreover, the more sets of dishes you can accommodate, the greater the volume of liquid required.
Moreover, saving on water is quite possible. To do this, it is recommended to purchase a device with half load. If there are not many dishes, you can evenly distribute them among the baskets and select the indicated mode. Then the washing will go faster, and 30-50% less water will be spent.
Another thing you need to know when choosing a dishwasher is electricity consumption. It is best to choose models with an energy efficiency class of at least A.Ideally, the designation would be A++, although A+ and A are also quite suitable.
It is important to pay attention to the type of engine. If the motor is inverter, it consumes 20-30% less electricity compared to other units. In addition, such models are quieter - the noise level reaches 45-47 dB, which is comparable to a normal conversation during the day.
Washing programs
The criteria for choosing a dishwasher are also related to washing programs. Even the simplest model has at least 4 of them, while advanced ones have 6-10. Moreover, there are special modes that significantly simplify the process and make it safer:
- Pre-rinse is suitable for heavily soiled dishes.
- Automatic mode - the machine independently determines the required volume of water, as well as the temperature level.
- You can choose a dishwasher based on parameters such as additional programs for crystal, glass, and plastic dishes.
- Another way to choose the right dishwasher for your home is related to high-temperature mode (70 degrees and above). Thanks to this option, most bacteria are destroyed and detergents are completely washed off, which is especially important for children and adults with allergies.
Drying type
When considering what parameters to choose a dishwasher for, you also need to take into account the type of drying:
- condensation – the process occurs due to the formation of condensation against the background of temperature changes;
- turbo drying - forced blowing with gusts of hot air;
- with a heat exchanger – accelerated drying based on the rapid formation of condensate;
- zeolite - with the help of special minerals that absorb moisture well.
That's pretty much everything you need to know about dishwashers.It is quite obvious that you need to choose a suitable model depending on the needs of the family and the features of the kitchen set. It is also important to take into account the manufacturer’s warranty, brand recognition, as well as customer reviews.