Advice when buying a dishwasher
Due to more environmentally friendly attitudes, dishwashers have become less and less energy consuming to the extent that a modern dishwasher uses less energy than it takes to wash up dishes by hand.
A household of 4 that washes dishes up by hand uses up to 1050 kW a year compared to 380 kW a year if a dishwasher is used, if the dishes are not pre-rinsed in hot water and the dishwasher is fully loaded.
Size and design Temperatures Noise Water Security Program Water softener Energy saving tips Extra options
When choosing the size and design you should consider your individual needs, the size of your household and how much space you can spare. Smaller models designed to fit on a counter top measure approximately 45 x 55 x 45 cm. Larger size models measure approximately 82 x 90 x 58 cm (height x width x depth).
Many dishwashers have a “half load” function, which means you can program the dishwasher for a smaller load in the top tray.
For optimal use it is best to fill the dishwasher as this saves on both energy and cost.
High temperatures require high energy consumption and modern dishwashers wash effectively at temperatures as low as 55°C. A reduction in temperature from 65°C to 55°C lowers energy consumption by 25%.
Noise is an important consideration and an acceptable noise level is usually no higher than 50 dB.
Noise is measured in decibel according to an international measuring method. You may want to consider when you will be most likely to use the dishwasher especially if you live in an area with varying electricity rates dependent on time of day.
Do not forget to consider that both water and heating is expensive. That is why a dishwasher with low water consumption is preferred. All dishwashers can be connected to either cold or hot water. Dishwashers that are connected to cold water use less energy since the water is heated in the machine only during the cleaning sequence and the last rinse, but it extends the cycle.
When the dishwasher is connected to hot water, it uses hot water with all sequences
The dishwasher should be equipped with good protection against water damage and water leaks. You may also want child safety functions, especially for washing at high temperatures.
All dishwashers have a regular cycle. Most of them also have a rinse cycle and a delicate cycle with a lower temperature. The temperature should be at most 55°C. Note! Certain dishwashers may have a higher temperature then 55°C in the drying cycle. That means that you should not use the drying cycle when you wash very delicate glasses for example. The economy cycle can sometimes be used for regular dishes if the dishes are not too soiled. Then you will save energy.
If the water is hard you can get calcium stains on glasses and cutlery. Today most dishwashers have a built in water softener. For the water softener to work you have to fill it up with iodine free salt. An electronically controlled water softener is only activated when needed. You set it depending on how hard the water is.
Dont rinse the dishes in hot water, just scrape any residue off. Connect the dishwasher to cold water if possible. Use a low temperature program when the dishes are not too soiled.
Always fill the machine upp fully before you use it.
Some dishwashers are equipped with extra options such as movable upper trays, special holders for glasses, vases and bottles, and time delayed start functions.
