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 at least for the next decade. Therefore, it is important not to take the first model that comes across, but to analyze several suitable dishwashers that fit within the family budget.

Let's find out how to choose a dishwasher so that it meets your needs as much as possible and does not disappoint after the first week of use.

When choosing appliances for the kitchen, first of all, its appearance is striking. If the unit does not meet the buyer's taste preferences, it is unlikely that he will choose it.

The built-in models are an exception, but even they differ in the filling of internal compartments, the design of baskets for dishes, and the design of the control panel.

Freestanding and semi-built-in machine manufacturers offer both economical standard models with no frills, as well as retro-style dishwashers with rounded corners and bold colors.

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Partially built-in machines are distinguished by a control unit that is brought out to the outside - it is located in the upper part, in a conspicuous 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, the machines are full-sized, that is, the most voluminous, narrow, reduced in width, or compact.

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before "G"... They represent the gradation of the quality of washing, drying and energy consumption. The decoding of the sticker, which each device must have, is given below.

Modern models compete in terms of energy efficiency classes, so more and more often you can find the markings "A", "A +", "A ++". The more pluses, the higher the percentage of savings

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

After 2010, the standby mode was additionally turned on, the calculation is made taking into account 280 wash cycles, and the class is displayed depending on the EEI index.

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

Dishwashers of classes "F" or "G" are not recommended to be purchased, since 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 often, then the savings are significant.

Electronics or mechanical control?

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

Mechanically operated dishwashers can also be equipped with LED indicators, digital displays or additional buttons for easy program setting

Buttons are usually located in one or more rows on the panel at the top of the door. However, if they are in plain sight for partially built-in units, then for fully-built units they become available if you open the door a little.

Push-button models have only one drawback - difficulties with leaving. Dirt gets into the small gaps between the buttons and the case, it is difficult to remove, and later on it becomes difficult to use.

Sensory dishwashers are free from inconvenience when leaving. Smooth panels are easy to clean, grease and dirt will not linger anywhere. Touch models are more often equipped with child protection - button lock protects against accidental pressing

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

Some cars are equipped with a comfort option "Beam on the floor"... 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 designation. At the end of the wash, the color of the beam may change.

Review of popular programs

The more programs available for different types of dishes, the better. However, chasing a large list is not worth it, since in practice few people use more than 2-3 economy modes.

When buying, they are usually guided by the parameters of two programs: "Standard" or "ECO".

A detailed description of each program can be found in the instruction manual. It includes a short description, recommendations for the use of detergents, washing times, water and electricity consumption.

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

According to statistics, the largest load of dishes, including heavily soiled ones, occurs after dinner. Therefore, it is better to run the car in the mode at night. "ECO"- it is more durable, but economical and "diligent".

During the day, you can get by with an express wash program to quickly remove light dirt.

Basic and additional functions

Main functions - washing and drying - included in the work of all dishwashers without exception... However, both stages can be fundamentally different.

Sinks come with preliminary soaking of especially greasy and smoky pans or additional rinsing of transparent glass, at different water heating temperatures, different in duration.

Drying differs in type:

  • condensation- natural drying in the process of 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 the temperature in the room and airflow.

There is no fundamental difference when choosing the type of drying, especially if the washing is planned for the night period - the dishes dry up for breakfast anyway.

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

Common options include a "delayed start", with which you can postpone the dishwashing time to a more convenient period - overnight or, on the contrary, from 9 am to 12 noon, while no one is at home

Half load mode Does not work in all models, but may 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 hoses. If the program malfunctions or one of the machine parts fails, the unit stops. The used water is discharged into the sewer, and the flow of new water is blocked.

If the machine is not equipped with an AquaStop, you can buy a hose that works in the same way.

Easy-lock- forced door closing function. If you do not slam it, the machine simply will not turn on, therefore a lock is provided that automatically pulls the door and latches it.

PowerDry- development of the Whirlpool company for quick drying of dishes made of different materials. The manufacturer claims that even plastic dries up 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 rinse cups in the upper tier.

ОptoSensor- a very useful function related to the determination of water hardness. If the sensors report a risk of lime scale, the amount of salt in the wash water will increase.

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 find out about the functions of a particular unit, it is necessary to carefully study the technical documentation. Modern cars have much 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 of dishwashers, like other household appliances, is determined in dB. The average indicators of the latest models are approximately the same and fall within 40-50 dB. These are machines that allow you to calmly go about your business and do not cause discomfort.

The quiet operation of the motor and the units supplying / removing water is provided with high-quality sound insulation. Additionally, the walls of furniture modules, in which dishwashers are built-in, are protected from noise

Sounds that do not go beyond 45 dB are considered a low noise level. For example, in the Bosch SPS66XW11R model, it is only 43 dB. If you purchase a powerful 55-60 dB unit, then take care of the possibility of a delayed start.

The importance of the 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;
  • price.

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

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

Dear and well-known representatives of the dishwashing world: Asko, Smeg, Miele, AEG, Kuppersbusch, De Dietrich, Fagor.

Middle price segment: Bosch, Whirlpool, Electrolux, Gorenje, Siemens, Neff.

Inexpensive dishwashers: DeLonghi, Beko, Ariston, Zanussi, Midea, Indesit.

Expensive cars have a more reliable engine and pump, more stylish design, many useful functions, more comfortable control. But some models practically do not differ from economical ones, so a high price is not always an indicator of quality.

Here are some tips from hobbyists and experts on how to choose a reliable dishwasher and get it right.

If the financial capabilities allow you to choose any model, then in no case select equipment at the most expensive price tag.

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

A large family needs a tall built-in or freestanding model. The width is not important, since the narrow ones are not inferior in functionality to the wide ones. Their only drawback is less spacious boxes.

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

If you have a summer cottage, a compact machine can, if necessary, travel with you and facilitate the maintenance of dishes throughout the warm season.

If a certain amount is 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 for choosing the optimal model are given:

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

There are a huge number of dishwasher manufacturers, and each of them annually launches new models on the market. It is rather difficult to choose a dishwasher for your home, given the assortment, so try to take into account the important points: dimensions, capacity, technical characteristics, and the possibility of repair. Study the reviews of the models you like and choose the one that best suits your needs.