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Dishwasher buying guide
Buying dishwashers
The dishwasher is fast becoming an essential item of kitchen furniture, not surprising when you consider that the average household spends up to 500 hours a year washing dishes! But before you invest in that dishwasher you always promised yourself, take a look at our buying guide to get some idea of the different types, what they can do and how efficient they are.
Dishwasher size
Choosing the right sized dishwasher will depend upon your needs and storage space. A standard sized machine measures around H85 x W60 x D60cm and may offer the option of being integrated. For less space, there's slimline and compact models. Think about how much washing up needs to be done. A standard dishwasher holds 12 place settings and will typically hold:
- 12 x 24cm dinner plates
- 12 x 23cm soup plates
- 12 x 18.5cm dessert plates
- 12 cups and saucers
- 12 glasses
- 12 knives, forks, soup spoons, dessert spoons and teaspoons
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Energy Efficiency
Dishwashers are rated on a scale of A to G according to their energy efficiency. A appliances are most efficient and therefore cheaper to run, while G rated appliances are least efficient. The best machines achieve a first class 'A' rating for actual washing performance, in addition to 'A' energy rating for the least amount of electricity and water consumed; which is also better for the environment.
Energy Consumption
All dishwashers are tested for energy consumption based, which is measured in kWh per cycle.
Programmes
Depending on the machine, programmes will vary, but there will usually be at least four and often a rinse programme.
- Rinse onlyThe rinse only setting is handy if you're machine is not full enough for a normal wash and you want to remove the worst of the dirt before it dries on or smells.
- Main washThe main wash programmes will generally be around 55°C and 65°C, the hotter the setting, the more effective it is for removing stubborn grease and stuck on food.
- EconomyA cooler wash that's more economical for lightly soiled plates and cutlery.
- Glass/DelicatesThe more expensive models sometimes have a programme for glasses or delicates
- Half Load optionThis will wash small loads more economically.
- Automatic programmingMachines with built in intelligence known as 'fuzzy logic' can adapt washing to deal with the type of load. It uses sensors to assess how dirty a load is and adjusts the programme of washing and time required.
- DryingAll dishwasher cycles include a period of drying either using residual heat from the wash or via heated air sometimes circulated by fan. Heated air is quicker and more energy efficient.
Getting the best from your dishwasher
- Stacking loads correctlyFor optimum cleaning results, it's important to load your dishwasher in the right way. Stack smaller, less dirty items in the top tray as the spray is less extensive, and the more soiled pans at the bottom. Make sure that the dishwasher's neatly stacked so not to obscure certain items from cleaning and not precariously loaded to avoid breakages during the wash.
- Items not designed for dishwashersSome tableware and cookware may fade, cloud, rust or break in the dishwasher, so avoid loading:
- Crystal
- Patterned china
- Gold or silver-plated china
- Cast iron pans
- Cutlery with non-stainless steel handles
- Care and maintenanceAs well as dishwasher detergent, all machines need dishwasher salt to help soften the water and clean more effectively, and rinse aid to brighten and help dry the load. Most dishwashers will have some type of indicator to let you know when these need refilling. Remember to keep the filter clean of waste and run through dishwasher cleaner now and again to remove debris and limescale.
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Noise Levels
Dishwasher noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). The lower the dB, the quieter the appliance will be. For example, a dishwasher with a dB rating of 43 is quieter than a boiling kettle. This is an important consideration especially with today's open plan living.
Take Home Today
If you need your new dishwasher quicker than our standard delivery times, look out for selected items with the Take Home Today logo. These items are available in selected stores for same day collection. Simply contact the store to check that the item is in-stock and then collect. For further details visit www.tesco.com