In most families, the dishwasher runs at least once a day. This makes this home appliance one of the most important helpers in the kitchen. Hardly anyone can imagine cleaning dishes, glasses, cups and pots by hand. In addition to the enormous time savings score the modern dishwasher with a minimum energy and water consumption. If you take a little more time to select the right dishwasher, you benefit from individual settings and smart washing programs.
Partially integrable, built-under, single- flush or deco-compatible: In the following guide, we explain the most important technical terms and criteria that decide when buying a dishwasher. In addition, we present you the best dishwasher in comparison. The main focus is on the energy and water consumption, the programs and the innovative functions that pay off in everyday kitchen life. Whether the Stiftung Warentest has already carried out a dishwasher test, we tell you at the end of the guide.
Top 10 Dishwashers
- 【Compact Size and Large Capacity】The size of JOYOUNG portable dishwasher is 18.3 x 17.44 x 15.98 inches, but can hold 3 full place settings and...
- 【No Installation Needed】There is no need to modify waterways and cabinets, this countertop dishwasher supports water tank mode with a built-in 5 L...
- 【5 Washing Programs】This countertop dishwasher perfectly provide 5 washing programs: Heavy, Normal, Light, Rinse and Selfclean, meet various...
- Space saving 18” wide built in dishwasher for compact space living
- 8 place setting capacity and silverware basket
- Dimensions: 17 11/16" W x 22 13/16" D x 32 8/16" H | Max Adjustable Product Height: 34 7/16"
- 7 SUPERIOR WASH CYCLES: With this incredible BLACK+DECKER portable dishwasher, you find the right wash cycle that works for you and your dishes. Our 7...
- LED DISPLAY: Set your wash cycle and time with ease thanks to this intuitive dish washer LED display. Thanks to its easy-to-navigate electronic touch...
- QUICK CONNECT: Hook up your must-have white dishwasher with a seamless Quick Connect assembly, hooking right up to the faucet. No need for direct...
- [ No Installation Needed ]: Adding water manually in the 5L built-in water tank, you can put the countertop dishwasher in any suitable place without...
- [ Ultra-Compact Design ]: The compact dishwasher can wash 30+ items (Max to 10" plates) at a time while occupying a small space (16.5 x 17.1 x 17.1...
- [ 6 Programs ]: NORMAL, RAPID, STEAM, FRUIT, GLASS washing programs, and AIR REFRESH extra drying mode meet all your daily needs. Note: use the...
- QUIET OPERATION: Built-in dishwasher features ultra-quiet operation at only 45 dB with exterior sound insulating pads pre-installed
- LARGE CAPACITY: 24 in. tall tub dishwasher accommodates up to 12 place settings to wash multiple dishes at once; upper rack to accommodate large or...
- FUNCTIONS: 4 Wash Cycles--Normal, Auto, Heavy, Express--featuring 2 Options, including Heated Dry, Sanitize Rinse and Delay Start; Multiple filter...
- Put all your dirty kitchen utensils in one wash with our 18-inch Energy Star-certified dishwasher. It holds 9 place settings for all your cutlery and...
- You don’t need to go through any complicated steps just to use your dishwasher. Simply press the buttons to select programs, delays, start/pause....
- Dry your plates, mugs, and glass quickly without any marks or streaks using the rinse aid dispenser. Only use rinse aids designed for an automatic...
- MAXIMUM CAPACITY: Dishwasher holds up to 8 standard place settings and features a silverware basket and cup tray
- AUTOMATIC CYCLES: Six automatic cycles (Regular, Automatic, Super, Intensive, Delicate, Rinse), delayed start, and three additional wash options (Hi...
- LOADED WITH FEATURES: Electronic control panel with LED display & cycle status indicators, quiet 53dB operation, rinse aid dispenser, eco - half load...
- Build- in Lights Function, Portable Size: 16x16x17.5(H) inch, 26.4 LB Net Weight, Convenient Dishwasher can fit a Variety of Dishes (up to 12-inches...
- Multi Washing Programs: Six Wash Programs - Standard, Quick, Strong, ECO, Fruit and DRY. Lower and Upper Spray Arms give Dishes that Streak-Free Deep...
- Easy-To-Use Control Panel: The LED Digital Controls show a Clear Picture-View of Wash Controls and the Automatic Water Level Indicator Lets you Know...
When does a dishwasher make sense?
In the meantime, kitchen sinks and dishwashers share a drain in almost all kitchens and do the cleaning of plates, cups, glasses, pans, bowls and pots. Hardly anyone would like to invest time in washing dishes by hand. It is convenient to place the dishes in the dishwasher basket in a few moments and activate the next cycle at the push of a button. The innovative devices not only avoid rinsing hands. They are able to recoup their own purchase price. In fact, you can save money with the right dishwasher. The leading manufacturers such as Beko, Bauknecht and Bosch are investing in the development of innovative technologies that use sensors to calculate the same amount of energy and water needed for the next wash cycle.
The dishwasher we distinguish different types. There are free-standing, semi-integrated, fully integrated dishwashers, under-counter dishwashers and table-top dishwashers. All types work according to one principle: You put your dirty dishes and cutlery in the dishwasher to take it out clean and dry after the rinsing process. Rather, your own kitchen and capacity make the difference that decides when buying a dishwasher.
Advantages & Disadvantages of the dishwasher:
- Economical in water and energy consumption
- High time savings: Efficient cleaning performance
- Broad range of programs
- Thorough cleaning of dishes, cutlery, glasses and pots
- Clear LC display
- From energy efficiency class A ++ relatively high purchase price
- Eco programs with a running time of up to 4 hours
- Large dishwashers take up a lot of space in the kitchenette
FAQ: The most important questions about the dishwasher
When was the first dishwasher available?
The invention of the dishwasher dates back to the year 1886 and Josephine Cochrane. The US American filed a patent for a dishwasher that used water pressure to clean cutlery and dishes. Officially, the first dishwasher in Chicago at the 1893 World’s Fair saw the light of day. So here we are dealing with a relatively new invention, but it has considerably simplified the entire household routine.
What temperature reaches a dishwasher?
In the standard washing programs and in the main wash program, the temperatures of most dishwashers are between 65 and 70 degrees Celsius. So some dishwashing detergents need a certain temperature before they can develop their full cleaning effect. You should take a look at the leaflet to select the appropriate program and flush away any grease and debris.
How much does a load in the dishwasher cost me?
Especially modern devices work in very high energy efficiency classes and consume minimal amounts of energy and water per run. In fact, many consumers here appreciate and still think they would be better advised to wash by hand. However, investing in an innovative dishwasher helps everyday life become more efficient. A full charge should, therefore, be at prices of about 0.50 euros. This includes the detergents, the water and the energy. Not to be underestimated is the saving of time, when they no longer stand at the sink, but only press a button.
Which dishwasher types are there?
- Free-standing dishwasher: Freestanding dishwashers are also referred to as floor washers. This type of dishwasher you set everywhere regardless of your own kitchen, provided electricity and water are available. In contrast to the competition, you can use the shelf with the freestanding dishwasher. One of the key features of freestanding appliances is their desirability. In this case, the device cover can be removed and adapted to the dimensions and the material and the panels in the kitchen.
- Undercounter dishwasher: Undercounter dishwashers are delivered without cover plate. That is, the dishwasher is integrated into the kitchen unit, but no furniture door can be attached to the front cover. If the front is not integrated in the kitchen, it falls out of line in the design. As a rule, there are the dishwashers in stainless steel look or with white front. The control panel is visible on this dishwasher and can best be operated as a touch screen or via large buttons.
- Fully integrated built-in appliance: We are talking about a built-in appliance if we do not place the dishwasher freely in the room but integrate it into the kitchen unit. The front area of the dishwasher is provided with a furniture door so that the dishwasher disappears completely in the kitchen optics. The control panel is located at the top of the unit and is visible only after the door has been opened. Accordingly, the fully integrated dishwasher does not need a separate child safety device.
- Semi-integrated built-in unit: In semi-integrated dishwashers, the operating element is visible and freely accessible. Nevertheless, the dishwasher fits into the kitchen and is not particularly noticeable. Some semi-integrated dishwashers are decorable.
- Decorable built-in unit: In this case, you have the option to install a decor panel with a thickness of 3 to 4 millimetres on the front. This is how the devices adapt to the design of your kitchen. This is not necessary with other dishwashers as they already have an elegant stainless steel look. If you change from an old to a new dishwasher, the desirability is always necessary if you want to put the existing decorative plate on the new device.
- Table dishwasher: The table dishwasher convinces by its compact size. It takes up little space and can be placed in the kitchen to save space. Table dishwashers are suitable for single households.
What is a place setting?
A place setting is a set number of cutlery and dishes. In accordance with EN 50242, we are dealing with a standardized size that has been measured in advance and codified. This allows you to compare the capacity of the dishwasher.
What sizes are there with dishwashers?
The common standard of dishwashers comes in width to 60 centimetres and fits into most kitchens. In any case, the new dishwasher should fit the worktop and cabinet. If the device width drops to 45 centimetres, we speak of a mini dishwasher. These special devices were designed for a single household. Upwards, the capacity increases according to the number of users, so that extended families also have the opportunity to find the right size for the dishwasher.
Which dishwasher height to choose?
What connections do I need for a dishwasher?
Before opening the valve, place a bucket below it. Finally, some water can run out. Use a pipe wrench for this purpose and then screw this valve tight. The fresh tap water enters the dishwasher via the supply hose. The dirty rinse water flows through the drain hose directly into the drain of the sink. Again, there is a corresponding outflow. If this connection is missing, an intermediate piece between siphon and drain can be integrated.
How much water does a dishwasher use?
A rinse requires about 5 to 7 litres of water. When rinsing by hand, it is between 13 and 15 litres. Are then still fat-smear pans or pots here, increases the water consumption in hand washing. To the same extent, the amount of detergent increases by rinsing by hand. In the dishwasher, it does not matter how many grease-smeared pots are included in the rinse cycle. It is by no means the case that longer rinse times on the dishwasher automatically result in higher water consumption. Statistics have shown that flushing by hand consumes about 5,500 litres of water per year. So much more than the dishwasher needs.
Buying guide dishwasher: What should be considered?
The size of the dishwasher is one of the main factors when it comes to choosing a dishwasher. Dishwashers with a width of 45 centimetres are suitable for smaller families, while the dishwasher with a width of 60 centimetres are ideal for a family of 4. Last but not least, capacity utilization plays an important role. In this context, you should determine the respective flushing volumes and orientate yourself at the purchase of the capacities of the devices.
The energy efficiency class: What consumes the dishwasher?
The energy efficiency class makes it easy for consumers to compare their respective consumption levels. According to the specifications of the European Union, the manufacturers are obliged to mark the devices with the EU energy label. Since 1998, this indicator is clearly visible on a number of household appliances. If you buy a dishwasher today, you can also logically assess consumption based on the EU energy consumption label. In the electrical supply chain, you can easily see the energy rating of the device on the front or top of the device. Devices with efficiency classes A ++ and A +++ belong to the household appliances with a low consumption.
The energy class determine the manufacturer in relation to the eco-program of the dishwasher. The austerity programs score with a shorter duration and correspondingly lower energy and water consumption than the intensive program. The product data sheet of the dishwasher gives you more detailed information, which you can find in the online shop via the detailed product description. Here you will find the power consumption, the water consumption, the maximum load and the drying efficiency class.
Equipment of the dishwasher
In the interior, there are sometimes enormous differences. The common standard in most cases includes the cutlery basket, which fits in the lower part of the student. Other devices use a cutlery drawer. Particularly useful are the adjustable baskets, because so also soup pots and pans find their place in the dishwasher. As a rule, the dishwashers are equipped with so-called “rows of spikes” in which you can insert smaller plates or saucers. Fold the rows of barbs, you will get a flat shelf if necessary. Place the plates in parallel rows in the respective rows of plates so that you can thoroughly clean them during the next round. The individual plates should not touch each other or lie directly on top of each other. Make sure that the cleaner and the hot water are really every cutlery part.
Noise level of the dishwasher
The volume of the dishwasher is a purchase criterion. If the students run every day, you should not disturb everyday life and best not notice it at all. The manufacturers are working on the lowest possible noise level, which is best not to exceed 46 decibels. An alternative would be to activate the dishwasher at night.
Cleaning: dishwasher does not wash clean
Most problems and mistakes can already be cleared out of the way by the right load. Thus, in the lower basket in most cases, a plastic propeller. This I must be able to move freely in any case. Otherwise, the water can not spread throughout the basket. Now place too high plates or pots in this area and hinder the rotation, does not wash the machine clean. But in most cases, a dirty dishwasher is to blame for the waning performance. In any case, you should clean the entire interior regularly. The dishwasher is actually responsible for the cleanliness in the kitchen but is treated by most users more than caring when it comes to regular cleaning.
How do you best clean a dishwasher?
The following cleaning cycle should let even heavily soiled dishwashers sparkle clean again:
- Sprinkle soda on the bottom of the empty dishwasher.
- Fill vinegar essence into the powder compartment.
- Run the standard program at a high temperature without auditioning.
- After cooling, open the machine. Also, open the kitchen window as there will be strong smelling vinegar vapours.
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