A dishwasher is not an expensive technique, therefore, it is necessary to approach its purchase with all responsibility. Whether this assistant is needed in the house or not, everyone decides for himself. But if you are reading this article, then the decision to purchase has already been made. It remains only to choose the right model. In the article we will talk about the main criteria for choosing a dishwasher, which must be considered when buying.
Type of device, its dimensions and capacity
What to look for first? The main parameter is the type of machine.
Think in advance about the installation site of the equipment, then it will be much easier to choose a device.
By design and type of installation, PMMs are divided into:
- Embedded. Such models are fully mounted in kitchen furniture. The door and control panel are hidden behind the facade, so the integrity of the interior in the room is not violated. If you decide to install a new kitchen, then this option is suitable.
- Freestanding (solo) / partially recessed. Cars can be partially installed in furniture (panel and door are not hidden behind the facade), or put separately. They are more convenient in terms of operation than fully built-in, as they provide instant access to the control panel. If you plan to reinstall in the kitchen or if you do not want to install a decorative facade, it is better to stop on a solo model.
- Desktop (portable). If the free space in the kitchen is limited, and the dishes are washed by hand, tired, the option with a mini dishwasher will be the best solution. Such PMMs take up no more space than a microwave, so they can be installed anywhere (on a countertop, a separate stand).
When choosing, it is important to consider the size of the equipment and its capacity (the number of sets of dishes that can be washed in it at a time).
Depending on the size of the device, there are:
- Full sized. Their standard sizes: height - 85 cm, width and depth - 60 cm. Hold from 11 to 17 table sets. Suitable for large families. Such dishwashers cost more, but their functionality is wider.
- Narrow. PMM with a width of usually 45 cm (sometimes less), can wash up to 9 sets (depending on model). Suitable for a small kitchen and a family of 3 people.
- Compact. Not only narrow, but also low (up to 55 cm high), hold from 4 to 8 sets, depending on the model. Inexpensive, but you can’t save on expenses with them.
How to choose PMM by the “capacity” parameter? It’s easy to determine: you need to multiply the number of family members by three. That is, for 3 people, a machine designed for washing at least nine table sets is suitable.
Energy classes, washing and drying
The less electricity a technician consumes per wash cycle, the lower the electricity bill. The energy efficiency class is depicted in Latin letters from A (most economical) to G (most costly). Class A PMMs consume an average of 0.8–1.05 kW / cycle. Therefore, on the factory label PMM look for exactly this letter.
In many modern dishwashers there are energy efficiency classes A +, A ++, A +++.
The more characters after the letter, the better and more expensive the technique. But this is far from the parameter on which you can save. After all, why then a dishwasher if it copes with its duties with great expense?
The washing and drying classes are indicated by the first three letters of the Latin alphabet. They mean the following:
- A - clean, dry dishes at the exit;
- B - after washing small plates and drops of water may remain on plates and cutlery;
- C - poor quality of washing.
Noise level
The noise parameter is measured in decibels (dB), the maximum level in dishwashers is 55 dB, the minimum is 38 dB. If the noise of the machine is not more than 43 dB, then its operation can be regarded as quiet (it will hardly be heard). Maybe for many this parameter is not so important. But if you live in a studio apartment or you have a small child, then the noise figure plays a primary role in choosing equipment.
Programs and modes
A large number of programs and the presence of additional functions significantly affect the cost of the device. For daily use, 4–5 modes are sufficient. The standard set of most washers includes the following programs:
- standard - for washing sets of medium pollution;
- intensive - for washing heavily soiled dishes;
- fast or express - for lightly soiled dishes;
- soaking or pre-rinsing - used before the main cycle when there is grease or dried dirt on the plates.
In expensive cars, in addition to basic programs, there are special ones. Depending on the company and model, the PMM may have such additional modes:
- Half load - makes it possible to load less dishes than the capacity of the equipment allows. In this case, the consumption of electricity, water, detergent is reduced proportionally.
- Auto program - the machine automatically determines the desired cycle based on the data received by the sensors.
- Delicate program - for washing dishes from fragile glass, porcelain, etc.
- Steaming - for sterilizing dishes. Especially useful for lovers of canning and for families with small children.
- Bioprogram - makes it possible to use special dietary supplements to remove fats.
- Eco mode - a program of economical consumption of resources and washing lightly soiled cutlery.
According to the results of the Roskachestvo examination, the economical program in many PMMs does not always save resources. Moreover, the operating time of the dishwasher can increase up to 40% per cycle. Therefore, an environmental program is nothing more than a marketing ploy of most manufacturers.
Do you need additional modes or will standard programs be enough? Decide based on the needs of your family.
Drying type
An important criterion when choosing a device is the type of drying. In PMM, its types are distinguished:
- Condensation. The easiest drying option, but also very long. At the end of the cycle, the dishes are treated with hot water, as a result of which steam forms and settles on the walls of the hopper in the form of condensate. Thus, drying is carried out. The process is quite lengthy. Therefore, in order for the plates and cups to dry well, it is better to start the washing cycle in the evening. Also, with this type of drying, it is important not to forget to open the door at the end of the cycle or choose a model that does this automatically.
- Turbo dryer. The dishes dry out due to constant blowing with hot air. For this, a fan and an additional heating element are provided in the device. This drying method is of better quality (does not leave stains on plates) and fast. But it also has disadvantages: models with turbo-drying cost more, more energy-consuming and noisy.
- Active condensation or intensive drying. Here, the heat exchanger is responsible for drying. Hot air in the chamber of the device is mixed with cold, which comes from a special air intake. Due to the difference in pressure, the dishes dry much faster.
Which drying is better? It depends on what suits you best. Want to save? Then choose condensation or intense. If it is important for you that the drying is as fast as possible, then it is better to buy a car with a turbo dryer.
Equipment and functionality
To improve the quality of the equipment, many models have additional useful options. They significantly expand the capabilities of the device.
- Stratum delay timer. Sometimes a very necessary function that almost any PMM has. Allows you to delay the start of the cycle for a time that you yourself choose.
- Water purity control. Using an aquasensor, the machine monitors the degree of contamination of water during rinsing. If it is not transparent enough, the sensor drains it and another portion is poured. This continues until the sensor no longer detects traces of dirt in the water.
- Ray on the floor. A function that notifies the start and end of a washing cycle through a projection onto the floor of a light beam (or a time is being counted). When the program is started, the beam glows, when it is finished, it goes out. This function is necessary for fully built-in PMM models, when it is impossible to determine the end of a wash by other signs (no noise, indication on the panel).
- The ability to connect to hot water. This option, of course, saves energy, and this is a plus. But it is not very practical, since it is difficult to regulate the temperature in this case (especially if voltage surges often occur).
- Filter crusher. Expensive equipment, but definitely useful. Especially useful for those who do not like to waste time preparing dishes before loading. The built-in filter allows you to load plates with leftover food, which he himself grinds and lowers through the drain into the sewer.
- Camera backlight The illumination of the hopper makes it easier to load and unload cutlery and utensils.
- Child protection. Equipment must be safe for others. Therefore, locking the door and buttons on the control panel is a necessary set of options in any car. So, a small child will not be able to interfere with the operation of the equipment, and the steam from the camera (in the case of opening the door) will not harm him.
- Salt and rinse aid indicators - show the availability of these funds in the loading containers and in time report on the need to replenish their supplies.
There are many other additional “goodies”. For example, loading baskets that can be adjusted (height, tilt, etc.). Some models have special baskets for spoons, forks, knives and even glass holders.
Leakage protection
Dishwasher - a device that poses an increased danger during operation, as it is connected to the mains and water supply. Therefore, the equipment should be as safe as possible for its owners.
Leakage protection is complete and partial. The first option is more reliable. The machine, detecting a leak, immediately stops the water supply. When only the housing is protected, the water is shut off exclusively after the overflow of the sump.
Does the brand matter?
The company is an important criterion for choosing a dishwasher. You may have to pay more to buy a good device. But in this case, you pay exclusively for quality and reliability, and not for the brand. Therefore, even experts do not recommend saving on the company.
Reliable PMM manufacturers are Miele, Siemens, AEG, Bosch. The quality of products (assemblies and components) of brands such as Bosch or Siemens is at their best. A large model range allows you to choose a cheaper option.
The dishwashers Candy, Beko, LG, Whirlpool have proven themselves well. But it is better to refuse to buy equipment from little-known Chinese manufacturers. There is a risk that after an automatic wash you will have to wash everything manually.
Before buying, it will not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with expert advice and user reviews about the model of the dishwasher that you liked. According to the description of the technology, it is difficult to judge its reliability. And additional information can shed light on how well it copes with washing in practice.
For whatever parameters you choose a dishwasher, the main thing is that it meets your individual requirements and wishes as much as possible.