Dishwashers | Consumer Analysis

A dishwasher is an appliance/person used for washing plates, dishes, forks, spoons and other utensils. A dishwasher generally refers to two things, a person washing pots and pans by hand, or a mechanical appliance which does part or all of the washing by itself. The modern day mechanical appliance runs on electricity, and apart from needing to be loaded, does all the washing by itself. The use of mechanical dishwashers in developed countries is widespread, with the vast majority of residential homes and commercial eateries using them.

Capacity

The capacity of a dishwasher corresponds to the amount of plates and utensils which can fit into it per wash cycle. The exact terminology used by the industry is 'place settings'. And it's an international standard followed by most countries. One 'place setting' refers to the number of items used in one meal by one person.

One place setting

1. One plate.
2. One soup bowl
3. One desert bowl.
4. One tea cup.
5. One tea cup saucer.
6. One fork.
7. One Knife.
8. One desert spoon.
9. One tea cup spoon.

The size of the above items is not specified in the 'place setting' standard. Only, that one of the above, of an average size, can be held by the dishwasher. Therefore, the 'place setting' standard is not an exact science, but a general guideline. Dishwashers typically have between four and fourteen place settings. The average is around eight, but it's recommended (space permitting) to have in the region of twelve place settings for your new dishwasher.

Size

Of course the capacity of a dishwasher is largely dependent on it's overall size / dimension. Because modern dishwashers are usually installed under worktops or within cabinets, manufacturers stick to standard dimensions. The three standard sizes are as follows,

1. Compact - 20 inches / 50cm wide. Usually placed on a worktop.
2. Slimline - 18 inches / 45cm wide. For small families, singles and couples.
   
3. Fullsize - 24 inches / 60cm wide. For large families and businesses.

Performance

When it comes to performance, dishwashers are graded on three important performance criteria. The grading system goes from A down to G. With grade A being the best. The three performance categories are as follows,

1. Cleaning performance. Indicates how well the machine can remove dirt and grease.
2. Drying performance. Measures the amount of excess water at the end of a wash cycle.
3. Energy efficiency. A high performer can save a substantial amount of water and electricity.

The cleaning performance of a dishwasher is not only a visible indicator. There is also hygiene to consider. Manufacturers claim that dishwashers kill more germs than washing at a kitchen sink.

A dishwasher can also save time. Research has shown that a dishwasher can save a couple of days in saved time, in comparison to washing dishes by hand, over a year long period

The green credentials of dishwashers are clear cut. An average wash cycle at a kitchen sink (for a family) uses around fifty litres of water. Whereas a full dishwasher wash cycle uses around twenty five litres of water on average. This can add up to a considerable amount of water per year.

Sound damping is a final performance consideration. Manufacturers have done a good job of developing superior sound absorbing machines. You should expect a decibel level of around 42. Older machines are around 55-70 decibels. A difference in 10 decibels, is around three to five times quieter.

Features

When it comes to features, wash programmes are a primary consideration. The more the better. Some of the key programmes are as follows,

1. Fast cycle, plates with little dirt on them.
   
2. Economic, low temp, saves on electricity.
3. Performance, high temp, intensive wash for caked on dishes.
   
4. Half load, for fewer dishes, less litres of water are used.
   
5. Glass wash, calmer water pressure to protect delicate and expensive glass.

Hardware features are few and far between. An LCD display is standard on virtually all dishwashers. And a clear and easily understood panel is desirable. Apart from this, internal adjustable racks and baskets are another option to look for.