Dishwashers Buying Guide

Before embarking on the search for a new dishwasher, bear in mind that there are other things to consider than space and price. Owning a dishwasher is no longer a luxury and you can save time, money and even energy by using one.

By using a dishwasher, the average household can expect to save around 300 hours in washing-up time over a year. So, if you value your time at just £1 per hour, you've already covered the cost of a basic dishwasher. And it takes just five minutes to load a dishwasher, plus there's no drying-up to do.

Dishwashers use less water and energy than washing up by hand, so you're doing your bit for the environment as well. Particularly efficient machines use as little as 1.02kW of electricity and 12 litres of water to wash 12 place settings (120 pieces of crockery and cutlery) - that's less than two washing-up bowls full of water. The most efficient machine currently available is Asko's D3250, which is capable of cleaning a full load with only 9.9 litres of water - it also unsurprisingly gets a triple A (AAA) energy efficiency rating, making it ideal for the environmentally concerned household. Extra savings can be made by loading the dishwasher fully, by using water meters and, in certain circumstances, by taking advantage of cheap-rate night-time electricity.

Dishwashers also clean more thoroughly and hygienically than washing up in the sink. That's because the water temperature is higher than human hands can stand, detergents are more powerful, rinsing is thorough and drying is by hot air - far more hygienic than a germ-laden tea towel.

Main types of dishwasher

Firstly, you should consider the size and style that suits you best. Dishwasher capacity is described in place settings. One place setting is typically a small plate, large plate, dish, cup and saucer, and cutlery. Sizes are often summarised as:

Compact

Compact machines are about the size of a microwave, and are designed to sit on a draining board or working surface. They usually hold up to four or five place settings, though some compact models now hold six place settings. Fully electronic compact dishwashers are also now available, so a smaller size no longer means a compromise on features.

Slimline

Depending on the model, 45cm-wide slimline machines hold around eight or nine place settings. Where space in the kitchen is limited or where the family size is small, a slimline is the ideal solution.

Full size

The largest machines hold 12 or 14 place settings and are 60cm wide. A fully loaded, full-size dishwasher is the most economical to run, but many families do not use enough dishes to fill a dishwasher of this size. If you think assembling full loads may be a problem, choose a machine with a water- and energy-saving half-load facility.

DishDrawer

This new concept in dishwashers was pioneered by New Zealand's Fisher & Paykel. The DishDrawer is made up of two separate, independently operated wash drawers which each take six place settings. They're not cheap (the double unit costs over £1,000), but they do offer lots of flexibility. For example, you can use different settings for washing delicate glassware and heavy pots and pans at the same time.

Styles

Firstly, decide whether you want a built-in or freestanding dishwasher. A freestanding dishwasher slots into place beneath a kitchen worktop or draining board. A built-in dishwasher has a door fitted over the machine front to match those of the kitchen units, so it looks like a cupboard. There are three types of built-in machine:

Fully integrated

Comes ready to be fitted with a door front to match kitchen furniture, supplied by the kitchen manufacturer. Both full-size and slimline fully integrated dishwashers are available. This type of machine is obviously best bought at the time of getting your kitchen fitted, although if you do decide to buy it afterwards, most major kitchen brands will be able to supply you with a door to fit your machine and match your kitchen.

Semi-integrated

Takes a kitchen door up to the drawer line height. Infill panels are usually supplied to match the drawer line of the kitchen.

In-column

Built-in at chest height so it can be loaded and emptied without bending down.

Design and colour

There are a wide choice of styles, designs and colours now available, from traditional to contemporary. White is still the favourite colour for most people, but you can also go for fashionable options like a professional-look stainless steel with slim bar handles and hidden controls or more futuristic designs with soft sculpted curves and chunky controls. For the completely steamlined and colour coordinated look, fully integrated dishwashers are a must.

How much will I save?

(*Based on water cost at 0.13 pence per litre, electricity at 0.06 pence per kW)

Where will I put it?

A dishwasher must be situated close to the cold water supply, the waste pipe and a power point. Compact units can be fitted to kitchen taps, but plumbing the dishwasher into the cold water supply under a sink is usually the most sensible arrangement. This is because this is usually the point where your water will enter the kitchen, and it will therefore involve less pipe work getting the water to and from your dishwasher - saving you time and money, and possibly improving performance. Even so, you may need to install an extra power point, water connections and a pipe for waste - remember this could add around £200 to the cost of your dishwasher.

How much noise does it make?

Quiet operation is important if you 'live' in the kitchen or plan to run your dishwasher at night (in order to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates). The quietest dishwashers currently available emit just 42dB per 1W of output, but they do cost more. If you want a quieter than normal dishwasher, look for one with a noise level of less than 54dB per 1W.

Delivery and installation

Remember to ask the following questions:

When choosing your dishwasher, make sure it has at least an intensive, normal and economy programme. For more flexibility, consider one with a 30-minute quick wash or a lower temperature wash (like 45 C), which is more suitable for washing delicate glasses and china. Keep an eye out for the following

Programmes

Make sure your chosen dishwasher features these basics listed here:

Intensive wash

65 C to 70 C for baked-on food remains and heavy soiling.

Normal wash

65 C for everyday use.

Economy wash

These usually wash normal loads at a lower temperature (50 C to 55 C) for a longer time, thus saving energy.

Quick wash

This will wash lightly soiled dishes in usually around 30 minutes. Temperatures vary depending on model.

Extra programmes

In addition to basics, you might want to consider a half-load programme or a delicate wash that will gently wash your glasses and patterned dishes. Some models even offer a programme for washing crystal.

Half load

An economic programme that washes the top or bottom basket only; for when you don't have enough for a full load.

Delicates and glass

This uses low temperature (40 C) and low pressure and is designed to avoid thermal shock to glasses.

Energy efficiency

Dishwasher energy labels were introduced in August 1999. They allow you to compare the wash performance, energy rating and drying efficiency of all dishwashers, with A being the best and G the worst. Triple A dishwashers, a rarity three years ago, are more widely available now, and you don't have to pay the earth for one - prices start at around £350.

Energy labels also allow you to work out the annual water and electricity costs if you know the unit costs for each in your area. Water consumption will be particularly important if you have a water meter.

Other features to look for

Encapsulated heaters

More dishwashers now offer concealed heating elements, rather than exposed ones. These are better as they free up space and are safer (no hot areas to burn fingers or melt plastic items that slip through the baskets).

Counter balanced door

Most good dishwashers will feature this type of door. Counter balanced doors will not drop down or slam shut on their own, ensuring safe and convenient loading and unloading.

Anti-flood devices

This device stops the machine and cuts off the water supply if leaks are detected or if there is a danger of over-filling.

Baskets

Most machines have two sliding baskets, and useful rack options are often available as extras to accommodate large items. Most good machines will have a height adjustable upper basket. Also look for foldable plate racks that give you the option to accommodate large or awkwardly shaped dishes.

Flexible racks

These new style racks offer easier loading of machines thanks to the greater variety of places you can put the dirty items. Often the major problem when trying to fill a dishwasher efficiently is fitting different shaped items together rather than just a simple lack of space.

Filter

The filter in the base of the machine catches food scraps that might otherwise block the drains. The filter should be easy to lift out and replace, as it needs to be cleaned after every wash.

Electronic controls

Not only do these look great but they keep you in complete control of your dishwasher too. Models with LED displays mean you'll always know what stage in the wash the machine has reached - allowing you to plan ahead.

Fully Automatic

Fully Automatic (or Fuzzy Logic) models use sophisticated electronics to detect the level of soiling and size of load and then adjust the wash parameters accordingly. This means your dishes will always be washed to perfection, using the minimum water and electricity. They are also simple to operate, usually a one-touch operation, so there's no room for human error.

Rinse aid

Rinse Aid is used to help remove detergent during rinsing and leave crockery without spots or streaks. Look out for a Rinse Aid light, which lets you know when the dispenser needs refilling. If you don't have one you'll find yourself staring at devices such as black floats in small windows to try and discern whether it needs filling or not.

Salt dispenser

Dendritic salt is added to dishwashers to soften water and prevent streaking caused by limescale. A warning light to show when the salt dispenser needs refilling is a useful feature, and some advanced machines have an electronic salt regeneration system, which senses when salt needs to be added. As with the Rinse Aid warnings, this makes life a lot easier.

Spray action

Spray arms are usually found near the floor of the dishwasher, but some models have an alternating spray action with spray nozzles sited at both the top and bottom of the cabinet, which saves water and energy.

Time delay

Allows you to delay the start of a programme by up to 24 hours, in order to take advantage of cheap-rate night-time electricity.

Drying

Dishwashers also dry the dishes, though some do this better than others (you can tell from the energy label). For 'bone dry' dishes look out for models with Turbo or Condenser Drying programmes that draw out the steam.

Energy Management Systems

Some manufacturers, such as Siemens, make washing machines more economical and environmentally friendly by guaranteeing the most efficient use of water and energy.