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A dishwasher is an expensive appliance, so its purchase must be approached 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 pay attention to first of all? The main parameter is the type of machine.
Consider in advance the place of installation of the equipment, then it will be much easier to choose the device.
According to the design and type of installation, PMM are divided into:
- Built-in. Such models are completely 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 set, then this option is suitable.
- Freestanding (solo)/partially embedded. The machines can either be partially installed in the furniture (the panel and the door are not hidden behind the facade), or they can be placed separately. They are more user-friendly than fully built-in ones, as they provide instant access to the control panel. If you plan to reinstall in the kitchen or there is no desire to install a decorative facade, it is better to stay on the solo model.
- Desktop (portable). If the free space in the kitchen is limited, and you are tired of washing dishes by hand, the option with a mini dishwasher will be the best solution. Such PMMs take up no more space than a microwave oven, so they can be installed anywhere (on a countertop, a separate cabinet).
When choosing, it is important to take into account 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 size. Their standard sizes are: height – 85 cm, width and depth – 60 cm. They can accommodate from 11 to 17 dining sets. Suitable for large families. Such dishwashers cost more, but they also have wider functionality.
- Narrow. PMM with a width of usually 45 cm (sometimes less), can wash up to 9 sets (depending on the model). Suitable for a small kitchen and a family of 3.
- Compact. Not only narrow, but also low (up to 55 cm high), can hold from 4 to 8 sets, depending on the model. Inexpensive, but you won’t be able to save on expenses with them.
How to choose a PMM according to the “capacity” parameter? It is 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 the appliance consumes per wash cycle, the lower the electricity bill. The energy efficiency class is shown in Latin letters from A (most economical) to G (most costly). PMM class A consume an average of 0,8-1,05 kW / cycle. Therefore, look for this particular letter on the PMM factory sticker.
In many modern dishwashers there are energy efficiency classes A +, A ++, A +++.
The more characters after the letter, the better and more expensive the equipment. But this is far from the parameter on which you can save. After all, why then a dishwasher, if she copes with her duties at high cost?
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 spots and drops of water may remain on plates and cutlery;
- C – low quality of washing.
Noise level
The noise parameter is measured in decibels (dB), the maximum level of which in dishwashers is 55 dB, the minimum is 38 dB. If the noise of the machine is no more than 43 dB, then its operation can be regarded as quiet (it will practically not be heard). Maybe for many this parameter is not so important. But if you live in a studio apartment or have a small child, then the noise figure plays a primary role when 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 enough. The standard set of most washing machines includes the following programs:
- standard – for washing sets of medium degree of pollution;
- intensive – for washing heavily soiled dishes;
- fast or express – for lightly soiled dishes;
- soak or pre-rinse – 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, PMM may have the following additional modes:
- half load – makes it possible to load less dishes than the capacity of the equipment allows. At the same time, the consumption of electricity, water, detergent is reduced proportionally.
- Autoprogram – the machine automatically determines the desired cycle, based on the data received by the sensors.
- Delicate program – for washing dishes made of fragile glass, porcelain, etc.
- Steam treatment – for sterilization of dishes. Especially useful for those who like to preserve and for families with small children.
- Bioprogram – makes it possible to use special dietary supplements to remove fats.
- eco mode — a program to save resources and wash lightly soiled cutlery.
According to the results of the examination of Roskachestvo, the economical program in many PMMs does not always save resources. What’s more, the dishwasher’s running time can increase by up to 40% per cycle. Therefore, the eco-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 your family’s needs.
Drying type
An important criterion when choosing a device is the type of drying. In PMM, its types are distinguished:
- Condensing. 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 is formed and settles on the walls of the hopper in the form of condensate. This is how drying takes place. The process is quite lengthy. Therefore, in order to dry the plates and cups well, it is better to run the wash 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.
- Turbosushka. The dishes dry out due to the constant blowing of hot air. To do this, the device is provided with a fan and an additional heating element. This drying method is better (does not leave streaks on the plates) and faster. But it also has disadvantages: turbo-drying models cost more, are more energy-intensive 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 air, which comes from a special air collector. Due to the difference in pressure, the dishes dry much faster.
What is the best dryer? It depends on what suits you best. Want to save? Then choose condensation or intensive. If it is important for you that drying is as fast as possible, then it is better to buy a machine with a turbo dryer.
Equipment and functionality
To improve the quality of equipment, many models have additional useful options. They significantly expand the capabilities of the device.
- Strat 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 choose.
- Water purity control. With the help of an aquasensor, the machine monitors the degree of contamination of the 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 signals the start and end of a wash cycle by projecting a beam of light onto the floor (or timing). When the program is started, the beam glows, when it is over, it goes out. This function is necessary for fully built-in PMM models, when it is impossible to determine the end of the wash by other signs (lack of noise, indication on the panel).
- Possibility of connection to hot water. This option, of course, saves electricity, and this is a plus. But it is not very practical, since it is difficult to regulate the temperature in this case (especially if power surges often occur).
- Filter crusher. Expensive equipment, but definitely useful. Especially useful for those who do not like to spend time preparing dishes before loading. The built-in filter allows you to load plates with leftover food, which he crushes and descends through the drain into the sewer.
- Camera illumination. Hopper lighting makes it easier to load and unload cutlery and utensils.
- Child protection. The 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 chamber (if the door is opened) will not harm him.
- Salt and rinse aid indicators – show the presence of these funds in the loading tanks and inform in time about the need to replenish their stocks.
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.
Protection from leaks
A dishwasher is a device that poses an increased danger during operation, as it is connected to the mains and water supply. Therefore, the equipment must be as safe as possible for its owners.
Protection against leaks is full and partial. The first option is more reliable. The machine, detecting a leak, immediately stops the water supply. When only the hull is protected, the water is shut off only after the sump has overflowed.
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 only for quality and reliability, and not for the brand. Therefore, even experts do not recommend saving on the company.
Manufacturers of reliable PMM are Miele, Siemens, AEG, Bosch. The quality of products (assembly and components) of brands such as Bosch or Siemens is at its best. A large range of models allows you to choose an option cheaper.
Candy, Beko, LG, Whirlpool dishwashers 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 the advice of experts and user reviews about the model of dishwasher that you like. It is difficult to judge its reliability from the description of the technique. And more information may shed some light on how well it handles washing in practice.
By whatever parameters you choose a dishwasher, the main thing is that it meets your individual requirements and wishes as much as possible.