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When choosing a PMM, among other characteristics, you can notice the presence or absence of a partial bunker load. It is not always clear to the user what a half load dishwasher means, and this important parameter is often overlooked. To find out if you need this feature, what is the use of it and whether it is worth paying extra for its presence, read our review.
Half Load – What is it?
Half Load is an optional feature that can be applied to any wash cycle, allowing you to load half as many dishes. What is the convenience? There are several of them:
- No need to wait until a sufficient amount of soiled dishes is collected.
- Water is saved – it is used much less than when the hopper is fully loaded.
- Less electricity is required, due to the smaller volume of water that needs to be heated.
Is it possible to not fully load the PMM without such a function? Of course you can – you can wash one or two dishes. Only about saving water and electricity is out of the question – resources are spent in full.
Important! In modern expensive dishwashers, manufacturers have bypassed the half-load option by adding special sensors to the design. These sensors determine the degree of soiling of dishes and calculate their weight – these parameters are used to calculate the required amount of resources. Therefore, if you have an expensive model in front of you, and you didn’t find the “1/2” option in it, ask if this is compensated by the “intellectual” abilities of the dishwasher.
In the PMM of the middle price segment, almost every model has the “Half Hopper Load” function. Usually it can be used in the main wash cycles: “Intensive”, “Economy” or “Soak”.
Advantages and disadvantages
What does half loading mean, you already know. It remains to understand whether you need such an option. Consider the benefits:
- the “half” mode saves water and electricity;
- the washing program runs faster;
- no need to accumulate “mountains” of dishes – you can wash a small portion of plates immediately after breakfast, lunch, etc.
The function also has some disadvantages associated with the use of universal 3-in-1 tablets or liquid capsules – they are usually designed for a full wash and may not completely dissolve in a “short” program. If liquid capsules have to be postponed until a full-fledged “long” wash, then the tablets can be dosed manually by sawing in half.
Important! Do not crush or grind the tablets into powder – they should dissolve gradually, layer by layer. Saw with a clerical or wallpaper knife (not food!) Carefully, making a cut in the middle of the tablet.
It can be concluded that this mode will bring many benefits to a small family or a person with a habit of not postponing washing dishes until later. If frequent washing is not for you, and you are used to loading the PMM to the top, perhaps the “half” function will remain unused, and there is no point in spending money on it. In this case, do not overpay for what you may not need.
On the other hand, it cannot be said that there is a significant difference in price between machines with and without partial loading. If the cost is practically the same, it is better to buy the model in which there are more options – perhaps they will become in demand later.
How to arrange dishes on the “½” mode
When partially filling the PMM hopper, it is necessary to stack the dishes not as usual, but differently, in order to ensure a complete wash of each plate, glass, etc. The layout may differ, depending on the brand and model of your dishwasher, its principle is usually indicated in the instructions. In some Bosch machines, in the “half” mode, the dishes should only be placed in the upper container, in other brands it is the lower shelf, and in some it is evenly distributed over all baskets.
If you have decided (read the instructions or read the requirements on the Internet) how to properly distribute the dishes when loading them, follow these useful recommendations:
- Long utensils such as spatulas, ladles, slotted spoons should be stacked strictly horizontally in front of the dish basket.
- Place small cutlery – forks, spoons and knives – vertically in specially provided cells on the shelves.
- Do not place fragile ceramic, porcelain or glass products in a crowd – leave free space between them so that the dishes are not damaged by vibration. Use clamps.
Overview of the latest models
Let’s conduct a short review of PMMs that have entered the market in recent years. All of these models are equipped with the latest technology, including the function of partial loading of the bunker.
Hansa ZIM 676 H
Full-size dishwasher, fully integrated into the kitchen set. The capacity of the bunker is 14 sets of dishes. Washing and drying classes are the highest: A, energy class: A ++. Electronic control, convenient display. Water consumption per wash cycle is 11 liters, power: 1900 W. Relatively quiet operation with 47 dB.
Among the 6 washing programs, the Daily, Intensive and Express programs are especially convenient. The Economy program and the half load function help you to use resources efficiently. The machine is equipped with a turbo dryer. Leakage protection is complete, and child protection (locking against accidental pressing) is absent: apparently due to the fact that the machine is a fully built-in type, and the danger of tampering with the control panel is excluded.
Among the useful functionality, it is worth noting the delay start, a sound signal at the end of the cycle, adjustable baskets and a wine glass holder. Salt and rinse aid indicators, as well as automatic water hardness settings, are not provided. Overall parameters of the model (WxDxH): 60x55x82 cm.
The cost is from 16 to 000 rubles.
Korting KDI 45130
Narrow fully built-in model with a capacity of 10 sets. Washing and drying classes – A, energy consumption – A ++. Electronic control and nothing more (no display). Water and electricity consumption: 12 liters and 74 kWh respectively. Noise is slightly increased: 49 dB.
There are 6 washing modes and 4 temperature modes. Cycles: “Normal”, “Intensive”, “Express”, “Delicate” and others. Of course, there is the possibility of loading the bunker by ½.
Useful points:
- start delay 3-9 hours;
- partial type of protection against leakage;
- the possibility of using universal tablets and capsules “3 in 1”;
- sound notification;
- regenerating salt and rinse aid indicators;
- baskets of adjustable type (in height).
There is no “turbidity” sensor and no automatic setting of water hardness. The bunker has a wine glass holder. Dimensions: 45x58x82 cm (WxDxH).
The price is within 18 – 0000 rubles.
Gorenje GV 53111
Narrow fully built-in model for 9 sets. Washing, drying, electricity consumption classes: A, A and A ++, respectively. The electronic control is user-friendly thanks to the display. Water consumption – 9 liters, electricity – 0,69 kW / h. Noise above average: 49 dB.
5 wash cycles include everyday wash, intensive wash, fast cycle, economy cycle and soak. The option of partial loading of the PMM is applicable.
There are also 4 temperature settings and built-in condensation type drying. The manufacturer has provided a full-fledged start delay up to 24 hours and provided full protection against leakage. You can use 3 in 1 tablets. The end of the program is signaled by a sound signal, the presence / absence of salt and rinse aid – indication. Inside, the hopper is made of high-quality stainless steel, the baskets are height-adjustable for washing large dishes. Dimensions (WxDxH): 45x55x82 cm. Optional: SpeedWash, ExtraDry.
The cost ranges from 18 to 000 rubles.
As you can see, loading the machine halfway is convenient and profitable; functionality will be useful for small families. The price category of models with the “1/2” option implemented can be both low and high, so everyone can find a technique that suits their capabilities and cost. Good luck choosing.