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3 tips to consider before buying a dishwasher
Dishwashers often come in 2 different sizes: standard or compact. A standard ones are 24x24 inches (or 60x60cm) and are suitable for more than 3 people in a household. Compact dishwashers are suitable for 2-3 people.
Looking for a dishwasher but not sure which type to go for? Here are some options:
- If you're on a budget or have a small household, a countertop dishwasher might be perfect for you. While the capacity is small, it can be a great help. Check compatibility with your mixer/bench dishwasher outlet before buying, or buy a variant that can be manually filled with water.
- If you rent your home, a dishwasher might seem expensive. That's where a portable dishwasher comes in. It's a great option because you can take it with you when you move.
- If you own your home, a built-in dishwasher is a fantastic investment.
To save money on your electricity bill, look for models labelled as energy-efficient/environmentally friendly. It's also a good idea to check out comparison sites to see how different models stack up.
Another way to save electricity is by choosing a dishwasher with a delay function. This allows you to time your washes to when electricity is cheapest. Plus, many dishwashers have quick and eco programmes that let you choose the right wash for the time of day.
If you're unsure about energy labels on dishwashers, we've got you covered with some more useful tips.
FAQ
Most dishwashers work in the same way; the biggest differences between different models are mainly the design or aesthetics. The water enters the machine from the bottom via a water inlet hose. The water is then heated by a heating element inside the dishwasher, which is placed under the spray arms.
Lastly, the water pressure makes the arms spin, which spreads the water around the machine. The dirty water is pumped out, and new water is taken in.
A normal dishwasher without any advanced functions can last up to 15 years, but it’s not uncommon to have to swap it out after ten years. Most issues and faults that occur can usually be fixed. A common issue is that the machine doesn’t fill up with water, which could be caused by a range of things. Apart from a blockage in the hose, a fuse could have blown due to a leakage or maybe the water inlet has been shut off by the tap in the kitchen.
This is a dishwasher that lacks both a top panel, a door, and sometimes also the side panels. These kinds of dishwashers are made to be built into the worktop and will have a door that is made in the same material and colour as the rest of the cabinets in the kitchen. Many people prefer an integrated dishwasher purely for aesthetic reasons. Functionally, there is no difference to a normal dishwasher.
Salt is used to make the dishes cleaner. Salt combats limescale on your dishes; this is especially common and shows up in the form of rings on glasses that have been rinsed in a dishwasher without salt.
How much salt you need to use, and how often to add it, depends on how hard the water is in your area and how the dishwasher is set up. Check these details with the manufacturer and with the local authority where you live.
If you’re a complete beginner regarding installations of these kinds of machines, the best way is to hire a plumber to help you out.
If there is already a dishwasher installed that is being changed, it’s, of course, easier than installing a dishwasher from scratch because all the wires and water are already correctly installed. In that case, just pull out the old machine and disconnect it, fit the drain hose, check that the drip tray is installed, connect the water inlet, connect the electricity, and insert the new machine back in place of the old one.
In other cases, you will need to hire a plumber. In a rented property, you should check with your landlord first.