What are you paying attention to in the store?
Check out the following aspects to determine if the dishwasher is user-friendly:
Do you want a cutlery basket or cutlery drawer? With a cutlery drawer, you don’t have to bend over. A cutlery basket is easy to move.
Is the dishwasher flexible to divide by folding racks in or out? Can you place the cutlery basket in multiple places, is the top drawer adjustable in height?
Do the racks feel solid? Do they glide smoothly?
The filter needs to be cleaned regularly to remove residual food residues. Can you easily remove the filter from the dishwasher?
The spray arms also need to be cleaned regularly. It is useful if you can take them out of the device.
Dimensions and number of couverts
A standard size dishwasher is about 80-85 cm high and 60 cm wide. This dishwasher can fit about 12 to 15 couverts.
You can also choose a small dishwasher. This is useful for a household of 1 to 2 people. Or if you don’t have much room. There are 2 types:
The narrow dishwasher is about 45 cm wide and suitable 9 – 10 couverts.
The mini dishwasher is flat and wide and suitable for 6 couverts. For example, you can put these on the counter.
If you have a higher countertop, a high dishwasher of 86 or 87 cm is an option. It fits better with high kitchen cabinets. The dishwasher has a higher interior space, which makes higher dishes more fit.
Built-in or detached
Fully integrated
This built-in dishwasher has the control panel on the inside, so it disappears from view. This type of built-in dishwasher is also called ‘fully integrated’.
Half integrated
This built-in dishwasher has the control panel on the outside of the door. This type is also called ‘integrated’, ‘integratable’ or ‘half integrated’.
Detached
A freestanding dishwasher is completely detached and has a finished exterior, usually white or stainless steel-coloured.
Base
A substructure dishwasher has its own door like a freestanding dishwasher, but no top. You build it under the counter.
Economical dishwasher
Most economical dishwashers
A dishwasher with a standard size for 12 – 15 couverts, is the most economical. If you don’t have as much dishes to fill a standard size, you’d better opt for a smaller dishwasher.
Energy label
In the store, you can compare the energy labels of dishwashers. This label is based on the eco program. Energy class A+++ is the most economical. The annual energy and water consumption is also indicated.
From March 2021, a new energy label will apply. The dishwashers are reclassified in classes G to A. A number of dishwashers already have the new label in addition to the current label.
Consumption costs
With an economical dishwasher, you can save a lot. A frugal main programme saves about €30 a year compared to an unealel. Compare the assessment for energy and water consumption in the dishwasher server more similar.
Hotfile in dishwashers
With a dishwasher, you can opt for partial hot-fill. You then connect the machine to the cold and hot water tap. This may result in some environmental savings, but is only financially viable in combination with a solar water heater.
Dishwasher programs
Most dishwashers have 4 to 6 programs, ranging in temperature, duration and energy and water consumption. Before purchasing, consider which programs can be useful.
An automatic/normal program is for the daily dishes. An automatic program adapts to the amount of dirt and/or dishes.
With the eco-program, you can often also get along for the daily dishes and save water and energy. It’s going to take a long time.
For the very dirty dishes, an intensive program is useful. This consumes more water and energy.
A short program comes in handy for little caked fresh food scraps.
In addition to programs, there are options such as half loading, useful if you have fewer dishes in the dishwasher. With a delayed start you can put the dishwasher on a timer.
Price of the dishwasher
On average, we spend about €650 on a dishwasher. Prices range from around €300 to €1500. Freestanding dishwashers are cheaper than built-in dishwashers. Mini-dishwashers are the cheapest.
By looking around you can save costs. Shop prices can vary considerably. Sometimes a manufacturer sells a similar model cheaper under a different brand name. And there are often multiple versions of a model for sale, with for example fewer programs is a model than cheaper. Just shopping pays off.
Instead of buying, you can also rent a dishwasher. That offers convenience, but you’ll be a lot more expensive in the long run.
Make and model
There are hundreds of different dishwashers for sale, from dozens of brands. Bosch and Siemens are by far the most popular dishwasher brands.
Within a brand, there are often several series, in different price ranges. A more expensive model can consist of better materials and have more possibilities.
