What Is The UK’s Best Dishwasher?
Dishwashers are a massive time saver when it comes to daily household life. In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the best dishwashers available on the market right now. So, whether you’re in the market for a new one or just curious about what’s out there, you’re in the right place!
Dishwasher Reviews
Dishwasher Buyer’s Guide
No kitchen is complete without a dishwasher, but finding the right one to suit the needs of each household and the size of kitchen will vary.
Whether you are after a large appliance for a busy household, lots of features for your fine china and glass or perhaps you need a compact unit as space is short, this buyer’s guide will help you work out exactly what your priorities are to ensure you make the right purchase.
Place Settings
Dishwashers are sold by size but the product description will include a reference to place settings; this provides an idea of exactly how much crockery each appliance can hold. A compact unit might accommodate six place settings whereas if you are looking for a large dishwasher for a family, then a dishwasher with thirteen or fourteen place settings is more appropriate.
Cleaning Programmes
The more basic and budget-friendly dishwashers tend to have fewer programmes to choose from and they are usually shorter as well and won’t have the special features of a more expensive model. Think about the type of items you are going to wash. Do you need a delicate wash programme for crystal or porcelain? Small families or couples will benefit from a half-load option or you might focus on the Energy Saver Wash sometimes also called the Eco Wash. This is much more environmentally friendly than the main intensive wash programme but will take longer as it washes the dishes at a lower temperature. This might be a good overnight selection but wouldn’t work for all households.
Ease of Use
If you are in a shared household or office, then something that is simple and self-explanatory is the way to go. Sometimes, the best dishwasher isn’t always the most complicated and if it isn’t obvious how to load it and add salt and rinse aid then you run the risk of misuse and possibly even damage. Some dishwashers can be quite intimidating so focus on how many programmes you really do need and don’t opt for an appliance that is complex and complicated with features that you will never use.
Noise Level
Dishwasher noise levels are measured in decibels also known as dB and the ratings refer to the sound of the machine when it is fully loaded. An average machine would create about 40-55 dB. If the appliance is in your kitchen and your house is small or open plan, then audibility is an important factor or, if you tend to use a long energy efficient wash programme overnight, a louder dishwasher can be disruptive to the rooms above or adjacent to the kitchen.
Energy Efficiency
All modern dishwashers will have an energy efficiency rating, but how you use the appliance is just as important. Opt for the economy or eco programme as much as possible, this setting can save around 20% or energy by using less power to heat the water, cleaning the dishes more slowly over a longer cycle. Other ways to save energy include missing out the pre-wash – just scrape the plates before you put them in – and making sure the dishwasher is full before you use it rather than washing half loads.
Dishwashers FAQ
How does a dishwasher work?
A dishwasher is a machine which automates the process of washing up by adding water, heating the water to the pre-selected temperature, dispensing detergent and using jets to shoot water at the dishes to clean them, before draining the dirty water away and rinsing the dishes. You can also select a drying option which uses air to dry the dishes within the appliance.
How much water does a dishwasher use?
The average dishwater uses just 9.5 litres of water per wash cycle, compare this to around 60 litres for washing up in the sink. Installing a dishwasher can save water and energy as well as significantly lowering your utility bills.
What does dishwasher salt do?
Dishwasher salt provides sodium for the resins in the appliances’ water softener and this keeps the softener working hard to capture the magnesium and calcium that cause hard water. Dishwasher salt provides that crystal clear finish on all your china and glass.
How to clean a dishwasher?
Some dishwashers have a cleaning programme, a bit like a service wash on a washing machine. You can also help the dishwasher with a few simple steps, like making sure plates are completely clear of food before they are loaded, removing any obvious particles of food that you find after a wash programme and cleaning off spatters and stains. Locate the filter in the appliance and remove it weekly. Clean with hot water and a gentle scrub with something like a toothbrush.
How to unblock a dishwasher?
Always check the filter first but if the drain has clogged up with grease and grime then you can use a homemade solution of baking soda, vinegar and hot water to try and shift the blockage.