This is partly thanks to the huge array of features that can be found in many modern dishwashers. The only problem is that no two dishwashers are ever truly the same. Where one dishwasher might have hundreds of cycle types, another might have only a few cycle types, but more efficient drying technology. In order to find the right dishwasher for you, you’re going to need to know what to look out for.
So what are the key features that you should look for in a dishwasher? Join us down below, because we’ve collected the very best features that are essential for a modern dishwasher experience!
What Features Should I Look For In A Dishwasher?
Energy Efficiency
Dishwashers have long been considered “Luxury” appliances. This is because, in prior decades, dishwashers were once highly inefficient and expensive to operate. Dishwashers were once rampant energy consumers that many people figured it best to go without. However, recent innovations have helped to make them far more efficient than ever. In fact, studies show that using a dishwasher can actually save more water and energy than washing dishes by hand!
When you’re looking for the perfect dishwasher, we’d recommend one that places an emphasis on energy efficiency. Many dishwashers boast “Eco” modes that are programmed to use less water and electricity within a given cycle. These modes can easily replace a standard cycle while also cutting down on your energy consumption. Eco-mode takes a little longer to finish a cycle. This is because it heats up the water only slightly, to save energy. It takes a little longer for cooler water to rinse away heavy pockets of dirt!
Alongside eco-modes, you should also look out for the most efficient dishwashers on the market. You can easily do this by taking a look through each model’s specs, to see how much energy it uses.
It’s worth looking for dishwashers with a focus on energy efficiency. These dishwashers use up less electricity, which also makes them more affordable to operate. They might cost more upfront, but they’ll save you countless pounds in the long run.
You can also consult the handy energy-efficiency labels associated with each model. These labels rank dishwashers and other appliances from “A” to “G” based on how efficient they are. “A” refers to a highly efficient appliance that uses little power, while “G” refers to an appliance that consumes a lot. It’s worth looking for the dishwasher with the ranking closest to “A”.
Load Sensors
To help truly bring dishwashers into the 21st century, they’re now able to learn directly from how you use them. They do this through a variety of sensors that help to optimise operation.
One of these sensors is able to detect how many dishes are placed into the central tub. By doing this, a dishwasher can adjust the amount of water that is used for a given cycle. This way, if you fill your dishwasher up slightly less than the time before, you can depend on it to conserve the extra water that might otherwise go to waste.
Soil Sensors
It’s also worth looking out for a specialised soil sensor. Soil sensors are able to detect how much cleaning is necessary in a given cycle. If the soil sensor notices that the water that drips from your dishes is heavily soiled, it can then extend the cycle or pump out more water. If the water appears less soiled, it communicates that the dishwasher does not need to work as hard.
This is useful because it allows a dishwasher to cut a cycle short if it notices the water is completely unsoiled. Helping to save you a lot of time that would otherwise be spent waiting. It also helps to save a lot of water and electricity.
Most soil sensors take the form of a small section in the bottom of the dishwasher. When water drains off of the dishes, and into this small section, a small LED on one side of the section emits red light. A sensor on the opposite side is responsible for measuring how much light cuts through the water. If less light cuts through, then it means that the water is still heavily soiled!
Efficient Drying
Many people overlook drying capabilities when choosing the perfect dishwasher. While a dishwasher’s ability to clean is paramount, it’s just as important to consider how well it can dry your dishes.
Most dishwashers will automatically run a short drying cycle after the washing has wrapped up. However, some dishwashers are better at this than others.
If you want your dishes to come out bone-dry as soon as you withdraw them from the dishwasher, it’s worth looking for a dishwasher with some kind of heat-dry function. This involves the dishwasher pumping hot air around the tub. What results is a fast and effective dry. Perfect for those on a busy schedule.
If you want to cut down on electricity, then it’s worth looking out for an air-dry function. In order to air-dry your dishes, the dishwasher door will be opened slightly upon finishing a cycle. This allows room-temperature air to enter the central tub to dry your dishes. It might take a little bit longer, but it will save you lots of money.
Varying Cycles
In order to find your dream dishwasher, you’ll need to know what you want out of it. What kinds of dishes do you plan to wash, and how many do you plan to wash in one go? Dishwashers are equipped with all kinds of different cycle types that you can choose from. These cycles achieve different temperatures, spray water in certain ways, or affect cycle length to wash dishes of all types.
If you live in a busy home, with plenty of dishes to wash, it’s best to go for a dishwasher with plenty of different cycles. This way, you can always choose the perfect cycle for any washing task at hand!
Dishwashers with varying cycle types often cost a lot more than standard dishwashers. So it’s worth taking the time to consider what you need from your dishwasher. Are you only planning on performing an average cycle every now and again? Then you may not need to look for dedicated cycles! However, if you need to wash specific items like glassware, it’s worth looking for a dishwasher with specialised cycle types.
Specialised Space
Sometimes, the two standard racks you get in an average dishwasher just don’t offer enough space. If you’re often struggling to fit dishes into your dishwasher, then it’s worth looking for one with extra storage features.
Many Bosch dishwashers, for example, have additional third racks just above the top rack. This rack is perfect for placing some of your smaller items, such as cutlery, or those annoyingly small espresso cups!
Many dishwashers also come with flexible and customisable racks that you can adjust as you see fit. Some racks allow you to fold down the prongs that hold up your plates. After folding them down, that space can now be used for those wide and awkward dishes that might otherwise be difficult to stow!
It’s important to make the most of your dishwasher’s tub space. To help you do this, it’s worth opting for a dishwasher with adjustable racks that you can customise to your leisure.
Finally, we would also recommend looking out for dishwashers with specialised cleaning zones. When you place items in these cleaning zones, they will be targeted by specialised nozzles that can pump the water out with more pressure. This is great if you have a few dishes that are often saddled with stubborn pockets of dirt.
Dependable Motors
The motor of any given dishwasher is responsible for keeping the water moving through your dishwasher’s tub. If you want a truly excellent dishwasher that can cut through caked-on food then it’s worth looking for a dishwasher with a powerful motor.
A more powerful motor allows water to travel more efficiently around the dishwasher’s tub, by allowing the spray arms to spin at specific speeds, and change directions instantly.
There are also many dishwashers with specialised motors that operate quietly. If you have a smaller home, or you simply cherish peace and quiet, then these are dishwashers worth looking out for.
Displays
Smart dishwashers are packed with features, so it’s important to make sure you can interface with them just right. Towards this end, we’d recommend looking for a dishwasher that offers you a clear and easy-to-use display. These are often built into the door of the dishwasher, and allow you to choose from presets with just a few button presses.
It’s worth taking your time to look through all of the display types to find one that best suits you. Some feature intuitive touch controls, while others feature simple button-based interfaces. If you’re only buying a simple dishwasher with basic cycles, then button-based interfaces are best. With these interfaces, you can set a cycle off with just a few button presses.
It’s also worth thinking about the type of dishwasher you are going for. If you are going for a freestanding dishwasher, then you can choose whichever display interface suits you best.
If you’re going for an integrated dishwasher, then you will be slightly more limited in display options. Luckily, many modern dishwashers come with smart projected displays. Bosch dishwashers, for example, feature a “TimeLight”, which projects the remaining cycle time onto the floor just below the unit. This allows for integrated dishwashers to be hidden behind cupboard doors while still providing information.
Smart Connectivity
We think we’ve truly saved the best for last. The best feature to look out for in a modern dishwasher is smart connectivity! Many major manufacturers now allow you to connect your dishwasher to your smartphone through the use of a proprietary app. For instance, Samsung dishwashers can be connected to SmartThings, while LG dishwashers can be connected to the LG ThinQ app.
On these platforms, you can control every aspect of your dishwasher remotely. Once you start a washing cycle, you can kick back on the sofa, and monitor its progress from your phone. Smart connectivity is also great for helping you to stay on top of your dishwasher’s health. If any part of your dishwasher becomes faulty, you’ll be able to see this from the connected app. This makes it easier to source out repairs at the first sign of a problem!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Features Should I Look For In A Dishwasher?
When you’re looking for a dishwasher, it’s a good idea to look out for some of the modern features that make them easier and more efficient to use. For instance, eco-wash cycles can help you to save plenty of money on water and electricity bills. We’d also recommend looking out for features like smartphone connectivity, so you can control your dishwasher remotely.
Do You Need An Expensive Dishwasher?
Usually, in order to access modern dishwasher features, you need to spend a little more on an expensive model. However, we would only recommend expensive models if you’re paying for features you would actually use. If you only need a simple dishwasher that will wash your dishes a few times each week, then there’s no need to buy an expensive dishwasher!
Is It Cheaper To Wash Dishes By Hand or Use A Dishwasher?
You might think that you would save money washing dishes by hand. However, it is now more efficient to use a dishwasher than to wash dishes by hand! Filling up your sink with hot water to soak your dishes actually uses up more water and electricity than a dishwasher does in spraying water around its central tub.
0 Comments