Choosing a new dishwasher
When you choose a new dishwasher, you need to consider how many people are in your household and how often you will need to wash your plates, cutlery, pots, and pans. If you regularly cook for a large number of people you will do more washing than if you constantly dine out or get takeaway.
Size is definitely the number one factor. If you don’t cook much, you won’t need to wash as much, so if you have a large dishwasher it will be much less efficient if you are regularly washing small loads.
 Dishwasher |
 Drawer Dishwasher |
 Integrated Dishwasher |
Also consider the different wash cycles these can include fast wash, economy wash, soak and heavy wash. Some are designed specifically for china, or glassware, or pots and pans, or plastics. Do you want a hot or cold water connection? Cold water connectors will heat the water when needed which makes them more efficient.
Look inside the dishwasher to see if you approve of the layout of dishes. If wash your cooking pots in the dishwasher, having loads of immovable plate-holding-prongs is not going to be helpful. Large pots will not be able to fit. Alternatively, if you do your pots by hand and always seem to be filling the dishwasher with plates it will be a nuisance if the plate racks inside are not high enough to hold your plates securely.
Cutlery racks have begun to evolve also. Some people prefer to have a top shelf (in addition to the two that are in a standard dishwasher) to lay the cutlery flat and ensure it all gets a good clean. Do you prefer the standard lift-out cutlery basket where cutlery can be thrown in without too much bother?
Is the dishwasher easy to keep clean, filters can block if they aren’t cleaned regularly, therefore reducing the efficiency of the dishwasher. How adjustable are the racks in the dishwasher? Will you be able to make room for your variety of crockery?
The designers at Smith & Smith can arrange stylish European appliances for you (from the Baumatic range), or you may select your own appliances from your favourite retailer.
