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Household helpers for clean dishes

After a good meal with friends or family, it’s nice to sit down a little longer, make plans, talk about the past or just enjoy the moment. The dishes can be left to do for a while. When it’s time to tidy up the table and the kitchen, a dishwasher is a real help in the kitchen: Porcelain plates, glasses and cutlery can be put away quickly, and pots can also be put in the dishwasher. This means the kitchen will quickly look tidy again. You can find out what a dishwasher should offer for your household in the following buying guide.

Efficiency and hygiene: These are the advantages of a dishwasher

You can wash plates, cups, glasses and pots by hand or use a dishwasher. Manual cleaning not only takes time: dishwashers use around 50% less water and 28% less energy than washing the same amount of dishes by hand. At a water temperature of 60° C, germs and bacteria are effectively combatted. Dishwashers also keep things tidy, as dirty dishes don’t pile up in the sink or on the table. The machine washes in the standard program at a volume of between 41 and 55 dB. This corresponds to whispering or quiet conversation.

The dishwasher models at a glance

Dishwashers are available in different sizes and configurations, and the capacity is usually given in place settings (European standard EN 50242). This refers to a fixed number of dishes and cutlery items. The range of models on offer extends from models for six place settings to versions for 16 place settings.

Countertop dishwasher

With its dimensions of often 44 x 55 x 50 cm (H/W/D), a tabletop dishwasher also fits in small kitchens. You can place such a model either on top of another appliance, for example the washing machine , or next to the sink on the worktop. This gives you direct access to a water inlet and a drain for the dirty water. A tabletop dishwasher has space for six to eight place settings. All models are classified in energy efficiency class A+. They use between 6 and 9 l of water per wash cycle and operate quietly at 45 to 55 dB.

Built-in and under-counter dishwashers

Built-in dishwashers fit seamlessly into the kitchen, as they either disappear behind the furniture door (fully integrated) or can be partially integrated thanks to decorative panels that match the kitchen front . Under-counter dishwashers are also placed under the kitchen worktop and thus integrated into the kitchen unit. The visible front is available in white or stainless steel, for example. This means you can set design accents in the kitchen with the appliance.

• Dishwashers with a width of 60 cm offer space for twelve to sixteen place settings. The dish rack in the lower basket is foldable on almost all models, so that pots, pans and bowls can also be accommodated in addition to plates. The upper basket for cups and glasses is also height-adjustable.
• Dishwashers with a width of 45 cm offer space for nine or ten place settings. In order to make the best use of the limited space during each wash cycle, almost all models have height-adjustable upper baskets and foldable dish racks.

Fully integrated dishwashers do not allow you to see the control panel while washing because it is hidden. This means that it is not possible to see whether the appliance is currently running. This is why some manufacturers have integrated information lights that project a red dot or the remaining running time onto the floor .

Freestanding dishwasher

Freestanding dishwashers are covered all around and have a resilient top that you can also use as a work and storage surface. They are available in widths of 45 or 60 cm and are around 85 to 88 cm high. Freestanding dishwashers can be installed anywhere in the home where there is a power socket and a water connection nearby. When buying a new kitchen or after moving, most freestanding dishwashers can also be integrated as under-counter dishwashers after removing the top.

This is what a new dishwasher should do

When buying a dishwasher, it’s not just the design that matters. You can find out which technical features you should look out for here.

Electricity and water consumption

The higher the energy efficiency class (EEK), the lower the energy consumption. All dishwashers achieve at least energy efficiency class A+. Then the dishwashers with a width of 60 cm consume around 290 kilowatt hours (kWh) for 280 wash cycles per year. From the middle price segment onwards you will find more and more devices with A++, which get by with around 260 kWh per year. Dishwashers in the higher price segment are usually particularly economical and are awarded A+++. A dishwasher in this efficiency class consumes around 230 kWh of electricity per year in the standard program. Small table dishwashers for up to six place settings consume an average of 6 to 9 l for one wash cycle, 45 cm wide devices consume 8 to 10 l and 60 cm wide models consume 7.5 to 13.5 l.

Tip: If your house has a double water connection due to a thermal solar system, you can save even more energy by using a dishwasher with a hot water connection, as the water no longer needs to be heated as much.

Start time pre-selection

If your guests are leaving late in the evening and you don’t want to run the dishwasher at 10 p.m. with dirty plates, glasses and cutlery, for example, a start time pre-select will help. This allows you to set the appliance so that it is ready when you get up the next morning. Before you go to work, empty the machine and put the clean dishes away in their place. Programming a specific time for the washing process also saves money if you have a cheaper night-time electricity tariff than the daytime tariff.

volume

The dishwashers wash in the standard program at a noise level between 41 and 55 dB. Dishwashers under 44 dB are considered quiet. But 50 dB is not excessively loud either. This noise level is roughly equivalent to the volume of quiet radio music.

Size

Manufacturers do not specify the capacity of a dishwasher in liters, but in place settings. Such a place setting consists of soup, dinner and dessert plates as well as a cup, saucer, drinking glass, knife, fork, tablespoon, teaspoon and dessert spoon. The 45 cm wide appliances have space for nine to ten place settings, the standard appliances for twelve to 16 place settings. When buying, you should consider how much crockery you have to clean. The largest dishwasher is not necessarily suitable for you. If only a small amount of crockery goes into the dishwasher every day, food residue can dry so firmly that it is almost impossible to remove it during the subsequent wash cycle.

Sorting

The standard equipment of a dishwasher includes one or two drawers for plates and cups, as well as a cutlery basket or cutlery drawer in which you can put cutlery and other small-sized items. Narrow dishwashers are very flexible when it comes to filling thanks to height-adjustable cup racks in the upper basket. In the upper price segment, 60 cm wide dishwashers also offer removable drawers and height-adjustable upper and lower baskets. In wide and narrow built-in and under-counter appliances, manufacturers often provide foldable plate compartments in the lower basket. Models with a softly padded wine glass basket are suitable for wine drinkers, so that even fine glass can be washed gently.

Rinse programs

In the standard program, dishwashers usually wash at 65° C, in the economy program at 45° C. Intensive programs usually clean heavily soiled dishes at 70° C. In the short program, the temperature does not increase, but the water pressure, so that the cleaning time is shortened. Condensation drying after the washing process ensures that glasses are spotless. In addition, some models open the dishwasher door automatically at the end of the program. This allows fresh air to reach the dishes. Machines with a gentle program wash thin glasses particularly carefully.

Many models offer the “half load” setting option, so that the dishwasher uses less water and electricity when the load is small. Many models also allow you to concentrate the washing power on the lower or upper basket thanks to a special multi-zone cleaning function. From the mid-price segment onwards, many devices have a load sensor so that the device automatically calculates the required amount of water. Other models also measure the degree of soiling of the dishes and regulate the amount of water accordingly.

Security

If you have children living with you, you can buy a fully integrated built-in dishwasher where the controls are hidden behind the door and thus protected from children’s hands. Manufacturers also offer under-counter dishwashers where the controls are hidden on the top of the door. To ensure that the dishwasher remains watertight during the washing process, make sure that it has a water protection system when you buy it. These systems use a water level sensor or float switch to control the water level in the base pan. If a certain level is exceeded, the system stops the water supply. A double hose also prevents cracks in the water hose from causing flooding in the kitchen.

Networking

Some models can be integrated into your home network. Then you can control and monitor your dishwasher using your smartphone or tablet PC while you are on the go.

The right dishwasher for your household

Whether you are single, with a partner, in a shared flat or as a family – a dishwasher takes some of the daily housework off your hands. There are various aspects you should consider when buying one.

For single households

If you live alone, often eat out and rarely cook, a tabletop dishwasher for six to eight place settings is a good option. After all, you still have cereal bowls, plates, cutlery and glasses or cups that need to be cleaned every day for breakfast and dinner. It is also practical to have a dishwasher when guests come. You can set up a tabletop dishwasher anywhere there is a water connection nearby. You can get an entry-level model for your apartment or second home from €200.

For couples and small kitchens

Small kitchens usually offer little work and storage space. In this case, a 45 cm wide built-in, under-counter or free-standing dishwasher is suitable for you. Such a device has space for nine or ten place settings and is therefore particularly suitable if you often invite friends over for dinner, cook frequently or live with a partner. Depending on the type of construction and equipment, the price is between €250 and €1,130.

For large households with family

You like to cook for guests and your family and you cook a lot. To ensure that the washing up is done quickly in your four to five person household, we recommend a dishwasher with a width of 60 cm. It has space for up to 16 place settings and quickly keeps the kitchen tidy and the dishes clean. The purchase price is between €220 for a simple freestanding dishwasher and €2,250 for a high-quality built-in dishwasher.

For cooking lovers

You enjoy good food and fine wine. After dinner, an espresso or digestif rounds off the meal. The next day, the wine glasses and delicate dishes should shine again. Therefore, a powerful dishwasher is ideal for you. The glass-care program adjusts the water hardness to the care of the glasses and dries everything without water spots and streaks. Appropriate appliances, which also offer condensation drying using cool room air, cost between €1,600 and €2,250.

Tips for connecting and maintaining your dishwasher

To ensure that your dishwasher lasts a long time, you should clean and maintain it properly. First of all, you need to connect it properly.

• Read the manufacturer’s installation and operating instructions carefully and check that all necessary connections are available close to the planned location of the dishwasher.
• After turning off the main water supply, connect the dishwasher’s water supply hose to a free connection under the sink. If none is available, replace the existing valve with a double valve and connect the dishwasher.
• Then connect the dishwasher’s waste water hose to your kitchen’s waste water drain and secure the hose with a hose clamp. Then connect the appliance to the power supply. Once the dishwasher is in active mode, turn on the mains tap and start a test run.
• Finally, slide the built-in or under-counter dishwasher under the kitchen worktop and adjust the appliance’s adjustable feet to the appropriate height.
• Alternatively, you can also use an installation and setup service.

The following measures are recommended for long-term use of a dishwasher:

• Before each wash cycle, remove any large food residue from the dishes. Regularly refill the rinse aid and salt to keep your dishes clean and shiny. Alternatively, you can use dishwasher tabs. Also regularly clean the sieve at the bottom of the machine.
• Every now and then, run the empty dishwasher on the hottest cycle. This will loosen stubborn dirt in the interior and on seals.
• Clean the spray arms under running water once a year.

Tip: In the UPDATED portal you will find further tips in the article “Cleaning the dishwasher: Care for the dishwasher” . If you are also unsure which detergent is right for you, then the article “Detergent for the dishwasher: Tabs or powder?” will help you .

Conclusion: Kitchen helper for comfortable washing up

Every household regularly has dirty dishes. Instead of washing and drying them yourself, you can save valuable time with a dishwasher. Depending on the space in your kitchen and the amount of dishes you have to wash, we recommend the following models:

• For households where there is little dirty dishes, compact tabletop dishwashers are ideal. They take up little space and can be connected almost anywhere. These models have space for six to eight place settings and are available from €200.
• In apartments with a small kitchen, slim 45 cm built-in, under-counter or free-standing appliances are ideal. You can store up to nine or ten place settings in them. Entry-level models are available from just €250, while powerful appliances with a wide range of functions cost up to €1,130.
• For families, 60 cm wide dishwashers are ideal. They offer enough space for up to 16 place settings and are therefore sufficient for four to five person households. You will pay between €220 and €2,250 for them.
• Households with high demands on washing performance and sparkling clean glass choose a 60 cm wide dishwasher with a wide range of functions and a high energy efficiency class. Here too, built-in, under-counter or free-standing dishwashers are available. The price range is from €900 to €2,250.