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Amazingly, the average person spends between 18 months and 2 years looking after the home! Whether you spend your time brushing, dusting or cleaning up after your pets or children, household duties are a chore and we are always looking to buy appliances that help maintain domestic happiness, which it allows you to spend time doing something other than cleaning.
A dishwasher is one such device, saving hours and even days of washing dishes, a daily job that goes hand in hand with good food cooked at home. However, the purchase of a dishwasher can be quite expensive, so it is a purchase that is not taken lightly by many households whose budget may be a little tight. Check out our top shopping tips for dishwashing joy…
Is the dishwasher right for my home?
Many people think that a dishwasher is not a very viable option, especially for the environment, and it is commonly believed that using a dishwasher wastes more water than washing dishes by hand. The average family uses 21 liters of water per day on dishwashing alone, which is about 2-3 hand washing sessions – does this sound similar to your home? If so, buying a dishwasher will not only save your skin from exposure to often harsh washing products, but it will also save liters of water. A standard dishwasher only uses 15 liters per wash and with the average family only completing one cycle per day, using a tumble dryer instead of hand washing crockery, pans and cutlery will equal huge savings on household utilities.
Choosing the correct size
There are so many dishwashers on the market but start by narrowing down the appliances by size, it’s important to get the right size dishwasher for your household needs so you are not spending extra money on extra washes and cleaning solution. Generally, the capacity of the dishwasher is indicated by place settings, which is the number of utensils, plates, bowls, cups and glasses used by each person. The average dishwasher has a capacity of up to 12 place settings so if this seems too big for your family’s needs why not consider a slimline model. Slimline appliances tend to accommodate up to 9 places, which suits a small or medium-sized family. Alternatively, you can invest in a compact dishwasher, which provides up to 4 place settings, which is ideal for a couple or an individual.
Accommodate your new device
When choosing your type of dishwasher, think about the room you have available in the kitchen to accommodate that particular size. Built-in models work wonders for small kitchens and can be hidden in cabinets for a clutter-free look. It is important to note that both full-size and slimline dishwashers fit under a standard worktop. But it’s worth measuring the height of your worktop and the space you had in mind before you go shopping.
Choose your programs
When buying a dishwasher you can go as high or low tech as you like, each dishwasher offers a variety of programs to meet your dishwashing needs. There are usually three programs and a rinse cycle that provides a large range of finishes for families of all sizes. Commercial properties, such as bars and restaurants, looking to invest in a dishwasher may want to study the available programs carefully, only a small selection of machines provide glasses cycles only for finishing the -glassware. If you think you’ll only fill half of your machine, look for half-load options to save water or simply downsize your machine entirely to a slim or compact model.
Think green
Invest in a dishwasher that is efficient for you and the planet. Every dishwasher has an energy efficiency rating from A to G, as seen on many kitchen appliances. These grades are an indication not only of energy efficiency, but also give buyers a clue about performance, water consumption and washing quality. Generally the top level dishwashers have a higher grade, greater sophistication when it comes to preserving energy along with a higher price.
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