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Types of dishwasher
Freestanding dishwashers can go anywhere, as long as they can be plumbed in. And because they don’t live in a cabinet, they come in all shapes and sizes - so you get the biggest choice of dishwashers, packed with all the latest features.
If you want your dishwasher installed behind kitchen cabinets, then integrated dishwashers are the way to go. They’re built to an industry standard, so you know they’re going to fit. Always best to measure up to be on the safe side though.
Semi-integrated dishwashers also slot into cabinets, but usually have their control panel or handle displayed. That means you can have them neatly tucked away but check on their progress at a glance.
If you don’t have lots of room in the kitchen and need something to slot in a narrow space, go for a slimline dishwasher. Because it’s a smaller dishwasher with the same great performance as a larger model, it’s ideal for small families.
If space really is a premium where you live, or if you just don’t need to wash that much, a tabletop dishwasher is a great way to go. As long as you have a free area on your counter, you can still have a dishwasher.
How to measure for a new dishwasher
Before you start shopping for a dishwasher, measure the space you’ve reserved for it to make sure it’ll fit. Grab your tape measure and note down the height, width and depth of the space. Then add an extra 5-7cm to the depth – because that’s where the piping will need to live.
It’s best not to install a dishwasher next to a fridge. This is because when the dishwasher’s on, it tends to get warm and then your fridge has to work harder to compensate for that extra heat.
Katrina, Currys tech expert
Things to consider when choosing a dishwasher
Extra dishwasher features to consider
Adjustable racks
Trying to squeeze things into the dishwasher is never a good idea. That’s why adjustable racks can be a great feature to have. So, whether you want to wash large pots or get your glasses sparkling, you’ll be able to move your racks around to fit more in.
Special cycles
Think dishwashers can’t take on baked on grime? You might be surprised what modern dishwashers can handle. Look for cycles from glass and delicate care right through to anti-bacterial cycles.
Use less water
Did you know that a fully loaded dishwasher uses 9 times less water than washing by hand? And some, especially water-saving dishwashers, use even less. So, if you want to cut down on water waste, looks for a dishwasher with low water usage.
Quiet performance
Cleaner dishes don’t have to mean more noise. If you’ve got thin walls or want to keep the noise down, look for a silent dishwasher or a low noise level model – measured in decibels (dBA). The higher the decibels, the noisier it is. Dishwashers that are 44 dBA or below are considered to be quiet, but some dishwashers come with a special quiet function for those late-night cycles. Sssh!
Eco-friendliness
If you want a dishwasher that’s kinder to the planet, there are a few things to check for. One is the energy rating we talked about before. Another is whether it has a dedicatedeco mode or eco cycle – these can use less energy and water, for a greener clean (and save you money too). These cycles might not be suitable for dirtier jobs but are a good option for plates and cups that need a lighter clean.
Sensor guided washing
Not sure which cycle to pick? Load your dishwasher and pick an auto or sensor programme. Your dishwasher will do the rest by picking the right time, water temperature and amount of water needed. No more guesswork!
Automatic dosing
Knowing how much detergent to use can be tricky. Too little and your dishes don’t get clean. Too much and you’ll likely find detergent residue on your cups and glasses. Auto dosing dishwashers work it out for you, so you get great results and no waste.
Intensive zones
Not everything in your dishwasher requires the same clean. Glasses may only need a rinse, whereas last night’s casserole dish might need a deeper clean. When you’ve got something that needs a good wash, just pop it in your dishwasher’s intensive zone (usually at the bottom) for some special attention.
Smart dishwashers
If you’ve got a smart dishwasher, you can connect it to your Wi-Fi or smart home. Then you can control it with your voice or from your phone – even when you’re not at home!
Drying
Ever unloaded your dishwasher to find that everything was still wet? Put the tea towel down! Using either heating or condensation drying, your dishwasher will automatically dry everything at the end of a cycle. So, everything can go straight back into the cupboard.
Intensive wash
If you’ve got lots of grimy pots and pans, it used it be the case that you’d need to soak them before they went in the dishwasher. But an Intensive wash will do it all for you. This uses more energy in the process, so it’s a good idea to only use it on special washes.
Putting tupperware in the dishwasher? Always use the top rack – since the bottom of the dishwasher is where it gets hottest.
Mish, Currys tech expert
