| Time is one of our most valuable commodities and Dishwashers are designed
to save as much as possible of the precious stuff! Why spend around 200
hours a year washing up when a dishwasher could do it all for you â??
and at the same time offering you reductions in the energy and water used
and also helping to ensure a tidy kitchen.
Over 24% of homes in the UK now have a dishwasher, and for those who
have had one for some time, the dishwasher has become one of lifeâ??s
necessities.
As the market for dishwashers has expanded, so have the number of features
included in them, finding the right model for your lifestyle can at first
appear daunting. We have put together this guide to help you find the
right dishwasher for you. |
| 60cm, Full Size, 45cm, Slimline or Compact? The right
size dishwasher The majority of dishwashers sold in the UK
are suitable for fitting into a 60cm wide gap, commonly referred
to as full-size. These generally have the capacity for 12-14
place settings and fit into the British standard gap for appliances.
If space is a constraint, then a 45cm
or Slimline option may be a more sensible option. These have the capacity
for up to 10 place settings and may be the only option if you have a 50cm
or less gap.
Finally, there are a number of compact or tabletop dishwashers, these
allow even the smallest of kitchens to have a quick and easy way to deal
with washing up. They either fit into cabinetry or as their name suggests,
will sit on a worktop with a similar size to a larger Microwave Oven.
Integrated, Semi-Integrated or Freestanding?
The most common confusion is regarding integration. There are 3 options,
fully integrated, semi-integrated or freestanding. There are two types
of integrated machine, both of which will need to be positioned between
other units and under a worktop as they are not intended to be visible
from the sides or top.
Fully integrated dishwashers are hidden behind a full height furniture
panel, and are operated by controls on the top edge of the dishwasher
door, meaning that when the door of the machine is closed, no control
panel is visible.
Semi integrated machines have a visible control panel, which matches
in height to surrounding drawer line furniture. A short three quarter
length furniture door is affixed below the control panel. Most semi integrated
dishwashers will have a choice of colours for the control panel.
Finally, Free standing dishwashers can be placed with the sides and top
on show and will not accept a furniture door to match up with the rest of
your kitchen. Most Freestanding machines are available in white, although
some offer Silver or Stainless Steel to suit the requirements of modern
style kitchens.
Energy Labels
All dishwashers are now graded according to their energy, washing and
drying efficiency, ranging from very good (A) to very poor (G). It is
worth while looking for products that display the efficiency logo. These
dishwashers have been identified because they are the most energy efficient
and will ultimately save you money.
Some dishwashers are rising to the challenge of the recent scrutiny of
efficiency levels, using digital sensing technology involving the co-operation
of several intelligent sensors, for total management of the dishwashing
process. This effectively means that the thinking is done for you, from
the amount of water needed, and water temperature, to the length and time
of the programme. All you have to do is load up, switch on and relax!!
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