Dishwasher

Grumpysally

Finally got the other half to agree that a dishwasher is a 'good idea', now been given the task of finding a good buy. So any recomendations out there would be most appreciated.
Good experiences and bad, especially which ones NOT to touch with a bargepole.
Would like if possible one which is 'toddler proof' ( a contradiction in terms) but also simple enough for other half and resident 'kevin' the teenager to use. (wishfull thinking there )
Thank you,
Alison

bosey

my 2 penneth would be dont be 'brand loyal'. there has been the thread on badged brands & who now actually makes them.

A couple of things i would bear in mind are that build quality does sometimes have indicators on the outside of the product so a good play/feel/look at the product helps. And two; take time to find out how long it takes to wash. I was going to buy an Indesit over the net but found its standard wash was 2 1/2 hours !(but that info was only available via the tech department - NOT in the manual) shortly after, a friend gave me her hotpoint (brand new with the house but not needed) but i think its an indesit in hotpoint clothes as its standard wash is 2 1/2 hours aswell!

The energy ratings are a give away but sometimes the letters dont drive home the implications. Waiting 2 1/2 hours compared to 1/2 an hour for my old (much loved) bosch is a joke.

Go play in Curries/Comet then shop on the net ;-)

Grumpysally

Thanks, where do I go to get the technical information they daren't tell you in store?
Alison

culpepper

our old one took ages aswell cant even remember what brand it was now:(
Be aware none of them will be toddler proof! (although the doors arent all that easy to open)
If your youngun sits on the open door it could be catastrophical
Ours had an exposed element which finally burnt itself to oblivion and we had the pump replaced after about 2 years as limescale had killed it.
Dont have one now as OH washes up 3 times a week(his choice) teen 1 does once a week,teen 2 once a week and I do twice a week.
I do miss the tidyness but not the hum of it running at night or the cost of the dishwasher powder or tablets,salt and rinse aid.

Bennifred

When we had our decrepit kitchen refitted a couple of years ago we had a Fisher & Paykel (a New Zealand brand) dish drawer put in. It was very expensive but is absolutely fantastic, very simple to use and has a child lock, too! No chance of anyone sitting on doors, as it is literally two drawers, so can be opened part way through washes to put forgotten items in etc without any risk of floods,(obviously not by child, if lock is on!!). Also each drawer can be run independently, which I find useful for half-loads and still having somewhere to stash dirty dishes. As I said, the only real drawback was the initial cost, but worth it IMHO.

Grumpysally

Spent several hours last night researching. Decided to sign up for Which?'s 3 month free trial and check out their information on DW's
Saw the one with drawers bit out of our price range though .
Decided to check out AEG at comet as they had come up as best buys on the which? report. Came accross a siemens stainless steel model, now trying to find cheapest place to buy, It's tempting to go with somewhere like comet etc. because you know where they are, can anyone recomend an online shop that it reliable. My main worry is that if I get a major appliance from somewhere online that is based 100's of miles away and I have problems with it I'll be stuck, at least with the high street stores you can go in and create a scene as a final recourse.
BTW how do you get your teens to wash up, that would solve all my washing up problems.
Trying to get an Egg '0% till sept' card to pay for DW.
Thanks for everyones help so far, if anyone has any Siemens horror storys please let me know.
Why don't they make dish washers with childproof locks like washing machines?
AW

Grumpysally

descision made (I think ) getting siemens from comet. Cheaper online but 2-3 week delivery, will put it in back of car to save delivery cost. Siemens doing a special offer of a 5 year guarentee but runs out 31st March. Strangely comet not advertising the fact, could that be so they can try to sell their warranty?
Egg card application acepted but wont arrive in time to buy DW so will have to do some creative juggling with overdraft / other half's 'emergencies only' credit card.
Hope right descision.
Watch this space.