What to look for in a new dishwasher!

amd

Hi all!

I'm finally going to get my first dishwasher in my new kitchen, (soon to be installed). Anyway, not having had or used a dishwasher in the past I haven't the faintest idea what I should be looking for in the way of programmes or other features.

We are a family of 4, and I want it built in. Other than that has anyone any advice / brands to avoid or any other pointers please...

Thanks in advance.

Alan50

I have had 3 over the past 26 years, by far the best is the meile, it has a unique cuttlery tray at the top of the machine and a fan to dry off at the end of the cycle, also very quiet. The 2 other machines where OK but if the basket that holds the cuttlery at the bottom was too full some food was left on the forks.

Hope the information helps

Alan

adandem

We have a Bosch, the only thing it doesn't have which I would like is a half load button.

Height adjustable baskets are good too, I wouldn't be too fussed about the number of programmes, I only ever use 2.

alanobrien

Look for AAA energy rating and low water use.
An extended guarantee would also be useful.

We have had a few over the years but these days we stick with Bosch which seems to give the best price/performance compromise.

belfastgirl23

I'd look at one that does a fast cycle. It's worth too signing up to which online for a trial period to see what they say about dishwashers if you really want to get it right.

I'd def watch out for energy efficiency and low water use too.

Jonesya

If you've got an Economy 7 electric supply then I'd look for one with a delay timer - load it up in the evening then get it to wash over night using the cheap rate electricity.

Alan50

Economy 7 tarriff hot water, unfortunatly most dishwashers are cold fill only (1 pipe) The old appliances (10/20 years ago had both)

Alan

shona_2

Alan50 wrote: »

by far the best is the meile, it has a unique cuttlery tray at the top of the machine and a fan to dry off at the end of the cycle, also very quiet.

I would second that - brilliant machine, and brilliant idea for the cutlery. Means you can get masses in and it's oh, so quiet!
Long guarantee too (depending on what offers etc are on)

Shona

Jonesya

Alan50 wrote: »

Economy 7 tarriff hot water, unfortunatly most dishwashers are cold fill only (1 pipe) The old appliances (10/20 years ago had both)

Alan

Yeah our dishwasher only has cold fill - our E7 tariff meter feeds to whole house during the E7 period, hence the dishwasher heats the water using E7 electricity.

benood

I'm not totally convinced by the miele cutlery tray - the great thing with an old fashioned basket is that you can take it out to unload cutlery quickly into the cutlery drawer. But apart from that concern we'll probably go miele next time when our 8 yr old bosch (only 3 wash cycles, but then we only ever use one anyway!) conks out.

shona_2

benood wrote: »

I'm not totally convinced by the miele cutlery tray - the great thing with an old fashioned basket is that you can take it out to unload cutlery quickly into the cutlery drawer. But apart from that concern we'll probably go miele next time when our 8 yr old bosch (only 3 wash cycles, but then we only ever use one anyway!) conks out.

But you can take the Miele cutlery tray out too...