This dishwasher buying guide is designed to help you make the right choice for your new dishwasher. Perhaps you’re just contemplating a dishwasher? This guide is helpful and hopefully provides enough information for you to make a decision.

 

A dishwasher saves you the time and hassle of washing up. It also helps to keep your kitchen tidy (just pop those dirty dishes into the machine and out of sight) and they also save on water consumption. In terms of cleanliness and hygiene, it's far more effective than hand washing can ever be. Today, dishwashers have become an essential appliance in most kitchens. Have a look at the range of dishwashers here at mychoice.

 

You can either read the full guide or click on one of the links below to go straight to the answer of one of our frequently asked questions. 

 

• What Size Does My Cooker Need To Be To Fit Into My Kitchen/Utility Room?
  
• How Much Do I Need To Use My Dishwasher Each Week?
• Will The Dishwasher Get My Dishes Clean And What Do The Features Mean?
• How Will My Dishwasher Save Me Time?
• How Much Does A Dishwasher Cost To Run? 
• What Price Do I Need To Pay For My Dishwasher?

 
 

What Size Does My Dishwasher need to be to fit into my Kitchen/Utility Room?

 

Everyone has their own needs and preferences when it comes to space in their kitchen or utility room. Many people prefer their dishwasher out in the open so they can get to it easily. Others have specifically designed kitchens that require a very specifically sized dishwasher.                   

 

**The first decision you have to make is this:  where in your kitchen do you want your dishwasher to go? This will dictate what size it needs to be. Do you need your dishwasher out in the open (this is known as freestanding) or do you want your machine to be slotted into your kitchen units (this is known as built-in/integrated).            

 

**Freestanding dishwashers are good if you want your machine to be seen, and they’re fairly easy to fit in as they just slot into a specific gap in your kitchen. 

 **Full size dishwashers are the biggest models (60cm in width). They are able to wash more dishes at a time and generally have more features. As you might expect, they are physically bigger and so need more space in your kitchen.   

 **Slimline dishwashers are ideal if space is a problem (45cm in width). 

 **Compact/table-top dishwashers are very small, in comparison to a full-size dishwasher. Perfect for couples, if you live alone, in flats or office kitchens.              

 **Built-in/integrated dishwashers are designed not to be seen. They have a flat front and space to attach door hinges so they can be completely hidden behind a door.    
       
 **An integrated model is a dishwasher covered by a door panel that matches the rest of your kitchen units. When closed, the model will be completely hidden.  

 **A semi-integrated model is a dishwasher covered mostly by a door panel that matches the rest of your kitchen units. When closed, the machine will be completely hidden, except for the controls. 

 **When fitting your new appliance please remember it must be fitted in reach of a power supply and water pipes in order to be connected. If you would like mychoice to connect your appliance, please check our connection services for that particular model. 

 

 

How Much Do I Need To Use My Dishwasher Each Week?

 

The guide to capacity is the number of place settings, i.e. the maximum number of plates and eating utensils the machine can wash (excluding any serving dishes, saucepans or utensils).                   

 

A typical 12 place setting capacity would include:              
    

12 x 24cm dinner plates 

12 x 23cm soup plates 

12 x 18.5cm dessert plates 

12 tea cups and saucers 

12 tumblers                    

12 knives, forks, soup spoons, teaspoons, dessertspoons                   

 

Dishwashers are also designed to make it easier to fit lots of plates at a time. Some models include 2-3 rack level systems, meaning you can raise or lower the top basket even when it’s fully loaded. It also allows you to pull out the top basket to a fully extended position for easier loading and unloading. Other models also come with space saving cutlery baskets and fold down plate racks to make more space for large pots and pans

 

**A large family will benefit most from a full size dishwasher. They offer 12-14 place settings—the equivalent of plates and pots from 3 meals for a family of 4 (around a full day’s washing).          
       
 **Slimline dishwashers usually offer 9-10 place settings, so are ideal for couples or families with smaller kitchens. 

 **Compact/table top models, offering 6 place settings great for single people or couples. A compact model can fit on top of your kitchen work surfaces or be hidden away in a cupboard.                

 

 

Will The Dishwasher Get My Dishes Clean And What Do The Features Mean?        

 

How clean your dishwasher gets your dishes depends on a number of factors, from. What your kitchenware is made from, to the size of the dishes being cleaned and the level of soiling/dirt on them. All dishwashers offer a number of specialised programmes and features to deal with an everyday mix of dirty dishes and kitchenware.                   

 

There are many models in the market and most have specific features that help get your dishes and kitchenware clean. The following features come with many models:

 

**Pre-rinse cycle - rinses your dishes before the main wash cycle begins. This is great for reducing odours and removing stubborn stains.

**Daily programme - designed to wash a typical load of 4-6 lightly soiled place settings within 60 minutes. 

**Delicate/glass care wash - a 35°C - 45°C wash is sensor controlled by your dishwasher to alter the programme according to the level of dirt that needs removing on your glassware or crockery.

**Separate wash zones - works by splitting the levels of your Dishwasher into two zones; increasing the temperature and spray pressure in the bottom basket whilst maintaining a delicate rinsing action for glassware and crockery in the top basket; so you can wash delicate and non-delicate items in one cycle. 

**Intensive wash - a 70°C cycle for achieving spotless results when cleaning heavily soiled dishes, pots and pans.               

 

Please note that all models featured on our website have full product feature descriptions on their specific features page!!                   

 

 

How Will My Dishwasher Save Me Time?

 

As well as saving you time by not having to wash-up, dishwashers also have selected features that save even more time and energy than normal: 

 

**Auto half load function – this automatically determines whether there is a full or a half load and will adapt the water and energy accordingly.

**Quick wash function – this operates around 45°C and will clean all the dishes in less than 30 minutes. 

**LED indicators – some models have a LED display that monitor and display the remaining programme time and specify when the salt and rinse-aid need refilling.

**Time delay function - works flexibly around your lifestyle, by letting you set the dishwasher anything from 1-24 hours in advance. This means you can take advantage of off-peak electricity costs, thus saving on energy costs.                   

  

 

How Much Does A Dishwasher Cost To Run?

 

Every dishwasher receives an energy efficiency grading ranging from A - G, with A being the most efficient and economical. Standardised tests, monitored by Trading Standards, are carried out across the industry and manufacturers are responsible for grading their own machines, taking into account water consumption, washing and drying performance. The issue of water consumption may be of particular interest if you're on a water meter. All dishwashers are cold water fill, and some have time delays so that you can set the machine up to switch itself on during the night to take advantage of cheaper electricity.

 

Some of top-of-the-range dishwashers will detect changes in water pressure at the top of the inlet hose, and a safety valve will cut off the water supply. You'll generally find that the more expensive the machine, the better its energy efficiency is, as energy-saving features have been included. This may make it cheaper to run in the long term. Top of the range machines also tend to be quieter because they have a higher level of insulation. You'll also find that your dishwasher uses less water to wash effectively than hand washing the same size loads.             

 

If you are upgrading your old appliance remember that mychoice offer a recycling service, where we collect and recycle your old appliance when we deliver your new one.

  

What Price Do I Need To Pay For My Dishwasher?

 

Dishwasher prices start at about £200 but can go up to £1000 for premium models. All dishwashers are designed to be energy efficient and most are AAA rated.

 

**Dishwashers priced between £200 and £400 come in a range of shapes and sizes. Even though you are spending less money you still get a choice of place settings, fit types and programmes. If you are struggling for space, then you will find a wide choice of slim-line models and table-top dishwashers. 

 

**Dishwashers priced between £400 and £600 will give you a wider selection of full sized models with around 14 place settings and more adjustable loading levels giving you the flexibility to wash all your different sized pots and pans. You will also find a number of built-in models in this sector.                   

 

**At £600+ you can buy dishwashers that are loaded with extra features and finishes that are made by top brands.     

 

You can call us Monday – Friday 9am-6pm on 01442 563 147 or on 0800 197 5391 at anytime from 9am to 10pm 7 days a week. Alternatively you can contact us by email on info@mychoice.co.uk and we will respond within an hour if received 9am-5pm Monday to Friday or as soon as possible outside of these times. Please give us a call if you have any questions about our dishwasher buying guide.