Wash it!

In my entire life I have come across only one person who liked to do dishes, and I still wonder about her sanity.  This must be one of the worst household chores, it’s right up there with washing toilets and ironing.  I think a dishwasher should be a compulsory appliance in each kitchen, not only is it more hygienic as a dishwasher doubles up as a steriliser but several studies have proven that it also saves water and electricity.  

How does a dishwasher work?

A lot of people believe that washing dishes, pots, pans and glasses by hand is more hygienic and effective, but this isn’t actually true. Your dishwasher will most definitely get the job done in a hygienic manner.

A dishwasher is basically a robot like appliance that cleans dirty dishes, glasses, etc. 

In order to function properly the dishwasher does all of the following by itself:

• Adds water 
• Heats the water to the appropriate temperature 
• Automatically opens the detergent dispenser at the right time 
• Shoots the water through jets to get the dishes clean 
• Drains the dirty water 
• Sprays more water on the dishes to rinse them 
• Drains itself again 

Heats the air to dry the dishes off, if the user has selected that setting 

Dishwashers are also able to monitor themselves to make sure everything is running properly by making use of sensors and timers. A timer regulates the length of each cycle, whilst sensors are used to control the temperature and water level inside the machine.

What is available?

Let’s compare some notes ... 

Bosh SKS 50 Compact dishwasher

This small, stylish dishwasher has space for 6 people’s normal place settings. It is equipped with 5 wash cycles – Intensive (70°C), Normal (65°C), Eco (50°C), Delicate (40°C) and Quick wash (45°C). The appliance is fitted with:

• Auto 3 in 1 built in sensor technology, which automatically detects whether the machine is using 3 in 1 tablets or conventional cleaning detergent. The dishwasher automatically adjusts the programme to ensure the best washing results while optimising energy consumption and water use. It also keeps working in hard water areas too, because it leaves the water softening system activated. This prevents the machine from furring up and also avoids lime scale being deposited on the crockery.

• GlassProtec: Glass and Porcelain are washed with the greatest possible care. Innovative solutions like the Heat Exchanger, Aqua Sensors and AquaMix guarantees optimal protection for your most valued glassware. 

• The Heat Exchanger system reduces water and electricity consumption. This unique system uses heat from subsequent rinse cycles, which ensures smooth temperature transitions and spotless drying. Another advantage of the Heat Exchanger is that it dries dishes by condensation using residual heat.

• An LED/LCD display makes the use of your dishwasher that much easier as all the information you require can be seen at a simple glance. Information such as programme status, remaining time and salt and rinse aid indicators can all be viewed.

• The RackMatic feature enables you to adjust the baskets of your dishwasher to suit you personal preference. The baskets can even be adjusted while they are fully loaded by pressing two side mounted plastic holders and adjusting the basket height.

• The VarioFlex basket system delivers exceptional versatility. The cup/glass rack offers space saving positioning for cups and safe support for glassware while cutting down the risk of breakage by avoiding contact between glasses. The foldable plate racks can be folded down to accommodate large pots and pans. There is also a special long-stemmed glass support that makes it possible to wash wine glasses up to 28cm long. 

For more information visit: Bosch

Miele G 5100 SC dishwasher

This freestanding dishwasher has a sleek appearance and is designed for your comfort. The machine is 60cm wide and 85cm tall and the height is adjustable to 91cm. The appliance is fitted with an ergonomically angled fascia panel, Programme sequence LED’s, user-friendly programme selector buttons, 3-digit seven-segment display, 24 hour delay start, turbo function and a child-resistant door lock. It is energy efficient and has a special care function for glass and crockery. The Miele dishwasher has six wash settings: Sensor Wash, Quick Wash 40°C, Sensor Wash Gentle, Energy Save, Light Soiling 50°C, Intensive 75°C and it can handle up to 14 place settings. 

For more information visit:  Miele   

Siemens Stainless Steel Dishwasher

This modern appliance is fitted with variable speed functions and is well suited to do the job – even if you only have half a load to clean. It comes with variable programmes - Auto programme 65°-75°C, Auto 55°-65°, Economy 50°C, Quick wash
45 °C, Pre Rinse. The machine is fitted with:

• GlassProtect - Glass and porcelain are washed with greatest possible care
• AquaSensor - a light barrier recognises the dirt in the water and continues
• with less soiled water
• AquaVario System - the force of spray gets automatically adjusted
• according to the level of soiling
• Heat Exchanger - for hygienic drying, prevents thermal shock
• Auto 3 in 1 detergent detection for the best rinsing and wash result
• Curved spray arms
• Electronic time remaining display, low salt and rinse aid indicator
• VarioFlex baskets for safe loading and optimal space usage
• Height adjustable top basket with RackMatic
• AquaStop with guarantee against flooding

For more information visit:  Siemens

LG D1417WF Dishwasher

This machine has a 14 plate capacity with Inverter Direct Drive motor, which increases the dish loading area - allowing for big dish sizes of up to 35cm.
 

Enjoy the convenience of 5 programs (Dual Intensity, Auto, Eco, Gentle, Quick) and 4 extra options (Half load, Extra hot, Delay start, Child lock) and improve hygiene with the Extra Hot function and reduce electricity consumption with the Eco Wash program. LG’s SteamDishwasher’s™ also has TrueSteam™ technology that enhances cleaning performance; dual Intensity™ wash cycle and an adjustable 3rd rack for utensils and hard-to-clean flatware.

It also has a built-in food-disposer to get rid of those edibles that stay behind by accident. The appliance is also equipped with a
removable, fold-down tines that instantly make room for larger items; an adjustable upper rack; three separate cutlery baskets, which can be snapped together or separated for placement in either the upper- or lower-racks and three water-spray settings as well as three spray arms for various types of washing. The stemware holder to secure wine glasses, goblets, and champagne flutes can also act as a double-decker rack for storage of smaller cups.

For more information visit:  LG   

Samsung 600 series dishwashers

The Samsung 600 series Dishwasher is the most premium in the range. This machine is sleek and sophisticated with a real stainless steel finish and hidden LED display. It is fitted with technology such as Aqua stop, 3 way washing arms, adjustable plate racks and half/full load cycles and a flexi-rack system which allows you to wash large loads, but also offers you the option to perform small-load washing, delivering energy savings where applicable. The special 3-branch water spray arm at the bottom of the dishwasher delivers improved washing performance and disperses water more effectively to every part of the dishwasher, ensuring better washing efficiency.

For more information visit:  Samsung 

Whirlpool 6th Sense Steam Dishwasher
 

This sleek dishwasher caters for 13 place settings and is fitted with the unique SpacePlus 3^rd rack that gives you that extra loading space. The machine has a low water consumption which is great for the environment and even better for your pocket. Whirlpool’s anti-bacterial rinse option provides peace of mind for you and your family by ensuring that your dishes are hygienically clean. By creating steam during the cycle, the AquaSteam function offers the best washing performances, even on delicate items because steam is incredibly effective at softening dirt and helps eliminate bacteria.

For more information visit: Whirlpool