Dishwashers

There are four main types of Dishwashers to buy: Freestanding, Built In, Integrated and Drawer Dishwashers.

Freestanding Dishwashers are easy to install and can be positioned anywhere in the kitchen with access to a power outlet, water connection and suitable drainage. They are easy to relocate and make a great option for renters, also generally offering a removeable top that can double as additional bench space.

Built-In Dishwashers are designed to fit snugly into cavities built into cabinets or under a kitchen bench. These will need to be enclosed and anchored inside the space to stop them from tipping. For an even more seamless look you can opt for a Semi-Integrated or Fully Integrated Dishwasher with a front panel that matches the colour and style of the surrounding cabinets with a cabinet maker's help.

Drawer Dishwashers or 'DishDrawers' are compact Dishwashers designed to be built into cabinets like a drawer. Great for smaller households, Dish Drawers will allow an efficient half load cycle if just the one drawer is stacked with dishes.

The easiest way to keep a Dishwasher running efficiently and smelling fresh is with regular cleaning. Regardless of the type and model of Dishwasher Cleaning can be quick and easy.

Make sure to regularly check the filter as it traps food to stop the drain clogging or detritus getting dried on to dishes. A clogged filter can prevent water draining and lead to overflows. Clear the filter around once a week to prevent this, just remove it from the inside floor of your Dishwasher (check the manual for the specific location), empty the scraps in a bin and then rinse it out in warm soapy water.

Around once a month scrub the seal around the Dishwasher's door then wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth. Another quick and easy maintenance task is unblocking the holes in the water spraying arms. A toothpick will usually be enough to loosen and remove any particles that may be blocking them, which will ensure the washer maintains its cleaning power.

Most Dishwashers are clever enough these days to only use the required amount of electricity and water to get the job done. Many also come with Eco settings which work great on loads that aren’t so dirty. Whether you're environmentally conscious or looking for lower running costs, always keep in mind that Dishwashers use much less water than washing dishes by hand.

Stacking dirty dishes away in a Dishwasher not only keeps them out of sight but allows less frequent washes, and waiting to do a full load will lead to further water savings. Modern Dishwashers do not need dishes to be pre-rinsed, just scrape off heavily soiled dishes before stacking.

When comparing the efficiency of Dishwashers, it’s important to compare models with the same number of place settings. Place settings indicate how many sets of cutlery and servingware each Dishwasher can roughly hold including a small and larger plate, a bowl, cup and cutlery. For instance gauge whether a 15 place setting Dishwasher fares well on water and energy consumption against other 15 place setting models. Look at the water consumption in litres per wash cycle, the WELS Water Rating, as well as the Energy Rating for each. The higher the ratings, the more efficient the appliance will be.

Place settings, consumption, and efficiency aside, there’s a suite of features to keep an eye out for. These can include specialised basket systems to better help manoeuvre and fit bulkier items - or auto opening to complete the drying process for less energy usage as found in some of Bosch and Miele Dishwashers. If you live in an area with hard water, look for Dishwashers with a salt dispenser that soften the water.

Energy saving wash programs, specialised glass care cycles with secure storage for wine glasses and height adjustable baskets are just some features to keep an eye out for. Dishwashers also come in a variety of finishes to match kitchen design. As Black appliances have taken off darker Dishwashers are a popular choice, while timeless Stainless Steel continues to be amongst the best sellers.

Dishwashers come in a range of sizes so be sure to measure the size of the space it will be filling and refer to the model's user manual to double check requirements prior to buying.