The type of installation for your dishwasher

Although it is not as essential as a refrigerator or a washing machine, the dishwasher still equips nearly two thirds of households. It is indeed a very useful household appliance within a large family, for example. In addition, doing the dishes by hand consumes up to 55 liters of water compared to only ten liters per dishwasher cycle. It is important that your dishwasher meets your needs. Whether you want to make a new acquisition or a replacement, here are the criteria on which to base yourself to choose a dishwasher.

The type of installation for your dishwasher

The free-standing dishwasher already has a front and walls, as well as a control panel on the front. It is installed in the available place of your choice in your kitchen.

This type of dishwasher is suitable for consumers who do not have a fitted kitchen, designed to accommodate household appliances. Generally 60 centimeters wide , there are also 45 centimeters for small kitchens . A wide choice in terms of design and functionality is available to you. Be aware that there are dishwashers with anti-trace stainless steel door.

The built-in dishwasher

A built-in dishwasher, more expensive than a single-standing dishwasher, is designed to be built into a niche 81 to 87 cm high. It can be dressed with a facade matching those of the other pieces of furniture in the kitchen .Blending into the decor, the built-in dishwasher makes it possible to obtain a much more aesthetic whole.

The built-in dishwasher

There is another type of built-in dishwasher, which completely disappears in kitchen furniture: the built-in dishwasher.

What storage in a dishwasher?

To choose a dishwasher, pay attention to its interior fittings. You need to be able to easily store and access your cutlery so you don’t risk cutting yourself. There are two main types of storage elements in a dishwasher: drawers and baskets.

The dishwasher with cutlery baskets

The majority of dishwashers are equipped with two storage areas (one above and one below), with cutlery baskets.

Conveniently, the top rack is adjustable so you can position it according to your needs. The more modular the baskets, the easier it will be for you to organize your dishwasher according to the size of your dishes. In addition, the basket allows quick filling and emptying.

The dishwasher with cutlery drawers

Now you have another possibility: the cutlery drawer , which replaces the cutlery basket and frees up space in the lower part of the dishwasher . You can therefore store more pans and bulky dishes at the bottom.

The only disadvantage of the cutlery drawer is its longer loading and unloading time compared to the cutlery basket.

When you buy a dishwasher, also pay attention to the energy label of the latter. Present on each household appliance, it gives you several information:

Contrary to popular belief and as seen above, cleaning cutlery in a dishwasher is more economical than washing dishes by hand. Indeed, during a washing cycle, it consumes 2 to 3 times less water.

For low water and electricity consumption, it is advisable to opt for a device rated A+ minimum. Keep in mind that an A+++ energy class dishwasher saves more than 30% energy than an A class dishwasher . However, its price is higher.

The number of covers

A full-size (60cm wide) dishwasher is typically designed to accommodate around 13 place settings . As for a 45 cm wide dishwasher, it can wash up to 10 place settings.

The sound level

New dishwashers are less and less noisy. This is an appreciable criterion when you have a kitchen open to the dining room and/or the living room. Most devices have a sound level of more than 46 decibels. The quietest models reach between 38 and 39 dB.

Cycle programming

When choosing your dishwasher, also look at the different programs offered by an appliance. Depending on the model, you are offered between 3 and 10 programs, including the classic normal program or the eco program. Regarding the features, we find the most classic on all dishwashers. Then your choices depend on your dishwashing needs.

The delayed start function is very useful because it allows you to set the start time of a cycle. This is an interesting option if you want to save energy by running your washing cycles during off-peak hours.

And to save water and electricity without having to wait for your dishwasher to be full, simply activate the “half load” option.