Your kitchen Design
The work triangle is considered the gold standard of kitchen layout design. This refers to the sink, dishwasher, fridge, and stove placement for efficient cooking and cleaning. Also, consider storage options, strategically place the appliances, and map out how you’ll move around.
Dishwasher Size
When buying a dishwasher, look for exterior dimensions that fit your kitchen and interior dimensions that match your work triangle. Dishwasher sizes are between 45cm and 60cm.
Remember, if you’ve retiled your floors or redone your counters, the height of that cavity in your kitchen may have changed. So before you make your final selection, carefully measure your space and ask the retailer for the specific height of the model you’re interested in. Don’t forget to account for the adjustment of the leveling feet.
DISHWASHER CAPACITY
The Dishwasher capacity is measured in the load that can fit in the place settings. A place-setting counts as what you’d need to serve a three-course meal in dishes, cutlery, and glassware.
More tips? 1 - 2 people
A 10-place setting means you’ll still be able to wash up to 118 items in one go. So, being short on space doesn’t mean you are stuck washing up by hand. Check out our 45cm dimension range.
3 + people
A 12-15 place setting means you’ll be able to wash up to 173 items in one go, saving you time and effort., Check out our 60cm dimension range.
Water & Energy Consumption
Water - Most modern dishwashers use around 9.5-14 liters of water per cycle, while Hand-washing can use far more.
Energy - Dishwashers consume between 1.2kWh and 1.5kWh per load. You should be able to see your appliance’s exact kWh use on its energy-rating label. The most efficient dishwashers will have an energy rating of A or B; the lower the kWh number, the less energy the appliance will use.
Top tips to make your dishwasher more eco-friendly and energy-efficient
Fill your dishwasher correctly – while you should always run a full load, overfilling and not loading correctly could mean some dishes aren’t cleaned properly. Ensure smaller, more fragile items like glasses and cups go in the top basket, while large plates and roasting tins are placed on the bottom rack.
Skip the pre-rinse – most modern dishwashers only need a quick scrape of any leftover bits of food before you load your dishes.
Use the ‘Eco’ cycle – it’s the most energy-efficient setting.
Tips for cleaning your dishwasher
Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with 1 cup of white vinegar and place it on the bottom of the empty dishwasher. Set the dishwasher to run on a hot water cycle. The vinegar will break down the remaining bits of food, grease, soap scum, residue, and any other leftover grime.
Before you buy a dishwasher
CONNECTION
You’ll need to consider three connections as part of the installation process. Your dishwasher needs power, washing water, and wastewater drainage. If this is outside your remit, having yours installed and connected by a professional is the best option.
DISHWASHER INSTALLATION
The standard size for a dishwasher is 600mm wide, 820mm high, and 600mm deep, but you must measure the available space and dimensions of the dishwasher precisely. Also, consider rear ventilation and your ‘air gap’ the most effective method to protect your dishwasher from flooding with wastewater, something professional installers or plumbers can help with.
Check the best dishwashers now on eXtra.