Tool Reviews

Dishwashers can be selected based on several parameters: size, energy consumption, type of installation, capacity.

How does a dishwasher work

The sizes are divided into full-size and compact. Compact conventionally divided into narrow floor and low desktop. Narrow ones have a width of 45 cm, a depth of 60 cm and a height of about 80 cm. They differ from full-sized ones only in width. Due to their small overall dimensions, they are considered compact.

Desktop compact appliances have a width of 44–60 cm, depending on the model. The floor ones are equipped with adjustable legs 6 cm high. There are 7 energy classes: A, B, C, D, E, F, G. The most uneconomical are classes F and G, the middle ones are D, E, the most cost-effective are classes A, B, FROM.

The appliances presented in stores belong to energy class A. When washing by hand, at least 60 liters are spent. Owners of full-size dishwashers will need up to 35 liters for a full washing cycle, up to 18 liters for an economical cycle.

Owners of compact cars will need 6 liters for an economical cycle, and up to 15 liters for a full one. The power consumption parameters for compact dishwashers are from 0.6 to 0.9 kWh.

By installation type compact equipment is divided into built-in and freestanding. Built-in mounted in niches provided in advance. There is a technique that is built in fully and partially.

The built-in one is completely characterized by the absence of controls on the front surface, they are located on the upper edge. The dishwasher is hidden from view by furniture facades.

Partially built-in compact machines fit between the elements of a kitchen set with a single worktop. One way to install low ones is in a cabinet under the sink.

The maximum number of dishes for floor narrow dishwashers is 9 sets, for table-top dishwashers – 6. One set includes: 3 plates of different sizes, a tea pair, a glass and cutlery in the amount of 5 pieces.

Regardless of size, dishwashers are built in a similar way and work on the same principle. The required amount of water from the water supply system is brought to the desired temperature using heating elements. Heating elements are of 2 types: tubular and flow.

Flow-through ones heat up faster, but are more energy-intensive. Hot water, along with detergent under pressure, is fed into the compartment with plates through special holes, like a shower. Remains of food remain on the filter, and the liquid that has passed through the filter washes the appliances again.

Then the liquid with detergent is drained and clean water is collected for rinsing. The duration of these processes depends on the running program. This is followed by drying.

Pros and cons of a compact dishwasher

Advantages:

• Small overall dimensions, profitability. Narrow dishwashers are placed between furniture cabinets without violating the integrity of the interior. Desktop – on the surface of the countertop, or in the kitchen cabinet.
• The use of such equipment reduces the amount of water and electricity consumption.
• Possibility to wash several sets of dishes at once.
• Ease of use.
• Mobility – due to its low weight, it can be transported without resorting to outside help.
• Self-installation is possible, including using a drain connected to the sink. This makes it possible to operate a compact dishwasher when it is impossible to provide a stationary drain.

Disadvantages:

• Desktop compact dishwashers are not designed to load dishes and pots at the same time.
• It is not possible to wash large pots and pans.
• The high cost of consumables, namely special detergents.

Compact dishwasher

Compact dishwashers are equipped with mechanical or electronic touch controls, depending on the model. For stand-alone models, the buttons and touchpad are located on the front.

For built-in – on the top edge of the device. For ease of use, the built-in models are equipped with a light and sound indicator that allows you to determine the end of the wash.

The design of narrow dishwashers provides for 2 pull-out baskets with handles for dishes, located at different levels. The lower one is designed for pots, pans and large diameter plates. Upper basket for dessert plates, cups, glasses.

The top basket usually has a height adjustment system. To place cutlery, a special container is used, which is installed in the lower basket. In compact ones, additional compartments for long knives are sometimes provided, fixed on the sides of the upper basket.

The second option for placing devices is an additional shelf located above the upper basket. The arrangement of cutlery and knives depends on the particular model.

Water washes the dishes with the help of rotating sprinklers. In full-size machines, their number reaches three. There are two of them in narrow ones, and one in compact desktop ones.

The design provides a double system of protection against leaks. In the event of a problem, the water supply is interrupted. The water from the tank is then drained. Dishwashers are designed in such a way that the water entering the tank changes the hardness.

The recommended hardness is 1.1 mg-eq/l. Thanks to the electronic system, the regenerating salt is consumed in the quantities necessary for water softening. This has a positive effect on the quality of washing dishes.

Functions

The number of programs in compact dishwashers varies from 4 to 9.

• High temperature wash (70–75C). Intensive mode is designed for washing with heavy soiling, including grease and dried-on food residues.
• Economical. Saves energy by heating water only up to 50-55C.
• Quick wash mode. Works in a short time period. Washing takes 30-45 minutes. Operating temperature in this mode is 40C. This mode is suitable for washing dishes without greasy food residues. Convenient for use in offices for washing cups and glasses.
• Rinsing. Washing time is 15 minutes at 30C. This mode is used when the equipment is not fully loaded with the subsequent addition of dishes. When rinsing, the dirt remaining on the dishes is washed off.
• Auto. The system itself determines the temperature of the water, its quantity and the time required for the washing cycle. These parameters depend on the amount of dishes and the degree of contamination. The device in this mode operates in the temperature range of 40-65C. Some dishwasher models have several automatic modes with temperature ranges.
• Half load mode. Used to save electricity and water. Functionally similar to automatic mode.
• Delicate works at 45C. Designed for washing thin glass and fragile items.
• Delay start mode. Allows you to run the dishwasher at a convenient time. For example, depending on the cost of electricity at a convenient time of day.
• AquaSensor. A sensor that allows you to measure the degree of contamination of the water during rinsing. If the liquid is clean, it is included in the wash cycle again. If the level of contamination is above the permissible level, then it is drained and a new one is recruited. The sensor allows you to reduce the amount of water used.

Installation

The dishwasher, if used as a countertop, is placed on a flat horizontal surface, preferably close to the sink. Before starting the installation, the general water supply in the apartment is turned off.

A special tee is installed to supply cold water to the tap and to the dishwasher. Most modern drain systems provide for the connection of additional hoses. In the case when the design does not provide for this, the pipe must be replaced and a hose is connected through which the drain occurs.

A simple, but slightly less convenient way to drain: a hose with a special pipe at the end is lowered directly into the sink while the dishwasher is running.

Precautionary measures

• When installing the device, do not plug it in. Make sure the socket is grounded.
• When embedding in a cabinet-column, make sure that the cabinet is securely fastened.
• Do not place the dishwasher in close proximity to the microwave oven to prevent damage to the latter.
• Install away from radiators and other heating elements. Avoid installation under the hob.
• Do not use the device if the touch panel is damaged. Disconnect the device from the network and call the wizard.
• To avoid burns, open the door carefully while the appliance is in operation.
• When installing on carpet, make sure that all openings on the bottom of the dishwasher are open.
• Avoid washing wooden utensils and appliances, painted thin glasses, dishes with decorative elements. Avoid washing dishes made of copper and tin, plastics that cannot withstand high temperatures. Silver dishes and cutlery lose their original appearance, their luster disappears.

Faults

1. Does not work
   • Make sure the dishes are stacked correctly and the door is latched.
   • Make sure water is coming through the hose.
   • Insufficient pressure.
   • The fuse has blown.
2. Noise
   • Turn on the short mode weekly if the machine is used irregularly.
3. The dishes were dirty
   • Properly arrange crockery and cutlery.
   • Use a sufficient amount of detergent.
   • Clean the clogged filter.
   • Change mode, try another wash mode.
4. Water does not drain
   • Check the hose, make sure it is not kinked.
   • Make sure the drain is not clogged. Remove blockage if found.
5. Machine leak.
   • Level the car.
   • Reduce the amount of detergent.
   • Use only special detergents for dishwashers.
6. White coating on the tank
   • Remove with a damp sponge, after putting on rubber gloves. Use only special tools.
7. There are stains on the glasses.
   • Empty the dishwasher from metal objects. Start the long wash program. After 15 minutes, open the door, pour 1-2 cups of vinegar into the tank and continue the running program.

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