Place settings
The maximum number of place settings loaded into the dishwasher at once. A place setting is considered a set of dishes for one person: four plates (for the first course, for the second course, salad, bread), a saucer for dessert, a cup, a spoon and a fork.
The large capacity allows you to wash numerous dishes in the machine at once without starting the washing programme again. At the same time, a large capacity may be undesirable. Firstly, a capacious working chamber affects the dimensions of the entire machine. Secondly, such units consume more water. Thirdly, if there are not many dirty dishes, you either have to wait until it accumulates, or start an underloaded machine, wasting water and detergents. Therefore, when choosing according to this indicator, you need to consider real needs and not chase the maximum capacity.
Water consumption per cycle
The amount of water used by the machine in one wash cycle. Usually, it is indicated for a standard (universal) programme — at full load, without pre-rinsing, etc. Accordingly, in special modes, the consumption may differ from the indicated one.
The lower the consumption, the better. On the other hand, a reduction in consumption can harm the quality of the wash. So, when choosing an
cost-effective machine, you should pay special attention to the wash class (see below). In addition, only models of the same capacity can be compared in terms of consumption — after all, the more dishes, the more water is required to wash them.
Dryer type
The dishwasher has a drying function. Drying can occur both due to the natural evaporation of water from the surface of the dishes (
condensation drying), and due to
turbo dry with heated air. The first option is more economical since it does not require energy. Besides, there is also an improved one —
with a heat exchanger. It provides significantly faster drying. And the recently appeared new type of drying
Zeolith combines both methods because it firstly collects residual moisture and then generates it into heat, which dries the dishes and belongs to the premium segment models. Note that not all machines can dry dishes to complete dryness; see Drying class for details.
Auto door opening
Auto door opening at the end of the programme. This function is not only convenient but also acts as an end-of-cycle signal. In addition, the open door helps to speed up drying — excess moisture escapes through it.
Delay timer
A timer that starts the machine at a user-specified time eliminates the need to do this manually. This function is useful, for example, if the electricity tariffs during the day and at night are different. You can save on electricity bills by setting the start of washing at night.
Salt indicator
Indicator showing the amount of special salt left in the machine. Such salt is used to soften hard water. If there is an indicator, it is much easier for the user to monitor the remainder. At the same time, the capabilities of the indicator may be different: in some models, it only signals that the salt is coming to an end; in others, it allows you to more or less accurately determine the remainder.
Rinse aid indicator
Indicator, signaling the remaining rinse aid — a special agent used when rinsing dishes. The way such an indicator works may be different: in some models, it only signals that the rinse aid is almost over; in others, it more or less accurately displays the remainder. However, this function makes life easier for the user, allowing you to control fairly accurately the amount of rinse aid.
Interior lighting
The presence of a
interior lighting in the working chamber of the dishwasher.
The working chambers of modern dishwashers have a large depth. Even when the machine is installed in a brightly lit place, the internal volume of the chamber may remain in the shadows. Thus its contents can be difficult to see because of this. The interior lighting system solves this problem by improving visibility. Moreover, it does not depend on external light sources.
Child lock
It is a safety system designed for homes where there are small children. Various locks can be provided in the design, To prevent a curious child from injuring himself and ruining the machine — usually for the door, sometimes also for the control panel.
Child lock is disabled in a way that is easily accessible to an adult, but inaccessible to a child.
