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.
Hot water supply
Possibility of connection of the dishwasher to a source of hot water. With this connection, the water enters the device already heated (unlike the usual procedure, when the machine heats the water to the desired temperature) — thus saving time and energy. However, the hot water supply is quite demanding on the quality of water: in most cases, it must have a temperature of 60-65 °C and flow without pressure drops.
Note that
hot water supply is an option, not the only solution; machines with the possibility of such a connection can usually work according to the standard scheme, from a source of cold water.
Door closer
The door auto-closer is responsible for “pulling” the door when closing, and in some models also when opening. The idea is that the user does not need to close/open the door completely: pull it to the right place, and then the door will be "picked up" by the auto-closer and smoothly brought to a fully open or closed state. Such a system performs two functions. Firstly, it reduces the risk of leaving the dishwasher not closed. Secondly, such a device provides a very smooth opening and closing without shock. Thus it has a positive impact on the life span of the entire device.
Energy class
The energy efficiency class characterizes the efficiency of the dishwasher's energy consumption. Initially, the classes were designated in Latin letters from
A(high degree of economy) to G (high consumption). However, later, with the development of energy saving technologies, more advanced classes appeared than A (
A+,
A++, A+++). The more benefits, the higher the savings. Most modern dishwashers comply with energy classes from A to
A+++(the latter is 30% more economical than the original class A).
Other things being equal, more efficient models cost more, but the difference can be recouped in energy savings. Note that the energy consumption class does not describe efficiency in general but in comparison with other similar models; therefore, the actual consumption of a small class A machine may be lower than that of a large class A++ model.
Noise level
It is an approximate noise level produced by the dishwasher during operation. In modern models, this parameter can range from 38 – 39 dB (muffled human voice) to 59 – 60 dB (rather a loud conversation); more detailed decoding of what sound corresponds to a particular number of decibels can be found in special tables. Anyway, the
low noise level contributes to the comfortable use of the device. It is important if the dishwasher is to be used at night.
Dimensions (HxWxD)
Dishwasher dimensions in height, width and depth, respectively. A fairly obvious parameter; we only note that often when looking for a place to install, the width and height of the unit are of key importance.
In most modern dishwashers, the width corresponds to one of the standard values (plus or minus a centimeter):
45 cm for narrow models,
65 cm for standard ones and
55 cm as a compromise between these dimensions. As for the second size, dishwashers with a height of up to 60 cm inclusive are usually classified as
compact, such models mainly involve installation on a table, cabinet or other similar stand. Height over 60 cm already allows you to put the machine
on the floor.
Country of origin
The country in which, according to the manufacturer, a model is manufactured. Despite the fact that most of the factories are concentrated in China, European factories (
Germany,
Italy,
Spain,
Turkey, Poland) for the production of household appliances have not gone away. And some models can be produced there. In general, such a division into a Chinese or European factory should not particularly affect the quality of products, but the stereotype of a reliable European assembly is present in us. However, it is possible that the model may have a country of manufacture, for example,
Poland, and in the store under the same article you will meet
China.