If you are tired of spending your free time washing dishes by hand, or your old dishwasher has already served its purpose, you need to carefully consider choosing a new dishwasher. Today’s blog will be useful for those who do not yet know about all the features of dishwashing equipment - here we will look at how it generally works and what functionality it has. Experienced users will also certainly find something useful for themselves - during the course of the article you will learn about some of the innovative technologies of modern dishwashers.
How dishwashers work
All modern dishwashers operate in cycles - their duration and other technological parameters differ, but the principle is approximately the same. Any washing program is controlled from start to finish by an electronic control board. This is a kind of “brain” of the installation, which analyzes sensor data and issues commands to the appropriate nodes of the system.
The first stage of the cycle is the intake of water through the inlet hose and the inlet solenoid valve. Depending on which washing mode was selected, the machine draws a strictly defined amount of water. All modern dishwashers have an ion exchanger that removes excess salts from the water, softening it. Previously, users had to purify water using additional devices - special detergents or filters.
After treatment with an ion exchanger, heating with a heating element follows. The water temperature rises to the desired value, then detergent is added - everything is ready to start automatic washing. During the cycle, detergent is added to the water several times.
The circulation pump starts to work, a strong jet is created, and a soap solution is supplied under the office. The nozzles are distributed so that the washing affects all areas of the chamber, and the dishes are rinsed at different angles. Due to this, contamination in the form of fat and other food residues is eliminated quickly and effectively. When the dirty water level exceeds the permissible limit, the pressure switch is activated. The drain pump starts and the liquid is discharged from the dishwasher through the drain hose into the drain. The process of collecting and softening water, as well as washing dishes, is repeated.
If the functionality of the equipment has an auto mode, special contamination sensors themselves determine how many times the dishes need to be rinsed. When the plates are completely washed, the rinsing step with plain water follows. At the same time, the jets are more voluminous - this way there will definitely be no soapy streaks left on the devices.
And finally, drying completes the work cycle. In some models it is natural - upon completion of washing, the door automatically opens and the moisture disappears from the chamber in a few hours. But most dishwashers use turbo drying. At the same time, the heating element and the fan operate, which drives hot air around the chamber. Due to the forced circulation of heat, the plates dry out in a matter of minutes.
New generation dishwashers instantly notify the user about the end of the working cycle - either with a sound alert or with a light indication (for example, “Beam on the floor”).
What does a dishwasher set include?
When purchasing a dishwasher, consumers pay attention to several important technical indicators of the device. One of them is the capacity of the washing chamber, measured in sets of dishes. To accurately understand the capabilities of a dishwasher, you need to know what the standard set is.
What is a dishwasher set?
Companies that produce household kitchen appliances have their own idea of a standard set of dishes, according to which it includes items necessary for one person to eat.
Discrepancies in this concept arise due to differences in the sizes of the utensils used. For example, in Europe, wide and flat plates are more often used; they take up much less space in the washing chamber than Russian deep ones. Flat dishes for soup can be placed sideways in the basket, deep dishes must be placed at an angle so that they are washed thoroughly.
What is included
It is believed that a generally accepted set of dishes includes the following items:
- 1 soup bowl;
- 1 flat plate;
- salad bowl;
- tea pair;
- wineglass;
- cutlery (knife, fork, spoons).
But it is worth noting that the average dishwasher set is not a strictly regulated concept. In accordance with European standards, the cookware set includes some additional items.
It is also important that manufacturers do not take into account such necessary household utensils as:
Therefore, keep in mind that these items will also take up some space in the washing chamber.
Types of PMM by kit
Based on capacity, dishwashers are divided into three large categories:
Choose what suits your family based on its needs and the number of people.
1-2 sets
Miniature desktop machines are designed for such a volume of dishes as 1-2 sets. They do not require connection to a central water supply system. At the same time, they are equipped with the necessary functionality. For example, we can name the MINI series dishwashers from the Chinese company M
PMM - dishwasher.
“>PMM is convenient to take with you to the dacha in the summer.
4-8 sets
Compact devices wash 4-8 sets in one working cycle. The machine includes small pots and pans. Accordingly, because of this, there will be less space for plates in the hopper.
Among the dishwashers designed for a given volume of dishes, we can name such options as:
- freestanding Candy CDCF 6;
- partially built-in Siemens SK 76M544.
6-14 sets
Narrow dishwashers can hold 6-10 sets, but despite their small dimensions, premium models are designed for a larger volume - up to 14. For example, the following machines have a capacity of 9-12 sets:
12-17 sets
Full-size machines are the most capacious; they process 12-17 sets of dishes in one working cycle:
- Electrolux EES 948300 L – 14.
Features of modern dishwashers
Since you now know how a dishwasher works, you understand how useful and indispensable it is for a modern person. The main opportunity for you is to devote as much time as possible to other, more important matters than washing dishes. Think about how many hours you spend washing a mountain of dirty dishes. Now this is all literally a matter of technology. Also keep in mind that with the purchase of such equipment you will save not only time, but also water. The machine spends 4 times less water than a person during hand washing. If we talk about the functionality itself, the standard set of modes includes:
- Pre-soaking. This is a program for cleaning dishes from old stains. Before the actual washing begins, the plates are soaked in water at a temperature of 45 degrees for 30-40 minutes. This allows the machine to remove food residues more effectively.
- Eco mode. Here the dishes are washed at a minimum temperature of 30⁰C and for 20-30 minutes. This saves as much energy and water as possible. The Eco function is suitable for lightly soiled appliances.
- Standard wash. Program for daily washing at a water temperature of 60⁰C for 1-1.5 hours.
If necessary, the owner can add dirty plates to the machine by stopping the working cycle. If, for example, you forgot about them at the beginning. Control systems for modes and other options are touch-sensitive and electronic (push-button). Touch dishwashers provide the user with the most options.
The functionality of modern dishwashers, of course, is much wider - in addition to the standard modes listed, there are at least 5-8 newer programs.
This includes an auto program, which essentially eliminates the need to use other dishwasher modes. The essence of the auto program is that it itself determines how much water is needed for the current volume of dishes. Moreover, the sensors “understand” how dirty the plates and cutlery are, and the machine heats the water to the optimal temperature. All operating parameters of the sink are set automatically - at one time the technology became a real breakthrough. It allows you to use electricity and water as rationally as possible - exactly as much as is needed for effective washing.
The possibilities of dishwashers do not end there. Manufacturers also pay attention to the safety factor, in particular, protection against leaks. For this purpose, the effective Aquastop technology was developed. If an excess of water level is detected in the chamber or a leak occurs in another unit, the equipment automatically closes the inlet valve. In this case, excess liquid is immediately drained into the sewer. All touch and push-button dishwashers have child protection - you can lock the control panel during the operating cycle.
It is also worth noting how quiet modern machines are - all this is the result of the use of advanced technologies in production. It is not always possible to understand whether the dishwasher is working - the noise level of current models is so low. For the convenience of the owner, a special indication was invented - sound and light.
How much is a set of dishes for washing?
When choosing a dishwasher, you need to understand how spacious it should be. The performance, energy consumption and usefulness of the equipment as a whole depend on this parameter. An overly efficient dishwasher, for example, is not exactly a good buy for one or two people. In fact, it will “stand idle” and will not recoup the funds spent.
Dishwasher capacity is the number of dishes that can be served in one wash cycle. The number ranges from 4 to 15, so dishwashers are offered in several categories: small, medium-sized and large-sized. The dishwasher set includes a standard set of cutlery for one full meal: deep and flat plates, table and dessert spoons, fork, knife, glass/cup/glass. For each type of dishware, the dishwasher has its own part of the basket or a special tray - this makes the washing process more efficient.
Since the main share of consumers are average families of 3-4 people, dishwashers of medium and large capacity are most in demand. Such models wash 8-9, 12, 14-15 sets each, and have optimal dimensions: width 45 or 60 cm, depth 50-60 cm and height up to 90 cm. Less spacious dishwashers are mostly tabletop. The minimum height - 45 cm - allows you to wisely use the kitchen workspace, and the capacity of 4-6 sets of dishes is suitable for 1-2 users.
What is a dishwasher set?
Companies that produce household kitchen appliances have their own idea of a standard set of dishes, according to which it includes items necessary for one person to eat.
Placing dishes in the PMM
Discrepancies in this concept arise due to differences in the sizes of the utensils used. For example, in Europe, wide and flat plates are more often used; they take up much less space in the washing chamber than Russian deep ones. Flat dishes for soup can be placed sideways in the basket, deep dishes must be placed at an angle so that they are washed thoroughly.
What is the 3-in-1 feature?
A modern range of detergents allows you to achieve maximum results from automatic washing. Now, in addition to powder and liquid products, special capsules or “3 in 1” tablets are offered. They contain three components: detergent, rinse aid and salt. Each of the ingredients is intended for a specific washing stage. Old-generation dishwashing equipment “doesn’t know” how to use such capsules, so they won’t be of any use.
But the new model cars have a corresponding function, which is called 3-in-1. A special sensor is built into the design to determine the type of detergent, and if you place a tablet there, the automatic program will be adjusted. The dishwasher uses the capsule in stages, dissolving its components as the cycle progresses. You can also find products such as 4, 5 or even 7 in 1 on sale - don’t worry, they don’t require a special dishwasher. These types of tablets are also suitable for the 3-in-1 function.
Multi-component capsules improve the quality of washing - studies show that their effectiveness is 10-12% higher than that of conventional detergents. Don’t skimp on clean dishes – your dishwasher must have a 3-in-1 mode.
Purchase recommendations
When preparing to purchase dishwashers, determine the capacity you need as follows:
- For 1-2 people, choose a model with a capacity of 4-6 sets.
- A family of 3-4 members needs a bin for 8-9 sets of dishes.
A machine that can accommodate a larger volume will have corresponding dimensions. In some situations, there is simply not enough space for a full-sized dishwasher in a small kitchen. Therefore, you should take into account not only the capacity of the camera, but also the size of the case.
Expert opinion
I work in the household appliance repair industry. Extensive experience in restoring washing machines and dishwashers.
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If you are using custom shaped designer cookware, keep in mind that it will require more space in the hopper.
Due to the characteristics of the kits used, the capacity of the dishwasher in practice may be slightly smaller. In addition, it is not recommended to pack objects too tightly and fill the chamber 100%. This will have a bad effect on the quality of washing.
Intensive and delicate modes
The intensive wash program is designed to clean large volumes of very dirty dishes - ideal for holidays and parties. The intensive mode copes well with grease and other stubborn residues due to the increased water temperature. If during a standard wash it is 60⁰С, then here it is 75⁰С. At the same time, a stronger stream comes from the dispensers. The intensive program also includes four-stage rinsing – the regime leaves no chance for contamination. The entire cycle lasts 145 minutes.
Another advantage of intensive washing is the almost complete sterilization of plates, spoons and other utensils. High temperature treatment gets rid of any bacteria and other microorganisms.
A gentle program is almost the exact opposite of an intensive program. It is needed to care for dishes made of fragile materials that are sensitive to jet rinsing and high temperatures. As an example - glass or crystal glasses, porcelain cups.
The water temperature during delicate washing barely reaches 40 degrees, and the cycle duration is 45-60 minutes. The jet pressure is minimal, so the equipment will not damage even the most capricious dishes. Of course, in delicate mode, cutlery can only be refreshed - it will not be possible to remove significant stains in this way.
Operating mode indication
The time indication is needed so that the user knows how much longer to wait until the end of the working cycle. If we talk about the traditional display system located on the display, here the owners are faced with some inconveniences. In most dishwashers, the operating panel is located at the end of the door - when it is in the closed position, no data can be obtained. But you can open the door a little - yes, right while washing - and look at the indicator. Just do this carefully so that the water jets do not fall outside the chamber.
A much more convenient and practical indication method is laser. The technology is called “Beam on the Floor”, which speaks for itself. When the washing cycle is completed, a laser beam is projected onto the floor - the user sees a red dot and understands that clean dishes can already be taken out. In some innovative dishwashers, instead of a simple beam, an entire display is projected - data is displayed on the exact time remaining until the end of the wash.
What is included
It is believed that a generally accepted set of dishes includes the following items:
- 1 soup bowl;
- 1 flat plate;
- salad bowl;
- tea pair;
- wineglass;
- cutlery (knife, fork, spoons).
But it is worth noting that the average dishwasher set is not a strictly regulated concept. In accordance with European standards, the cookware set includes some additional items.
Is a dishwasher profitable?
Oh yes! No
It is also important that manufacturers do not take into account such necessary household utensils as:
- pots;
- frying pans;
- ladle;
- shoulder blades;
- baking sheets;
- graters;
- cutting boards.
Therefore, keep in mind that these items will also take up some space in the washing chamber.
Dishwasher tray
Quick wash mode
It is not always necessary to wash dishes intensively - there are different types of contamination, including minor ones. For example, after lunch, when all family members ate liquid food. Then the plates are not so dirty that you need to rinse them for an hour and a half at a temperature of 60 degrees. This is a waste of electricity, water and time.
Especially for such cases, manufacturers offer a fast automatic washing mode. Its duration is reduced to 30-35 minutes, and the water is heated only to 45 ⁰C. We emphasize that the quick program is only relevant when the dishes are minimally soiled. Fat residues are not washed off in this mode. Choose the function correctly, depending on the type and intensity of dirt.
Half load
The function is found only in dishwashers with a large capacity of 10-12 sets. The half-load program helps save energy resources - the dishwasher can be loaded only halfway, then it uses half as much water and detergent. Now the user does not have to wait until a sufficient number of dirty dishes have accumulated in order to wash them automatically. For a family of 2-3 people, this is a pressing problem - you can get 10 sets of dirty dishes in just a few meals. And half loading is a fairly practical solution.
The user can load the machine the way he wants - it is not necessary to place all the devices in one basket. A “smart” dishwasher will provide effective rinsing in the desired areas of the chamber. Detergent is also used extremely sparingly, only in the required quantities. Depending on the degree of soiling, the rinsing step may be shortened or removed from the program altogether.
According to the latest data, the half-load mode allows the owner to save at least 25% of water and 15% of electricity. Which is good for the family budget.
Types of PMM by kit
Based on capacity, dishwashers are divided into three large categories:
- compact;
- narrow;
- full-sized.
Choose what suits your family based on its needs and the number of people.
1-2 sets
Miniature desktop machines are designed for such a volume of dishes as 1-2 sets. They do not require connection to a central water supply system.
At the same time, they are equipped with the necessary functionality. For example, we can name the MINI series dishwashers from the Chinese company Midea. It is convenient to take such PMMs with you to the dacha in the summer.
Midea MCFD-0606
4-8 sets
Compact devices wash 4-8 sets in one working cycle. The machine includes small pots and pans. Accordingly, because of this, there will be less space for plates in the hopper.
Among the dishwashers designed for a given volume of dishes, we can name such options as:
- freestanding Candy CDCF 6;
- partially built-in Siemens SK 76M544.
6-14 sets
Narrow dishwashers can hold 6-10 sets, but despite their small dimensions, premium models are designed for a larger volume - up to 14. For example, the following machines have a capacity of 9-12 sets:
- Siemens SN 615X00 DR;
- Beko DFN 05310 W.
Loaded dishes
12-17 sets
Full-size machines are the most capacious; they process 12-17 sets of dishes in one working cycle:
- Electrolux EES 948300 L – 14.
- Asko DFI 675GXXL.P – 17.
20+ sets
Professional dishwashers are capable of washing a large number of dishes: frontal, dome and boiler washing. Their efficiency is measured by the number of plates processed per hour. The washing process in industrial machines is carried out in special cassettes.
Advantages of Miele dishwashers
If you don’t know which manufacturer to give preference to, choose the German company Miele. The company was the first to introduce the domestic dishwasher to the European market, becoming a pioneer in this industry. The history of the brand goes back more than 100 years, and during this time the manufacturer has only modernized dishwashing equipment. Today the range includes two types of built-in models: narrow and full-size with a width of 45 and 60 cm, respectively. Low noise programs, great functionality and maximum energy efficiency - all this is about Miele machines. And branded models are distinguished by ergonomics and unique design.
In our online store you can order a Miele dishwasher at the best price and with an official guarantee - ask the manager for details. Delivery of equipment is carried out to all cities of Russia. Contact us online - leave a request on the website, and we will call you back.
