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Dishwashers have come a long way since the days of standing in front of one to scrub dishes by hand.
It is now possible to find dishwashers that are specifically designed for certain types of households and lifestyles. It’s important to know what you want before you start looking, so here is a list of some popular options:
Traditional Dishwashers
These dishwashers must be hooked up to a water line and drain. Older models used hot water, but now, they are more energy efficient as they use cold water. The dishwasher also contains soap dispensers that the user does not have to refill regularly.
Traditional dishwashers are not very expensive and can easily be found secondhand.
These dishwashers are great for households that have fairly small loads of dishes. They can be more efficient in terms of water and energy when it comes to older models, but the newer models still perform well.
Coin-Operated Dishwashers
These machines work on the same principle as a laundromat, with the difference being that they are designed for kitchen use only. They can operate in two ways—either by using coins or by connecting it to a credit card. These machines are inexpensive, but they are convenient only to those who live near a laundromat and whose credit cards work on it.
The new models of coin-operated dishwashers, however, have an additional feature a tablet that allows them to be controlled through the use of remote controls. Since these units run according to timers, it can be used to eliminate the need for a babysitter, who is needed to turn these machines off.
Vertical Dishwashers
These dishwashers have a tall, larger capacity and are designed to fit under the counter. They use cold water like traditional units, but they require more space because of their vertical design. These dishwashers can also be large enough to fit big pots.
Dishwashers should also be chosen according to the capacity of the machine, which is measured in place settings or the number of plates that a dishwasher can hold. One machine might be able to clean more dishes than the others, but its energy-efficiency may not be as good.
Undercounter Dishwashers
These dishwashers are very compact, making it easy to find room for them. Some have a wash cycle as short as 5 minutes. They are quieter and cheaper to run than standard models.
Undercounter dishwashers might need extra maneuvering space if the kitchen is small. Also, they may not be able to handle large pots and pans without causing damage. Smaller dishes tend to fit in these machines better.
Undercounter dishwashers are only good for light loads. They may have an issue with tall glasses, which can cause the wash cycle to stop and beep. Thick parts of silverware will also cause issues.
Portable Dishwashers
Portable dishwashers are usually the size of a small refrigerator. They can be easily moved to wherever they are needed most, such as outside or in the garage, which saves money and energy.
The downside to portable dishwashers is that their hose must go through an open window in order to drain properly. If there is no direct access to a window, it is possible for the hose to fill with condensation. This causes the dishwasher to run constantly until that water drains out, making it extremely inefficient and expensive to use.
Portable dishwashers are much easier to load than undercounter models. However, they may not deal well with very tall glasses or plates with high rims.
Portable dishwashers are not designed for large loads, which means that they cannot handle pots and pans. The machine will not be able to function correctly if the water level is too high. Also, some portable dishwashers may come with a hose and drain attachment so that they do not need to go through an open window. This means that they are not just limited to the outdoors.
Countertop Dishwashers
Countertop dishwashers are designed to fit onto a countertop, therefore they are significantly smaller than other models. They can be used as part of a kitchenette or bar, meaning that this model is often purchased when space is limited. This makes them very versatile and easy to move around.
It is important to note that these machines tend to require a special countertop. This includes having an upper back splash cover and a drip tray to catch water while the machine is in use. Without this, dirt may accumulate on the counter below, especially if there is no room for the hose and drain attachment to be stored elsewhere.
Countertop dishwashers are similar to undercounter machines in regard to sound. They operate quietly and are energy efficient. It is also possible to run a shorter cycle, saving time and money.
The major issue with countertop dishwashers is that they are small and can only handle light loads of dishes or flatware at one time. This means that larger pots and pans will not fit in this machine. There is also not a way to recycle the water, so it will need to be drained manually.
Drawer Dishwashers
Drawer dishwashers are completely self-contained units that work under the kitchen sink. They are about as large as a microwave, making it easy to find room for them no matter what size the kitchen is.
Drawer dishwashers can be very noisy, even though they are designed to be quiet. When running quietly, they may not be noticeable.
But when running at full power, they can be heard throughout the house. They can also vibrate things on the counter or floor above them and make a horrible noise that seems to come from nowhere. Drawer dishwashers use hot water instead of detergent, which means they scrub the dishes clean very well and work fast.
The downside to drawer dishwashers is that if you have any plumbing issues, your sink would also be affected. They are also noisy when running because of the high pressure pump needed to push water through a narrow pipe. However, one way around this problem is to install an extra sink or faucet.
Built-in Dishwashers
Built-in dishwashers are built into the kitchen counters in such a way that they blend in with them.
They are extremely quiet and easy to install, but there is no room for installing them if you already have a cupboard or cabinet over the sink. This means that you must build an opening for them somewhere else, making it harder to find a place for them in a small kitchen.
Built-in dishwashers are easy to use, because you just open the door and add in your dishes. Built-in dishwashers have an automatic detergent dispenser that measures out what is needed with each load. The appliance will also automatically detect when the water is too dirty and will re-clean the filters.
Built-in dishwashers can be used for both washing dishes and pots, making them highly versatile. However, they cannot be used to clean glasses or silverware by hand or in a separate cycle.
Integrated Dishwashers
Integrated dishwashers are a combination of other appliances, like microwaves or ovens. They can either be built in or placed on top of the kitchen counter as stand-alone units.
These appliances have both high and low power cycles that do not take very long to finish. The added advantage is that they can usually fit large loads, unlike stand-alone dishwashers.
The disadvantage to integrated appliances is that they take up a lot of counter space, and the machine must be opened for use. They are also very expensive, so you may not be able to get one if you do not purchase your kitchen appliances as a set.
Freestanding Dishwashers
They have a tall tub with one or two wheels on its base for easy moving. The user opens the door to add the dishes, and then closes it again. In comparison with other types of dishwashers, these rarely cause flooding accidents inside the house because they do not have rising water within them.
The temperature of the water is hot from the start, so that scum and grease settle on the dishes in a short time. Therefore, this type of dishwashing machine requires very little effort to do its work.
The users of this type of dishwasher may keep the door open in the course of work. They do not have to worry about their dishes getting wet, because there is no water inside this machine.
However, when using a freestanding dishwasher, it is very important to stick to the manufacturer's instructions regarding loading size and type of dishes because each type of new model differs from older ones.
Slimline Dishwashers
Slimline dishwashers are easier to fit into a kitchen than most other kinds of machines, so they are ideal for small kitchens. They have the same mechanism as freestanding dishwashers—the only difference is their height.
Slimline dishwashers usually do not require much space on the work top for installation because they do not have their own water supply. They use the existing plumbing for water and have a separate drain and heating system. The door of this kind of machine usually has small portholes in it, necessary to let out air from inside during work.
The height of a slimline dishwasher is such that a person can put at least one plate or bowl on the bottom shelf while standing. In this way, it is easy to load dishes into the machine and remove them after cleaning—the user does not have to bend down or kneel in front of the dishwasher while working.
Double Dishwashers
The most common type of double dishwasher has two compartments for loading plates and dishes. A person loads them before starting the machine, and then closes its door for cleaning.
Some types of double dishwashers have a small porthole in their doors, making it easier to load plates onto the shelves within the machines. However, some models do not have this option—the user has to put dishes on the bottom shelf while standing.
Different types of double dishwashers have different degrees of water and heat. Some models wash dishes at a temperature that is not much higher than the air temperature in the room, while other models provide maximum heat exposure to get rid of scum from plates and dishes.
Double Dishwashers are very popular among those who have children, because they have two separate compartments for washing dishes. In this way, it is possible to load only the dishes and glasses used in one meal at a time. This type of dishwasher saves a lot of water and energy compared with the traditional model that requires soaking some plates and dishes overnight before cleaning them.
FAQS
How can I prevent water from flooding my kitchen after using a dishwasher?
Make sure that the door of your dishwasher is closed tightly. Otherwise, it might not remain in place when water rises inside the machine during washing. It is also important to make sure that there are no air bubbles between the door and its frame; otherwise, water may leak out of the machine and cause flooding.
When using a new model of dishwasher for the first time, read the manufacturer's manual carefully. Then, follow its instructions regarding the correct loading of dishes inside the machine, and turn off the water supply for it before starting a cycle—otherwise, there is a risk of flooding.
What can I do if my dishwasher's door doesn't close tightly?
Check that you have closed all doors to the building and that the door to your dishwasher is tightly closed. If you turn on a dishwasher after washing some items in a sink or using a hose, make sure that there is no water left around its door. Otherwise, it might not stay in place when the machine starts to work.
How can I prevent my glassware from breaking inside my dishwasher?
Make sure that you place glasses on the top shelf of your dishwasher, and do not put them on the lower shelves. It is also important to choose a model with air jets inside—if there are no such jets, then bubbles can grow and rise during washing, causing glassware to break.
Another safe option is to leave some water inside a glass after you finish using it. This is especially important if the glass has been washed in a sink and then placed in your dishwasher with no water left inside.
How should I load dishes into my dishwasher?
A common mistake when loading a dishwasher is putting dishes on the top shelf while standing, rather than crouching or stooping down. In this way, a person is more likely to break some dishes during work.
It is best to load glasses on the top shelf, plates and bowls in the middle, and flatware on the bottom shelf (or even better, on the bottom rack). Different types of dishwashers have different heights inside, and it is better to place some items on an upper shelf than break them.
How should I clean my dishwasher?
In order to prevent the growth of bacteria inside your dishwasher, you need to make sure that it is always dry after cleaning. If there are water drops left on its surfaces, then they may start growing bacteria and making a bad smell in time.
This is why it is important not to overload your dishwasher, and to use the delay timer if it has one. Also, be sure not to put any glassware inside a dishwasher unless you have left some water in them before starting the cycle.
In many countries, hot water is available only during certain hours of the day. I suspect that this may be true for your region as well, so make sure that you run your dishwasher at night or early in the morning, when it is possible to use hot water. The same applies to air drying—it is better to dry dishes inside a machine than leave them wet outside.
Conclusion
Types of dishwashers are not the only important thing. You might also want to look at how well they clean your dishes, what other features they have, and their price. All these things should be considered before buying any type of dishwasher.
