Dishwasher frenzy

It was made largely of wood and cranked by hand to spray water onto the dishes.

First-time buyers of a dishwasher wonder how they ever managed without one!

Why spend time washing dishes by hand, when all you must do is load the dishes into the machine, add detergent, and set the appropriate programme?

Even the most standard dishwasher will be able to wash pots and pans that would otherwise require need intense cleaning to remove stubborn food from oven dishes, as well as other items, such as plates and cutlery.

Today’s dishwasher is an energy friendly automatic mechanical device designed to save time and money.

Unlike cleaning dishes by hand which relies largely on physical scrubbing to remove soiling, the mechanical dishwasher cleans by spraying hot water, typically between 45 and 75°C at the dishes, with lower temperatures used for delicate items.

Water and detergent is pumped to one or more rotating spray arms, which then intensely showers the dirty dishes, pans and cutlery.

More hot water enters the tub by means of a solenoid valve depending on the programme selected.

The result is a far better wash performance simply because higher water temperatures are more efficient at degreasing, eliminating bacteria and maximising the power of specialised detergents.

The upper basket is used for smaller usually less soiled items whilst the main lower basket is used for pots, pans and dinner plates.

A consistently effective clean is achieved by using multiple, rotating hot water spray arms that reach every part of the cabinet.

Some models will include sensors to adjust the wash cycle depending on how dirty the dishes are.

After the rinse cycle finishes and the water is drained, the dishes are dried using one of several drying methods.

The heat generated inside the dishwasher is universally used to dry the contents after the final hot rinse maximising the use of energy consumed.

Some dishwashers further incorporate a fan or heat exchanger to improve drying.

Older dishwashers may have a costly inefficient visible heating element at the bottom of the wash cabinet.

The average size of washing up bowl typically found in most households can contain 9 litres of water.

One bowl of water per day, every day, equates to an annual consumption of 3,285 litres.

Typically, a dishwasher such as the A++ energy rated NEFF S513G60X0G, 60cm fully integrated model uses 2800 litres over the same period.

This equates to a considerable saving of 85.24 per cent.

Doubtless you will use more than one 9 litre bowl of water a day to complete the same washing up task that a dishwasher can do all in one go; hence, the annual energy consumption will be also be higher.

Look for models from Neff and other market leading brands in domestic appliances, with features such as a 'delay start', Eco or 'half load' programmes, quick wash options, and energy ratings A, or A+ and above, since these dishwashers are designed to deliver efficient, money saving results every time.

Whatever the model however we recommend it being operated it with a full load to maximise the energy use.

There so many types of dishwasher so it is important to know the differences between them.

Dishwashers are available in the standard washing machine size or in the slimmer 45cm design.

Table top models can be offered as well as the integrated machines designed for the fitted kitchen.

A semi integrated dishwasher is one that fits into a built-in kitchen usually with a door attached in the same finish as the rest of the units but with the control panel found at the top of the door always on view.

The fully integrated models have a different control panel hidden from view when the door is closed giving a very seamless finish to your kitchen.

The more common freestanding dishwasher does not need to be built into a cabinet or fitted kitchen only needing nearby compatible plumbing and a power source before use.

The door on a freestanding machine is fully visible, and usually finished in white.

However, there are appliances which can be supplied in black, silver, stainless steel and other standard colours.

The table top dishwasher is a great choice for the smaller kitchen where there is little space for another appliance.

Dishwashers come with a range of features, including anti-flood devices and can be seamlessly fitted into the overall design of your kitchen.

Dishwashers are generally Like washing machines, the standard size is 60cm wide or, where space is at a premium, a slim-line 45cm sized model may be preferable.

Also available from Carters are 'table-top' machines from Zanussi, Bosch, and Indesit.

These machines have comparable energy ratings and can wash up to six place setting.

The standard 60cm dishwasher can cope with anything from 12 to 15 place settings dealing not only with plates but with all the cooking pots, cutlery and glass all in one go.

We can offer great advice and tips to get the best from your new dishwasher. Why not wrap salmon in foil and use the dishwasher not only to clean your dishes but cook your favourite fish to perfection?

A capful of white vinegar is a good idea to maintain freshness and gleam to your dishes.

Which type of dishwasher you buy really comes down to how the kitchen is used and how it is intended to look after the dishwasher is installed.

We have stores in strategic towns in Sussex, and we offer a free 24-hour delivery service to most areas, either directly from the shop or from our extensively stocked warehousing and outlet facility in Storrington.

So, if you are looking for a dishwasher anywhere in Sussex possibly in Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Horsham, Haywards Heath or Storrington then why not put us on your shopping list and CLICK HERE.

We promise you a good deal.