Dishwasher Buying Guide - which is best in 2023

A Dishwasher is genuinely a blessing from the world of electronics; drop your dirty household utensils into the wash cycle and, after a few minutes, find them clean and shiny. Moreover, It can save you over 30 minutes a day compared to washing your dishes by hand.

However, many people in India are used to cleaning dishes by hand with a dishwasher liquid. This process is widely followed daily in India; it is time-consuming, tiring, and excessive use of water and soap harms the hands and skin.     

Dishwashers are not only very helpful in cleaning utensils, but they also remove most of the greasy and oily stains on crockery. Considering the size of Indian utensils and the amount of oil used, many dishwasher manufacturers have come up with dishwashers that have customized programs.

However, if you want to buy a new dishwasher to aid in your cleaning process, there are many factors that you need to consider before purchasing a dishwasher. Our dishwasher buying guide will help you choose the right one for your house.           

Reasons to Buy a Dishwasher

There are several reasons to buy a dishwasher to clean your dishes.

●     Save Time and Energy: If you are in a hurry and getting late for the office or something else, then you need a dishwasher. You only have to load the crockery in the dishwasher and unload it when it is done. This saves effort and time.

●     Uses Minimal Water: Most people think washing the dishes by hand may seem like it saves water, but using a dishwasher actually reduces water consumption by up to 70%. However, a dishwasher only needs a certain amount of water to clean dishes effectively, but a person may fill the sink two or three times to wash the utensils.

●     Cleaner Vessels: Dishwasher detergent is a stronger formula than other detergents. These detergents contain active ingredients that add shine to the utensils and also eliminate bad odours. With latent heat and powerful washing soap, the dishwasher gives awesome results.

●     Ensures Better Hygiene: Dishwashers make it possible to wash the utensils much more thoroughly, making them more hygienic. This is because the dishwasher can use a higher temperature than our hands are capable of washing dishes. It gives a strong dishwashing-like Cascade Platinum, the cleanest way to protect people from harmful germs and bacteria.

Things To Consider While Purchasing The Right Dishwasher

The Capacity of the Dishwasher:

This is one of the trickiest and most important factors when buying a dishwasher. The capacity size determines the number of dishes that can be washed in a single cycle; it also indicates the amount of water and washing detergent used to complete one cycle.

Standard vs. Compact size: There are several sizes available in dishwashers, and each size is suitable for a certain family size. An 18-inch dishwasher is suitable for a three-person family, and a 24-inch dishwasher is good for a family of five-six members.

The 18-inch dishwasher is the compact size, and the 24-inch is the standard size. Dishwasher capacity also determines energy consumption, cost, features, and more.

Types of Dishwasher

Dishwashers are a kitchen essential for many kitchens, and there are several different types available. They are available in three basic categories.

●     Built-In: This is the most widely used dishwasher type in homes. Built-ins are generally kept near the kitchen sink because of the need for a plumbing connection. Moreover, built-in dishwashers come in two sizes: compact and standard.

The size of a compact dishwasher can be 17 to 18 inches wide and 22 to 26 inches deep. Height varies from 32 to 34 inches.

The standard size is 24 inches wide and 34 inches long, and 28 inches deep.

●     Portable: Portable dishwashers work like a standard dishwasher, but they are on wheels, and you can move them around your kitchen. Store it next to your cabinet for extra countertop space, and simply move the inlet hose to the sink when in use. It does not require a permanent setup, so you can take it with you when you are on the go.

However, it is an excellent option for renters and people who live in small spaces. These units are typically 20 to 25 inches wide and 30 inches deep.

●     Countertop: A countertop dishwasher is a small dishwasher that can fit on your kitchen counter, rolling, or wherever else it can get easy access to the sink. These machines are typically 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 28 inches high. It takes water from your kitchen faucet and drains it from the kitchen sink, and requires a nearby electrical switch to provide power.

Material of Dishwasher

The major components of a dishwasher are made of plastic and steel. However, you can also choose either steel or plastic interior tubs.

Steel dishwashers can sustain high temperatures where the water can be heated to a high degree during the wash cycle and are extremely durable, resistant to corrosion, and stain-free. The bonus of a steel dishwasher is that it provides a high-end modern look. 

Moreover, plastic dishwashers are cheaper than steel dishwashers and hide water stains better than steel.

Efficient Cleaning of Oil and Hard Food Remains

An unspoken rule of buying any electronic appliance is that you should check the appliance’s wiring for energy saving. A dishwasher that can have three or more energy stars is one that you must look for. Today, dishwashers have become powerful liberally and consume half as much energy as before.

Reduced energy consumption has increased the length of each wash cycle. There is also a quick washing option. Hence, always look for an energy-efficient dishwasher.  

Noise Level

Dishwashers are also sound-rated. The noise rating of a dishwasher is essential, and it is directly related to the price. However, dishwashers are not as loud as you think; if you want to buy a quieter one, you should consider a premium dishwasher.

In addition, several high-end dishwashers with noise levels between 40 DB and 50 DB are available that are hardly audible even in the same place. The mid and basic-range dishwashers with sound output over 50 DB are a little noisier, but you might not notice them if you are sitting in an adjacent room.

Energy Consumption

A dishwasher uses 1200-2400 watts of power, with the average machine consuming 1800 watts. Pumping water into the dishwater and running the controls consume most of the energy.

However, an Energy Star-certified dishwasher uses less than half of the energy used when cleaning dishes by hand, saving over 30000 liters of water every year. A standard-size Energy Star-certified dishwasher costs about 3200 Rs a year to run and can save you an average of 14000 liters of water over its lifetime.

Sensor Technology

A sensor or auto wash setting detects how dirty the dishes are in your dishwasher. In response to this, the dishwasher selects the appropriate cycle duration, sets the water temperature, and determines the amount of water needed to clean these dishes properly.

Wash Cycles

There are plenty of wash cycles available in dishwashers, like regular, heavy, light, and other economy settings. These wash cycles consume different amounts of water, detergent, and energy.

Moreover, a dishwasher with a stainless steel interior is also an affordable and stylish option. A dishwasher made of stainless steel with a steel washing arm will last longer than others and won’t rust.

Performance Ratings and Competition

The performance of dishwashers is based on the number of wash levels, the strength of the jet sprays, and their location. Moreover, a three-level system will provide a good wash, and more levels will give you a better clean. In addition, also check the detergent for cleaning the utensils. Child safety locks and weight alerts are other factors that may affect your performance.

If you have tired of cleaning your utensils, get yourself a dishwasher. It is the best remedy for dirty dishes.

How to Stack Utensils and Number of Racks

Standard dishwashers generally have two racks for holding crockeries. Moreover, if you have five or more members, you can purchase three racks of dishwashers.

You will also benefit from an adjustable rack to hold mugs, wine, cups, and bottles. You also get a basket for the entire cutlery and other things.

Warranty

Buy a dishwasher from a reputed brand that offers good after-sales service and whose warranty period ranges between three to six years.

Dishwasher Price Ranges

On average, a new dishwasher costs around 90,000 Rs, although you can spend as little as 20,000 rs for a basic model or upwards of 4,00,000 Rs for special features like noise control and steam-cleaning. If you do not know how to install a dishwasher, you will have to spend 2000 rs for professional dishwasher installation costs.

Dishwasher Maintenance Tips

Below are listed some strict dishwasher maintenance tips you must follow to keep it running for 1 or 2 decades.

●     Clear Filter: If your dishwasher has a filter, remove it and clean out any food or grime. Food can get stuck in the filter and spoil the cleaning.

●     Clean the Doors and Seals: Dishwasher doors have seals around the rim to prevent leaking while the machine is running. Clean the rubber seals and door with a soaped cloth to prevent grime and soil from building up.

●     Clean Spray Arm: Wipe the spray arm with a moist towel. We advise removing the spray arm every six months to remove any clogs with a toothpick.

Top Dishwasher Brands:

●     Godrej

●     Faber

●     Voltas

●     IFB

●     Bosch

●     LG

●     Kaff

●     Hafele

●     Midea  

●     Elica

●     Samsung

Dishwasher FAQs

Why do I need a dishwasher?

It assures that dishes are thoroughly washed and sanitized as per food safety regulations. Using a dishwasher allows a large number of utensils to be washed in a short period. Washing dishes one by one manually can take hours, whereas a dishwasher gets the job done in a matter of minutes.

Is a dishwasher ideal for all Indian households?

However, the dishwasher is a western concept; it is quite suitable for the Indian kitchen if you consider the factors. The cost may be a bit high, but it recovers it many times. Also, the water consumption is less as compared to hand washing.

Can I put aluminium foil in the dishwasher?

Yes, it is completely safe to put aluminium foil in the dishwasher.

What is a dishwasher?

A dishwasher is a machine that is used to clean the dishwasher, cutlery, and cookware automatically.

Can a dishwasher clean Indian masala stains and heavy utensils like kadhai?

Yes, a dishwasher can easily clean all kinds of spices, oil stains, and greasy food residue.

Does a dishwasher have space for my kadhai, patila, and other large utensils?

Yes, with two baskets and a cutlery tray, you can easily load your pots, kadhai, pans, spoons, plates, and glassware into the Largest Capacity Dishwasher.

Is a dishwasher suitable for stainless steel utensils used in Indian homes or aluminium and bronze dishes?

Utensils made of copper, aluminium, gold, bronze, plastic casseroles, wood, and metal should not be used in dishwashers.

Can I use my regular detergent/liquid soap/handwash detergents in the dishwasher?

No, you should only use dishwasher detergent because it is specifically designed for your dishwasher to clean dishes without the use of bubbles and suds.

The water hardness is more than 800 ppm. Will the dishwasher work?

Dishwashers are meant to operate below 800 ppm. High levels of water hardness will leave calcium stains/white minerals on dishes. You can also install an external water softener and dishwasher to get the best results.

What happens if I use normal kitchen salt in the dishwasher?

Dishwasher salt is typically composed of 100% sodium chloride with no other additives, while table salt often contains anti-caking compounds such as magnesium. The additives used in table salt can interfere with the mechanical components of the dishwasher or promote the production of hard water stains.