Dishwasher Buying Guide
Dishwasher capacity is measured in place settings. One place setting consists of a large dinner plate, dessert plate, glass, bowl, teacup, saucer, two knives, forks, spoons. Larger families will have more dishes to wash, so a higher capacity will help you do more on a single wash and save money on energy bills.
There are three different sizes of dishwasher. You have standard full-size dishwashers which measure at a width of 60cm and can hold between 120-150 items. Slimline models are usually 45cm wide and can hold between 90-100 items. Finally, table-top options are ideal if you need to save space, as they’re much shorter in height at around 43cm.
You can also buy three types of dishwasher, free standing, semi integrated or fully integrated. A freestanding dishwasher can stand on its own and isn’t attached to any of your kitchen units. A semi-integrated dishwasher is partly hidden, sitting alongside kitchen cupboards with just the control panel on show for ease of access. An integrated dishwasher is hidden behind what appears to be a cupboard door, so you get a more uniform look to your kitchen. Integrated dishwashers are great for small kitchens that do not have extra space for a freestanding dishwasher.
Installation
Waste and water pipes are essential for dishwashers, so remember to leave adequate space to attach them to your dishwasher. Consider the depth of your machine, and make sure it will fit snugly where you want to position it. As a rule of thumb, your waste connection and inlet pipe should be no more than 50 cm from either side of where the dishwasher will be. It is always wise to get a qualified electrician to install your dishwasher.
