Dishwasher Programmes
With most dishwashers these days, there are a variety of programmes to choose from, and this is one of the things you’ll need to think about before you buy. Do you need a model with eco and intensive settings? How about glassware or half load functions? Find out what basic cycles to expect here, plus programmes you might have to pay a little more for.
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Standard Programmes
Pretty much every dishwasher comes with a standard wash programme. More often than not, this runs at a high temperature of 65°C to kill germs and ensure your dishes come out clean.
Another programme you’ll often find is an economy cycle. This is ideal for loads that aren’t very grimy. Economy cycles usually take a bit longer to complete than a regular programme and clean at a slightly lower temperature of 50°C.
If you often have dishes with tough, dried on stains that need shifting, you’re likely to benefit from a model that has an intensive programme. These usually clean dishes at 70°C.
Special Programmes
Some of the more expensive dishwashers have programmes specifically designed for cleaning your glassware. These programmes help ensure glasses come out shiny and watermark-free.
A delicate cycle is another option you’ll sometimes find. The wash is completed at lower temperatures and pressure to make sure fragile items are treated with care.
Selected models have a half load option, for occasions when you only have a few items that need cleaning and it’s not worth using a full cycle. This can help save energy and water.
Rinse only and pre-wash settings are also useful if you want to remove food waste from plates and prevent odours until you have enough to run a full load. Remember to scrape off any big blobs of food though, as they’ll just end up stuck in the drain at the bottom of the machine.
Some special programmes are only available from certain brands, so make sure you shop around to find the right dishwasher for your needs.
Selected models have a half load option, for occasions when you only have a few items that need cleaning and it’s not worth using a full cycle.
Some special programmes are only available from certain brands.
Drying Functions
Dishwashers are designed to dry dishes as well as clean them, and they do this is a variety of ways.
With many models, you can decide if you want to dry the dishes using heat or not. Using a heat drying method is quicker, but uses more energy.
Some models also use a fan drying process to get the dishes dry without having to use heat.
Stainless-steel tubs are also worth looking for as they hold the heat longer and dry your dishes more efficiently.
High end dishwashers from Siemens and Bosch use Zeolith technology for fast and energy efficient drying. Zeolite, a natural mineral, absorbs moisture and converts it into energy, which is released as heat to dry the dishes.
With many models, you can decide if you want to dry the dishes using heat or not. Using a heat drying method is quicker, but uses more energy.
