Choosing the right sized dishwasher
The typical dishwasher will have a 12 ‘place setting capacity’. Place setting capacity refers to the number of eating utensils and plates the machine can handle in one wash. A standard 12 place setting capacity will be able to clean;
10 – 12 x knives, forks and spoons
10 – 12 x 24cm plates
10 – 12 x 18cm desert plates
10 – 12 tumblers
10 – 12 cups and mugs
10 – 12 x 23cm soup plates
If you are unable to fit a full-sized dishwasher into your kitchen you should consider getting on of the many other types available; slimline, compact, integrated and semi-integrated.
Dishwasher size guide
Full size / Standard dishwasher – H84.5 x W60 x D60cm
Slimline dishwasher – H81.5 x W44.8 x D55 cm
Compact dishwasher – H44 x W55 x D52cm
Integrated dishwasher – H81.5 x W59.8 x D55cm
Semi-integrated dishwasher – H84.5 x W60 x D60cm
Dishwasher programmes
Link most white goods, dishwashers programmes vary from manufacture to manufacture. As a rule of thumb most dishwasher will have 3 – 5 different wash settings and a rinse only cycle. The main wash programmes will usually only differ in temperature. Most will feature an ‘eco’ setting what will was at around 30 – 40 degrees. The other settings will usually just increase in temperate and duration usually up to around 70 degrees.
ifb neptune dishwasher The ‘high end’ top of the range machines will often feature more tailored programmes such as glass clean or half load. They will also include sensor features which are designed to adapt the programme to deal with the different loads within the machine. The sensors will assess the overall load within the dishwasher and then it will adjust the wash accordingly by reducing or increasing the amount of water required.
The usual way for a dishwasher to dry your dishes is to use the heat generated from the washing process, residual heat. However, some of the more expensive machine may come with a drying assist option. These machines use a fan or heated air to help speed up the drying process.
Spray arms
There are four main things to consider when using your dishwasher to get the best results; heat, dish placement, detergent and the spray arms. The spray arm controls how the water is distributed around the inside of your dishwasher. They are designed in such a way to ensure that they don’t leave any blind spots resulting in uncleaned dishes. The four main types of spray arm are;