Quiet, economical, clean: What really matters when buying a dishwasher

The dishwasher is a standard appliance in the modern household. Its efficiency in water and energy consumption usually surpasses hand washing when loaded correctly. However, the market for dishwashers has evolved from simple cleaning devices to complex systems. This guide offers a structured and critical overview of the most important aspects and helps to make an informed purchasing decision.

1. Designs and Integration into the Kitchen

In a modern fitted kitchen, the dishwasher should be functional but visually unobtrusive.

• Fully integrated design: This is the most common solution for fitted kitchens. The appliance is completely covered with an original furniture front that matches the rest of the kitchen. The control panel is invisibly attached to the upper edge of the door and only accessible when open. This results in a seamless, quiet appearance.
• Operating indicators for fully integrated appliances: Since the operating status is not visible from the outside, there are technical solutions that display the status.
  • Light point on the floor: A simple light point is projected onto the kitchen floor in front of the appliance as long as the program is active.
  • Projection of remaining time: An advanced version projects the exact remaining time and the program symbol onto the floor.
• Partially integrated and under-counter models: Partially integrated appliances, where the control panel remains visible, and under-counter models with their own appliance front are today niche solutions for special planning.

2. Ergonomics and Installation Height

• Standard installation: The dishwasher is usually placed under the worktop. This requires bending deeply to load and unload the lower basket.
• High installation: An ergonomically advantageous alternative is installing the appliance in a tall cabinet at a comfortable working height. This allows loading and unloading in an upright, back-friendly posture. The disadvantage of this installation type is the loss of storage or work surface in an otherwise very accessible zone. The decision for or against a high installation is therefore a trade-off between ergonomic comfort and optimal space utilization.

3. Interior Equipment and Flexibility

The quality and thoughtfulness of the basket systems determine flexibility and daily user comfort.

Cutlery drawer vs. cutlery basket:

• • Cutlery drawer: A third, flat loading level at the very top of the appliance has largely become established. It offers better cleaning results because the cutlery lies individually and water reaches every spot well. Additionally, the elimination of the basket creates more space in the lower basket. A possible disadvantage is that sorting the cutlery when loading is perceived as more time-consuming by some users.
  • Cutlery basket: The classic is flexibly positionable in the lower basket and allows quick tossing in of cutlery. However, cleaning performance can be impaired if cutlery pieces lie too close together.

• Flexible basket systems: A good dishwasher adapts to the dishes. An adjustable upper basket is essential to accommodate large plates below and tall glasses above. Foldable spike rows (folding spikes) and foldable cup shelves allow configuring the space as needed for plates, bowls, or large pots. Some premium models offer lift systems where the lower basket can be raised to the height of the upper basket.

• Special protection zones for glasses: Some manufacturers offer special areas in the upper basket designed to protect delicate glasses. Features can include gentler water supply via separate nozzles, special glass holders, and soft anti-slip coatings to minimize mechanical stress and the risk of glass corrosion (milky clouding).

4. Technical Features: Programs, Drying, and Noise Level

Programs: Modern machines offer a variety of programs. However, three are crucial in everyday use:

• • Automatic program: Sensors detect the load amount and degree of soiling and automatically adjust water consumption, temperature, and duration. For most applications, this is the most efficient choice.
  • Eco program: This program takes significantly longer (often over three hours) but uses the least water and energy because it washes at lower temperatures. It is suitable for normally soiled dishes when time is not a factor.
  • Intensive program: For heavily soiled pots and pans with dried-on food residues. It operates at higher temperatures and more water pressure.

• Drying technologies:

  • Conventional drying (condensation drying): Uses the residual heat of the dishes from the last hot wash cycle. Moisture condenses on the cooler interior walls of the appliance. This method is energy-efficient but often leads to unsatisfactory results with plastic parts.
  • Mineral-supported drying systems: A natural mineral (zeolite) integrated into the appliance floor absorbs moisture from the air and converts it into dry, hot heat. This improves drying results, especially for plastic parts, and is very energy-efficient. A possible disadvantage is that the mineral can lose effectiveness over many years.
  • Automatic door opening: At the end of the wash cycle, the door automatically opens a crack. The hot, moist steam can escape, and the dishes dry through natural room air circulation. This is also a very energy-efficient and effective method.

• Important key figures: Noise level, energy, and water consumption

  • Noise level: In an open living kitchen, a quiet dishwasher is a crucial comfort feature. Noise is measured in decibels (dB). A modern dishwasher should not exceed 44 dB. Especially quiet devices achieve values under 42 dB.
  • Energy efficiency class: The EU energy label (scale A to G) provides a transparent comparison basis for energy consumption per 100 wash cycles in the Eco program.
  • Water consumption: This is also indicated on the energy label per wash cycle in the Eco program. Modern devices often consume less than 10 liters here.

• Connected functions ("Smart Home") Control via app offers comfort features such as a notification at program end, a tab counter, or remote start. However, risks should be weighed before purchase:

  • Data protection: Connected devices collect usage data.
  • Digital obsolescence: The lifespan of software and app support is often shorter than that of the appliance. Discontinued support can render smart functions unusable.
  • Costs and reliability: Smart devices are more expensive and potentially more error-prone due to additional electronics.

5. Conclusion: Checklist for a Needs-Based Selection

A modern dishwasher is an efficient helper. The best choice is not the appliance with the most functions but the one that best meets your own priorities.

Priority 1: Basic functions (important for every user)

• • Design: Fully integrable for a uniform kitchen look.
  • Noise level: Under 44 dB, especially in open kitchens.
  • Interior equipment: A cutlery drawer and an adjustable upper basket.
  • Key figures: A good energy efficiency class (e.g., A to C) and low water consumption.

    Priority 2: Meaningful comfort features (depending on needs and budget)

    • Ergonomics: A high installation if the comfort gain justifies the loss of work surface or storage space.
    • Drying: A system with mineral-supported drying or automatic door opening if plastic dishes are often washed.

      Priority 3: Specific premium functions

      • A special protection zone for glasses if high-quality and delicate glasses are frequently washed.
      • Connected functions if a concrete, daily benefit from remote control or notifications is expected.

A careful selection based on these criteria ensures that you receive an appliance that convinces over many years through reliability, efficiency, and high user comfort.