Water consumption
The amount of water used by the dishwasher in one washing cycle. Usually, it is indicated for a standard cycle — at full load, without pre-rinsing, etc. Accordingly, in special modes, the consumption may differ from the indicated one.
The lower the consumption — it better; this is especially true for those who consume water by metres or who have a limited supply of water (for example, it is drawn from a well with a low productivity). On the other hand, a reduction in consumption can have a negative effect on the quality of the wash. So, choosing an
economical dishwasher, you should pay attention to the washing class (see below). In addition, only models of the same capacity can be compared in terms of consumption — after all, the more dishes, the more water is required to wash them.
Dryer type
The dishwasher has a drying function. Drying can occur both due to the natural evaporation of water from the surface of the dishes (
condensation drying), and due to its
blowing with heated air; the first option is more economical, since it does not require energy and there is also an improved one —
with a heat exchanger; the second, in turn, provides faster drying. The recently introduced new type of
Zeolith drying combines two methods, as it first collects residual moisture and then converts it into heat, which dries the dishes and belongs to premium segment models. Note that not all dishwashers are capable of drying dishes to dryness; see drying class for details.
Cutlery tray
Separate
cutlery tray for loading (spoons, forks, knives, etc.) into the dishwasher. Such a device is more convenient than a common basket: it allows you to load cutlery separately from the rest of the dishes, while the contents of the tray are compactly located in the “seats” specially designed for this. And the quality of washing is often higher than when using a common basket.
Inverter motor
The presence of
an inverter motor in the design of the dishwasher.
Inverter motors are brushless and have higher efficiency, lower noise levels, and improved safety due to the absence of brushes. However, they are more expensive compared to conventional motors.
Energy class (new)
This parameter characterizes the efficiency of electricity consumption by a dishwasher. Classes are denotet in Latin letters from A to G, in ascending order of energy consumption. Actually, more energy-efficient models have not been added to the A class, which eventually received the marking A +, A ++, A +++. Further development of technology has made it possible to go even further, and in order not to produce pluses in energy efficiency marking, manufacturers returned to the previous indices from G to A in March 2021, where
А is the most energy efficient dishwasher. But also
class B,
C,
D and even
E are also quite economical (no worse than A +++). Accordingly, the 2021 models will have modern markings, while older models will be marked in the same way.
Energy class
The energy efficiency class characterizes the the economy of a dishwasher's electricity consumption. Initially, the classes were denoted in Latin letters from A (high degree of economy) to G (high consumption). But later, with the development of energy saving technologies, more advanced classes than A appeared. They are denoted by the letter A with a certain number of pluses (
A+,
A++, etc.); the more benefits, the higher the economy. Most modern built-in dishwashers comply with energy classes from A to
A+++(the last is 30% more economical than the original class A). More high consumption models, such as classes B and C, are much rarer and gradually disappear.
More economical models cost more, but the difference can be recouped in energy savings. Also note that the energy consumption class does not describe efficiency in general, but in comparison with other similar models; therefore, the actual consumption of a small class A device may be lower than that of a large class A++ model.
Noise level
The approximate noise level produced by the dishwasher during operation. In modern models, this parameter can range from 37 – 39 dB (muffled human voice) to 59 – 60 dB (loud conversation); more detailed decoding of what sound corresponds to a particular number of decibels can be found in special tables. Anyway, the
low noise level contributes to the comfortable use of the device. It is especially important if the dishwasher is to be used at night (for example, if there are reduced electricity rates at night).
Noise class
Allows people to decode the values of the noise level in decibels. It is marked in Latin letters like other classes, where A is the quietest class of dishwashers.
Number of programmes
The number of washing programs (modes) provided in the dishwasher. These programs may differ in duration, exposure intensity, water temperature, dish material (for example for delicate dishes), etc. For more information on the different options, see "Washing programs". And the more modes — the more advanced the device is, the more options it provides to choose from. But note that with the same number of programs, their specific set in different models may be different; these details should be clarified separately.
