The technical support of a modern kitchen is complete without a dishwasher. The feasibility of having such an assistant has long been confirmed, but manufacturers do not stop there, developing the concept of an effective dishwasher. In particular, large dimensions were considered among the key problems of such machines. This flaw did not allow the use of the first models of units in small rooms. But in recent years, a compact dishwasher has become available to the consumer, which in some versions is almost 2 times smaller in size than traditional counterparts. In addition, manufacturers eased the installation scheme - models of this line can be built into a niche under the sink and work on the table.
Dishwasher Overview
The work of dishwashers is provided by very complex mechanisms. In particular, washing dishes is carried out in several stages - loading, spraying detergent, rinsing and drying. This workflow is performed by both the standard model and the compact dishwasher in any modification. The user only needs to load dirty dishes into the unit, fill the container with detergent and press “start”. Next, the machine itself will be filled with water in the required volume through a special eyeliner and begin washing operations.
In terms of functionality, optional filling and technical characteristics, this technique is quite diverse. In order not to miscalculate when choosing, you should initially decide on what parameters a compact dishwasher for a particular home should have. And this applies not only to size, but also to performance, ergonomics and additional functions.
Dimensions and capacity
The size of the machine directly affects its performance and other qualities. The standard criterion by which dishwashing equipment is selected is the number of sets of utensils that the unit is able to accommodate and serve in one cycle. There can be 2, and 8, and 10 - it all depends on the size. For example, compact dishwashers under the sink usually have dimensions in length, width and height in the range of 45-55 cm. Using this model, you can wash up to 6 sets of dishes. By the way, one such set, according to European standards, includes about 11 objects, including plates, glasses, spoons, knives, etc. Moreover, the specifics of dishes also matter in the choice. As a rule, only standard service items are entrusted to the technician, leaving crystal vases, bowls and other objects of complex shapes for manual washing. However, many modern machines are able to carefully and efficiently cope with the maintenance of such dishes.
Water consumption
From the point of view of the effectiveness of the direct washing function, this criterion is not particularly important. But, if the choice involves only energy-saving equipment, then water consumption comes first. According to average calculations, the built-in compact dishwasher consumes 7-15 liters per 1 cycle. That is, even in a monthly calculation, the difference will be obvious. Moreover, water consumption is reflected in the consumption of detergent, as well as electricity. For example, it can be noted that the same 6 sets can be serviced with a consumption of 1 to 1.5 kWh. Of course, specific parameters will be determined by the operating mode of the unit, but design features also have a significant impact on this data.
Such a question may arise - will the economy in water consumption and, consequently, electricity, affect the quality of the wash? Unfortunately, the built-in compact dishwasher in this aspect is inferior to full-size and narrow counterparts. That is, for high-quality dishwashing, you should turn to expensive and "gluttonous" models.
Functionality and operating modes
In addition to capacity and water flow, attention should be paid to operating modes. For example, models with class A efficiency allow washing dishes at 4 temperatures, which are in the range from 40 to 70 ° C. So, with an economical program at 50 ° C, the estimated water consumption will be 7 liters, which will be enough to wash 6 sets. When choosing a mode, the degree of contamination of the dishes, which a compact dishwasher will have to handle, should be taken into account . Reviews indicate that slightly contaminated utensils can be serviced at temperatures up to 50 ° C, but stagnant fat, for example, cannot be qualitatively washed without residues with programs less than 70 ° C. In budget models, usually only two programs are provided - at 55 ° C (economical washing) and 65 ° C (normal washing).
Indesit Machine Reviews
Models of this brand should be considered as the most affordable machines in this category of kitchen appliances. Of course, in terms of performance, this aspect does not allow the equipment to take the leader’s position, but as representatives of the middle segment, such machines perform well. According to the owners, the compact Indesit dishwashers cope well with washing operations, work silently and do not lose performance even in hard water conditions. But there are also disadvantages. To begin with, you should calculate which dishes you plan to wash in such equipment, since the Indesit models are very capricious of massive vases and pans. In addition, many note low maintainability and failure of critical parts in the first years of operation. On the other hand, the maintenance and technical content of Indesit models is accessible to ordinary users and does not cause serious problems.
Candy Machine Reviews
A rare case when the manufacturer's statements coincide with the opinions of the users themselves. Under the brand name Candy comes an affordable, functional and reliable technology. And the dishwasher segment confirms this. For example, according to the owners, the Candy compact dishwasher practically does not leave stains on the dishes, delicately serving items of any shape. Ergonomics are also implemented at a height - the display panel is convenient to use, and the work process along with pouring water occurs without noise. But at the same time, Candy developers do not offer special technological refinements, while maintaining a high-quality and functional, but still basic foundation.
Bosch machine reviews
The German manufacturer traditionally produces high-quality appliances, and dishwashers of this brand were no exception. In addition to the high quality of cleaning dishes, the original design and reliability, it is worth noting the unique developments that the compact Bosch dishwasher received in almost all versions. First of all, it is a glass protection system. Users indicate that even porcelain with thin glass can be washed. If we compare with competitors, then there are pros and cons. So, if the Indesit model is inconvenient to use when loading large dishes, German units allow you to comfortably handle even cauldrons and trays. Among the shortcomings, the owners note difficulties in cleaning the filters and other removable elements of the machine.
Reviews about Electrolux machines
In the line of this brand you can find not just compact, but the smallest versions of dishwashing equipment. However, complaints about a modest capacity are rare. But the impressions of the efficiency with which the compact Electrolux dishwasher copes with the removal of food residues and fat are very contradictory. In particular, there are recommendations from housewives who advise against washing dishes with stagnant particles of food. But there are many reverse opinions, in which owners recommend correctly loading items with access to water and detergent.
In the rest, the kitchen assistants of this manufacturer demonstrate quite solid qualities. The equipment is easy to connect, does not require much space and is easy to configure. Of course, you won’t be able to manage the dishes at a large banquet at a time, but in 2-3 approaches a compact dishwasher will qualitatively wash pans, glasses, plates with bowls and other serving items.
Conclusion
The purchase of equipment in the form of a dishwasher allows you to ease household chores, saving an average of 15-20 minutes of free time per day. Despite the fears of consumers, small-sized models have the same functionality as full-fledged counterparts. Of course, this does not apply to the loading capacity of the compact dishwasher. Reviews of people who also had experience using large and narrow models note that the difference in the number of sets serviced simultaneously can reach 5-6 sets. The question arises - what compensates for such a serious performance flaw? First of all, with free space and ease of integration into the ensemble of the kitchen environment. In addition, compact models are cheaper. In the premium series you can find dishwashers that are in no way inferior to full-fledged units in the functionality and quality of performing their direct function of cleaning dishes.