The use of household appliances significantly facilitated the life of housewives, saving them from performing a large amount of routine operations. Dishwashing is a classic example of replacing manual labor with home appliances. But is the use of a dishwasher so unambiguous? The pros and cons of this equipment will allow you to consider this issue from different angles, given the practical nuances of operation.
What is a dishwasher?
First you need to understand what a dishwashing unit is in a modern design. In its current appearance, the first models appeared back in 1960, being released from the assembly line of the German company Miele. To this day, the device has retained the basic principles of washing, but with a huge number of optimization improvements and improvements. Today it is a medium-sized electrical household appliance that includes baskets for holding and fixing dishes, upper and lower rocker arms, a dispenser, plumbing infrastructure for connecting to a water supply, sprinklers, heater, etc. Actually, all the pros and cons of the dishwasher from its design features, as well as basic functions, which include the following:
- Preparation for washing. Crockery and cutlery are placed in the above baskets. In parallel with this, a program is being selected according to which the containers will take tablet or powder detergents.
- Soak. Jets of cold water are dispensed into the trays with dishes with a minimum amount of cleaning agent sufficient to soak. This is a preparatory procedure before the main washing process. Its task is to ensure the soaking of dried dirt on the surfaces of the dishes.
- Washing. The main working process in which heated water with a detergent under high pressure is sprayed onto dishes from different sides, washing away food and grease residues.
- Rinsing. After washing, one or more rinsing cycles are carried out with clean water and rinse aid. At this stage, the remnants of the cleaning materials are already washed out.
- Drying. This operation can be performed in different ways, but in each case its purpose is to accelerate the drying of dishes. Depending on the model, this procedure can be carried out by directing hot air currents or by condensation of moisture.
Of course, this is not limited to the set of functions of the dishwasher. The pros and cons of operating modern models, in particular, are determined by the presence of automation with program control, and additional features. For example, some modifications from major manufacturers can be used to wash shoes, toys and even root crops.
Types of Dishwasher
Not so long ago, the classification of this technique could be described in simple terms of domestic and industrial models. Today there are much more differences between different versions, whole form factors are highlighted, etc. At the basic level, the following types of machines can be noted:
- Frontal. This is a classic technique for industrial use, which, however, is very similar to household dishwashers. The pros and cons in this case correspond to the classes, but with one exception - industrial front models are more reliable and durable. On the other hand, a wider audience is offered a more ergonomic and compact technique.
- Dome. Also, the segment for the most part was formed by industrial units, but thanks to optimization it became available to the average user. The fundamental difference between these models can be called the lack of a door. This machine got the name dome because the washing tank, like a dome, covers a basket with dishes. In the basic configuration with such an aggregate, a sink and a sorting table are usually offered.
- Tunneling. Outwardly, such machines resemble a conveyor in which dishes move from one technological stage to another. Typically, tunnel models are used in hotels and restaurants.
Directly household dishwashing machines have a standard rectangular or square form factor, differing only in size. According to this parameter, it is recommended to select a model based on the installation capabilities in a particular room. Also, unlike industrial equipment, household units have a wider range of additional functions. The pros and cons of a universal dishwasher, for example, can be judged by the possibilities of sterilization, locking the door to protect against children, touch and remote control, half load, etc.
Dishwasher Performance
First of all, it’s worth talking about dimensions, since the car in any case will take up a lot of space compared to other household appliances. Its dimensions can be compared with a small refrigerator or stove. So, a full-size model with average parameters of 60x60x85 cm contains from 10 to 15 sets of dishes. Small-sized models with a case width of not more than 50 cm allow you to load up to 7-9 sets. Today, mobile mini-dishwashing appliances for 2-3 sets are also popular, which in size correspond to a small microwave.
Since the operation of any powerful household appliances goes into payment accounts for electricity, it will be useful to take into account the energy saving class. For example, classes A, B and C are considered the most economical, while models F and G are the most costly. This applies to electricity, but also water consumption will affect the financial assessment of the pros and cons of the dishwasher. Characteristics for this indicator are expressed in liters and are also marked with letters. In particular, class A means that the machine consumes 14-16 liters per cycle, class B - about 20 liters, and class C - up to 25 liters.
The main advantages of a dishwasher
Having considered the technical and operational qualities, we can summarize and make a list of its main advantages of technology as follows:
- The exclusion of contact of hands with washing water allows the use of potent chemicals that are safe for the dishes themselves for cleaning. This increases the efficiency of the washing process without harm to health.
- It is also possible to use hot water at high temperatures up to 55-65 ° C.
- The user as a whole is only required to load dishes, select programs and control start / stop.
- The use of abrasives is excluded, which, however, causes both the pros and cons of the dishwasher. On the one hand, work without sponges and brushes preserves sensitive coatings of dishes, and on the other hand, the effectiveness of cleaning from complex dirt decreases.
- According to various estimates, the level of water consumption in an automatic sink compared to the manual method is estimated at an average ratio of 10-20 liters versus 60 liters, if we take into account the maintenance of 10-12 sets of dishes.
The main disadvantages of a dishwasher
Operation of dishwashing equipment is also accompanied by negative factors, including the following:
- Productive models take up a lot of space, and, in addition to the design of the equipment itself, space is also required for laying communications of the water supply line.
- Regarding the use of hot water, the advantages of the dishwasher are also not so clear. The pros and cons of high-temperature pressure vary for different materials. For example, thin glass, glued dishes and many items with decorative inserts are not heat resistant.
- Some types of dishes cannot be washed in electrical equipment in principle. This applies to items made of wood, plastic, copper and tin materials. Exceptions apply to crystal and aluminum, which are washed with certain restrictions and special additives.
Pros and Cons of the Bosch Dishwasher
One of the most famous manufacturers of household appliances contains in its assortment several versions of household dishwashers. In most cases, their users note the high build quality, the reliability of the power filling, the quality of the sink and functionality. The ergonomic nuances of operation, such as quiet operation, thoughtful design of trays and spaciousness, are also emphasized separately. However, among the reviews about the structural characteristics, there are both pros and cons. The Bosch dishwasher has the ability to adjust the positions of trays and baskets with an upper basket. This gives advantages when loading the same type of dishes, but it is not always convenient for regular maintenance of multi-format products. For comparison, you can give examples of universal models with a stationary internal structure, which is suitable for all items of utensils. Bosch products are also traditionally criticized for their high prices. In this case, we are talking about a range of 20-30 thousand rubles.
Reviews about the Indesit models
This company does not belong to premium manufacturers of household appliances, but its products are quite common - both due to reasonable prices, and through a combination of functionality and ease of use. These qualities are exactly what distinguishes the Indesit dishwasher. The pros and cons in relation to this technique are balanced and generally obvious. So, the strengths of Italian cars, in addition to a lower price tag compared to German counterparts, include ease of use, decent quality of basic functions and modest dimensions with an optimized design. As for the shortcomings, they consist in a large consumption of water and electricity, not always high quality of the element base and in a limited selection of models from the point of view of design.
Reviews about the Mil models
One cannot fail to mention the brand developer of the first dishwasher in its modern form, although this German manufacturer today does not have such a wide representation in the segment under consideration. One way or another, users generally praise the Miele technique, pointing to both the quality of the design and the functionality with high performance. The company succeeds in powerful modifications, in which friendly ergonomics are maintained in terms of the level of household operation, as also testified by the reviews. The pros and cons of the dishwasher regarding the quality of the sink a little diverge. Basic modes show tolerable results, and problems often arise in the settings and operation of individual specialized programs. This, for example, applies to drying plastic dishes and adjusting the rinsing parameters.
Reviews about the models "Electrolux"
The Electrolux company also offers a fairly attractive price and quality technique. The advantages and disadvantages of this manufacturer's dishwasher in service are particularly pronounced. Everything related to the management and maintenance of the equipment is more likely to produce positive feedback. Designers strive to provide machines with durable consumables, not forgetting the technical ease of use. If we talk about the cons, they are mainly found in the software, declaring themselves in various errors. As a rule, troubles arise with water and pressure drain sensors.
For a small family, cars from Electrolux can be called an optimal solution as a whole, since the equipment quickly copes with its tasks without spending a lot of energy resources, which, again, is also evident from the reviews. The pros and cons of this brand's dishwasher in terms of functionality are largely dependent on the model, but for the most part the company is committed to a utilitarian approach and simplicity. Actually, the availability of program control can be called the technological peak of such models, which is quite welcomed by those who want to get an inexpensive and easy-to-use assistant in caring for dishes.
Conclusion
The process of mechanization and even the automated execution of simple homework is in full swing, leaving not a single chance to preserve manual labor in the future. We can only talk about the degree of replacement of hands with “smart” technology, but the prospects for the development of this direction are completely predictable. Nevertheless, at this stage it is quite reasonable to take into account the pros and cons of the dishwasher. In a small apartment, of course, dimensions come to the fore among the shortcomings. At a minimum, you can purchase an embedded model, but this will entail troubles of a different kind related to installation. Another major flaw relates to finance. It not only relates to the amount of the purchase of the machine, but also to the regular costs of its maintenance and upkeep. On the other hand, these and other disadvantages can be compensated by the saved free time, hygienic benefits and basic comfort in housekeeping.