Dishwasher Buyers Guide in India!

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Written by Jyoti Singh

13 Things to Remember Before Buying Dishwasher in India Guide!

Dishwashers instantly become popular in India after being introduced to the Indian market. Like refrigerator, television, air conditioner, and more, the dishwasher does not have a long history. That’s why not many of us are aware of the factors to consider before buying a dishwasher. 

Hence, to allow you to make a clear choice, I have come up with easy to understand buying guide for dishwasher.

After this guide, you can check out these 5 Best Dishwasher in India Reviews.

Here we go!

Types of Dishwashers

In the Indian market you will find, two types of dishwashers that are, Built-in and Counter models. And the choice depends on whether you live in a rented or own house. Both have their shortcomings and advantages.

Let’s have a look at which one is better for you.

1. Built-in Dishwasher

Built-in Dishwasher

It is one of the common type dishwashers you will find in India because it fits permanently. Also, to install you need a pre-designated space. Further, for the installation of the same, you need an inlet pipe and an outlet duct that is connected to the drain. 

As you can see, it fits in permanently, you won’t be able to move it, even if you want too. And that’s what makes it perfect for people who live in their own house. The benefit of a built-in dishwasher is that it allows you to use the kitchen sink because it has a separate water inlet. 

To be precise, it is available in two distinct sizes, i.e., 18 inches and 25 inches. 

PROS 🙂

  • Effortless to use
  • Moderately economical 
  • Silent operation 

CONS 🙁

  • Need pre-designated space
  • Heavy 
  • Can not be moved once fixed 

2. Countertop Dishwasher 

Built-in Dishwasher
Hey! See the dishwasher only 🙂

These dishwashers are economical in nature and unlike built-in dishwashers, these are portable and compact. 

Hence, no installation needed. 

If you are wondering, how it works? Then you just have to connect its pipe to the sink faucet for water inlet and with the help of power, it will work. 

Unlike a built-in dishwasher, it comes in 4 place settings and is of small size. Additionally, if the kitchen counter space less then you need to think twice before buying it. 

PROS 🙂

  • Perfect for small families
  • Pocket-friendly 
  • Hassle-free operation 

CONS 🙁

  • Could have more internal space
  • Need counter space 

Also Check: 5 Best Refrigerators Under ₹15,000 in India

Buying Guide for Dishwasher

Dishwasher Buyers Guide

Only consider which type of dishwasher is perfect won’t help much. You need to consider other factors too before choosing the perfect dishwasher. 

What are those factors?

No worries, I’m mentioning all the essential factors to consider right here. 

1. Capacity 

Are you okay with loading the dishwasher multiple times? No, I guess no one would be okay with the same. 

Hence, capacity is the essential factor to look at before buying a dishwasher for you. And the capacity depends on family size and requirement. 

But the question is how to measure the capacity? 

That’s easy, it is based on the number of place settings. To be precise, a place setting in the dishwasher can hold a large plate, a small saucer, and a snack plate. To add, it can also hold a mug, two forks, and two tablespoons of varied sizes. 

Specifically, in Indian dishwasher comes in two sizes. One is compact and the other is standard size. Let’s have a glance at what exactly these two are, 

Compact Size: For a family of 2-3 heads, a dishwasher of compact size is perfect. The size of the compact dishwasher is 18 inches that have 6-8 standard place settings. 

Standard Size: It is perfect for the family of 4 or more heads. The size of the same is 24 inches with 13-16 place settings. 

2. Drying Mechanism

The use of the dishwasher is not limited to washing utensils but it also has a drying option. For this purpose, it uses air circulation that eradicates moisture and wetness. Hence, you do not have to dry the utensils manually.

To be noted, the drying mechanism of the dishwasher could be different depending on varied models. Yet, to be clear I’m mentioning some common type of drying options. 

Condensation: If you are looking for a hygienic, advanced, and efficient dishwasher then this is the best option. Though, you would only find it in the dishwasher with a steel exterior. So, to dry the utensils, it condenses the moisture on the walls and utensils. That drips and expelled through the outlet pipe.  

Heat: Heat is the commonly used frying option used to dry the utensils. However, if you use plastic or glass utensils then it is not the option for you. This is how it works, the top of the dishwasher exhales 170 degrees Celsius heated air and all the moisture evaporates. 

Fan: A fan to dry the utensils is the compatible and better option for every type of utensils and is most preferable. As a shortcoming, it takes time to dry the utensils. 

At last, the condensation mechanism is the best among the three mentioned mechanisms, though it is expensive. Additionally, some dishwashers might have one mechanism, and others could have 2-3 of these. 

If you have less budget, then fan and heat dishwashers are perfect alternatives. To be noted, each mechanism has its benefits and shortcomings. 

3. Wash Programs 

Generally, every dishwasher has 3 wash programs, namely, light, normal, and heavy. And the main difference between these is the time duration, the temperature of the water, and wash intensity. 

Therefore, you can wash utensils accordingly. 

As we all are well aware, modern technology has changed our lives, so as apply to the dishwasher. With innovation and advancement, dishwasher comes up with upgradations.

Here, I’m mentioning some wash programs that you will find in modern dishwashers. 

Quick Wash Cycle: As the name suggests, it washes the utensils instantly. To be precise, a normal dishwasher takes 2 hours to clean utensils but this program lessens the time to half. On contrary, it is not perfect for washing heavy solid utensils. Also, it uses more electricity, hence, if used regularly it will affect your electricity bills. 

Regular Wash Cycle: This cycle is ideal to wash the glass, plastic, and steel utensils in a go. Unlike the quick wash cycle, it takes time to wash utensils. But need moderate water force, temperature, and electricity to wash these. 

Half-Load Program: It works exactly like a regular wash program. If you have only some dishes to use, this enables you to clean these some utensils. Additionally, it will use 20% less water. Hence, it is energy and water-efficient.

Intensive Wash Cycle: It is the best choice for utensils such as greasy pans and pots. If compared to other wash cycles it needs high water temperature, more time, and high intensity to wash utensils. To be noted, prevent loading glassware and plastic utensils. 

Steam Wash Cycle: It not a complete wash cycle. But you can term it as a pre-wash step that helps in removing the grease and burnt bottom, which heavy wash cycle couldn’t remove. It simply loosens the grease and burnt deposit. That further can be cleaned in the regular wash cycle.

Delicate Wash Cycle: If you use fragile and delicate crockery then this is is the wash cycle for you. As it lessens the temperature and uses low intensity to wash glassware.  If this wash cycle is not available, you can use a regular or light wash cycle. 

Smart Wash Cycle: It is available in high-end models and is ideal for load with mixed or distinct dirt levels. As soon as you start it, the dishwasher sense the level of the soil. Moreover, after sensing it automatically decides heat, duration, and intensity for cleaning.

Energy Saving Cycle: As the name suggests, it uses less energy and water, if compared to other wash cycles. It is perfect to wash light to medium pan though, it needs more time to process.   

Rinse Action: It prevents soil or dirt from drying on the utensils. Therefore, in order to prevent the drying of dirt or soil, it sprinkles some water on it.

Sanitization: This mode use high-temperature water to clean the utensils that are perfect to clean the National Sanitization Foundation. To be specific, the temperature of the water is above 150 degrees Celsius to eliminate any bacteria and microbes.

Also Read: 5 Best Washing Machine Under 30,000 Rs

4. Hard Water Compatibility

Water with a concentration of more than 120mg/l calcium carbonate is termed as hard water.

Washing utensils with hard water can leave stains. Above all, it uses more water to remove soap. Hence, hard water compatibility is important to consider. 

With that, if your place has hard water supply, I would advise you to buy a dishwasher that can convert hard water into soft. 

5. Noise Level

Like any other kitchen appliance, the dishwasher creates noise. The difference is that some create a bit not bearable noise and others go neglected. If the noise is an essential factor for you, you simply check out the given table.

Dishwasher Noise Level (DB)
High level <40dB
Mid-level50dB
Low-level+50dB

6. Control Panel

Dishwasher capacity

The Control panel is not just a feature to consider but it gives a look to your dishwasher. Well, I don’t have to tell you, still, a control panel allows you to control the temperature, wash cycle, and time duration. 

To be specific, the control panel is generally present on the upper lip of the dishwasher and on the front. 

In the Indian market, you will find either button or touch panel. 

And touch panel dishwashers are expensive when compared to dishwasher with button panel. 

7. Energy Efficiency

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) sets the energy efficiency of any electric appliance. For this, the appliance has to follow particular rules, standards, and regulations. 

And those who fail to fulfill those won’t be certified by the BEE. 

8. Exterior

Mostly, dishwashers are available in stainless steel material. Apart, from this, it is available in different colors. And some plain stainless steel finish comes in black or white finish. 

As we all know black is a universal color that goes with your interior of the kitchen. Also, it is easy to maintain as dust or dirt doesn’t accumulate on the same. 

When it comes to white color, it has quite a supreme finish and premium look. Though, dust accumulates on the same. 

9. Interior

Particularly, the interior of the dishwasher is either made of plastic and stainless steel. But which is good? Which one you should buy?

Let’s see which dishwasher you should go for, 

Plastic Interior: If you have budget constraints, then a plastic dishwasher would be a perfect choice. Despite being of less cost, it washes utensils efficiently. But these are not compatible with the heat drying mechanism and does not condense inner moisture. Therefore, it uses a fan mechanism to dry utensils. Also, it needs more time when compared to others.

Stainless Steel: Unlike plastic interior stainless steel interior is expensive as well as these are durable, need less maintenance, and are compatible. Above, these are known to kill specific bacteria.  

10. Indicator

Yes, a dishwasher has an indicator to inform you whether you have to change the wash cycle, or whether your dishwasher has any issue. To help you here, I’m mentioning some common types of indicators,

Dry Tap Indicator: It is perfect for people who live in areas with water issues. Because this informs you whether your tap is providing water or not to enable you to shut off the machine.

End of Cycle Indicator: Here it informs that your utensils are cleaned and ready to use.

Salt Refill Indicator: If your dishwasher is compatible with hard water then this indicator is beneficial because it uses salt to convert hard water into soft water. Hence, you will be notified to refill the dishwasher. 

Also Read: Don’t Buy Washing Machine Before Reading This!

11. Smart Features

Some augment features in your dishwasher will make washing utensils easy to wash. To be noted, with the smart features, the price of the dishwasher will be high. Here are some of the feature that a dishwasher usually has,  

  • Removable upper/lower racks can be easily used to up and down the large containers inside the dishwasher.
  • A timer to delay allows you to set a certain time to start the washing. The timings and washing options could differ from brand to brand.
  • Mesh filters will separate the dust and food particles for the efficient functioning of the dishwasher. However, you need to clean these regularly to enhance performance.
  • Sanitize mode will allow you to set the water temperature too high to kill 99.9% of harmful bacteria, pathogens, germs, and other particles present on the kitchen appliances.
  • Auto-restart will be helpful if there is a frequent power-cut, auto-restart function starts the dishwasher working from where it has been terminated while power cut.
  • Garburator: This feature eradicates solid particles on utensils and prevents the re-entering while washing. The garburator needs to be cleaned manually regularly. On the other hand,  some models come with an auto-clean feature.
  • The child Safety lock mechanism provides safeguards to your baby as it prevents accidental opening/closing of the dishwasher by your kids 
  • Soil sensors: They help to sense the quantity of food, grime, and dirt in each load. And it accordingly adjusts the water level and cycle length.
  • Half-load Option: If you have only a few dishes to load. A half load option is perfect to clean some dishes. With that, it also lessens water and power consumption.
  • Flood Protection: The dishwasher can get flooded with water due to draining pump failure. Hence, to avoid such a situation, a dual pressure switch is essential which expels unclean water.
  • Speed or eco-wash: It is a perfect option when the dishes do not have food particles. As it uses less water and completes the cleaning within less time.

12. Price

To be specific, a high-end dishwasher needs more investment. And if you have a low-budget in that case you have to check the price range carefully.  

And you will be happy to know that a dishwasher is budget-friendly, especially in long term. Hence, it is worth buying. 

13. Warranty

Warranty is an essential factor to consider while buying a dishwasher. Generally, you get 1, 2, and 5 years. A good brand provides good after-sales service. Hence, always look for brand and warranty.

Myths for Dishwasher

myths on dishwasher

Myth: Dishwashers are expensive

Fact: If you calculate the cost of the dishwasher for two years, then it will cost you Rs 1300 a month.

Myth: Dishwasher can not remove hard stains of masala and oil 

Fact: You can simply buy a dishwasher that is made for the Indian kitchen. These spray hot water with high pressure that eradicates masala and oil stains. 

Myth: When compared to washing with hands, dishwasher consume more energy and water

Fact: Washing utensils with hand use 50-60L of water whereas washing utensils with dishwasher only uses 9-25L of water. Well, if talk about energy, then on average it uses 1 Kwh-2 Kwh energy. 

Myth: Washing with hands is more hygienic 

Fact: On the contrary, the dishwasher cleans unnoticed food stains and detergent residue. As it uses hot water and steam to rinse these. 

Myth: Indian utensils like Tawas, Kadais, and more can not be cleaned in the dishwasher

Fact: Buying a dishwasher that is specially made as per Indian utensils shape and size can clean and hold the Indian Kadais, Tawas, etc. with that, it still can wash spoons, plates, and glassware. 

Myth: Pre-washing is important for clean results

Fact: You do not always have to pre-wash the utensils. However, scrape off the leftovers to prevent clogging. 

Myth: When power cut, the dishwasher needs to be reloaded

Fact: It is true for the dishwasher who has an auto-restart feature need not be reloaded. As these will resume the cycle where it left when power will back.

Myth: Washing utensils at low temperature is more eco-friendly

Fact: Though logically it seems rational, the fact is that low-temperature washing needs more water, time, detergent, and energy, especially to clean Indian utensils.

Myth: Automatic washing machine require more time than handwashing

Fact: Usually, to wash the utensil for 4 people, it would take a minimum of 30 minutes. On the other hand, an automatic washing machine takes 15 minutes.

Tips to Maintain Dishwasher

  • As dishwashers use water and work for hours, hence this could be dangerous if you won’t focus on proper wiring. Hence, do not use extension instead of plug the dishwasher directly into the socket.
  • If you are buying a modern dishwasher, you do not have to wash your utensils in the sink first.
  • To prevent clogging, scrape off all the leftovers.
  • Use high quality of detergent, instead of old or damp detergent.
  • Check out whether your gasket has cracked or not as it can affect the performance of the dishwasher. If you find any crack, replace the gasket.
  • Ensure that the arms of the sprayer in the dishwasher freely. 
  • For efficient operation, check flyers, drains, rubber seal, and sprayer arms regularly. 
  • Remove and clean the filters of the dishwasher regularly.
  • Load the dishwasher according to instructions to circulate and reach all the items to wash perfectly.

Conclusion

To sum up, choose the dishwasher which fits your budget. Don’t go for some higher fancy dishwasher. Ultimately it will cost your budget only.

Choose a dishwasher which fits your needs and requirement. Make a list like how many family members are there in your family, features, water cost, etc. I’m sure if you follow this guide, you will definitely end up buying a good dishwasher.

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