Noise pumps and fuzzy logic: how to navigate the jargon and select the best dishwasher for your needs

Once the preserve of the wealthy family, dishwashers are now somewhat commonplace in modern kitchens. As prices have come down, however, consumer choice has risen significantly. There are now a huge number of affordable dishwashers on the market, so how best to choose the right model?

They all essentially do the same task so there's not really that much difference from one machine to the next, right? Wrong. There are a range of factors a clued up shopper will want to take into account before committing to one particular dishwasher.

Size up your options
While most conventional dishwashers are the under-counter type, which are 60cm wide, there are more compact options out there for those that want to save kitchen space. First off, there are 45cm machines, which have a capacity of around a third of a full-size dishwasher. That still amounts to around 20 pieces each of crockery and cutlery, though, so it's often an economical option for small families. Table-top dishwashers are also available for kitchens where space is at a real premium.

Which features work for you?
Each dishwasher is different, with most dazzling prospective buyers with a whole host of essential-sounding features. The truth is, however, most of them are far from indispensable. What does come in handy is an economy setting for when you're only half-loading the machine; it'll use less water and electricity and therefore save you money. Conversely, some dishwashers also have an intensive setting for overly dirty dishes. Whether that's something you need is up for debate; scraping off excess food and rinsing quickly before loading the dishwasher might do the job just as well.

Thumbs up for fuzzy
Dishwashers that feature ‘fuzzy logic' - check the full feature list for your machine of choice - will provide a more economical cycle than those that don't. Dishes generally come out cleaner with the added bonus of a more efficient use of water and electricity. Fuzzy logic machines may cost more than those without the feature, but when you consider the long-term costs plumping for a cheap and cheerful dishwasher can often be a false economy.

Conserve your energy
Be sure to read up fully on your shortlist of machines; each dishwasher is rated on a scale of A to G for energy efficiency, with A-ranked options being the most economical options. Washing performance is also graded, so checking the full facts of each machine is always a good idea.

Protect your ears
Have a think about whether having a quiet machine is important to you. If it is, the chances are you're going to have to spend a little more money. Look for dishwashers with noise pumps and sound absorbers and always be sure to check the decibel rating. As a guide, anything under 55db is considered to be fairly quiet.