Dishwasher buying guide

Electrolux’s dishwasher buying guide will help you choose the dishwasher you need to get an everyday job done - effectively and quietly. Capacity, performance, efficiency, and design are key things to consider, so let this buying guide help make the right choice simple for you.

1. Kitchen design & layout

The work triangle is considered the gold standard of kitchen layout design. This refers to the sink (and therefore dishwasher), fridge and stove placement for efficient cooking and cleaning. Taking a bird’s eye view can help plan your work triangle (most are U or L shaped). Also consider storage options, strategically placed appliances and map out how you’ll move around.

2. Cutlery drawer versus basket

Some dishwashers come with your typical cutlery basket, where you stand your knives, forks and spoons up vertically, while others come with a horizontal removable 15 setting cutlery drawer. The more flexibility in the design means the greater options you have for stacking and loading, so you don’t have to hand wash a thing.

3. Dishwasher capacity

Dishwasher capacity is measured in ‘place settings’ a load can fit. A place setting counts as what you’d need to serve a three-course meal in dishes, cutlery and glassware. Here’s a guide.

• 1 - 2 people: A 6-9 place settings model is well suited to small households, especially if you dine out frequently, or have limited space.
• 3 - 4 people: A 9-12 place settings model is ideal for a medium-sized household or couple who works from home. Also comes in slimline.
• 5+ people: A 12+ settings model is best for large families, households who entertain frequently, or those with the kitchen space.

4. Types of dishwashers

Built-in Dishwasher

Most commonly installed, this dishwasher slides perfectly into the allocated kitchen space, typically under the benchtop to create a specifically designed custom-built look. Built-in dishwashers can be integrated (concealed behind cabinetry) or semi-integrated (concealed with the front control panel visible).

Freestanding Dishwasher

With an exposed exterior and control panel, these standalone designs don’t need to be built into your kitchen. The moveable design means they can be placed anywhere with water and drainage access. Available in three finishes (stainless steel, white or black), freestanding dishwashers also come in multiple size variations suiting most allocated kitchen dishwasher spaces.

Blast bacteria

Electrolux’s ExtraHygiene setting blasts the dishwasher contents with a final rinse cycle temperature known to kill 99.99% of bacteria, for clean and sanitised dishes, glasses, pots, pans and more.

Pack away your tea towels

Maximise your drying performance with the natural airflow offered by Electrolux’s AirDry technology. At the end of the wash cycle, the door automatically opens by 10cm, allowing moist, hot air to escape and fresh airflow to enter, aiding items in drying faster and spotlessly.

Run your dishwasher whenever it suits you

With the Delay Start function, you can get your dishwasher to work whenever you want it to and program it to start at the time that suits your schedule. The start can be delayed by up to 24 hours.

Tailored cycles

Depending on the dirt level of the dishes, you can choose one of many preset cycles, such as Eco 50°, Quick Plus 60°, and Intensive 70°. These dedicated wash cycles ensure perfect cleaning efficiently, bringing you a cleaner kitchen.

Improved efficiency

The Eco Program is the most efficient program for water and energy consumption, which is optimal for cleaning normally soiled tableware

Add more during the cycle

The height of the upper basket can be easily adjusted so that you can clean any tall and bulky items of any height.

>>> Read more: Step-by-step guide on how to use your dishwasher efficiently

5. Dishwasher connection

You’ll need to consider three connections as part of the installation process. Your dishwasher will need a power supply, washing water supply, as well as wastewater drainage. If this is outside your remit, having yours installed and connected by a professional is the best option.

6. Dishwasher installation

The standard size for a dishwasher is 600mm wide, 820mm high and 600mm deep, but it’s critical you measure both the space you have available and the dimensions of the dishwasher precisely. Also consider rear ventilation and your ‘air gap’, the most effective method to protect your dishwasher from flooding with wastewater, something professional installers or plumbers can help with.

7. Noise

For a truly whisper quiet set and forget model, opt for one with sound levels at 45 dB or under - the noise equivalent of light rain. If that’s still not peaceful enough for you, look for models with an Extra Silent program which runs at a virtually silent 37dB.

8. Energy efficient

If wanting to save on your bills and help the environment, consider dishwashers with special features like half load settings and delayed starts (which run during off peak utility periods).

9. Cleaning

For appliance longevity and performance, a general rule is to clean the filter after each wash. When it comes to odours, wipe door seals, clean the filter and run an empty hot wash with a dishwashing cleaning product. Blockages are dealt with by long hot washes and clearing potential clogs in the filter, spray arm, air gap and drainage hose, while replacing the door seal can help leaks.

10. Water rating 

Modern designs use around six times less water than hand washing, so if you’re wanting to save on one of our most precious resources, choose a high-performance model that delivers a superior clean without any pre-rinsing needed.

11. Top FAQs about dishwashers

Our Frequently Asked Questions are here to help you know all you need to about the use, maintenance and care of your Electrolux appliances.

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