Dishwashers

Listing of top rating dishwashers and general information.

A dishwasher can certainly help make life easier for the busy family, but in this day and age most people want more than convenience- they are also interested in saving energy, which benefits their pocket, and the environment.

Dishwashers are given energy and water efficiency ratings, so it makes sense to take this into consideration when researching the ideal dishwasher for your home.

Government rebates are available for efficient dishwashers- see listing at bottom of article.

Some of the top rating dishwashers (4 Star Energy Rating) are:

You can choose models with cold water connection, hot water connection or dual hot and cold connection dishwashers. Each of these have their own pros and cons.

Cold water connection dishwashers heat up water for the parts of the cycle which require hot water, but use cold water for parts which don't actually need hot water. This enables you to save your hot water for other uses, which is especially helpful if you have a small hot water system or a large family! You can also make use of different more economical/suitable programs which use varying water temperatures. The down side is that the cycle takes longer than other types as the water heating time is additional.

Hot water connection dishwasher are faster, as they don't have to spend the time heating their own water, but they can't use economical programs which rely on varying temperatures. Depending on the temperature of your hot water, you may also need a tempering valve to reduce it so that it does not exceed the manufacturers specifications. This will need to be fitted by a qualified plumber.

Dual connection electronic dishwashers are excellent, as you can swap between usage/programs depending on your needs. Unfortunately, at this stage there are not many with this option available.

Dishwashers also come in compact (often benchtop or moble), standard, slimline and large varieties, so finding one to fit your space requirements and place setting needs shouldn't be too difficult.

Many dishwashers come with a wide range of program options, so using the right program for your situation can also be an energy saver.

Other points you may wish to consider when choosing a dishwasher:

• Will it fit your available space? (make sure you allow ventilation and working space behind and sides)
  
  
• Will your dinnerware fit? Take a place setting (including glasses if they are tall) and try them out!
  
  
• Is it big enough and designed to take other items you wish to include?
  
  
• Does it have fan assisted drying?
  
  
• Does it have programs suitable to your usage needs? (eg. half loads? economy? load sensing?)
  
  
• Can it use the types of detergents you like to use? (eg. enzyme/bio?)
  
  
• Are the filters easy to clean?
  
  
• How easily can you access areas that may require maintenance?
  
  
• Does it have an anti-flood device?
  
  
• Does it have child safe door and detergent dispenser? (if this is a concern.)
  
  
• Are the racks adjustable?
  
  
• Is the heating element covered?
  
  
• How noisy/well insulated is the dishwasher?

Tips for using a dishwasher:

• Scrape off excess scraps, or the bits may well be distributed over your dishes. Usually pre-rinsing isn't necessary, but if something is very dirty- especially if you plan to leave operating the dishwasher until a later time- a rinse may be needed.
  
  
• Unless your dishwasher has a half load setting, fill it (but not overfill) before operating.
  
  
• Don't overload, overlap or have dishes too crammed together.
  
  
• Make sure you only wash items that are dishwasher safe.
  
  
• Allowing dishes to air dry will save energy.
  
  
• Clean filter each load and carry out any recommended maintenance on schedule.
  
  
• Find out the shortest and lowest temperature program that will give you satisfactory results, then use it. No point overdoing it! As long as it does the job... less is more.
  
  
• Don't overdo the detergent either- more is not necessarily better, and can result in improper rinsing as well as more cost, both to you and the environment!
  

Agencies dealing with REBATE SCHEMES across Australia:

QUEENSLAND
Brisbane & All QLD:  http://www.nrw.qld.gov.au/water/saverscheme/rebate_schemes.html

NEW SOUTH WALES
Sydney:  http://www.sydneywater.com.au/SavingWater/InYourHome/index.cfm

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Canberra:  http://www.thinkwater.act.gov.au/tuneup_rebates.shtml

VICTORIA
Melbourne & All VIC:   http://www.ourwater.vic.gov.au/ourwater/water_smart_rebates

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Adelaide & All SA:  http://www.sawater.com.au/SAWater/YourHome/SaveWaterInYourHome/rebates_overview.htm

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Perth & All WA:  http://portal.water.wa.gov.au/portal/page/portal/WiseWaterUse/WaterwiseRebates