Home: Performance of Dishwashers: Cleaning, Drying, Energy

When it comes to performance, dishwashers are graded on three important performance criteria. The grading system goes from A down to G. With grade A being the best. The three performance categories are as follows,

1. Cleaning performance. Indicates how well the machine can remove dirt and grease.
2. Drying performance. Measures the amount of excess water at the end of a wash cycle.
3. Energy efficiency. A high performer can save a substantial amount of water and electricity.

The cleaning performance of a dishwasher is not only a visible indicator. There is also hygiene to consider. Manufacturers claim that dishwashers kill more germs than washing at a kitchen sink.

A dishwasher will operate at temperatures of around seventy celcius. Which is higher than hand washing. This means that dishwashers wash close to or exactly at sterile levels.

A dishwasher can also save time. Research has shown that a dishwasher can save a couple of days in saved time, in comparison to washing dishes by hand, over a year long period

The green credentials of dishwashers are clear cut. An average wash cycle at a kitchen sink (for a family) uses around fifty litres of water. Whereas a full dishwasher wash cycle uses around twenty five litres of water on average. This can add up to a considerable amount of water per year.

Sound damping is a final performance consideration. Manufacturers have done a good job of developing superior sound absorbing machines. You should expect a decibel level of around 42. Older machines are around 55-70 decibels. A difference in 10 decibels, which is three to five times quieter.