Throughout history, household chores have predominantly been the responsibility of women. To alleviate this burden, various appliances have been introduced, one of the most notable being the dishwasher. When choosing a dishwasher, it’s essential to consider four key factors to ensure you select the right one for your family’s needs.
1. Select the Appropriate Type of Dishwasher
Dishwashers can be categorized into three types, each offering unique advantages and suited to different household setups:
Mini Dishwashers
Features: Mini dishwashers are compact, resembling a 50-liter mini-fridge. They are designed with a single washing compartment, making them ideal for students or small families with fewer dishes to wash.
Benefits: Mini dishwashers are space-saving, perfect for smaller kitchens.
Drawbacks:
– Limited features due to its compact size.
– Louder in operation compared to other types of dishwashers.
Price range: 8-15 million VND
Freestanding Dishwashers
Features: Freestanding dishwashers offer a larger capacity, similar in size to a horizontal-loading washing machine. They are well-suited for families with 4 to 6 members.
Benefits:
– Higher capacity allows for washing more dishes simultaneously.
– Flexible placement options, such as next to kitchen cabinets or near the sink, for convenient water drainage.
Drawbacks:
– Requires more space and can be challenging to move due to its larger size.
– Consumes more electricity and water due to the increased capacity.
Price range: 15-35 million VND
Built-in Dishwashers
Features: Built-in dishwashers operate similarly to freestanding models but differ in their installation. They are designed to be integrated into kitchen cabinets, either as a cabinet door or a drawer, offering a sleek and modern look.
Benefits: Built-in design saves space and enhances the aesthetics of your kitchen.
Drawbacks: Ensure your kitchen dimensions accommodate the built-in dishwasher for a perfect fit.
Price range: 15-35 million VND
2. Choose a Dishwasher with the Right Capacity
Selecting a dishwasher with the appropriate capacity is crucial. This factor directly impacts your household’s electricity and water consumption and ensures it aligns with your family’s needs. For Vietnamese families, the number of dishes varies depending on the family size and the amount of food served per meal:
Families with 2-3 members: Opt for a mini dishwasher as the number of dishes per meal is relatively small. This typically includes around 8 plates, 8 pairs of chopsticks, 8 bowls, 4-6 spoons, 2 cups, and 2 pots/pans.
Families with 4-6 members: Choose a larger capacity dishwasher, such as a freestanding or built-in model. The number of dishes per meal ranges from 12-16 plates, 12-16 pairs of chopsticks, 4 large bowls, 4 serving spoons, and 4-6 tablespoons.
3. Discover the Functions and Features
Modern dishwashers offer a range of functions and features that can enhance their performance and your overall dishwashing experience.
Hot Water Washing and Sterilization
Dishwashers equipped with hot water technology and sterilization effectively eliminate bacteria and stubborn stains, ensuring a thorough clean.
Combined with high-temperature drying technology and heat sensors, these dishwashers can tackle even the most stubborn grease and burnt-on food, leaving your dishes spotlessly clean and bacteria-free, protecting your family’s health.
Quick Wash
The quick wash program is ideal for lightly soiled dishes, helping you save time and energy.
Eco Wash
The eco wash program relies solely on water pressure to clean dishes, eliminating the need for water heating and reducing electricity consumption.
Look for higher energy labels, such as A+, A++, or A+++, to indicate superior energy efficiency. Conversely, labels rated D, C, or B suggest lower energy efficiency.
Drying Function
The drying function ensures your dishes are dry and ready to be put away, preventing mildew. Allow approximately 15 minutes after the drying cycle to avoid any potential burns from residual heat.
Quiet Operation
Quiet operation dishwashers minimize noise, typically producing around 50dB. However, larger capacity models may have slightly higher noise levels, ranging from 60-70 dB.
Water Softening Function
The water softening function in modern dishwashers helps counteract the negative effects of hard water, protecting both your machine and your health.
Smart and Safety Features
Delay Start: Schedule your dishwasher to run at your convenience.
Memory Function: Automatically resumes the last used program and remembers the program in case of a power outage.
Smart Control: Connect your dishwasher to your smartphone and manage your dishwashing tasks with ease.
Anti-Flood and Leak Protection: Conserves water and ensures electrical safety.
Child Lock: Keeps the dishwasher’s lid securely closed during operation, preventing accidents.
4. Opt for a Reputable Brand and Manufacturer
When investing in a quality dishwasher, it’s essential to consider the brand and manufacturer. Here are some well-known and reputable dishwasher brands in the market:
Electrolux Dishwashers
Brand Origin: Sweden
Manufacturing Countries: Poland, China
Notable Features:
– Air Dry function for effective dish drying.
– Delay start option for added convenience.
– GlassCare system ensures the safe washing of delicate glassware.
– Automatic shut-off and efficient energy use.
Warranty: 2 years
Price range: 8-15 million VND
Candy Dishwashers
Brand Origin: Italy
Manufacturing Country: Turkey
Notable Features:
– Aqua Protect function prevents water leakage.
– Smart Touch technology enables smartphone control.
– Remembers the program in case of a power outage.
Warranty: 2 years
Price range: 15-20 million VND
Bosch Dishwashers
Brand Origin: Germany
Manufacturing Countries: Turkey, Germany
Notable Features:
– Energy-efficient, meeting the European A+++ standard.
– VarioSpeed technology reduces washing time by up to 50%, and VarioSpeed Plus further boosts efficiency.
– EcoSilence motor ensures quiet operation, energy efficiency, and minimal heat generation.
– Activewater technology optimizes water usage.
– RankMatic rack system accommodates various dish sizes.
Warranty: 2 years
Price range: 20-30 million VND
In conclusion, investing in a convenient and efficient dishwasher can significantly save you time and effort, enhancing your modern lifestyle and providing a safer and more comfortable experience for your family.