Dishwashing made easy: tired of washing your dishes by hand, or thinking of updating your old dishwasher? Here's the latest on 23 models. (Update: dishwashers).(Evaluation)

Publication: Choice (Chippendale, Australia)

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COPYRIGHT 2002 Australian Consumers' Association

What's better than chocolate and port to round off a good home-cooked meal? A dishwasher, of course, that takes care of your dishes while you enjoy the rest of the evening.

We tested six new models, and most of those we checked out last year are still on the market. The table on page 40 gives you a comprehensive overview of 23 dishwashers in rank order.

Prices range from around $750 to more than $2000--but you don't necessarily get cleaner pots and pans for a higher price. One of the more expensive dishwashers did score best overall (85%), but the two most expensive models ranked surprisingly low, mainly because of their comparatively poor washing performance (the MIELE Sensorplus G696SC and KLEENMAID BY BRANDT Super Silent System DW13W).

However, both have a number of new features you might appreciate, such as the MIELE's `top solo' wash program that washes the top basket only, which can save energy and water if you only have a small load. And they're among the quietest to run.

Like some of the new-generation washing machines, these dishwashers can also work out which program to use. A turbidity sensor adjusts water consumption depending on how dirty your dishes are and decides by itself whether the load needs a prewash or extra rinses.

PACKED TOO TIGHT?

The MIELE Sensorplus and KLEENMAID--and a few others in the test--are classified as holding 14 place settings, instead of the usual 12. However, with the exception of the ASKO D1606, these 14-place models ranked in the lower half of the table. We test to the claimed capacity, but think most people probably wash a full 12 or 14-place setting in their dishwasher only occasionally, using it regularly with smaller loads and non-standard crockery pieces. Doing this, you probably get better washing results than if you pack the machine to its claimed limit.

For example, we certainly got much better results for the ARISTON LS 620 A when we tested it with 12 place settings. When we learned that it had later been classified as a machine for 14 place settings, we retested it accordingly. In this test, it scored much lower for washing and drying performance.

MORE INFORMATION

For what to look for in a dishwasher, see CHOICE, May 2001, or go to our website: www.choice.com.au (click on `Dishwashers' in `Top 10 reports'). If you don't have a copy of the May issue or web access, send a stamped (85 cents in NSW, 95 cents elsewhere), self-addressed A5 or larger envelope to Dishwashers, CHOICE, 57 Carrington Road, Marrickville 2204, and we'll send you a photocopy.

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