Which dishwasher tablets are better: Finish or Somat?

Many housewives prefer dishwasher tablets to gels and powders. The 3-in-1 capsules are very convenient to use. They are easy to dose, and one tablet is just enough for a full load of dishwasher.

There's a wide range of dishwasher tablets available. However, Finish or Somat capsules are more commonly found in supermarkets. They're readily available and easy to find in stores, and come in a variety of sizes. Let's find out which brand offers the best value, both in terms of quality and price.

First, let's compare the price.

When choosing dishwasher tablets, many housewives first look at the cost of the product. If we talk about capsules Finish or Somat, then they are approximately in the same price range. Let's look into this issue in more detail.

The cost of a single tablet depends heavily on the package size. The larger the package, the cheaper the dishwasher cycle. For example, let's compare the market prices of Finish and Somat.

• Somat PMM tablets, if you buy a package of 100 capsules, will cost approximately $13.9.
• 100 capsules of Finish "Quantum All in 1" cost about $14.65.
• More affordable Finish "Classic" tablets cost $10 for 100 tablets.

The cost of one Finish tablet when purchasing a package of 100 pieces is about $0.15, Somat – approximately $0.14.

Buying smaller packages isn't as cost-effective. For example, a 24-pack of Somat tablets costs almost $7, while a 30-pack of Finish costs $8.40, or $0.29 and $0.28 per capsule, respectively.

You can also find good discounts on marketplaces and in stores. Manufacturers often run promotions, offering even lower prices. Therefore, it's impossible to judge which brand, Finish or Somat, is better in terms of price. Both brands produce relatively inexpensive household cleaning products for dishwashers.

Comparison of consumer characteristics of products

Judging by user reviews, Finish tablets used to be more expensive than similar Somat tablets. Today, the prices for capsules have leveled out, so it's not worth relying solely on price when choosing. Let's explore the differences between the products and see which one is better in terms of performance.

Finish Quantum All in One tablets are made in Poland. These multifunctional, phosphate-free, biodegradable capsules use active ingredients to remove stubborn dirt, tea, and coffee stains from dishes without leaving streaks. They also protect your dishwasher from limescale.

The Finish Quantum All-in-One capsule consists of three layers. The red gel fights grease and leaves dishes sparkling. Two different powders remove tough protein and starch stains. The tablet also contains bleaching particles based on active oxygen to remove stains.

Finish Quantum All-in-One tablets contain a number of additives to protect glass, crystal, and metal. The capsules also contain ingredients to enhance cleaning power. They also contain salt and rinse aid, so the use of these additional products is unnecessary.

Finish capsules contain:

• 15-30% non-ionic surfactants;
• oxygen-containing whitening particles;
• polycarboxylates;
• phosphonates;
• enzymes;
• flavorings.

Somat All in 1 dishwasher tablets are also phosphate-free and boast superior cleaning properties. They effectively combat grease, limescale, and other stains. The capsules contain:

• 15-30% complexing agents and inorganic salts;
• 5-15% oxygen bleach;
• phosphonates;
• polycarboxylates;
• less than 5% nonionic surfactants;
• enzymes;
• fragrance;
• preservative.

Somat All in 1 tablets effectively tackle tough stains, even without soaking. They contain salt, which protects the dishwasher's internal components from limescale, and rinse aid, which prevents streaks on dishes.

One tablet is required per wash cycle. The capsule cannot be split if the dishwasher is not fully loaded. This applies to both Finish and Somat.

Finish tablets have a soluble coating, and the individual packaging of Somat capsules must be removed before loading the product into the dishwasher.

Somat capsules are packaged in plastic wrap, which must be removed before placing in the dishwasher. Finish tablets don't require this; their shell dissolves in water on its own. For this reason, Finish capsules are more convenient.

As for cleaning power, there is no significant difference between Finish and Somat. Judging by the reviews, the effect of using the capsules is approximately the same. The only difference is in the smell – dishes washed with Finish tablets smell nicer.

Consumer reviews of Somat and Finish

Nika-Strawberry, Moscow

I've been buying Finish tablets for my DM for years, and they're still the best. These days, I prefer the All In One capsules with lemon. I always check for special offers and always keep an eye out for discounts. The last time I bought a pack of 75, it cost me about $10.

Finish tablets are standard-sized and easy to use. I love that the capsules are dishwasher safe—no need to remove the shell, as they dissolve in water. The cleaning results are quite satisfying—no stains, dried-on food particles, or streaks remain on dishes.

So, for me, the main advantages of Finish All In One capsules are:

• convenient packaging format;
• good washing result.

I'm completely satisfied with the tablets, so I don't experiment. I do occasionally buy capsules from this manufacturer, but from a different series. I plan to continue purchasing Finish products for my PM.

Levii, Russia

My first dishwasher tablets were Finish. In almost two years of using my dishwasher, I've tried a variety of products. The Snowter tablets were the worst, and the Finish tablets were the best. I'm not going to stop; I'll keep experimenting.

I buy small packages. My last purchase was a 26-tablet pack of Finish All In One. The package has a resealable closure that helps protect the contents from moisture.

Finish capsules are standard size. At a glance, you can see that each tablet consists of three layers. The red ball is "stuffed" with special substances for soaking stuck-on food; it dissolves first.

The next layer, blue, removes soaked food. The white particles complete the wash, ensuring the dishes are thoroughly clean and shiny. In Finish tablets All In One It also contains salt to soften hard tap water. There is no need to remove the capsule packaging; it dissolves on its own, without a trace.

Even though one capsule is designed for a cycle, I divide the tablet when the dishwasher is half full. Finish All In One cuts the tablets well, which I find very convenient. I personally highlight the following advantages of this brand:

• clean and shiny dishes coming out of the machine;
• convenient format;
• the ability to divide the capsule in half without compromising the quality of washing;
• constant discounts and promotions on goods;
• The inside of the dishwasher is kept clean, the product actually dissolves food particles, so the filter does not get clogged.

Almeja, Russia

In my search for the perfect dishwasher tablets, I came across Somat capsules. I'd previously tried the vaunted Finish Quantum Max and the controversial Fairy, but the results weren't impressive.

I always buy large packages to ensure I have at least a month's supply of pills. Somat is available anywhere, including at supermarkets like Magnit, Pyaterochka, and Auchan. Marketplaces like Wildberries and Ozon often offer good discounts. The last time I bought a pack of 54, it cost me $7.

The tablets come in a plastic bag with a resealable zip-lock. This brand's capsules are also available in cardboard boxes, but I find this packaging a bit inconvenient. All ingredient information and instructions for use are on the back of the pack.

Of course, Somat is full of chemicals, but that's not surprising—it's not organic. The capsules themselves are rectangular and relatively compact. I've seen tablets in both self-dissolving shells and individual sachets that require removing beforehand. This probably depends on the batch.

What I liked is that Somat Gold perfectly removes tea and coffee stains, and burnt food also disappears from dishes without a trace.

Somat capsules deliver everything users expect. They effectively clean dishes without leaving dirt or grease, leave a streak-free shine, and soften water thanks to the salt in their formula. If I weren't always a fan of trying new things, I would definitely choose this brand.

   

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