Dishwasher basket

The dishwasher basket is considered one of the most important accessories in a dishwasher. It's a bit unfair that manufacturers consider baskets to be just an accessory, as the basket often determines the quality and quantity of dishes washed. The better the basket, the better and more efficient the dishwasher, reaching dirt even in hard-to-reach places. Today, we'll try to redress the wrong by dedicating an entire article to baskets and cutlery trays. It's time people learned more about these important dishwasher components.

What types of dishwasher baskets are there?

The baskets or racks in different dishwashers are similar, but they are not identical. And if you start to look into the matter, this is immediately apparent. Today, there are several baskets with fundamentally different configurations and designs. If this accessory is so simple, why are manufacturers still searching for new technical solutions? Why aren't traditional baskets suitable?

• Thanks to the special shape of the basket, manufacturers ensure that plates, pots, cups, and other items placed in it are washed with cleaning solution as effectively as possible.
• The latest designs help transform the basket to accommodate different sets of dishes.
• The first dishwasher baskets held fewer dishes. Modern accessories, on average, hold 3-6 more sets of dishes.
• New, clever basket designs help keep dishes safe during washing. Even fragile glass remains intact, which is crucial.

The new baskets are compatible with additional accessories such as glass holders, bottle racks, baking tray attachments, and more.

As you can see, there's plenty to compete for. But what heights have manufacturers of these accessories reached today? Are there any baskets on the market that boast the best design? In our opinion, such discussions are highly subjective, so we've decided to refrain from them. It's better to first find out what baskets are available in different dishwashers.

ForMiele dishwashers They are characterized by very roomy and durable baskets with a flattened rectangular design. The bottom basket is the most capacious. It has several compartments for large dishes, folding plate holders, and side locks that help adjust the basket's position. If you need to wash large dishes, the basket can be adjusted to fit everything.

The second basket is designed for smaller dishes. It can also accommodate fragile glasses, secured with soft-lined holders. At the very top, on the third tier, is a transformable tray that can accommodate not only cutlery but also small dishes. This tray significantly increases the capacity of Miele machines.

Various Bosch dishwasher models feature unique baskets made with Vario Flex Plus technology. No other basket can be configured in this way. Thanks to a system of locks and guides, you can position the baskets in the wash chamber as needed, as they move almost freely vertically. Glasses are stored on folding supports, and a separate container for spoons and forks is also included. The baskets' unique shape allows for easy storage of unusual kitchen utensils, such as ladles, graters, rolling pins, cutting boards, and more.

Electrolux dishwasher manufacturers clearly took customer health into account when designing their dishwasher baskets. A special lifting mechanism was developed to make loading the dishwasher easier for those with back problems. Each basket is equipped with a handle, which allows the user to pull the basket higher. This eliminates the need to bend over when loading dirty plates, pots, and other items. Electrolux appliances are also renowned for their collapsible glass holders, which ensure excellent cleaning results.

Siemens dishwasher baskets are considered the most technologically advanced. Let's take a look at the innovations incorporated into their design.

1. Folding pull-out shelves for small dishes. When not in use, you can easily fold them away to free up space for larger dishes.
2. The baskets have special folding guides that hold the plates securely. These guides ensure that the plates stay safe and secure.
3. At the very top is a fold-out tray that can be pulled out when not in use. While the tray is typically used for storing cutlery, it can also be used for washing small cups, saucers, and other small items.
4. The interior of all baskets is customizable. Various holders, shelves, and dividers fold in and out, allowing the user to customize the baskets to suit their needs.

Siemens dishwasher baskets are made of the most durable and high-quality steel that is not subject to corrosion.

How to choose the right box

When choosing a basket, consider its model compatibility. It's hard to imagine that baskets from an Electrolux dishwasher will fit a Miele dishwasher, although this does happen occasionally. The advantage is that baskets from brand new models of dishwashers of the same brand often fit older models of dishwashers of a certain brand. Quite often, owners love the machine itself but dislike the dish basket. Manufacturers offer replacement accessories with special ones that meet your expectations. Bosch, for example, offers this.

1. Stemware Rack. If you're hosting a large number of guests and have dozens of wine and champagne glasses lined up for the sink, a special rack will come in handy. It fits in the lower part of the wash chamber in place of the lower rack. It holds 12 glasses, 12 stemware, and 24 cups. All the dishes are securely held and organized, ensuring maximum cleaning efficiency.
2. The upper basket has six collapsible sections. Fits full-size Bosch dishwashers, offers a huge capacity, and the basket interior is completely transformable. It is equipped with wheels for easy movement along the guides.
3. A lower basket with six collapsible sections. This upgraded basket features a lift-up rear edge, a glass holder, increased capacity, and special, secure plate holders. This basket fits all Bosch dishwashers manufactured since 2007.

In addition to baskets, Bosch offers various accessories to make dishwashing even easier. These include bottle holders, cutlery baskets, silverware baskets, small item holders, and more.

Trays, holders and boxes

Purchasing new racks is a significant expense. Not everyone can afford them, but there is a solution. You can upgrade your dishwasher by purchasing additional trays, holders, or cutlery boxes. These, like the racks, can easily be purchased separately.

• A holder for 4 tall glasses. Suitable for washing modern thin glass with very tall stems.
• Small item holders. These are special hooks for holding small dishes while washing. They're great for holding baby bottles, plastic container lids, and other small items.
• Bottle holders. This accessory is designed for holding baby bottles and similar utensils.
• A baking pan attachment. It fits in place of the standard spray arm. Ideal for washing large items such as baking pans, trays, roasters, etc.
• A fold-out cutlery box. It's both a tray and a storage box for spoons, forks, and knives. By releasing the latches, it unfolds into a tray, and when folded, it becomes a compact box.

So, baskets, like many other dishwasher accessories, are readily available. However, when purchasing them, pay attention to the quality of the workmanship. If the basket is made of thin, flexible metal elements, it is better not to buy it, since this accessory must support heavy dishes. The sturdier the basket, the better. Also, choose chrome baskets over painted ones. Paint tends to peel when exposed to detergent. Be careful!

   

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