Checking a dishwasher before purchasing

When purchasing a dishwasher for the first time, many people don't understand how to properly evaluate the unit's condition and specifications. Consultants at home appliance stores shouldn't be completely trusted, as their primary goal is to sell equipment rather than offer genuine assistance in choosing the right appliance. We'll explain below how to inspect a dishwasher before purchasing it and ensure it meets all your requirements and preferences.

Where to start checking?

You should carefully examine the dishwasher while it is still in the store. The buyer should ensure that the sample meets all the characteristics declared by the manufacturer. After you've determined all the key technical specifications, examined the machine's functionality, and assessed its practicality, it's crucial to select a unit of the required dimensions. Only the user knows how much kitchen space is allocated for the dishwasher and what kind of dishes will need to be washed.

Next, inspect the machine's body and interior wash chamber for scratches, dents, chips, or any other mechanical damage. If there are no defects, proceed to inspecting the dishwasher baskets.

We inspect the baskets

The average dishwasher comes standard with two baskets. The one at the bottom has a larger capacity and is used for pots, plates, pans, and other large items. The top basket is designed for smaller items like saucers, cups, spatulas, and so on. Glasses can also be cleaned in it if secured with holders. Some dishwasher models are equipped with a third small container used for washing spoons, forks, and knives.

The design of the baskets and container greatly impacts the cleaning performance of dishes. It's ideal if the lower container has foldable holders. This feature allows the basket to be adjusted to accommodate dishes of various sizes. Properly loaded cutlery will ensure perfect removal of all dirt.

It is better to give preference to dishwashers equipped with three containers.

A separate cutlery basket is a much-needed addition. According to many users, the appliance cleans knives, spoons, and forks much better when they're stored in a dedicated container. Furthermore, the risk of sharp knife blades or fork tips scratching the surface of other dishes is reduced to zero. The third container is also convenient for storing small items, such as baby items.

It's best to choose models with adjustable upper baskets. By adjusting the height of the upper basket, you can increase the lower basket's capacity for washing larger items.

The number of plastic components inside the dishwasher should be kept to a minimum. Plastic, when exposed to harsh detergents, quickly loses its properties, wears down, and deteriorates, which inevitably leads to component failure. It's best to choose models with metal baskets, clamps, and fasteners.

Be sure to check how freely the racks slide in and out of your new appliance. Pull all the drawers, lower and raise the latches, etc. If they move freely and the racks move without any obstruction, that's good. The dishwasher door should close tightly and easily. If it requires effort to close, there's a manufacturing defect.

Check that all baskets latch securely. Since the upper impeller is attached to the container, it must fit snugly against the water supply pipe. Be sure to inspect the latch tabs for any bulges, dents, or other defects.

Let's look at the package

For ease of use, it's best to choose a new dishwasher equipped with additional accessories. The more gadgets included with the appliance, the more enjoyable and convenient it will be to use. What useful extras are we talking about?

1. Holders for small kitchen utensils. These typically feature hooks of various sizes and shapes that can be used to hang additional cleaning items;
2. Glassware rack. A special design that can hold 4 tall glasses. This addition ensures the safety of fragile glassware while washing.
3. Baby bottle holder. A must-have for new parents, it allows you to securely hang baby supplies in the car for easy cleaning.
4. A baking tray cleaner attachment. This special attachment attaches to a standard spray arm. It makes it easy to clean piles of dishes with maximum cleanliness.

Depending on the dishwasher model, it may be equipped with either a full set of accessories, or just one or two. If you liked the dishwasher with the bare essentials, don't worry; you can purchase the necessary holders yourself.

Studying moving parts

Checking the dishwasher's functionality includes inspecting the impellers, or the elements through which the cleaning solution flows into the dishwasher cabinet. Full-size dishwashers have impellers both at the bottom and under the upper rack. Compact models are equipped with lower spray arms only.

During operation, the impellers rotate. The openings in the elements are angled, and the water flowing out of the sprinkler at high speed sets it in motion. If the impeller is defective, the risk of it rupturing under high water pressure is very high. Therefore, carefully inspect the element for cracks and chips. The sprinklers are easily removed from the housing, so assessing their condition upon delivery or during a preliminary inspection in the store is easy. Ask a salesperson for assistance with removing the impellers.

This inspection procedure is mandatory for lesser-known brands or used dishwashers. In such cases, the original spray arms may be replaced with low-quality parts that have already been repaired.

The car must be safe

Almost all modern dishwashers are equipped with a leak protection feature. This technology is one of the key safety features of this type of equipment. Protection can be either complete, including protection of the housing and all hoses, or partial, extending only to the housing.

When purchasing a dishwasher with partial protection, it is best to replace all factory hoses with double hoses before using the appliance, which minimize the risk of leaks.

The next feature is child protection. This locks the machine's control panel. If you have small children, be sure to choose a model with this feature. A child accidentally opening the door while the machine is in operation could seriously burn themselves.

The electrical safety system minimizes the risk of electric shock when using the equipment. This feature only works if the machine is connected correctly and all installation instructions are followed.

We'll inspect it after it's delivered.

Even if you've inspected the dishwasher thoroughly, you'll need to inspect it again upon delivery. There's a high risk of damage during transportation. For example, while carrying the dishwasher up a flight of stairs or into the store, movers could accidentally slam it against a wall, shaking its insides, or placing it awkwardly on the floor.

In the presence of the courier, carefully examine the machine body again for defects, the internal chamber, and its completeness.

Unscrupulous sellers sometimes change the machine's configuration after you've paid for the equipment and send you an incomplete set. If you discover a discrepancy, do not fill out the acceptance certificate, but instead file a complaint and submit it to the store through the movers. Do not sign any documents if you find any defect in the dishwasher.

   

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