Of course, functionality is one of the main characteristics of any technically complex device. The dishwasher is no exception. High competition in this segment stimulates companies to constantly improve their models, actively using innovations to expand it. Of course, functionality significantly affects the choice of the dishwasher and depends on the control system of dishwasher.
Typically, modern models typically use the following basic modes.
Automatic, economy, soak and half load modes
In auto mode, the device automatically selects the optimum washing mode on the basis of the data about degree of the utensils contamination. Unfortunately, budget models require manual entry of this data. But many modern models automatically determine the cookware quantity and its pollution degree with the help of special sensors. In fact, dishwasher chooses the optimal amount of water considering the quantity of utensils based on data of filling sensor. But, for example, Bosch AquaSensor also calculates washing time based on data from sensor of water pollution degree.
Economy mode for slightly dirty cookware uses a water with temperature 50-55 ° C. This mode reduces energy consumption by 20%.
The soak mode use cold water. This mode is used everytime after adding a new portion of the dirty cookware. This technology prevents a drying of leftover food. This program provides for the step-by-step filling the dishwasher for several days. The main mode is activated after full filling.
Half load mode provides savings water, detergent and electricity. In this mode, the sensor generates a command for mode activation at loading only one basket. Respectively, the second basket remains empty. But the operation time is not changed in this mode. Today, for example, Hansa ZIM 436 EH, Indesit DSG 573, Flavia BI 45 IVELA Light, Zigmund & Shtain DW69.4508X models, etc. have this option. But similar mode in some other models is called economical program.
Delay start, intensive washing, water purity sensor and sputtering system
The electricity cost during the night time is minimal. Therefore, the use of dishwasher in this period is advantageous. Delay start provides the implementation of the delayed start.
Intensive washing is designed for very dirty cookware. The device heats the water in this mode up to 65-70 degrees.
Built-in water purity sensor controls the washing quality. Process continues until the water is transparent. The sensor responds to the absence of dirt and detergent on the cookware and generates a signal to complete the operation.
Sputtering system uses stationary nozzles and rotating sprayers. For example, Power Clean Max system from Whirlpool provides 32 multi-directional water jets.
Such extreme shower effectively cleans cookware from all contaminants.
ProClean (AEG-Electrolux, Germany) models use the efficient Satellite Spray Arm system for sputtering.
It imitates the chaotic movements of the human hands. This algorithm provides an equally high-quality washing throughout the entire working chamber.
Water supply from below upwards increases the efficiency of cleaning large pots and pans.
Video at the end demonstrates the operation of such a system.
VarioSpeed Plus, Intensive Zone, Hygiene Plus and mode 3 in 1
VarioSpeed Plus function reduces twice the duration of washing and drying without losing quality. This feature is present in some Bosch, NEFF and Siemens models. VarioSpeed Plus is connected as an addition to almost any wash program. Pre-wash and Quick Wash modes are the exception. The operation time at full loading is reduced by 66%.
Intensive Zone provides a wash of the very dirty pots and pans in the lower basket. The remaining cookware is washed in the upper basket in ordinary conditions. This technology uses the additional cycles and the water supply to the lower basket at a higher pressure and temperature.
Hygiene Plus mode provides disinfection due to a high water temperature that reaches 70 ° C. The mode duration is 10 minutes.
This option is especially useful for families with small children for disinfection of children’s cookware.
Mode 3 in 1 is present in models of many manufacturers. But this function use multicomponent tablets. Of course, they are convenient to use, but more expensive compared to traditional detergents, conditioners and water softeners.
Without the upper basket 65 ° C program is designed for wash of large cookware in the lower basket. This option is implemented, for example, in models of Miele brand.
Careful washing for cut-glass ware, bioprogramma, beer glasses and hygiene mode
This mode is intended for fragile cookware. Electronic temperature control prevents sudden temperature changes. The water pressure is also controlled. This program is implemented in the Indesit models. Similar programs in other manufacturers’ models are called differently. For example, Bosch and Miele models have a similar mode with the name delicate, AEG-Electrolux models – Glass 45.
Bioprogramma is also popular in models of many manufacturers. It’s intended for use of detergents without phosphates.
Beer glasses program is implemented in the Miele models. Wineglass better keeps the foam on the walls due to the absence of the rinse after washing.
Hygiene mode is designed for the particularly thorough wash. It’s useful, for example, when washing the baby bottles or the cutting boards. This option is implemented in Kuppersbusch models (Miele).
Quick wash, SelfCare, Eco program and control of water hardness
Quick wash is also used for lightly soiled cookware. This program is present in most models and is very popular with many users. Its duration is only 30 minutes. An analogue of this mode in Candy CDP 4709 model is called the Ultra Fast 24 minute 50 ° C. Express program in V-ZUG models washes the utensils for 21 minutes. But this is, of course, without drying dishes.
SelfCare provides auto cleaning the hydraulic parts. This cycle lasts only 45 minutes and does not require of special detergents. This option is implemented in the Hotpoint-Ariston models.
Eco program is present in many models. This function saves energy and water by increasing the process duration. p>
Detergents are less effective in the hard water with a high content of calcium, magnesium and other metals. However, too soft water can also be harmful to the cookware. For example, it accelerates the destruction of the glassware. Glass quickly becomes brittle, and the surface becomes cloudy.
Electronic system optimizes the salt consumption taking into account the specified water stiffness level and selected program. This feature is implemented in the Bosch SPV 43M00, NEFF S58M43X1, AEG F 88400 VI, Zanussi ZDV 15001 FA, Electrolux ESL 4650 RO, Zigmund & Shtain DW79.4509X models.
Some models provide the identification of combined means (tablets 3 in 1, 4 in 1, etc.) and the adjustment of programs.
