A good dishwasher costs money. There is a new energy label, but the devices were not more economical. There is a problem anyway with the label and the associated eco programs.
The new test of dishwashers takes two changes. On the one hand, there is the new system of energy labels in the European Union. Instead of all appliances being given an A with a plus asterisk, the scale is again from A to G due to stricter requirements. As a reaction to the changes, almost all dishwashers with the old label are no longer on the market; start in a stripped-down test, due to the time pressure, the simulation of long-term use was dispensed with.
It’s a shame, because dishwashers in particular tend to fail here. Label A has not reached any device. Important to know: the whole label only refers to the eco program. It is by no means certain that machines that are particularly economical with Eco will also skimp in the other programs. The label is of no use to those who regularly choose the speed program. Anyone who chooses the program for heavy soiling because there is a saucepan or pan in the machine will also only get limited benefits from the label. The foundation assumes a consumer who prefers to use the eco program and occasionally uses the automatic.
18 dishwashers were tested
A total of 18 models in two widths are being tested. Subdivided again into devices with a cover or for installation. With the second differentiation, the consumer should know that there are structurally identical variants with and without a bezel for almost all devices.
The testers found that a new label does not mean new technology: “The dishwashers hardly differ from the A-double and A-triple plus models in the last tests. Almost all of them clean well or very well.” As with almost all devices, the narrow 45-centimeter devices performed worse than the wide 60-centimeter models. But this is due to the test methods: Measured against the amount of dishes, the small devices consume more electricity and water. This knowledge is of little use to consumers with a small household, because otherwise they will start a wide dishwasher that is only half full.
This effect can be found in almost all tests, because it also occurs in refrigerators. A four-kilo washing machine will also consume more for three cycles than an XXL machine for 12 kilograms for one wash. The product testers consequently recommend buying a wider device, but also ignore the fact that the small devices are also bought for small kitchens and you cannot simply translate an XS equipment of dishwasher, refrigerator and washing machine with devices with standard dimensions.
Dishwasher operating costs
The operating costs must be taken into account. Extrapolated over ten years, they are between EUR 1000 and around EUR 1290, so they are usually higher than the acquisition costs – if you regularly choose a program other than the Eco program, this value increases further. Not so nice: low consumption is achieved with longer and longer running times. Some Ecos modes now work five hours.
In the 60 centimeter wide dishwashers with a hidden control panel, the the victory and the grade 2.1. It costs 1030 euros and comes in second place for only 805 euros with a grade of 2.1. The third came for 1000 euros on the podium, she also managed a 2.1. The grades can be transferred to the identical built-in models. The narrow 45-centimeter dishwashers achieved a satisfactory at best. The best cut here for 690 euros. With a grade of 2.6, she just missed a good. Given the small devices’ limit problem in efficiency, the value is not so bad.
Conclusion
Dishwashers are relatively expensive if they are to produce good results. A cheap dishwasher like the Ikea Lagan item no. 504.754.25 for only 299 euros only comes to a satisfactory. If the budget is tight, however, you can also say: The grade 2.6 is not bad considering the price of less than a third of the test winner. In view of the duration of the eco programs, everyone should ask themselves whether the profile of the product tester fits their usage habits. Those who do not start the machine systematically but spontaneously will mainly choose the short program.
Another factor is the volume. It only makes up ten percent of the overall result. Here, too, it depends on the usage situation; in a separate kitchen with a closed door, the washing noise is not very disturbing. In an open kitchen-cum-living room, however, you can hear the device working all evening. Then you should go for a model that has top marks in the individual discipline – like the two test winners.
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