Dishwasher capacity is measured in place settings. The majority of full size dishwashers have a capacity of 12 place settings, which means 12 dinner plates, soup bowls, small plates, cups and saucers, plus the associated cutlery as well.

All dishwashers are graded A to G on cleaning performance, energy efficiency and drying performance, with A-grade’ being most economical.

• Cleaning performance - Measures the effectiveness of removing dried grease and food from your dishes.
• Energy-efficiency - Measures how efficiently the machine uses electricity and hot water
• Drying performance - Measures how dry your dishes are at the end of the wash programme

Dishwashers include a variety of wash programmes designed for optimum wash results and extra crockery care. Here are some of the key programmes that can make a difference to your wash results and your lifestyle:

• Quick wash - ideal for lightly soiled dishes
• Economy - a longer wash programme at a lower temperature which saves money
• Half load - a programme that uses less water
• Intensive wash - a high temperature wash ideal for heaivily soiled dishes
• Pre-soak - a prolonged soaking stage at the beginning of the wash cycle
• Glass care - designed to give clean results and protects your glassware
• Detergent feature- modifies the time and temperature of each programme phase to optimise results when using 4-in-1 and 3-in 1 detergents
• Automatic wash programme - sensor technology that detecs the size and soiling levels of the load, then automatically selects the optimum wash, rinse and drying phase to give perfect results.

Water usage is measured on the volume of water used in a standard 65°C wash programme. Did you know that using a dishwasher can save up to 40 bathtubs of water per year compared to traditional hand washing methods.

Due to the location of dishwashers, noise can be an issue for some households. Dishwashers below 55dB (decibels) are considered to be quiet. A dishwasher with noise levels of 42dB sounds up to four times quieter than a 56dB model.

Storage features
Dishwashers now include flexible storage features that enable you to place awkward and dirty dishes to ensure the best wash results. Here are some of the key storage solutions to look out for:

• Adjustable baskets - the basket can be adjusted either in height, or by tilting to accommodate awkward items such assaucepans and long stemmed glasses
• Foldable racks - adjustable racks can be folded down and in some models relocated allowing extra freedom to accommodate items of all shapes and sizes
• Item clips - hold small items such as plastic lids in place

Display
The more sophisticated the dishwasher the more informed you will be on what is happening to your crockery. The following display options are available on selected dishwashers:

LED Display
Depending on the sophistication of your machine this may feature:

• Wash programme status indicator - the LED display indicates the current stage of a particular wash programme at any given time.
• Time left - displays a countdown of time remaining in a particular wash programme, so this option is ideal for time planning.
• Time delay countdown - displays the remaining time left of a pre-programmed time before the wash programme begins
• Clean filter, rinse aid & salt replacement indicator - displays when the water filter needs to be cleaned and when rinse aid and salt needs to be replaced.

LCD Display
Provides feedback on the current wash programme, what stage it is at, time remaining until completion, selected programme modifiers and time delay countdown.

At the premium end of fridge freezers you will find even more exciting features to really bring your refrigeration to life!

• Build quality - dishwashers in the Premier Collection benefit from superior build quality. Siemens dishwashers are continuously factory tested daily for 24 hours on a 50°C programme for up to 2,200 washes, the equivalent of 10 years usage.
• Advanced sensor technology - Bosch products with Hydrosensor technology check the level of soiling in the pre-rinse wash and decide whether or not it can be used for the main wash cycle, reducing water usage.
• Advanced crockery care - The Meile GlassCare system includes a unique sensor-controlled water softener, which electronically controls the hardness level of the water at wash temperatures of up to 55°C for extra protection.
• Advanced cutlery storage - Selected Miele products feature a cutlery tray, where each item sites securely in its own slot to ensure excellent wash results and increased safety when adding and removing sharp utensils. You can even wash stainless steel and silver cutlery in the same load without damaging your silverware. Unloading is more hygenic as cutlery handles can easily be accessed.
• Advanced leak protection - Selected Premier collection brands come with advanced leak protection. Siemens dishwashers with hydroSafe are guaranteed to be 100% leak proof: if a leak occurs the machine will shut down immediately.

These will be offered to you after you choose to buy a dishwasher. Please note you will only be offered products that are compatible with the product you have bought.

• Finish 3 in 2 tablets - Unique Powerball with built-in Rinse Agent dissolves at exactly the right point in the cycle for streak- free brilliant shine. Detergent delivers the ultimate clean .Built-in salt-action prevents spots and watermarks on dishes and glasses.

Dishwashers are also available as integrated or semi-integrated. An integrated dishwasher fits neatly in to your kitchen, with the door covered by a panel that matches your kitchen cupboards. When closed, the dishwasher is completely hidden and looks like just another kitchen unit. The controls for an integrated dishwasher are hidden somewhere on the inside of the appliance.

A semi integrated dishwasher is exactly the same but the control panel is visible over the top of the kitchen unit panel. All the other features found in normal dishwashers also apply to integrated and semi integrated dishwashers

Your kitchen may need to be specially adapted to accept a integrated appliance if it already isn't.