The Dishwashing Domain

Dishwashers are the ultra-convenient, time saving kitchen appliance you need to own. Once you’ve owned your first dishwasher, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one. Meal times are much more pleasant when they aren’t followed by the monotony of hand washing and drying a mountain of dirty dishes. UK studies have shown that owning a dishwasher saves you 2 to 3 weeks of laborious kitchen work every year. Just think of the extra leisure time you could enjoy!

The history of the dishwasher began way back in 1850. The first dishwasher patent was applied for by American Joel Houghton for a wooden machine with a hand turned wheel which simply splashed water on to the dishes. However, the first practical dishwasher was invented in 1886 by Josephine Cochran. It made a big splash with restaurants and hotels at the 1893 World Fair. But it wasn’t until the 1950s that electronic washing machines became efficient enough to make them attractive purchases for the average family.

Modern units are also becoming increasingly popular because of the positive health spin-offs of their use. Thanks to their multiple rinse cycles and the fact that the water is heated to a temperature much higher than the human hand can stand, dishwashers are far superior to traditional hand washing. High temperature washing kills more germs than hand washing and the fact that you don’t have to use dirty, unhygienic hand towels to dry the dishes also means a safer wash every time.

Today there are dishwashers to suit every lifestyle, kitchen design and personal taste. From full size built in under-counter models that can deal with 14 place settings, through to tiny countertop models perfect for small kitchens, and even the new independent drawer style dishwashers – the choice is getting better by the day. But, with so many different brands around the globe offering so many different appliances boasting a confusing range of options, you need independent advise to find the dishwasher that will suit your needs best.

It’s important to realize that the most expensive dishwashers do not necessarily do the best job. Neither are they the most energy and water efficient, or the quietest running.

Guide4Home dishwasher review - countertop and drawer style models.