Washing crockery in a dishwasher saves time, is environmentally friendly and reduces costs as a result of low levels of energy and water consumption. Although it is true that many households in Germany appreciate these facts, there is still potential lying dormant which could be used. Over 22 m German households (approx. 58%) have a dishwasher. However, the trend is clearly rising, as ten years ago the share was still under 40%. Europe-wide, there is even more catching up to do: Not even half of households have this practical kitchen help.
But the advantages are obvious. Take costs for example: If dishes are washed by hand, how often this is done depends especially on the habits and requirements of individual households. In a family of four, an average of 40 litres of hot water is required per day. Approx. 2.0 kWh is needed to heat the water up. The amount of time must also be considered. About one hour is needed for this amount of crockery ““ 365 days a year!
Compared to these consumption values, washing in a dishwasher has clear advantages. Here, energy and water consumption depend on the programme chosen. In addition to the possibility of setting various washing temperatures, there are programmes for crockery with different amounts of soiling and additional short programmes. And as regards consumption, the dishwasher is streets ahead compared to washing by hand: To wash the same amount of crockery, a Miele dishwasher needs 13 litres of water in the Economy programme and only 1.05 kWh of electricity. Only 15 minutes is needed to load and unload the machine, giving a savings potential of 75% less time, approx. 55% less water and a good 40% less electricity.
Electronic controls introduced 25 years ago
Today, a Miele dishwasher without electronic controls is simply inconceivable. The first appliances with electronics were launched 25 years ago and since 1999, all appliances have been equipped with fully electronic controls. Depending on the model, these offer numerous advantages to the user: Delay start facility up to 24 hours and countdown display, sensors control programme sequences and thus ensure best dishwashing results while, at the same time, protecting glass and decor in the best possible way. Automatic programmes make dishwashing user-friendly. The “˜3 in 1′ function when using tablets which in addition to detergent also contain rinse aid and also a substitute for salt ensures user convenience. The Update possibility used to install new programmes on existing machines means they will always be up to date.
Dishwashers are available in various sizes as free-standing or built-in appliances. 60 cm-wide appliances are most common. Nevertheless, this is still too big for some kitchens where 45 cm-wide models are the ideal solution. However, there are even more versions of the Miele dishwasher. The 60 cm and 45 cm models are available with a bigger inner cabinet and also as fully-integrated appliances which disappear completely behind kitchen unit doors. In addition, 55 cm-wide appliances are also available.
Patented cutlery tray
1987 saw the introduction of the first Miele dishwashers with the cutlery tray, an invention for which the company has a worldwide patent. The advantage of this innovation is that the cutlery, clearly and neatly arranged, sits firmly in its own spot at the top of the dishwasher. Soiled items can be picked up by the handle and placed in the cutlery tray; clean cutlery can then also be taken out and put away by the handle to ensure hygienic loading and unloading. A further advantage is the fact that items such as forks and spoons are clearly separated and can therefore be thoroughly cleaned. The cutlery tray is also removable: The whole tray can be carried to a drawer for easy unloading; alternatively, a second insert can be purchased which fits into a Miele cabinet drawer.
From a press release from Meile
