Top rack of the dishwasher (something's been bothering me)

[MrsSprat]

So why is it, domestic pantheon, that the top rack of the dishwasher is deemed to be safer for some items than the oh-so-dangerous bottom rack, which is all of 15cm away from this so-called safe haven?

Not been giving me sleepless nights or anything, but I am curious.

Has anyone put anything dainty/plastic in the bottom rack and have BAD THINGS happened?

[JackieNo]

I'm not sure - I've always assumed it was to do with more water pressure, so things might get dislodged, fall to the floor of the dishwasher, and, if plastic, melt on the heating element. But I may well be wrong.

[midnightexpress]

I have no idea, but you may wish to join my campaign for a dishwasher with a see-through door. I want to know what's going on in there, dammit.

DP maintains it wouldn't be much fun, but I need to know.

[MrsSprat]

LOL midnightexpress!

[DoubleBluff]

You lot need to get out more.

[MrsSprat]

Watch it DB! We're advancing domestic science here, you philistine

[SaintGeorge]

I put stuff wherever there is space.

There tends to be more space at the top because the bottom has all the rack bits for plates etc whereas the top is just an open tray.

Nothing damaged for going in the 'wrong' place yet.

[ChippyMinton]

It's because the heating element is at the bottom, I think. I bung stuff in anywhere it'll go. What's the worse that could happen? Melted tupperware?

[nannyL]

it is cooler at the top so some stuff might melt in the bottom but will be ok in the top

[MadameCastafiore]

Blimey - I always thought it was to do with the whizzy ruond bit!

[squeaver]

Mexpress - I want to join your campaign!

[savoycabbage]

Dramatic dishwasher related story follows.

My dh put a mug on the bottom shelf of the dishwasher that had a picture printed on it. When he got is it said do not put it on the bottom shelf - but he did He was living on the wild side that day.

When the dishwasher had finished the picture was faded on one side. He almost cried as it was his precious Australian flag mug.

[nannyL]

ihave a dramatic dishwasher story too

i put a "do not EVER put in dishwasher" plastic bottle (given away free )on the bottom level and it melted slightly out of shape so the lid wouldnt screw on

[midnightexpress]

Yeay Squeaver! I'll draw up the petition and we can organise a march on Whirlpool HQ (I reckon Mrs Sprat can be persuaded to join our crusade too ).

You see,Savoy and Nanny, with my wonderful see-through-door-dishwasher you could have seen your kitchen items melting/fading/otherwise metamorphosing before your very eyes. Imagine that!

[EyeballsintheSky]

I put 12 sparkly but milky TT Closer to Nature bottles in my dishwasher...along with the lasagne dish and plates. Tried not to cry when I opened it next morning to find 12 orange TT bottles. Did I continue to use these perfectly useable but discoloured items? Nope PFB y'see

[MrsWeasley]

oh a see-through door what an excellent idea. I would love one

[PigeonPie]

ME and Squeaver, Electrolux did make one with a window in which was available when I bought my cooker a while ago - my friend said I should get the DW too, but couldn't run to that as well as the new washing machine! They've got a picture of it on their site, but it doesn't look as though they're still making it I'm afraid - see here

[midnightexpress]

Ooooooh look at that! I want one now.

[PigeonPie]

Yes, but ME, it doesn't look like they make it now

[midnightexpress]

There you are, you see, it would even double as a CBeebies substitute. I bet tiny babies would much prefer it to watching a washing machine.

[EyeballsintheSky]

Ironically I want that Moon washing machine so I can't see what's happening inside

[zazen]

Ok here's the erm science bit
It's the grill on the top shelf that keeps delicate placky yokes, dislodged from their moorings by the tremendous power of the cleaning jets of supercharged water, from falling free-fall to the fiery heating element of doom, at the base of the appliance.

On the bottom layer, there are only struts for holding large items; no safety net for smaller items. Mwah mwah ha ha ha (halloween anyone?)

See? Easy peasy.
Confession: I have an ology- actually two - they keep each other warm!

Califrau, that sounds cool we have lost much by having integrated units

[WendyWeber]

Why don't they make d/ws with a see-through door? It's just be like an oven only cooler. I'd love to watch it (I waste so much time every day another hour wouldn't make much difference)

[moondog]

I've never heard this.
It's added a whole new dimension to my domestic routine.

[MadamAnt]

I dare say Bill Bailey would probably join your campaign As would I.