To think a dishwasher will change our lives?

[Question285]

Never had a dishwasher before and never thought I needed one. But now, with two small DC, I think it would make a world of difference. DH, who does most of the washing up, disagrees.

So, does anyone have any input? Does having a dishwasher make life better? Is it worth the investment? Will it be so life changing that even my reluctant DH will be persuaded? 😄

Also, any brand suggestions? Is it better to spend more for a top brand? I’ve narrowed it down to two models, a Hisense and an AEG. It’s about £250 difference between them.

Well obviously I don't sit waiting for it, but whatever I carry on doing it's still a job that needs doing later or in the morning, when I could have just had it all done in one go! Often it gets left until the morning and I don't want to do it then either! DH completely disagreed with me and loves it, but I just think itspkits a job into two and I'd rather do it all in one go!

No kids in my household, so it's a bit different, but it's a social thing for me and DP too, and our lodger when he's around; we all pootle about the kitchen chatting, tidying up and putting things in the dishwasher and making tea etc before bed.
I've never experienced an electrical fire <<touches wood>> I find it very inconvenient not to put the dishwasher on overnight.

Absolutely. Mine needed a repair guy yesterday, it was going to cost more for a new motor than a new one , so bought a new one and got it delivered and installed the same day. Couldn’t be without one if possible.

Yes life changing. Kitchen stays tidy as you just put the pots straight in after use even if you don’t switch it on until later.

Yes lifechanging, but if he's happy doing it then I guess it wont change your life either way 😂

@LittleBitofBreadwhereas I would like it all done in one go rather than washing dishes overnight then sorting it in the morning.
It’s all just preference, my sister loves her dishwasher, my parents and in laws don’t.
We just see hand washing dishes as a day to day thing. Our kitchen is clean and tidy and we are never ill with gastro illnesses. My tea towels are washed on a high heat and have good quality ones.
Again it’s just preference! I’d rather have more cupboards!

Yes, of course they're a bonus. They wouldn't be so popular otherwise. It's sort of like being without a microwave. You would really miss it if you were used to one. Having said that (and I know this sounds weird) but does your DH actually enjoy washing up. Does he find it satisfying and like that bit of quiet time on his own?

Yes, it depends on how your day-to-day life goes really; I work at home, and I take emptying and refilling the dishwasher as a sort of break, or at least a few minutes to get away from my desk and move around a bit.
We only have a slimline dishwasher, too, so, even though we only have a small kitchen, I don't feel like I'm desperate for more cupboards.

I actually hate mine! It takes too long and is noisy. There's always a few things that didn't get cleaned properly too. I'd never have another one again.

We didn't have one for two years when we rented. They were hard times. I insisted on buying a house so we could have one. My heart dances with joy every morning when I walk into the kitchen and open the door to a smack in the face of steam.

Love our dishwashers (plural) but if your DCs have plastic crockery/cups then I wouldn’t put them in the, as they can make food have a soapy taste. This makes me wary about the washing up chemicals in the DC’s food. Metal, glass, china etc are all fine.

But more importantly, I hate the drying rack next to the sink with a passion.

I still have a drying rack and a dishwasher. I wash by hand wood (splits), nice glass (scratches), and non-stick pans (coating wears off). Plastic and silicone doesn't always fully dry.

My dishwasher broke recently. Let’s just say I was very happy when the new one was delivered.

Why are people ‘waiting around for it to finish’? Is this like people who dismiss electric cars because it takes a while to charge, and ‘it only takes ten minutes to pull in at a service station and fill up with petrol’?

I suppose it’s just a different way of living isn’t it? I like to set my electricals to do their thing slowly overnight, and wake up in the morning to a dishwasher full of clean crockery, a fully charged car and a washing machine finishing off its cycle while I eat my breakfast. I have got used to not having to take time out of my day to do these things manually. But clearly others prefer it!

Different perceptions of what’s efficient I guess 🤷‍♀️

Never thought I wanted one and when I got one would never go back. Your DH can always load and unload it!

It definitely makes life easier and it's SO nice to have clear worktops, no dirty crockery parked on top for the next round of washing up.

We do still wash up at least once a day as there are always some bits that aren't suitable (or will be needed again before DW is full) but that's really just a quick 10 min job and so much better than a big wash up after every meal.

Dishwashers are amazing and the dishes are much cleaner. Don't get the cheapest one.

I was you 10 years ago. DH did all the washing up and really didn't see the need for a dishwasher. We got one and it's made life so much easier. Little things like baking with the children is less daunting knowing I don't have to wash all the dishes.
After researching one to buy I thought I'd only put it on every 2/3 days but the loads they say they take are never accurate. It goes on daily.

It is, but it won't be as clean as the dishwasher.

Plus you're tired to the sink!

Just buy frosted glasses 🤣

The possibility of an electrical fault and a fire has been given as a reason for not letting these things run overnight or when you’re out of the house.

Surely you have an underc counter cupboard nearish to the drain to sacrifice?

It’s a possibility not a probability. I’ll take my chances. I once went away for three days and left the iron on without the place going up in flames so I’m quite blasé about the level of risk involved.

I love mine. Had now for 14yrs. Not sure how managed to wash up for 11yrs before that

they don’t seem to last long. Usually 2/4yrs so had think 3 in 14yrs but worth buying a new one as soon as it goes wrong

it’s kinda like - you don’t miss it as never had one but once had one I could never be without

The electrical fire thing wasn't my argument!
I tend towards taking my chances too. I wonder if I'm being hypocritical though; I would happily leave the house or go to bed with the dishwasher or washing machine on, but never go out if the oven is on and I'm the only one in the house.