Choosing PMM, among other characteristics, you can notice the presence or absence of a partial loading of the hopper. It is not always clear to the user what the half load of the dishwasher means, and this important parameter is often overlooked. To find out if you need this function, what is its use and whether it is worth paying extra for its availability, read our review.
Half load - what is it
Half loading is an additional function applicable to any washing mode, thanks to which you can load half as much dishes. What is the convenience? There are several of them:
- You do not need to wait until a sufficient amount of dirty dishes is collected.
- Water is saved - it is used much less than when the hopper is fully loaded.
- Less power is required due to the smaller volume of water that needs to be heated.
Is it possible to not fully load the PMM without such a function? Of course you can - you can also wash one or two plates. There is no question of saving water and electricity only - resources are being spent to the full.
Important! In modern expensive dishwashers, manufacturers bypassed the half-load option by adding special sensors to the design. These sensors determine the degree of contamination of the dishes and calculate its weight - these parameters calculate the required amount of resources. Therefore, if you have an expensive model in front of you, and you did not find the “1/2” option in it, ask if this is compensated by the “intellectual” capabilities of the dishwasher.
In PMM of the middle price segment, practically in every model there is a function “Half bunker loading”. Usually it can be used in the main washing cycles: “Intensive”, “Economy” or “Soaking”.
Advantages and disadvantages
What half the download means, you already know. It remains to understand whether you need such an option. Consider the benefits:
- "half" mode saves water and electricity;
- the washing program is faster;
- no need to save “mountains” of dishes - you can wash a small portion of plates immediately after breakfast, lunch, etc.
The function also has some disadvantages associated with the use of 3-in-1 universal tablets or liquid capsules - they are usually designed for a full wash and for a “short” program they may not completely dissolve. If liquid capsules have to be postponed until a full “long” wash, the tablets can be dosed manually, sawed in half.
Important! Do not crumble or wash the tablets into powder - they should dissolve gradually, layer by layer. Saw gently with a clerical or wallpaper knife (not food!), Making a cut in the middle of the tablet.
We can conclude that this mode will bring many benefits to a small family or a person with the habit of not postponing washing dishes for later. If frequent washing is not about you, and you are used to loading PMM to the top, perhaps the “half” function will remain unused and there is no point in wasting money on it. In this case, do not overpay for what might not be needed.
On the other hand, it cannot be said that between machines with partial load and without it there is a significant difference in price. If the cost is practically the same, it is better to buy the model in which there are more options - perhaps they will be in demand later.
How to arrange dishes in ½ mode
When partially filling the PMM bunker, it is necessary to lay the dishes not as usual, but otherwise, to ensure a complete washing of each plate, glass, etc. The layout may differ, depending on the brand and model of your dishwasher, its principle is usually indicated in the instructions. In some Bosch brand machines in “half” mode, the dishes should only be placed in the upper container, in other brands this is the lower shelf, and for some it should be distributed evenly across all baskets.
If you have decided (read in the instructions or read the requirements on the Internet), how to properly distribute the dishes, loading them, follow useful recommendations:
- Fold long appliances, such as spatulas, cookers, skimmers, stack horizontally in front of the basket.
- Small cutlery - forks, spoons and knives - set vertically in specially provided cells on the shelves.
- Do not put fragile ceramic, porcelain or glass products in bulk - leave free space between them so that the dishes are not damaged by vibration. Use the clips.
Overview of the latest models
We will conduct a short review of PMMs that have entered the market in recent years. All of these models are equipped with the latest technology, including the function of partial loading of the hopper.
Hansa ZIM 676 H
Dishwasher full size, fully integrated into the kitchen. The capacity of the hopper is 14 utensils. The washing and drying classes are the highest: A, energy class: A ++. Electronic control, convenient display. Water consumption for one washing cycle is 11 liters, power: 1900 watts. Relatively quiet operation with 47 dB.
Among the 6 washing programs, “Everyday”, “Intensive” and “Express” are especially convenient. The “Economic” program and the half-load function allow rational use of resources. The machine is equipped with a turbo dryer. There is complete protection against leaks, and there is no protection against children (blocking from accidental pressing): apparently, because the machine is completely built-in type, and there is no risk of interference with the control panel.
Among the useful functionality, it is worth noting the delay in starting, the sound signal at the end of the cycle, adjustable baskets and a holder of wine glasses. Indicators of salt and rinse aid, as well as automatic water hardness are not provided. Dimensional parameters of the model (WxDxH): 60x55x82 cm.
The cost is from 16,000 to 26,000 rubles.
Korting KDI 45130
Narrow fully integrated model with a capacity of 10 sets. Classes of washing and drying - A, energy consumption - A ++. Electronic control and nothing more (no display). Water and electricity consumption: 12 liters and 74 kW / h, respectively. Noise slightly increased: 49 dB.
There are 6 washing modes and 4 temperature settings. Cycles: “Normal”, “Intensive”, “Express”, “Delicate” and others. Of course, it is possible to load the hopper at ½.
Useful points:
- delayed start 3-9 hours;
- partial type of protection against leakage;
- the possibility of using universal tablets and capsules "3 in 1";
- sound notification;
- indicators of regenerating salt and rinse aid;
- baskets of adjustable type (height).
The “turbidity” sensor and auto-installation of water hardness are absent. The hopper has a holder for wine glasses. Dimensions: 45x58x82 cm (WxDxH).
Price in the range of 18 0000 - 27 000 rubles.
Gorenje GV 53111
Narrow fully integrated model for 9 sets. Classes of washing, drying, electricity consumption: A, A and A ++, respectively. Electronic control is convenient for the user thanks to the presence of a display. Water consumption - 9 liters, electricity - 0.69 kW / h. Noisiness above average: 49 dB.
5 modes include a daily washing program, an intensive mode, a fast, economical cycle and soaking. The partial load PMM option is applicable.
There are also 4 temperature modes and a condensation type dryer is built-in. The manufacturer provided a full delay of start up to 24 hours and provided complete protection against leakage. 3 in 1 tablets may be used. A sound signal announces the end of the program, an indication of the presence / absence of salt and rinse aid. Inside the hopper is made of high-quality stainless steel, the baskets are adjustable in height for washing large dishes. Dimensions (WxDxH): 45x55x82 cm. Additionally: SpeedWash, ExtraDry.
The cost ranges from 18,000 to 33,000 rubles.
As you can see, loading the machine halfway is convenient and profitable; functionality will be useful for small families. The price category of models with the embedded “1/2” option can be both low and high, so everyone can find a technique that suits their capabilities and costs. Have a good choice.