What is a dishwasher set?

set of dishes In online stores and on selling sites where there are dishwashers, the description and technical specifications almost always indicate how many sets of dishes the dishwasher can hold. But what a kit is is very rarely explained. We decided to devote an entire article to this issue, and tell not just how many items it consists of, but also what kind of dishes should be, what capacity dishwashers can be, and for which families they are best suited.

How many items are included in the set?

First, let's look at how dishwasher manufacturers understand the phrase “dish set.” How many dishes are included in the set? It seems like a simple question, but it turns out to be not so easy to answer.

Typically, a set of dishes refers to those items that are necessary for one person to have a full meal, namely:

soup bowl;
a flat plate for the second course;
salad plate;
saucer;
coffee or tea mug;
a spoon and a fork.

As you can see, the set includes only 6 items. As for cooking utensils, they are not taken into account when determining the capacity of the dishwasher. This applies to frying pans, pots, ladles, cutting boards, bowls and other utensils.

However, the minimum set included in the kit may also be different. And this is where some disagreements arise between producers and consumers. The kit, which is taken by manufacturers for calculations, usually includes standard dishes, characterized by a flatter shape, for example, as in the photo.

set of dishes

A flat soup plate that can easily be placed sideways in the compartment will take up much less space than a non-standard deep plate. In order for a non-standard plate to be washed well, you will have to place it upside down or at least at an angle. This means that a set of such dishes will take up more space. This applies not only to soup plates, but also to salad bowls, cups or glasses. Today, the variety of dishes is great; everyone’s dishes are different, both in shape and size.

Important! A set of dishes does not mean special dishes, such as for a microwave oven. Almost all dishes can be washed in the dishwasher, but there are exceptions.

Do not put in the dishwasher:

dishes made of aluminum, aluminum oxidizes over time;
silver dishes;
plastic dishes susceptible to hot temperatures;
porcelain objects with painted elements;
wooden boards, spatulas, spoons and knives with wooden handles;
Not all washing machine models can wash crystal.

Dishwasher capacity

According to capacity and, accordingly, size, all dishwashers can be divided into three large groups: compact dishwasher

Small or compact dishwashers, which includes from 4 to 8 sets of standard dishes. Most models have a capacity of 6 sets. You can put a small frying pan and pots in this dishwasher, if you put fewer dishes or wash cooking utensils separately. Not all oven trays are included.
Narrow floor-standing dishwashers (their width is 45 cm). This dishwasher washes 9-12 standard sets; there are models for 13 and even 14 premium sets.
A full-size dishwasher washes 12 to 17 standard place settings.

How to choose a dishwasher by capacity

When choosing a dishwasher, be sure to evaluate its actual capacity, and not what is indicated in the passport. Imagine how many dishes you use you can load in it. Typically, for a family of 1-2 people, a compact dishwasher with a capacity of 6 sets is sufficient. For example, models:

Candy CDCF 6 – freestanding;
Bosch SKE 52M55 – partially built-in;
Siemens SK 76M544 – partially built-in.

For a family of 4-5 people, it is best to choose a dishwasher with a capacity of at least 8 sets, optimally 9-10. For example, models:

Bosch SPV 53M00 – fully built-in (9 sets);
Bosch SPV 58M50 – fully built-in (10 sets);
Hansa ZIM 428 EH fully built-in (10 sets);
AEG F 65402 VI – fully built-in (12 sets).

For a large family, without hesitation, you should buy a dishwasher that washes at least 12 sets at a time. The optimal option would be 14 – 17 sets.

Bosch SMS 40D02 – freestanding (12 sets);
Siemens SN 26M285 – freestanding (14 sets);
Siemens SN 55M540 – partially built-in (13 sets);
Hansa ZWM 646 IEH – freestanding (14 sets);
Asko D 5554 XXL FI – fully built-in (17 sets).

Very often, the capacity of the dishwasher is not a decisive criterion. But the size and dimensions are of greater importance, since there is simply nowhere to put a full-sized dishwasher for 12 sets in a small kitchen. Then it’s better to opt for a narrow model. Otherwise, to wash dishes you will have to run the compact dishwasher several times a day, which is not economical.

So, the capacity of your dishwasher may be less than indicated in the specifications.And instead of 12 sets, only 9 will be included, everything is connected with the characteristics of the dishes. In addition, the manufacturers themselves do not recommend laying the machine down completely; the dishes will be washed worse. Be sure to take this into account when purchasing, good luck with your purchase!