Consumer-relevant assessment of automatic dishwashing machines by a new testing procedure for ‘automatic’ programmes

Abstract

A new procedure for ‘automatic’ dishwasher programmes is developed and tested under laboratory conditions in comparison to the standard test programme (called Eco programme) to increase the comparative aspect of dishwasher testing and the consumer relevance of current dishwasher test standard EN 50242/EN 60436. It is assessed if the sensors in the ‘automatic’ programme are able to detect the current usage conditions and react adequately with varying amounts of load and soil. Due to the fact that consumers tend to underestimate the loading capacity of their dishwasher and that the amount of soil found in dishwashers at home is lower than in the standard, the new approach focuses on lower amounts of dishware and soil to be cleaned in a dishwasher using the ‘automatic’ programme. Five different scenarios with one to three repetitions are tested and, while the highest level is a test with 100 % of the rated loading capacity and soil, the amount is lowered until the machine is tested completely empty. The comparison between the Eco and the ‘automatic’ programmes reveals big differences in the average consumption values and also concerning the capability of the machine to adapt the programme course depending on the conditions applied. The results of the tests emphasise the importance of extending the test portfolio of household dishwashers and including the results of the ‘automatic’ programme test scenario onto the energy label. This would enhance the up to now limited information on dishwasher performance and consumption values due to testing only one programme with maximum load and soil. It is of great importance that the combination of low consumption and high performance values, which is essential for most consumers, is not only considered in the Eco programme but also in the second most used ‘automatic’ programme under different consumer-relevant load and soil levels.