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The modern kitchen has many useful appliances but the dishwasher is one that is often debated over in terms of necessity and energy efficiency. At one time a dishwasher was considered a luxury item for those who had enough space available and could afford the running costs, as well as the initial outlay for the machine itself. Today, there are lots of options available in terms of size, energy efficiency and overall performance features. If you are pushed for space then there are small counter-top machines that will help to reduce any clutter from accumulated dirty dishes. Alternatively, an integrated dishwasher is great for those who have a fitted kitchen and would like to maintain a sleek and tidy look. With an integrated appliance there are no gaps surrounding the machine and it can be fitted on a plinth that will match the rest of your kitchen cupboards. Some designs also come with carefully placed controls and a mechanism that enables doors to be fitted to the outside of the machine so that it is cleverly disguised as part of your kitchen units. Integrated machines like dishwashers tend to be manufactured to standard sizes to fit inside a regular fitted kitchen, but it is always a good idea to take careful measurements prior to making a purchase. Some people have concerns over the cost of running a dishwasher and its energy efficiency when compared to hand washing dishes. Naturally energy prices will fluctuate but on average it can cost anywhere between £22 and £72 per year to run a dishwasher on a regular basis. Over a ten-year period this amounts to a £500 difference so it is worth doing your research before investing in a new dishwasher. Try to look for machines that have been awarded an Energy Efficiency rating of A or higher by Trading Standards. Studies have demonstrated that an energy-efficient dishwasher running on an ecological programme requires only a little more water than a washing up bowl when cleaning a 12-piece dinner set. This is impressive when you consider that hand washing the same number of utensils would likely use more than one bowl of water, particularly if you tend to wash-up several times a day. If you want to make the most out of your dishwasher in terms of energy then it is a good idea to always make sure that you use the most ecological programme available and try to ensure that the machine is loaded properly and to its full capacity with each wash. An integrated dishwasher and integrated washing machine will assist you with all of your cleaning requirements whilst making the most of the space available in your kitchen.
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