Quiet dishwasher (machine, not human)

[MLS]

Hi, I want to instal a dishwasher and I'm after a stainless steel one that, most importantly, is relatively quiet when in operation in my open-plan kitchen. I haven't found info on DBs of individual machines on the local retailers' websites so I was wondering if someone who has one could recommend - or otherwise - their particular make and model. Anyone bought a Hafele?
Thanks for any advice you can offer!

[Nereus]

Hi, I want to instal a dishwasher and I'm after a stainless steel one that, most importantly, is relatively quiet when in operation in my open-plan kitchen. I haven't found info on DBs of individual machines on the local retailers' websites so I was wondering if someone who has one could recommend - or otherwise - their particular make and model. Anyone bought a Hafele?
Thanks for any advice you can offer!

I have a "Teka", stainless steel, made in Europe. It is very quiet, and has not given any problems but does not get used everyday.
I doubt that you will find any DB ratings on anything here--actually to a Thai, if it makes a lot of noise it must be good!
I tried to buy some salt for it a couple of weeks ago. Despite several places selling both the machines and detergent, I could not find any salt.

[cookie102]

Don't think any of them are too bad until they go into the spin cycle.

[Nereus]

Don't think any of them are too bad until they go into the spin cycle.

Yeah, I reckon there would be some clanking and banging going on if they were to try and spin dry the crockery!

[poosmate]

I could not find any salt.

Any salt will work.

[Frank Hovis]

We've got a Bosch Exxcel (their spelling not mine) and it's not noisy at all, a faint rhythmic whooshing sound when it's splashing the water about. We don't use salt, just the Finish tablets seem to do a good enough job.

[Nereus]

I could not find any salt.

Any salt will work.

No, any salt will not work. The salt is used to rejuvenate the material used in the water softener, and some other chemicals, especially iodine, will inhibit the process. The salt direct from the road side stalls along the salt flats may be ok, but there is no easy way of knowing just what is in it.

[Bristolian]

I could not find any salt.

Any salt will work.

No, any salt will not work. The salt is used to rejuvenate the material used in the water softener, and some other chemicals, especially iodine, will inhibit the process. The salt direct from the road side stalls along the salt flats may be ok, but there is no easy way of knowing just what is in it.

Table, cooking, rock or sea salts should never be used in a dishwasher as they may contain additives that can actually increase water hardness. Also, the fine consistency of some of these salts mean they are likely to clog when wet. It is important to use granular dishwasher salt because it is extremely pure and is the right consistency for dishwashers

Granular salt is the only type of salt that should be used to regenerate the softener.

[chaspul]

Brought ours from Home Pro 4 years ago. Stainless Steel, AAA rated (whatever that means) Whirlpool brand, registered USA.
Quietest machine I have ever known and I have seen and used a few. We are in open plan house and the only clues for me, that is running (when the wife loads and starts it) is the outside water pump filling it and a clunk when the detergent draw fips open after water is full.
Tip from the internet - run the hot watertap nearest to the machine before switching on, which will allow it to fill with hot water more quickly and help the cycle. It works.
Finish salt can be found in Tescos, they seem to keep a limited supply so hope I have not shot myself in the foot.
Chas

[poosmate]

Sodium chloride is salt - As I said any salt will regenerate the resin.I did not suggest salts with added ingredients.
I have used the same salt as added to my swimming pool for both regenerating water softeners and putting in the dishwasher for the last 9 years.
I also have a reservoir of brine attache to my softener to which salt is added and particles not absorbed remain at the bottom until fresh water is added. This has never become clumped so I would suggest it acts the same way in the dishwasher.
Pool salt around 5 Baht per kilo or dishwasher salt 50 Baht ?
The only difference is the size of the granule.
I have also seen "roadside" salt used for softeners and found it leaves a dirty residue in the reservoir suggesting it has not been cleaned or contains other substances so would not recommend this in a dishwasher although the ion exchange properties are the same as they are for any type of salt including iodine added table salt.

[Nereus]

Sodium chloride is salt - As I said any salt will regenerate the resin.I did not suggest salts with added ingredients.

Yes, I agree. But the fact is that without knowing what is combined with the salt, there is a risk of damage. Also, each dishwasher may use a different system or type of water softener, where one is more tolerant to impurities than the next one.

Then you get comments like the following:

Finish salt can be found in Tescos..............................

Some dishwashers are not fitted with a water softener, but those that have them need to use the correct salt in the appropriate part of the machine, more so if the water supply is "hard". It has nothing to do with what is used for "finish".

[poosmate]

Finish is a brand name

[Nereus]

Finish is a brand name

What they are selling as "finish salt" is the last product in a series of steps of detergent, and has the consistency of powdered soap. It has a photo on the packet showing "special salt", which they do not stock.

[chaspul]

Have a pack of finish special salt which is definitely not a detergent!!!

All sites selling on web and the manufacturers "Quote"

Finish Special Salt is unlike other dishwasher salts, Finish Salt is 99.9% pure.
Finish Special Salt is guaranteed free from residues and is easily soluble. Its purity ensures that your dishwasher's built-in water softening unit works effectively to prevent spots and watermarks on your dishes. Other salts may contain impurities like iron and carbonates which will damage the water softening unit.

So 99.9% Sodium Chloride leaving no room for detergents.

My machine also has a rinse aid compartment in which I also use finish.

Chas

[MLS]

Thanks for all the useful replies - I shall trundle round HomePro, Pure and Hafele as soon as I get down to HH next week and, giblets crossed, buy one and have it installed in time for Yuletide. I'll probably bring some Finish or Cascade detergent, rinse-aid and salts etc. with me (well, in the hold) to keep me going for the time being in case HH stores are out of stock, which could be a distinct possibility.
Thanks again!