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Home » TIPS » Dishwasher in Indian kitchen, is it useful or not?

Dishwasher in Indian kitchen, is it useful or not?

March 19, 2018 by Raks Anand 47 Comments /

Is a Dishwasher really useful in Indian kitchen? I have tried to share my experience about owning a dishwasher and how it is helpful for me.
I got my Dishwasher about 4 years ago and I keep thanking Vj, for that it is one of the best gift I got. I have to admit, I hate washing dishes always standing at the kitchen after every meal. After finishing all the works, after eating, all I want to do is sit for a while, not again do cleaning. As much as we like relaxing, we do hate vessels inside the sink. It always runs behind your mind and keeps one restless, that there is a pending work. I will feel like always washing dishes so much earlier before I got Dishwasher in my kitchen.
I am not trying to sell any products, just sharing my experience. I always wished my mom/ MIL have a dishwasher so that they could save some work! So are you the one who have a thought to buy a dishwasher but holding few doubts or if you are a one who don’t want to stand long in the kitchen, hate washing vessels, you can consider buying one.
If you have any doubts or points to add, do leave a comment so that it would help anyone looking for info.

Video about my Dishwasher with Indian vessels used for cooking :

Here are a few things you need to know about dishwasher in an Indian kitchen:

  1. The dishwasher cleans your dishes, though you must understand, you have to load it. After cooking, usually you transfer to the sink, and give a rinse (not clean) but pour the dirty water and load it. There should not be any food particle in it. But this has never been my issue. 
  2. What all are the dishes I load in it?
    Right from morning, in order:
      Milk vessel – My milk vessel is a steel with layered bottom (wmf). I boil milk only once for my family and never let my milk get burnt or harden in the sides of the pan. If this is the way you are also doing, then you too can do this. I use steel tumbler, glass cup and ceramic cups, load these too. I also load my metal strainer (in case if you use for tea or filtering anything. Breakfast plates, lunch plates, sambar boiling vessel – again a layered bottomed steel vessel, which I never let anything ‘burnt’. In case you got burnt bottom/ sides, you might need to scrub manually. Dinner plates, lunch boxes. Dishwasher safe water bottles, spoons, ladles used for cooking/ serving, knives. Curd vessel (the sides even if it is having tough solids, gets cleaned completly). I occasionally load the steel masala boxes used for storage, grocery boxes used for storage (both steel and dishwasher safe containers) and oil containers (steel) , salt container (Glass). Also clean the rack in which I stack onion/ tomato/ potato/ garlic and all those. I even load my murukku press (steel), the south Indian coffee filter in this. I usually use dishwasher only once and I run in the night alone. If might want to use twice depending on your family size and usage of vessels. It takes solid 2 & 1/2 hrs for the cycle to get over, so I switch on before bedtime and take out the vessels on wake up in the morning.
      Below is the upper rack and lower rack. I use upper rack for coffee cups, smaller bowls, spoons, knife and small stuffs. I keep plates, big vessels in the lower rack.
  3. What are all the materials you can load in dishwashers?
    Steel, glass, porcelain, dishwasher safe ceramic ware, dishwasher safe plastics.
  4. What are the materials which you cannot use in dishwasher?
    Some plastics are not dishwasher safe, so always look for the dishwasher safe sign in the bottom of the vessels/ containers.
    Aluminium and indolium – Sadly I have my idli pot, pressure cooker, kadai in these materials. So I wash with my hand. These materials, if cleaned in dishwasher, will turn black in patches and look horrible.
    Iron – cannot clean iron kadai, dosa pans, cast iron pans
    Wood – Wooden spatulas, bowls, bamboo bowls, utensils cannot be loaded.
    Copper, Brass – Same like aluminium, indolium, these too gets ugly in colour in patches.
    Vessels with copper bottom – The copper coating will erode away.
    Hard anodized cookware – The black material, it becomes dull and rough, shine is lost if used in dishwasher.
So I use vessels according to that, wash few vessels in hand, still I save lot of time and labour. I wash kadai, cooker in hands but I have read that in India, top brands have customized in such way that the highly greasy kadai too. There is a specific option for that to choose.
What about electricity and water? 
  1. In my opinion, water is saved unlike we wash our vessels many times in a day in batches, under running water tap. I don’t see any fluctuation in my water usage bill.
  2. Electricity is also consumed just like a washing machine. Not too much deviation. 
How about expense? 
  1. Once you decide to buy a dishwasher, go for a branded one, with advanced features, settings as it is one time investment. I use Bosch, which is doing it’s job best. You can also consider IFB, Siemens, LG etc, but do a research online and look for feedbacks. Investing in a cheap model or unknown brand won’t help here. 
  2. One more thing you have to be aware while considering is, you need to be ready to spend on dishwasher special tablets/liquid/ powder. You cannot use the same dish soap you use for washing manually. Also the salt (especially when you are in India, to handle the hard water) and the rinse aid, which gives the shine to the vessels, without any water spots.
You have invested on a fridge, washing machine, grinder, oven etc for your kitchen, so just like that, you should see dishwasher as a part of kitchen, do not see it like a luxury! Do look out for any offers in festival times or special occassions and grab one.
So what are all the things I love about using dishwasher?
  • Clean – As far as Indian vessels are concerned, we have to always choose a higher temperature washing cycle to get rid of grease. I used to choose the highest temperature setting 70 deg initially, but found 40-65 is perfect too for me. So it washes in a high temperature, sprays with jet fast water gushing from all sides, so it cleans thoroughly, better than me or anyone.
  • Dry – If we wash with hands, the vessels have to be drained from water and left for long time for drying or wipe using a dish towel for a spotless vessel. But here, we just place the vessels inside, get it dry and sparkly clean. No need to wait, change place, wipe the vessels. Just open the dishwasher, vessels goes to their places.
  • Vessels stay new longer: As we are not using scrubber, the new vessels remain new and shiny. I just love it!
FAQs
  1. I thought dishwasher is complicated to use, install?
    No, it’s just like a washing machine, load – choose a cycle and everything is automatic. A water inlet, plug point, water outlet. You can choose a built in or freestanding one.
  2. Many people say it is not useful as it does not clean completely?
    As I said, only burnt vessels are not cleaned, if it is burnt and have a hard spot, I scrub with metal scrubber to remove it and load. You cannot add as such, it will not clean properly. Some may even say we can clean ourselves fully in spite of cleaning partially. But believe me, it’s not same. This does saves your time and energy.
  3. Maintenance – There is nothing to maintain anything specially that would bother you. Just have to wash the sprayers once in a while and wipe clean outside just like any other appliances.

So on conclusion, if you are like me who hate to wash vessels and just keep thinking not to buy for some or the other reasons, do invest on one and thank me later!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Abinaya

    March 19, 2018 at 4:00 am

    Hello Raks, this is such a useful post.. Thanks for sharing!!! Does it clean non stick as well?

    Reply
  2. Geeta Srikrishna

    March 19, 2018 at 6:32 am

    Yes I have a Dishwasher at home. Very useful. Especially when we are having a party. And I have 3kids. Glasses plates so many.

    Reply
  3. fathima ameen

    March 19, 2018 at 8:36 am

    Hi.. thank you for such a detailed post..
    One doubt..Can we clean non stick vessels in the dishwasher?

    Reply
  4. Raks Kitchen

    March 19, 2018 at 8:39 am

    Yes, It is a life saver. With three kids, you sure need one. 🙂

    Reply
  5. Raks Kitchen

    March 19, 2018 at 9:30 am

    Though many nonstick brands claim it's dishwasher safe, I don't load it as it is easy to clean. Due to the nature of the dishwash soap and high temperature, it might ruin the coating.

    Reply
  6. Raks Kitchen

    March 19, 2018 at 9:31 am

    Though many nonstick brands claim it's dishwasher safe, I don't load it as it is easy to clean. Due to the nature of the dishwash soap and high temperature, it might ruin the coating.

    Reply
  7. Sumi Prem

    March 19, 2018 at 10:01 am

    Very informative post Raks. What kind of liquid you suggest for dish washer? I use Vim liquid diluted with white vinegar and water for hand washing. Can this be used for dish washer too…

    Reply
  8. Raks Kitchen

    March 19, 2018 at 10:06 am

    Dishwasher has specific dishwashing soaps in form of tablet or powder mostly 🙂 You can use only that.

    Reply
  9. vishaa shalini

    March 19, 2018 at 10:18 am

    Very nice post .eye opener…thought it wont suit eversilver vessels…i m same type hate washing vessels

    Reply
  10. Unknown

    March 19, 2018 at 11:57 am

    I even put the burnt vessels in dishwasher. Once it is half cleaned , it’s super easy to scrub the remaining , than to do it otherwise.

    Reply
  11. Unknown

    March 19, 2018 at 12:02 pm

    One more tip is to check if both the water sprinklers circulate freely without any hindrance once you have loaded all vessels . Just chk this before you close the door n start the cycle . If it doesn’t circle freely , it will get damaged and you have unclean vessels .

    Reply
  12. jaysangs

    March 19, 2018 at 1:52 pm

    The most necessary equipment in kitchen a must must for all household. Gift yourself one dishwasher instead of that gold chain u thinking of.
    I put wooden n milk pan with the malai on it without scrubbing. It still comes out clean in dishwAshed

    Reply
  13. vani aiyanna

    March 19, 2018 at 4:01 pm

    Thks it was vry useful

    Reply
  14. Raks Kitchen

    March 19, 2018 at 4:03 pm

    Well said 🙂 More than a gold chain, this is very useful one, that helps in our everyday routine! 🙂 I have heard wood will get soaked too much if we use in dishwasher, do you use compressed wood or any specific wood?

    Reply
  15. Raks Kitchen

    March 19, 2018 at 4:04 pm

    Yes, correct.

    Reply
  16. Krishna Padmanabhan

    March 19, 2018 at 4:15 pm

    I add my Copper Glass and comes out clean . Never knew they are not dishwasher Safe!

    Reply
  17. Raks Kitchen

    March 19, 2018 at 4:18 pm

    🙂

    Reply
  18. Sailaja Angara

    March 20, 2018 at 8:47 am

    Very useful post.

    Reply
  19. Nisha K

    March 20, 2018 at 12:44 pm

    Does this include stainless steel pressure cookers too?

    Reply
  20. BoomaJanaki Srinivasan

    March 20, 2018 at 1:20 pm

    Timely helpful. I m n a dilemma of buying a dishwasher for my new house. Thanks for ur article as it gives me a clear idea about this. Will go for it. Tq

    Reply
  21. Sumi Prem

    March 21, 2018 at 2:28 am

    Ohh ok. Thnx

    Reply
  22. Raks Kitchen

    March 21, 2018 at 3:54 pm

    I am not aure about if its safe or not, but I saw copper bottom vessels lose the coating plus uneven shine.

    Reply
  23. Sugandhi

    March 24, 2018 at 1:02 am

    The sight of heap of vessels at the end of the day after a day long work used to be a nightmare. And always carrying a thought in the mind that you'll have vessels to clean after getting back home was even more worse. There had been days when I would return home from work with severe headache and yet cannot escape with this chore of washing vessels. An entry of Siemens dishwasher four years back is really a boon in my life. Everyone carry a wrong notion that we have to scrub the vessels before loading it in the machine. No, as long as the vessel is not burnt and is not left to dry, you needn't scrub. At times, I have even loaded my allumunium cooker and kadai. though black spots are formed, I find it easy to scrub it later after that wash. Many a times I have even thought of doing a 'sashtanga namaskaram' to the person who invented it. For all those who are still in dilemma of buying a dishwasher, there's only one thing to say – its a decision which you will never regret for 🙂

    Reply
  24. Kay Kay

    March 24, 2018 at 1:04 am

    Hi Raks, thanks for the great post. Can we use just vinegar to clean vessels using dishwasher instead of dishwasher-compatible liquids/powders? Generally, in manually vessel-cleaning process, I only use vinegar. I use liquids/soaps only for kadai and cooker (which are greasy).

    Reply
  25. Kay Kay

    March 24, 2018 at 1:04 am

    Hi Raks,

    Great post. Thank you. A quick question. Instead of the dishwasher-compatible washing powders/liquids, can we use vinegar alone? Coz, for manual vessel cleaning process, I never/hardly use soaps/liquids, instead – use only vinegar. Thanks.

    Reply
  26. Raks Kitchen

    March 24, 2018 at 1:06 am

    I have read using vinegar alone leaves a kind if scales in the dishwasher and over time you het error in the display. Please google before you decide.

    Reply
  27. Akiras recipies

    March 29, 2018 at 2:16 pm

    Hi, what about the fixing dishwasher at home ?? Like outlet and inlet pipes?? Is it ok to go with already constructed house ?? Will it involves modofimodifi in the house ?

    Reply
  28. Sivaranjani Nagaratnam

    March 29, 2018 at 2:16 pm

    HI thanks for the useful post , i am thinking of buying a dish washer , and this post is really supporting my thoughts. i have a request , can you post a video of vessels before wash and after wash using dishwasher so that i can get approval from husband to buy ….

    Reply
  29. Raks Kitchen

    March 30, 2018 at 1:37 pm

    They will find solutions to install, just describe about your kitchen conditions before buying.

    Reply
  30. Saranya Kannan

    April 8, 2018 at 9:22 am

    Oh no! My copper bottom milk pan and copper water jugs comes out extremely shiny.

    Reply
  31. jay

    May 6, 2018 at 2:12 am

    Very useful post. Keep up the great work 🙂 I have a doubt. Can we load mixie jars and blenders?

    Reply
  32. anusha

    October 10, 2018 at 3:30 pm

    Thankyou for the post Raks it’s very helpfu. I have a doubt Can the machine be easily removed n fixed without anyone’s help just like washing machine?bcz we keep transferring every 3 years

    Reply
  33. Priya

    June 5, 2019 at 5:07 am

    Hi, thanks for this wonderful post..
    Have a question..
    Are the glass vessels that u have put inside are dishwasher safe cz I read some wer that only dishwasher safe containers I Shud put inside them..
    I have a few marinex brand containers got from Mustafa..

    Reply
    • Raks Anand

      June 19, 2019 at 8:40 pm

      Yes they are dishwasher safe. You can refer the vessel or its cover to see if it is dish washer safe. Most of the glasses are dishwasher safe 🙂

      Reply
  34. Anusha Pai

    July 29, 2019 at 1:49 am

    Hello Rajeshwari, came across your post on dishwasher and I am struggling with one issue since I bought mine a month ago.. rice starch from my steel vessel are not getting cleaned completely.. be it white or red.. that starchy residue still looks patchy after a long wash cycle .. have you faced similar issues? I use Bosch dishwasher and ifb dishwasher powder.. please respond if you have a solution to this..

    Reply
    • Raks Anand

      July 29, 2019 at 5:58 pm

      Hi Anusha,
      Anything that is struck badly will have to be cleaned with hands 🙂 That is whichever vessel you need to use metal scrubber/ heavy scrubbing, it has to cleaned by hands only 🙂

      Reply
    • Heenal

      July 19, 2020 at 7:21 pm

      Even I have the same issue.
      Which dishwasher are you using?

      Reply
  35. Naina

    June 20, 2020 at 4:56 pm

    Hi Raks, can we use Amaway dishdrops liquid in the LG indian dishwashers

    Reply
    • Raks Anand

      June 22, 2020 at 2:16 pm

      I guess there is Amway tablets specific for dishwashers. Please use that. This may not be used unless otherwise it is written in the back saying it is safe to use in dishwashers.

      Reply
  36. Bhuvaneswari

    July 15, 2020 at 12:24 am

    Hi Raks,

    can we clean Pressure Cooker in this dishwasher.

    Reply
    • Raks Anand

      July 17, 2020 at 7:48 am

      If it is stainless steel you can use in dishwasher. If it’s other material, better not.

      Reply
  37. paddy

    September 3, 2020 at 11:09 am

    i bought ifb dishwasher in india a month ago after watching many videos and research before buying one. my problem is the dishes are not cleaned properly and no shine at all. i have tried all the tips, precautions and tried many detergents recommend ones, homemade ones but in vain, i am really disappointed. please tell me where i go wrong.

    Reply
    • Raks Anand

      September 4, 2020 at 2:17 pm

      *Do not let the dishes dry.
      *Do not load burnt food vessels.
      *Choose high temperature, longer cycle.
      *Arrange the vessels properly. That is keep inverted without overlaping.
      *Check if the machine is working properly (Spray arms could be stuck etc.)
      *Use salt, rinse aid along with dish washer detergent.
      GO through your handbook (manual) and read it how to use very keenly. Ask IFB for a free demo or call them for troubleshooting. They will help. I am sure it is under warranty.

      Reply
  38. Pratima

    November 22, 2020 at 1:17 am

    Hi.
    I’m using a Voltas Beko 15 place setting dishwasher. Mine is family of 4 adults and most days we end up using the machine twice a day, thats after each meal. How often do you use it normally?

    Reply
    • Raks Anand

      November 22, 2020 at 2:34 pm

      I use mostly only once as mine is 3 person and I have few things to wash in hand as well like kadai, idli pot, cooker etc. So It’s okay to run twice for family of 4, I have heard form my friends they too do so. Infact there are people in US having two dishwashers as well. May be you can choose a shorter cycle.

      Reply
  39. Lavanya

    January 24, 2021 at 11:05 pm

    Which brand of dish washer is best? LG or Bosch as I have seen some reviews where LG dishwasher has some issues and errors in it. But cleaning wise, it is so efficient. I am very much confused. Please suggest

    Reply
    • Raks Anand

      January 25, 2021 at 9:29 pm

      I am using this same one and never had opinion about LG from anyone. So sorry couldn’t suggest you. I can say Bosch is good so far ( I am using the same unit from the beginning)

      Reply

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I am Raks anand, writer and photographer of this recipe website. My real name is Rajeswari Vijayanand. It has been almost 10+ years of blogging and I thought if you want to know more about me, I should introduce myself to you all… I am also like most of the house wives, who learnt cooking only after marriage... Read More

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