Details about features, installation and the settings for plates.
4/5
On the whole I’m happy with the purchase of this dishwasher. I bought the model HIC3C26WUKN after reading a lot of the reviews and also the spec on the AO and Hotpoint websites.
Firstly, I want to dispel a myth. Some people reviewed and said that the dishwasher wasn’t able to cope with large plates because the spinning spray arms would hit the plates. This is easily sorted by raising the top shelf, a 30 second fix. I’ve raised the shelf and still have room for tall pint pots above.
I was interested in the feature of other models/brands where the dishwasher opened at the end of the wash to allow better drying but I couldn’t see that listed as a feature on the model. I was pleased to find that this model does open at the end so I think that is really useful. I’ve got small children so I was concerned that my little boy would be able to open it further but the door seems heavy enough to prevent that.
The only downside so far is the number of place setting. Whilst it’s reported as having room for 14 plates, I’d say that there are only 4/5 spaces for large plates/pasta bowls; this is a disappointing shortfall. There's room for lots of little plates but that’s not very helpful. I’d rather have 12 larger settings than 14 small ones.
Installation was simple, much easier than on a previous dishwasher. You push the machine into place, then you can adjust the height of the back and the front while it’s in place. It doesn’t need you to keep pulling it out and pushing back in (which was painful on the last one I installed). Tools required: screwdriver, bradawl and a hex socket set with a driver.
The results are great, pots are coming out clean and smell great. None of that ‘wet dog smell’ (!) when you use only a small amount of rinse aid inserted.
I’m happy so far, just loses one star for the size of the settings.