[Electronics-Talk] Dishwasher Accessibility

[Annette Carr]

Hi All,

 

The other day I suggested that maybe a light probe could be used to detect
whether or not an indicator light was lit on the dishwasher panel.  After
visiting 3 local stores as we begin the dreaded search for a new dishwasher,
I take back that suggestion.  If the dishwasher does have lights, they are
so close together, that you most likely would not be able to determine with
a light probe which light was lit.

 

Many dishwashers have a smooth glass panel that is activated by holding your
finger on the desired spot for a second or two to activate it.  While this
type of panel is not activated by a quick and continuous movement across the
panel, a hesitation of your finger will activate it.  So if you were trying
to read a braille label placed over the spot where you need to touch, it
appears that the button will be activated.  There is a chance that the touch
panel will not be able to detect your finger through the braille label.  I
was not able to test that out.  In some cases, there are multiple touch
sensitive buttons stacked one above the other.  This was typically 2 or 3.
So if you could squeeze a braille label above or below the touch panel,
there was no way to know which of the buttons in that line up you were
activating.

 

There were dishwashers with a variety of physical buttons.  Most of these
buttons did not stay depressed once you pushed on it. most of these buttons,
as well as those on the flat touch panel  required that you press them
multiple times to cycle through the options for that button.  The only
indicator that something had changed was either a small light lit up next to
the cycle or option that was now selected, or words would appear on a
display panel.

 

The majority of dishwashers that we saw had the touch panel and/or physical
buttons along the top edge of the door.  While this prevents the buttons
from being accidently touched while the door is closed, we found that they
were frequently accidentally activated when opening the door, or moving
around the open door.

 

I asked if any models had the ability to clear everything and return to a
set starting point, or a user defined default setting, and I was told no.  

 

I was surprised to learn that Bosch dishwashers do not have a heating
element.  You have to take the dishes out immediately after the dishwasher
stops or else you will have to use a dish towel to dry them when you take
them out.  

 

The 3rd rack now available in some dishwashers appears to be a really nice
feature.  Racks in which you can adjust its height is also a nice feature to
accommodate large items.  An interior stainless steel surface is a must as
I've learned that despite my best cleaning efforts, stains will become
permanent on the plastic interiors.

 

If you have a specific model dishwasher that you are finding fairly
accessible, please do share.  I am very discouraged after what I've seen.

 

Annette