Auto D/W Detergent that does not Etch??

[michaelman2]

Hey Sacto..I like the Briva. It really works like a charm and I really like the fact that you can take the inner racks out and have a very large sink. It is very quiet. I also use it alot when I am cooking, to very quickly rinse pans and items that I will use again in the recipe. It is very similar to a commercial "chefs washer". We elected to have the small hot water heater added. I had to use the smaller second sink becuase the cabinet would not hold the 42" version. You can only use powder due to the very short and intense wash cycle, a liquid would go straight down the drain. It holds 5 complete place settings when doing dinnerware. It also gives me ALOT more counter space when the dishwasher is closed. It came with a cutting board that fits on top of the unit and that is very nice for prep.

 

[frigilux]

Michaelman2-- This sounds like a perfect 2nd dishwasher for me. I would love to have a machine that has the turnaround time of a commercial machine. I briefly thought of installing one of those undercounter Hobart commercial machines in my kitchen, but decided to go with a regular machine for several reasons--including cost. How long is the regular cycle on the Briva?

whirlcool-- I wish I had your discipline when it comes to hanging on to appliances for their full lifespan. I get 'appliance fever' every couple of years and replace at least 1 appliance, usually washer/dryer or dishwasher.

 

[michaelman2]

Hey Frigilux..you had the same idea I did. I looked at the Hobart chef/commercial unit and was told that unit would really not be a good idea for household use, very very rough on china and glassware. The Briva was the alternative and you are right, it is a great second unit. The cycle is 30 minutes and it does not have a heating element do the top pops up at the conculusion of the cycle. There is a pot/pan cycle that is a bit more than 30 mins. The chef/rinse cycle is about 3 minutes or less. You are right on the cost. My other half was very generous and indulged me. I would imagine given time, this will be knocked off. Frankly it really is the only thing we use, even when we entertain. The cycles are so quick that I whip two loads in about the time that 1 load is in my other full unit. You will LOVE the large sink that you get when you remove the d/w rack. Ifyou have the space the 42" gives you TWO great large sinks.

 

[gregm]

I agree with ... aslo no prerinse, also SS interiors ? !

I agree with Sacto, NeptuneBob, and rayjay on the above posts, I have heard WalMart powder is the best and I have had great luck with it, i have also heard that to soft water and to much detergent will etch glassware, softer water = less det. AND, if dishes are hardly soiled then use little det. because the det. can attack the glassware if it has no dirt to go after, that is why I don't believe in a "pre-rinse" cycle. I think detergent and first wash should go hand and hand then have at least two rinses. I have also been told not to use "SUNLIGHT" in my stainless steel INTERIOR where it has chlorine and that is bad for SS interiors.

 

[brisnat81]

Chlorine in SS

Most dishwashers in AU have been stainless steel since the mid 70's and up until 10 years ago, most DW detergent was all still cholorine based.

Its never caused marking, rusting, etching or otherwise on any dishwasher I've ever had. Mums DW is 25 years old, and the SS interior is still as bright and shiney as the day it was bought.

Most contamination to the SS interior seems to be caused by not using enough detergent and getting a calicum or Lime build up. With something like Finish DW cleaner, it just washes off.

 

[frigilux]

Michaelman2-- thanks for the Briva info. I'm going to check into it.

 

[maytagbear]

I have used the Great Value

powder, and it does work well, but I have differences of opinion with Wal*Mart's corporate philosophies, et cetera, so I try not to shop there.

I usually use Cascade Pure Rinse powder. Friends have given me other brands of detergent, and I am just finishing some Electrasol gelpacks, which have also worked well.

In my years of automatic dishwashing, I have had minimal etching, mostly because Kent's water is on the bare edge of hard (maybe 3-4 grains).

My glassware is fine, for the most part. I've had more etching on Pyrex than on beverageware.

And, I only scrape, never ever pre-rinse.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[michaelman2]

Maytag..thanks for the heads up on not pre-rinsing.

 

[appnut]

Alan, you're like me. that's why my appliances are about 20 yeaers old.