If you enjoy washing by hand, no! However modern machines use less water, detergent and power than ever before and wash hotter using really powerful cleaners giving a hygienic wash result. You can save around 500 hours a year so it is worth thinking about. If you have a small kitchen or live alone, choose a slimline model.

Choose a dishwasher with sturdy compression springs in the door. Also look for tough, lightweight nylon or graphite racks with cushioned tips that protect glassware and cookware. Weimer recommends choosing a model with a rack design that provides the largest, most flexible interior space and is configured for your belongings, including odd-shaped pieces.

When making a two-crust pie, moisten the edge of the bottom crust with water before placing the second crust on top. The moistened edge will help create a good seal once the two crusts are crimped together