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.

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.

Granite must not be rubbed with abrasive materials instead, wash with clean warm water to which a non-abrasive light neutral detergent (PH7) may be added. Rinse with clean warm water and dry with a chamois leather or similar. Drainer Grooves can be cleaned using wire wool.