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Whirlpool dishwasher 1-hour wash vs normal: discover their similarities, differences, features, when and when not to use each cycle.
Like most other dishwasher brands, Whirlpool dishwashers come with several wash cycles with each having its own pros and cons.
In this guide, we will narrow down to two of the most commonly used wash cycles – the 1-hour wash and the normal wash cycles.
While one is good for speed and the other for its thoroughness, what sets them apart? Which is more energy and water efficient? When should you use each cycle?
Read on to get comprehensive answers to these questions and more.
Whirlpool dishwasher 1 hour wash vs normal (Whirlpool dishwasher quick wash vs normal wash compared)
Before we start comparing these two wash cycles, let’s have a brief look at each cycle to better understand them…
1 hour wash cycle
In most whirlpool dishwasher models, this cycle is commonly known as the quick wash cycle.
As its name suggests, this is the quickest wash cycle in whirlpool dishwashers – it takes around 30 to 60 minutes to complete a wash cycle.
To accomplish this quick wash mode, the 1-hour wash cycle uses more water, energy, and heat during cleaning.
Normal wash cycle
Inarguably the most common and used dishwasher cycle, this cycle uses a moderate amount of water and heat to effectively clean your dishes.
As such, it will use a varying amount of water and wash time to clean the dishes depending on the number of dishes you’re washing.
Now, on to their comparison…
Whirlpool dishwasher 1 hour wash vs normal – on amount of water used
Since the one-hour wash cycle takes less amount of time, it ends up using more water to achieve a good level of cleaning.
On the other hand, the normal cycle is more efficient in water consumption as it uses less water.
However, this will depend on the number of dishes you are washing… A few dishes will use less water while more dishes will end up using more water.
Quick tip: According to Whirlpool’s documentation, the normal cycle uses around 2½ to 10 gallons of water per wash cycle. On the other hand, the 1-hour wash cycle uses 7 to 7½ gallons of water per cycle.
On energy consumption
Remember that we have seen that the one hour wash cycle uses more water and less time to wash your dishes.
To supplement this, the cycle will use more power to heat the extra water for a shorter period of time.
On the other hand, the normal wash cycle (which uses less water) will use less energy to heat the water.
Whirlpool 1 hour wash vs normal – on time taken
As we have already seen, the normal cycle uses less water and at a lower temperature. As a result, the normal cycle ends up taking longer to clean dishes.
According to Whirlpool, the normal wash cycle will take around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete a wash cycle.
However, this cycle will take around 2 hours 43 minutes to 3 hours 09 minutes to complete a wash and heated dry cycle.
On the other hand, the 1-hour wash cycle will take anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes to complete a full wash cycle.
As for the wash + heated dry option, the 1-hour wash cycle will take between 1 hour 33 minutes to 1 hour 48 minutes.
On which dishes to wash
Here, the normal wash cycle is the absolute winner since it is suitable for washing utensils that have an average amount of soil.
On the other hand, the quick wash cycle is suitable for cleaning lightly soiled dishes.
Something else to note: Both cycles can wash any type of dishes including cups, glassware, plates, and more. The only key difference is on the amount of soil level each cycle is suitable for.
On options you can use each with
Again, here, the normal wash cycle is the definite winner as it’s more versatile.
This is because it can be used with all other dishwasher options including the Sani Rinse, Heat Dry, Extended Dry, and High Temp Wash options.
In contrast, the quick wash cycle is limited to the number of options you can use it with.
For most Whirlpool dishwashers, you can only use the 1-hour wash cycle together with the Heat Dry option.
Whirlpool dishwasher 1 hour wash vs normal – final words
Both the normal and the quick wash cycles have their own pros and cons. As such, there is no better-than-the-other cycle between them.
Nonetheless, the quick wash cycle is the ideal choice if you’re in a hurry and need to clean your lightly soiled dishes.
In contrast, the normal cycle is your go-to option if you have moderately soiled dishes, or if you prefer a deeper clean over speed.
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