Gen Y's Dishwasher Dilemma

Bosch Outguns Competition in Consumer Dishwasher Survey

Dishwashers might be standard kit in many kiwi kitchens, but a new survey shows many New Zealanders have only a basic understanding of how to operate their machines.

“Just over 40% of survey respondents only ever use one cycle on their machine, no matter what’s being washed,” says Derek Bonnar, Canstar New Zealand National Manager.

Gen Ys are more likely than all other age groups to not understand dishwasher cycle options and are also less likely to be able to perform basic maintenance on their machines.

“They are also more likely to use their dishwasher to clean things other than dishes and cutlery; washing pans, baking trays, sponges and even toothbrushes or sports shoes,” says Bonnar.

While home appliances are labour saving, the survey also found that household chores and who does them could be a source of conflict in Gen Y homes.

“Disagreement over household chores is the biggest relationship issue for more than 1/3 of the Gen Ys in our survey, compared to just 7% of baby boomers.”

It seems that kiwis are conscious of the environment and energy use, with nearly 80% only running the dishwasher when it is full.

The independent Canstar Blue survey reviewed dishwashers across seven categories:

1.      Overall satisfaction

2.      Value for money

3.      Performance

4.      Reliability

5.      Noise

6.      Internal layout

7.      Warranty and service

Topping the poll and finding favour with consumers was the Bosch brand, which rated five stars in five of the seven categories, and four stars for value for money and internal layout.

Local appliance icon Fisher and Paykel, recorded six three star ratings and one four star rating (for performance).

About the survey

Canstar Blue commissions Colmar Brunton Australia to survey 2,500 New Zealand consumers each month to measure their satisfaction across a range of products and services. The outcomes reported here are the results from a survey of consumers who have purchased and used a dishwasher in the last 3 years within the survey group - in this case, 564 people.

Canstar Blue is a division of financial research and ratings company, CANSTAR which has been operating in New Zealand for nearly a decade.  Canstar Blue provides New Zealanders with the latest customer satisfaction ratings on products and services free of charge via the website www.canstarblue.co.nz.

To view the full results of the Canstar Blue survey go to: www.canstarblue.co.nz