Why dishwashers are not popular with Indian kitchens

In the last few decades, hundreds of products have flooded the market to simplify household chores. However, despite being available in the market for a long time, dishwashers have not gained much traction in average Indian households. It's curious that Indians, who generally utilize every available option to improve their homes, are not very fond of dishwashers. A social media post raising this question is now viral. Most people believe there are clear reasons behind this lack of interest in dishwashers.

Siddhartha, a Delhi resident, raised this question on his X page. People point out several reasons, including the high price, that deter Indians from buying dishwashers. A good dishwasher can cost tens of thousands of rupees. While washing machines effectively clean clothes, dishwashers, despite their high cost, require initial cleaning by hand. This means that you can't simply put used dishes directly into the dishwasher; the workload isn't completely eliminated, which is a major reason cited by many.

Space constraints is another reason highlighted. Especially in the large Indian cities, the kitchens in average Indian homes don't have much space. After accommodating the refrigerator, stove, and sink, there's often no room left for a dishwasher, leading many to not even consider it. Another comment was that unreliable power connections could be a reason. Frequent power cuts make relying solely on a dishwasher impractical.

Indian cuisine often uses a lot of oil, which dishwashers may not completely clean. Furthermore, many utensils in Indian kitchens have intricate designs. Most dishwashers are not designed to accommodate the variety of sizes and shapes of Indian cookware. This means not all dishes can be cleaned, and there's a possibility of residue remaining in hard-to-reach areas. Beyond all this, most people believe that the main reason is the ready availability of inexpensive domestic help. With readily available help, there is no need for a machine to wash, dry, and put away dishes. Many feel that this is more economical when comparing costs.

Some also suggest a lack of awareness about the technology as a reason for Indians shying away from dishwashers. A belief that dishes are only truly clean when washed by hand is also a reason why many avoid dishwashers even when they can afford them.