Are you feeling lost trying to figure out the symbols on your second-hand AEG dishwasher? Or you’ve moved into a new place with one installed and no longer have the user manual.
Your AEG dishwasher has various symbols you need to know to operate it correctly, choose the right settings, maintain it, and identify any possible errors. However, understanding all these symbols can be confusing. Since each manufacturer has unique functions and symbols, you must know which works for AEG dishwashers.
In this guide, you will learn all the symbols and functions you might find on any model of AEG dishwasher. After reading, you’ll know precisely what you’re dealing with and easily use your dishwasher.
Basic Cleaning Functions of AEG Dishwasher
In this section, you’ll find the symbols for the basic functions of your AEG dishwasher. This will help you get your dishwashing started and working. Later on, you will find the speciality functions that help you get the most out of your dishwasher.
Prewash
Overview: The Preswash symbol is represented by four dashed lines radiated toward a plate. This setting is a quick and easy way to rinse off food remains from lightly soiled dishes and prevent odours in the dishwasher.
Best for: This function is best for cleaning dishes that are soiled.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The benefit of using the prewash setting is that it’s a quick and easy way to rinse off any excess food before running a full cycle. However, since no detergent is used, it might not be effective against tough stains or heavily soiled dishes.
30 Minute
Overview: The 30 Minute Cycle is represented by the number 30 followed by MIN. It is a 60°C setting for quickly washing a load or a half load with fresh or light soil.
Best for: This function is best for quickly cleaning dishes with light or fresh soil, such as plates and glasses.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The benefit of using the 60°C setting is that it uses a higher temperature to sanitize your dishes effectively and can be completed in a shorter time than other programs. However, it might not be suitable for heavily soiled dishes or tough stains, which may require a longer and more intensive cycle.
Auto
Overview: The Auto setting, represented by the word AUTO in capital letters, adjusts the temperature, water quantity, energy consumption and programme duration based on the soil type and quantity of items.
Best for: This function is best for cleaning dishes of different soil types and quantities.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The benefit of using the auto setting is that the appliance senses the type and amount of soil and adjusts the temperature, water quantity, energy consumption, and programme duration accordingly, ensuring that dishes are cleaned efficiently and effectively. It may be unsuitable for heavily soiled dishes or tough stains requiring a longer cycle.
Pro
Overview: The Pro programme, represented by the capitalized word PRO, is a setting with the ExtraHygiene option for heavy soil on crockery, cutlery, pots, and pans and washes at 70°C.
Best for: This function is best for cleaning heavily soiled dishes, pots, and pans that require a high-temperature wash.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The benefit of using the pro programme with the ExtraHygiene option is that it is designed for heavy soil on crockery, cutlery, pots, and pans and can sanitize your dishes effectively at a high temperature. The ExtraHygiene option also ensures that your dishes are hygienically clean, making it ideal for households with babies or people with allergies. This programme might take longer to complete than others, so it might not be suitable if you’re in a hurry.
Silent
Overview: The Silent programme, represented by the all-uppercase word SILENT, is used for the most noise-free washing experience.
Best for: This function is best for washing dishes when you want to avoid disturbing anyone in the house, or when you prefer a quieter washing experience.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The benefit of using the silent programme is that it is designed to work at a very low pump speed, significantly reducing the level of noise compared to other programmes. This makes it perfect for use when you don’t want to disturb anyone in the house. However, since the pump works at a low speed, the programme duration might be longer than other programmes.
ECO
Overview: The Eco programme, represented by the all-uppercase word ECO, is for efficient use of water and energy consumption on crockery and cutlery.
Best for: This function is best for washing dishes with normal soil while minimizing water and energy consumption.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The benefit of using the eco programme is that it is designed to minimize water and energy consumption, making it an environmentally friendly and cost-effective option. However, since it uses less water and lower temperatures, it might be less effective against heavy soil or tough stains.
50 Minute
Overview: The 50-minute programme, represented by the number 50 followed by the work MIN, is for long cleaning of lightly soiled dishes and cutlery.
Best for: This function is best for cleaning lightly soiled dishes and cutlery.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The benefit of using the 50-minute programme is that it provides a thorough and efficient cleaning option for dishes and cutlery with light soil. The downside is __it might not be as effective against heavy soil or tough stains.
Half Load
Overview: The Half load setting, represented by the _ symbol over a plate, is for washing smaller loads of dishes.
Best for: This function is best for washing smaller loads of dishes when you don’t need to use the full capacity of the dishwasher.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The benefit of using the half-load setting is that it allows you to wash smaller loads of dishes, using less water and energy, which can save on utility bills. You can also wash more quickly by not waiting for a full dishwasher. However, it might not be as effective as other programmes for heavily soiled dishes.
Extreme Wash
Overview: The Extreme Wash programme, represented by a pot with a lid over two plates, is ideal for heavily soiled dishes and pans, including dried-on residue.
Best for: This function is best for cleaning heavily soiled dishes and pans with dried-on residue, using high temperature and hot prewash.
Benefits/Drawbacks: This programme uses a high temperature and hot prewash to remove tough stains and residue effectively. It also ensures that your dishes are hygienically clean, making it ideal for households with babies or people with allergies. However, since it uses a high temperature and hot prewash, it might consume more energy and increase your electricity bill.
Crystal
Overview: The Crystal programme, represented by a wine glass symbol, is for washing delicate items with light soil at a low temperature.
Best for: This function is best for cleaning delicate items, such as crystal glasses, china, and mixed dishes with light dirt, at a low temperature.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The benefit of using the crystal programme is that it is designed to clean delicate dishes with light dirt without causing any damage. This programme uses a low temperature and a cold rinse to ensure your dishes are cleaned gently, without any risk of cracking or damage. This programme might take longer to complete than others, so it might not be suitable if you’re in a hurry.
AEG Dishwasher Status Symbols
The symbols you will see during the operation of the dishwasher or before will alert you to the status of the program or machine itself.
Multitab
Overview: The Multitab indicator is represented by a tablet with a small circle on top. Multitab indicator to let you know when you have activated the function to use multi-tabs containing detergent, rinse aid, and salt.
Best for: This function is best for households that use multi-tabs with multiple cleaning agents for a convenient and efficient cleaning experience.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The multitab indicator lets you know when you have activated the function to use multi-tabs containing detergent, rinse aid, and salt. Since it’s only an indicator, it won’t automatically refill the detergent, rinse aid, or salt for you. You’ll still need to refill them manually when they run out.
ExtraHygiene
Overview: ExtraHygiene function, represented by a graphic of a cross with a plus sign, is ideal for killing 99% of bacteria with high temperatures and longer wash time.
Best for: This function is best for households with babies, people with allergies, or anyone who wants a hygienically clean dishwasher.
Benefits/Drawbacks: This function can help prevent the spread of germs and illnesses, making it essential during cold and flu season. However, it could be better for delicate items such as crystal or china.
Washing Phase
Overview: When you see a symbol with a brush, the dishwasher is running the Wash cycle.
Best for: This function is best for keeping track of the progress of your dishwasher cycle.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The benefit of using the washing phase indicator is that it lets you know which phase of the cycle your dishwasher is in, making it easier to keep track of the progress of your cycle. You’ll also avoid spraying water everywhere if you attempt to open the appliance during the wash phase.
Rinse Phase
Overview: The Rinse phase symbol, with dashed lines radiating away from the top, indicates the phase in the dishwasher cycle where the dishes are rinsed with clean water to remove any remaining detergent residue.
Best for: This function is best for ensuring that your dishes are hygienically clean and free of any soap or detergent taste or smell.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The benefit of this symbol is to time when you can open the door, and the cycle is finished.
Drying Phase
Overview: The Drying phase symbol, represented by a plate with wavy lines radiating above it, indicates the phase in the dishwasher cycle where the dishes are dried using heat or a fan.
Best for: This function is best for ensuring that your dishes are dry and ready to put away.
Benefits/Drawbacks: This phase is essential for ensuring that your dishes are dry and ready to put away, and can prevent water spots or streaks from forming. Remember that this will add time to the length of the cycle.
End of Wash
Overview: The End of the wash symbol, represented by an arrow pointing to the right toward a solid vertical line, indicates that the dishwasher cycle has been completed.
Best for: This function is best for indicating when the dishwasher cycle has been completed and your dishes are ready to be put away.
Benefits/Drawbacks: This function can help you keep track of the progress of your dishwasher cycle, and can also prevent you from accidentally opening the dishwasher mid-cycle.
Rinse Aid
Overview: The rinse aid indicator shows whether or not you need to use rinse aid in your dishwasher cycle. Rinse aid is important for ensuring that your dishes are properly rinsed and free of any mineral buildup or water spots. Using it can also improve the overall performance of your dishwasher.
Best for: This function is best for ensuring that your dishes are properly rinsed and free of any mineral buildup or water spots.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The rinse aid indicator can remind you when to refill the dispenser, ensuring that you always have enough to properly clean your dishes. However, if you don’t use a rinse aid, this function might not be as useful.
Salt Indicator
Overview: The Salt symbol, represented by an S with arrows, shows whether or not you need to add salt to your dishwasher. Adding salt to your dishwasher can help soften the water, improving the cleaning performance of your dishwasher and preventing mineral buildup.
Best for: This function is best for ensuring that your dishwasher operates efficiently and that your dishes come out clean.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The benefit of the salt indicator is that it shows whether or not you need to add salt to your dishwasher.
Delay
Overview: The Delay function symbol, represented by a clock with an arrow moving clockwise, allows you to set a delayed start time for your dishwasher cycle.
Best for: This function is best for those who want to start their dishwasher cycle at a later time.
Benefits/Drawbacks: This function can be useful if you want to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, or if you want to start your dishwasher cycle when you’re not at home. The downside is that you can’t set an exact time. Instead, you have to calculate how many hours ahead you would like it to start.
Fast Cycles
Overview: The Fast Cycles option, represented by a clock with two arrows pointing to the right, allows you to shorten your dishwasher cycle by up to 55%. __To activate this option, simply press the fast cycles button after selecting the program you want to use.
Best for: This function is best for those who want to save time while still cleaning their dishes effectively.
Benefits/Drawbacks: This function can be useful if you’re in a hurry and need your dishes cleaned quickly or if you want to save energy and water by reducing the duration of your cycle. However, using the fast cycles option might not provide as thorough of a clean as a regular cycle, depending on the amount of dirt and grime on your dishes.
Door Open
Overview: The Door Open symbol, represented by a door open to the right with an arrow pointing up to the left, indicates that the dishwasher door is open or not properly closed. The machine will not start while this symbol is lit.
Best for: This function is best for ensuring that your dishwasher operates safely and efficiently.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The benefit of the door open symbol is that it indicates whether the dishwasher door is open or not properly closed. This function is important for ensuring that your dishwasher operates safely and efficiently, as leaving the door open during a cycle can be a safety hazard and can also affect the cleaning performance of your dishwasher.
