2024 Popular Dish/Baby Product Sterilizer Shopping Guide & Recommendation

The hot and humid weather in Hong Kong makes it easy for bacteria and mould to grow. Even if you wipe your dishes and utensils dry with a dish cloth after each wash, there is still a risk of germs lingering on the surfaces. In recent years, sterilisers/dryers have become popular for drying dishes as well as for disinfecting everyday items thoroughly. Here is a guide to choosing one with recommendations from brands such as Haenim 、MIDEA 、SANKI. Eliminate germs in your home and create a safe and secure living environment for you and your kids.

The difference between a dish steriliser and a dishwasher

Although similar in name, dishwashers and dish sterilisers are quite different in function. While dishwashers focus on cleaning dishes, and some models have a sanitising function, dish sterilisers specialises in sanitising and drying dishes and everyday items. It kills bacteria, dries out moisture and inhibit the growth of mould.

Dish sterilising methods

	Infrared	Ozone	UV
Principle	High temperature sterilisation by infrared heat transmission	Strong oxidising power of ozone breaks down viruses, bacteria and odours	Emits UV light on the surface of the utensils to destroy the DNA structure of viruses and bacteria
Temperature	High temperature sterilisation	Low temperature sterilisation	Low temperature sterilisation
Main Features	High efficiency and strong penetrating power Not suitable for wooden or plastic products	Suitable for most appliances May leave an ozone odour	Low penetration Do not overlap items during sterilisation

*Some dish sterilisers/dryer models use two or more technologies to provide more comprehensive sterilisation of different utensils

Tips for choosing a dish steriliser

1. Type

The main types of sterilisation machines can be classified as tabletop, built-in or wall mounted. A tabletop model can be placed on any flat surface, but generally has less capacity than the other two. A built-in model is usually installed in a kitchen cabinet to blend in with the décor. However, you may have to crouch down to retrieve items. A wall mounted model hangs below the hanging cabinets and is more suitable for taller users. Choose according to kitchen space, décor and usage habits.

2. Capacity

The capacity should be chosen according to the number of household items. For example, a dish steriliser with a capacity of around 40 litres is sufficient for a family of 2-3 people, while a model with a capacity of 70 litres or more can also accommodate cups, making it suitable for large families with a large amounts of tableware.

3. Temperature resistance

Tableware and household items usually have a temperature resistance limit. Check instructions before using the steriliser to avoid damage to items caused by high temperatures. For example, wooden chopsticks, towels and plastic items are not suitable for high temperature sterilisation. Choose a model with both high and low temperature sterilisation technology to disinfect a wider range of items.

4. Cleanliness

As a dish steriliser is not intended for cleaning, it is best to clean stains thoroughly before putting them into the machine to achieve the best sterilisation results.