India, Oct. 5 -- For years, the dishwasher has been pitched as the ultimate solution to the daily pile-up of plates, bowls and cutlery. But Indian kitchens present a tougher challenge. Oil-heavy curries, tadka-coated pans, dried dal, turmeric stains, pressure cookers and large serving vessels can leave even the most efficient dishwasher facing a serious test.

So, can a dishwasher really handle an Indian kitchen, or are we still better off with a scrubber and dishwashing liquid?

The short answer is: yes, but with some caveats.

Modern dishwashers use hot water, powerful jets and specialised detergent to break down grease and food residue. Stainless-steel plates, bowls, spoons and many dishwasher-safe cookware items can generally handle I...