Hafele Aqua 12S
Hafele Aqua 12S Dishwasher Instruction Manual
Model: Aqua 12S | Brand: Hafele
1. Product Overview
The Hafele Aqua 12S is a 12 Place Settings Stainless Steel Freestanding Dishwasher designed for efficient and hygienic cleaning of your dishes. It features a sleek silver finish and is built with German design and engineering excellence, adapted for various kitchen environments.

Image 1: Front view of the Hafele Aqua 12S Freestanding Dishwasher.
Key Features:
- 12 Place Settings: Ample capacity for an average family and guests.
- Low Water Consumption: ECO Program uses as little as 11 liters of water.
- 99.9% Germ-free Cleaning: Delivers a hygienic wash, eliminating germs and bacteria.
- No Wet Utensils: Efficient drying cycle ensures dishes are perfectly dry.
- SoftTouch Shelves: Nylon-coated racks and spikes provide gentle hold for fragile items.
- Energy Efficiency: A++ rating for optimal power consumption.
- Sound Reduction System: Operates quietly with a noise level of 49 dB.
- Touch Panel: Modern and intuitive control interface.

Image 2: Visual representation of key features including 12 place setting capacity, 99.9% germ-free cleaning, hygienic wash, and low water consumption.
2. Setup and Installation
Before operating your Hafele Aqua 12S Dishwasher, ensure proper installation. It is designed as a freestanding unit. Professional installation is recommended to ensure correct water and electrical connections.
What's in the Box:
- Hafele Aqua 12S Dishwasher unit
- Upper and Lower Baskets
- Cutlery Tray
Site Requirements:
- Electrical Connection: A 15 Amp electrical point is required. The point should be within 1 meter of the machine due to the cable length. The dishwasher operates on 240 Volts.
- Water Supply: A cold water inlet with a 3/4 inch threaded adapter is necessary for connection.
- Drainage: Ensure a suitable drain point for the outlet pipe, which is located on the left side at the base of the machine.
- Space: Allow sufficient space for the dishwasher. Refer to the dimensions in the specifications section.
Initial Use:
- After installation, ensure the dishwasher is level.
- Fill the salt dispenser with dishwasher salt according to the instructions in the full manual.
- Add rinse aid to the designated compartment.
- Load detergent into the dispenser.
- Run an empty cycle to clean the interior before first use with dishes.
3. Operating Instructions
The Hafele Aqua 12S Dishwasher offers various programs to suit different washing needs. The touch panel controls allow for easy selection and operation.
Loading the Dishwasher:
- Scrape off large food particles from dishes before loading.
- Place larger items like pots and pans in the lower basket.
- Arrange glasses, cups, and smaller bowls in the upper basket.
- Use the cutlery tray for forks, spoons, and knives, ensuring they are separated to allow water circulation.
- Ensure that no items block the spray arms.
- Avoid washing aluminum, certain plastics, and non-stick containers that are not dishwasher safe.
Wash Programs:
The dishwasher is equipped with 6 different wash programs:

Image 3: Display of the six available wash programs on the Hafele Aqua 12S Dishwasher.
- ECO: Energy-efficient program for normally soiled dishes, with low water consumption.
- Normal: Standard program for daily use with normally soiled dishes.
- Rapid 30: Quick wash program for lightly soiled dishes without drying.
- 90 Min Wash: A longer quick wash program for moderately soiled dishes.
- Intensive: For heavily soiled dishes, pots, and pans, including tough stains.
- Glass: Gentle program for delicate glassware.
Starting a Cycle:
- Load the dishwasher and add detergent.
- Close the dishwasher door securely.
- Select the desired wash program using the touch panel.
- Press the Start button to begin the cycle.
4. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your Hafele Aqua 12S Dishwasher.
Effective Filtration System:
The dishwasher features a three-fold filtration system to prevent drainage pipe clogging and ensure efficient water circulation:
- Coarse Filter
- Fine Filter
- Micro Filter

Image 4: Illustration of the effective filtration system and child lock feature.
Cleaning the Filters:
- Turn off and unplug the dishwasher before cleaning.
- Remove the filter assembly located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub.
- Separate the coarse, fine, and micro filters.
- Rinse all filter components under running water to remove food particles. Use a soft brush if necessary.
- Reassemble the filters and place them back into the dishwasher, ensuring they are securely locked.
Other Maintenance Tips:
- Regularly check and refill the salt and rinse aid dispensers.
- Wipe down the interior and exterior surfaces with a damp cloth.
- Clean the spray arms periodically to ensure nozzles are not clogged.
5. Troubleshooting
This section provides solutions for common issues you might encounter with your dishwasher. For more complex problems, contact customer support.
Common Issues and Solutions:
- Dishwasher not starting:
- Ensure the power cord is securely plugged in.
- Check if the circuit breaker has tripped.
- Make sure the door is fully closed and latched. - Dishes not clean:
- Check if the spray arms are blocked by dishes.
- Ensure filters are clean and properly installed.
- Verify that detergent, salt, and rinse aid levels are adequate.
- Select an appropriate wash program for the soil level. - Water leakage:
- Check the door seal for any damage or debris.
- Ensure hoses are properly connected and not kinked.
- Verify that the dishwasher is level. - White stains on dishes:
- This often indicates a need for more dishwasher salt or adjustment of the water hardness setting. - Loud noise during operation:
- Check for foreign objects inside the dishwasher.
- Ensure dishes are loaded correctly and not interfering with spray arms.
Child Lock Feature:
The Hafele Aqua 12S includes a child lock feature to prevent accidental program changes or opening of the door during operation. This lock primarily secures the control panel. Refer to the full manual for activation and deactivation instructions.
6. Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the Hafele Aqua 12S Dishwasher.

Image 5: Dimensions of the Hafele Aqua 12S Dishwasher.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Aqua 12S |
| Capacity | 12 Place Settings |
| Installation Type | Freestanding |
| Color | Silver |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Product Dimensions (LxWxH) | 59.8D x 60.4W x 84.5H Centimeters |
| Item Weight | 41.5 Kilograms |
| Noise Level | 49 dB |
| Energy Efficiency | A++ |
| Annual Energy Consumption | 258 Kilowatt Hours |
| Voltage | 240 Volts |
| Controls Type | Fully Integrated, Touch Panel |
7. Warranty and Support
Hafele is committed to providing quality products and support.
Warranty Information:
The Hafele Aqua 12S Dishwasher comes with a 1 Year Warranty from the date of purchase. Please retain your purchase receipt for warranty claims.
Customer Support:
For standard installation, demo services, or any product-related queries, please contact Hafele customer support.

Image 6: Customer support information for installation and demo services.
Toll-Free Number: 1800 266 6667
Standard installation and demo services are typically provided within 72 hours of delivery.
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