Buying Guide Dishwashers

Freestanding dishwashers are the most common type and can be slotted into your kitchen, either where a previous model used to be or into a space. The door is designed to remain visible and easily accessible.

Because of their popularity, there are lots of models available in this style, to suit all tastes and budgets. There are also a variety of colour options available, but the most common are white, black, grey, and silver models.

This style is fairly portable as it’s not built into your kitchen, so if you move house, you can take it with you easily. The main downside is that they don’t blend in with your kitchen units the way an integrated model would.

Integrated dishwashers are a great idea if you have a fitted kitchen with a uniform look, as they are designed to be kept  out of sight. Fully integrated styles are completely hidden behind a kitchen cabinet door. Semi-integrated models are mostly concealed, except for a control panel that’s visible at the top.

Built-in models help to keep a streamlined look in your kitchen, but are more difficult to move than freestanding models, as they’re fixed in place. Also, you can’t see the control panel with fully integrated styles, so you’ll have to open the door to check the display.

Full-size dishwashers have a large capacity and overall size. The smallest versions have room for 9-12 place settings, whereas the – enough for 160 items. This style is perfect if you have a large household or like to hold dinner parties.

Both freestanding and integrated full-size models are available, and they generally measure 60 cm in width.

The large capacity means full-size dishwashers are great for water and energy efficiency as you can wash many items at once. However, you may not benefit from this if you don’t have enough dishes to fill the machine for each wash.

If you have a small kitchen, it may be difficult to find space for a full-size model.

Slimline models are ideal if you have a small or narrow kitchen. At just 45 cm wide, they are 15 cm slimmer than a full-sized version but don’t sacrifice on cleaning power. They usually have a nine or ten place setting capacity, so you can still wash about 100 items in one go. However, they may not be as energy or water efficient as larger machines.

Compact dishwashers are generally a bit bigger than a very large microwave and sit on top of your kitchen counter. Their small capacity of 4-6 place settings makes them perfect for a single occupancy household, if you don’t do much cooking, or don’t have the floor space for a slimline model. It also means you don’t have to bend down with heavy, dirty plates.

At roughly 55 cm wide, they don’t have a large capacity so you may struggle to fit in larger pots and pans. They’re also less energy and water efficient than slimline and full-size models.

One of the biggest factors in how much you can fit inside a dishwasher is the size of it. If you have a large household or like to store up lots of dishes to wash in one go, you’ll likely need to invest in a full-size dishwasher. However, as full-size models are physically larger, you’ll need to make sure one will fit in your home.

Full-size dishwashers usually have a capacity of 12 to 16 place settings, while a slimline might only have 10. Compact dishwashers tend to have a 4 to 6 place setting capacity.

For more information and advice about the different types of dishwashers, click here.

The standard measurement for the capacity of a dishwasher is the number of place settings. Most dishwashers have a 13 place setting capacity, but what exactly does this mean?

Officially, a place setting consists of a dinner plate, dessert plate, single glass, soup bowl, teacup with saucer, and an assortment of cutlery.

Of course, we don’t all have two types of plates and a cup and saucer to put into the dishwasher every time, but it helps give you an idea of what you can fit inside.

Place settings are a good starting point for assessing how much you’ll be able to wash pots, pans, baking trays and other cookware? As pots and pans don’t come in a standard size, it’s hard to guarantee exactly what will fit. However, there are some options and features a dishwasher can offer to give you extra flexibility.

Folding tines are an excellent way of fitting more into the dishwasher. If you’ve just finished cooking and your kitchen is filled with saucepans, dishes and frying pans, folding down the tines lets you fit more inside. You can get models with this feature at the bottom, top or both for ultimate flexibility.

Having a cutlery tray at the top of your dishwasher, instead of a conventional basket at the bottom, also lets you arrange your awkwardly shaped dishes easily.

If possible, it’s worth going to see your prospective dishwasher so you can get a better idea of how much you can squeeze inside. For help knowing what should or shouldn’t be cleaned in the dishwasher, click here.

Spray arms dispense the water evenly in your dishwasher to cover all your dishes and cutlery, ensuring a thorough clean. Every dishwasher has them, but there are four main types:

Traditional

This is the most common style and has a circular water distribution pattern, similar to a garden sprinkler system. Water is pumped into the two spray arms, located under the lower and top baskets, and is then sprayed onto the dishes. The water pressure causes the arms to spin, which circulates the water evenly.

Additional Spray Arm

Some dishwasher brands have a third spray arm attached to the roof. This is usually found in dishwashers with a dedicated cutlery tray at the top of the machine, giving a more in-depth clean.

Satellite

Cleaning performance can drop if the water jets can’t get to everything – which can be an issue when trying to wash awkwardly shaped dishes. That’s where a satellite spray arm comes in handy. This is a mini spray arm located on the end of the larger bottom spray arm. The double-rotation means water can reach awkward corners and nooks that might not be cleaned properly otherwise.

Waterwall

This washing system uses a bar spray arm that moves back to front along the bottom of the tub. As a result, all the dishes get even coverage from a wall of water, hence the name. This is a relatively new feature that high-end brands are starting to include in their newest models.

Control panels are generally located on the front door of the dishwasher, but some models have them on the top edge of the door. This is primarily for stylistic reasons, so the controls are hidden when the door is closed.

Many models have LED clock timer displays to tell you how long a programme has left to run, and an alarm to signal when it’s finished. Touch screen controls are becoming more common, although most models have a mixture of dials and buttons. Indicator lights are useful too. These warn you when the salt and rinse aid levels are too low, taking the guesswork out of filling them up.

Adjustable racks are a really useful feature to have, as they allow you to change the layout to fit each load. If you have larger pots and pans to wash, height-adjustable racks will let you fit them into the lower rack, even if you have a full upper rack.

Some models now have a lifting mechanism attached to the racks, so you don’t have to bend down far to load or unload the dishwasher.

Fold-down prongs are helpful if you have a large number of glasses or wide trays that need holding up. Some models have a third tray designed specifically for cutlery too – this ensures it receives a thorough clean and frees up more room in the lower trays.

Specific wash zones are designated areas for heavily soiled items that need extra attention. They don’t feature in every model but can be useful if you have extra tough stains to shift.

Stainless steel interiors are the latest trend in dishwasher design as they’re sturdy and low maintenance. They use a lower wattage heating element for drying their loads, saving energy and money. This system is also kinder to any heat-sensitive items you may have. These models are a bit more expensive than the average plastic-lined tub, but their design means they save you money in the long run.

Stainless steel models are quieter and have more efficient drying cycles as the heat is reflected off the metal lining. They can also work at a higher water temperature, so all your dishes are sterilised and sparkly clean.

A delayed start is a really helpful feature to make sure your dishes are clean and ready to use exactly when you need them. Just load up your dirty plates, choose what time you want the programme to start, and enjoy freshly cleaned dishes ready for dinner.

A child-safety lock is useful if you have young children. This prevents curious fingers from changing the programme settings or opening the door while the dishwasher is running.

Sensor washing is a feature often found on higher-end models. Detecting the soiling level of the water, it adjusts the temperature and length of the wash. Soil sensors such as Whirlpool’s AccuSense follow the same principle but base the cycle length and water use on how dirty the load is.

Some models are also fitted with a load sensor, which detects the load’s weight and only uses the required amount of water.

Dishwasher filters are generally tube-like sieves in the bottom of the machine. These collect the food that comes off in the wash and stops it from being redeposited back onto clean dishes. Manual filters require you to empty them by hand, whereas self-cleaning versions complete this themselves.

Some higher-end brands feature doors that stay at whatever angle you leave them at. So, you can say goodbye to doors suddenly dropping down when you’re loading or unloading the washer.

You’ll also start to find some high-end models with AutoOpen drying technology. This feature opens the dishwasher door at the end of the cycle, which allows fresh air to help dry your crockery.

Steam dishwashers use high-pressure, high-temperature steam during the wash to loosen tough, dried, or burnt-on stains. This powerful cleaning performance means there’s no need for pre-washing.

The high temperature of steam kills bacteria, giving you hygienic dishes for your whole family to use. It doesn’t require harmful or expensive cleaning chemicals, plus you only need a small amount of water to create enough steam to clean the entire load.

Dishwashers with heat exchangers treat delicate glasses and porcelain with additional care, so you won’t have any accidents in the wash.

Most new dishwashers now include efficient or ‘eco-technology’. This function can often be combined with the appliance’s cycles to increase the efficiency of the programme.

A really useful safety feature, anti-flood protection means you won’t come home to a flooded kitchen. It automatically turns off the water supply if it detects a burst pipe and will stop water levels from rising too high at the base of the machine.

Pretty much every dishwasher comes with a standard wash programme. More often than not, this runs at a high temperature of 65°C to kill germs and guarantee your dishes come out clean.

Another programme you’ll often find is the economic cycle. This is ideal for loads that aren’t too dirty. Economy cycles usually take a bit longer to complete than a regular programme and cleans at a slightly lower temperature of 50°C.

If you often have dishes with tough, dried-on stains that need shifting, you’re likely to benefit from a model that has an intensive programme. This usually cleans dishes at 70°C.

Some of the more expensive dishwashers have programmes specifically designed for cleaning your glassware. These programmes help glasses come out shiny and watermark-free.

A delicate cycle is another option you’ll sometimes find. The wash is completed at lower temperatures and pressure to make sure fragile items are treated with care.

Selected models have a half load option, for when you only have a few items that need cleaning and it’s not worth using a full cycle. This can help you save energy and water.

Rinse only and pre-wash settings are also useful if you want to remove food waste from plates and prevent odours until you have enough to run a full load. Remember to scrape off any food remains though, as they can get stuck in the drain at the bottom of the machine.

Some special programmes are only available from certain brands, so make sure you shop around to find the right dishwasher for your needs.

Dishwashers are designed to dry dishes as well as clean them, and they do this in a variety of ways.

With many models, you can decide if you want to dry the dishes using heat or not. A heat drying method is quicker but uses more energy.

Some models also use a fan drying process to get the dishes dry without having to use heat. Stainless-steel tubs are worth looking for too, as they stay hotter for longer and dry your dishes more efficiently.

More expensive dishwashers from Siemens and Bosch use Zeolith technology for fast and energy-efficient drying. Zeolite, a natural mineral, absorbs moisture and converts it into energy, which is released as heat to dry the dishes.

Some high-end models feature AutoOpen drying technology too. This feature uses fresh air to dry your dishes by opening the dishwasher door at the end of the cycle.

A lot of people buying a dishwasher want to know whether they’re more energy and water-efficient than washing up by hand. The answer is, that it depends. There are lots of factors involved, including how often you wash up, how large your household is, whether you leave the water running, as well as the age and efficiency of your dishwasher.

However, dishwashers have some clear advantages. Loading and unloading are generally less time consuming than washing by hand. Dishwashers can also wash a large amount in one go – great if you have a dinner party planned and need lots of plates ready in time.

Dishwashers can also wash at higher temperatures than your hands can bear, which kills germs and bacteria. Thanks to new technology such as steam power, dishwashers can now sanitise your dishes and remove stuck-on stains with ease.

If used optimally, dishwashers are often much cheaper to run than people expect. Which? calculated an average running cost of between £27 and £64 a year for a family-sized dishwasher. Waiting until the dishwasher is full before use is a great  way to keep costs low, as is using economy or eco programmes. If your electricity is cheaper at night, running the cycle then can knock down the electricity bill even further.

A good place to start when looking at a dishwasher is to find out how the racks and cutlery baskets are designed to be used.

By loading them correctly, with dirty items at the bottom and cleaner ones at the top, you’ll get better results and avoid breakages.

Choosing a model with a logical layout makes it easier to keep the dishwasher, and your dishes, in good condition. Avoid a dishwasher that’s too small as this will force you to overload the baskets, resulting in poor performance or damage.

Before you buy your new dishwasher, it’s important to think about which extras you’ll need. You might want to factor these additional purchases into your budget.

Detergent is essential. It’s available in liquid, gel, tablet, and powder form, and each type has its pros and cons. Powder is powerful but can be a little harsh, so it isn’t the best choice if you want to wash delicate items. Gels aren’t as common, but as they’re water-based, they won’t be abrasive on your fragile items. Tablets are popular as they often combine salt, rinse aid and detergent into a single package.

A high-quality detergent lets you use an energy-saving eco cycle, while still cleaning thoroughly. Some dishwashers also have a handy dosage function, which saves money by preventing you from using too much. However, if you intend to use tablets, this won’t be an issue.

Manufacturers often recommend specific detergents, but most people make a choice based on personal preference.

Whether you need to use a rinse aid depends on your water hardness, the detergent you use, and even the items you’re cleaning.

Rinse aid helps your dishes get dryer at the end of a cycle by letting the water runoff more easily. It can also help prevent watermarks on glass. It’s not as expensive as the detergent and is optional, so it probably won’t affect your budget too much.

While shopping around, you may see retailers referring to a salt reservoir. Bear in mind that dishwasher salt is not table salt. Regular salt can corrode your pipes; only buy salt that is specifically labelled for dishwashers.

Putting salt in a dishwasher may sound strange at first. But it can be very helpful if you live in an area with hard water, as your dishwasher may leave streaks and marks on your crockery. Dishwasher salt counters this by softening the water. The salt reacts with minerals in the water, preventing a build-up of limescale. This leaves you with spotless items and also keeps the heating element and jets in the dishwasher working properly.

Many dishwashers come with a handy funnel to make topping up the salt easy. A salt level indicator is another handy feature to look out for, as it takes out the guesswork.

Using dishwasher salt can save you money as you won’t need to use as much detergent and rinse aid.

Whichever dishwasher you choose, you’ll have to spend a little time cleaning it now and again.

You may want to include dishwasher cleaner in your calculations of running costs and extras. This is used to remove grease and limescale build-up, keeping everything running smoothly. Some people choose to use vinegar or lemon juice instead.

Other tasks include cleaning out the filter, wiping the seals, and removing blockages from the spray arms every so often. Manufacturers include many details in the appliance’s manual which makes these processes easier. Removable filters and arms are found on nearly all modern dishwashers.

If you’re not a fan of pre-rinsing your dishes, a model with a self-cleaning filter is a good choice, as you won’t need to remove and clean it manually.

Cleaning and maintenance aside, it’s useful to know your new dishwasher is built to last. A long warranty period is often a good indication of this. Look for models which come with parts and labour guarantee as standard – these range from one to five years and vary between brands.

There are many advantages to buying online. Browsing a website allows you to see a vast range of dishwashers that many you’re after something very specific, you can easily check to see what’s available that matches your criteria.

You’ll also find detailed product descriptions online. These highlight all the essential information about the product to help you make an informed decision.

Ordering online is quick, easy, and can be done from the comfort of your own home. Many retailers also have a range of delivery and installation options available, which means you barely need to lift a finger.

Comparison shopping online also means you can read objective reviews from other customers. When visiting an electrical website, look out for reviews from Reevoo and TrustPilot. These are administered by a third party rather than the retailer, so you can be sure the comments are genuine.

However, buying online means you can’t physically see the appliance. This makes it harder to gauge whether it will fit in the space you have, or if it will take all the dirty pots and pans you want to put inside.

Visiting a local store means you can thoroughly examine the dishwasher before you decide to buy. Popping into a shop also gives you access to friendly and knowledgeable staff, who can answer your questions and offer advice or insight to help you with your decision.

If you’re after a bargain, you could even ask if there’s an ex-display model available, although be aware that in some cases this may affect the warranty.

A dishwasher is a fairly large purchase that you’ll want to get right. As such, we recommend doing as much research as you can online, using reviews and descriptions to get a shortlist of products you like the look of. Then, pop into a store to physically examine the appliances, and see which matches up with what you’re after.

When it comes to ordering, it’s entirely up to you, but be aware that delivery costs may differ between the store and website.

The first thing you’ll probably decide when buying a dishwasher is whether you want to go for a full size or slimline model. This does have an impact on the price, but not as much as you might expect.

Full-size dishwashers range from under £200 to thousands, although you can get a great model for around £500. Slimline dishwashers have a similar range, but you can get a high-quality model from a well-known brand for around £400. Once you’ve decided on the type of dishwasher you want, you can find out what features to expect from a model within your price range.

There are a lot of things that can affect the price of a dishwasher. Top-of-the-range, full-size models will have all or some variations of the following features:

• A variety of programmes
• Special cycle options including half load and express
• Steam cleaning capabilities
• A large capacity – up to 14 place settings
• Load sensor technology
• A-rated for cleaning and drying
• High energy efficiency rating
• Adjustable baskets
• Self-cleaning filter
• Salt and rinse aid indicators
• Dosage assistant dispenser
• Anti-leak system

More information on these features can be found elsewhere in our dishwasher buying guide. The brand and design will affect how the dishwasher is priced as well.

Promotions are a great way of grabbing a top-quality appliance at a discounted price. Most retailers offer sales and promotions all year round, so you can easily pick up a dishwasher for less. Shop around so you can compare prices.

Black Friday, Christmas and New Year Sales usually have particularly high discounts. Selected retailers often have cashback and trade-in offers, which provides another opportunity for you to get the model you want while making even bigger savings. A trade-in also has the benefit that you can get your old machine taken away for free.

You need to check if the model you have your eye on comes with a long warranty, so you don’t have to worry about buying another one any time soon. Higher priced machines will often have a longer warranty, reflecting the superior build quality.

There are also running costs to consider, as a more energy-efficient model can help save money on your utility bills.

You’ll also need to take charges for delivery, installation and removing your old dishwasher into account. Delivery will often be free when ordering online and paying for installation may not be necessary if you’ve had experience fitting a dishwasher previously.

Bear in mind that price isn’t everything. Many people are willing to pay a little more for better service or faster delivery, for example.

If you’ve decided to save the fee and install your new dishwasher yourself, the job should take a couple of hours.

Sometimes, you may not have the time or expertise to set up your new dishwasher. In this case, the shop you buy from will usually offer a professional installation service for a small fee. If you go for this option, some basic preparation will help the process go smoothly:

• Make sure there is clear access to where you want your new appliance installed, and that it will fit into the space. If there are stairs on the route, make sure they are clear and there is enough room to manoeuvre.
• Ensure the water, electricity and waste connections are within 1/1.5 metres of the appliance location.
• Make sure it’s possible to turn off the water mains.

Most installers will unpack your dishwasher, connect it up, and do a test start to check there are no leaks and that it all works properly. They can also get rid of the packaging, and if you’ve booked it, will remove, and recycle your old machine.

Ideally, it’s best to have your appliance against an exterior wall on a firm, level floor, and close to the connections for the water supply, waste pipe and electricity. The manual should tell you exactly how close, but 1/1.5 metres is generally cited as optimal.

Most new models only need a cold water supply, as the water can be heated up inside the machine. However, you may want to double-check the specifications before you buy. This system requires less energy than plumbing in hot water from your boiler.

Your dishwasher will need a standard 13 amp plug socket for its electricity. If the sockets are above the countertops, you’ll need to run a cable from one of these to below the counters.

Bear in mind that if you need to move electrical sockets or plumbing, you’ll need to get the relevant tradesperson in to do the work.

When you order your dishwasher, there is often the option to have your old model taken away for recycling – for a small extra fee. Government legislation for recycling of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) ensures that appliances such as dishwashers, TVs and washing machines have reusable parts separated and recycled safely.