Dishwasher buying guide

Dishwashers are particularly welcome household appliances. This is no surprise, as who likes washing up? In addition to saving you time, dishwashers provide other benefits as well.

They help keep your kitchen tidy, as dirty dishes, whether in the sink or on kitchen worktops, are not a pleasant sight. Dishes, glasses and cutlery disappear behind the dishwasher door in a flash.

Cleaning dishes in a dishwasher is also more hygienic, as germs and bacteria are removed effectively using washing programmes with temperatures over 70 °C. This is particularly important if you have a baby in your household.

Using a dishwasher in most cases also saves more energy and water than washing up by hand.

Integrated dishwashers

Integrated dishwashers do not have cladding. They are installed directly into your kitchen units in the same fashion as built-in ovens and fridges. With all kitchen cabinets having the same panel design, your kitchen will have a tidy look to it.

Under counter dishwashers

Under counter dishwashers fit perfectly into your kitchen in a similar fashion to integrated dishwashers. The difference is that under counter dishwashers have both front and side cladding. They are placed under the kitchen surface and can be adjusted to the right height, using adjustable worktop legs.

Freestanding dishwashers

Freestanding dishwashers can be placed anywhere in proximity to your water and electricity supply. When moving into a new house, freestanding appliances are more practical than integrated dishwashers as they don't have to be adjusted to fit your new kitchen units. The top surface can also be used for additional storage space. A freestanding dishwasher is also a good option when equipping a pre-designed kitchen.

Semi-integrated dishwashers

If the dishwasher has a visible control panel, it is a semi-integrated appliance. The benefit of having a semi-integrated dishwasher is that you can see the display, so you will be able to tell immediately when your dishes are clean.

If your appliance is entirely concealed behind a kitchen panel it is a fully integrated dishwasher. The control panel is located on the upper edge of the door. As there is no panel display informing you when your dishes are clean, modern appliances project the time remaining on the kitchen floor using an LED light.

Finding the right sized dishwasher depends on your needs and the amount of space available. The most common measurements are 45 cm wide for slimline dishwashers, to 60 cm for standard dishwashers. Ensure that your chosen model fits into your kitchen units or under your kitchen worktop.

In addition to exterior measurements, loading capacity is another important criterion. It is important to note that a dishwasher performs optimally when it is full. Do you live alone and eat out often, or are you an enthusiastic cook living in a four-person household?

Loading capacity is displayed in accordance with BS EN 60436. Place settings include:

• A dish plate, soup bowl and dessert plate;

• a cup and saucer;

• a drinking glass;

• a knife;

• a fork;

• a ladle, teaspoon and dessert spoon.

The following summary provides an overview of recommended loading capacities according to household size.

Modern dishwashers offer a range of washing programmes that vary in terms of duration and temperature. Most standard dishwashers have the following programmes:

• Normal or standard programme: suitable for delicate dishes that are moderately dirty.

• Baby or hygiene programme: suitable for baby bottles or cutting boards, upon which raw meat or fish is prepared.

• Quick wash or short programme: practical if in a hurry, or dirty dishes are everywhere after a party.

• Energy saving or Eco-programme: lets dishes soak for longer so that less energy and water are needed to clean them.

• Delicate, gentle or protection programme: perfect for delicate glass or porcelain.

• Automatic programme: automatically adjusts the programme length and temperature based on the dirtiness of the dish.

The names, duration and temperatures of the programmes will vary based on the manufacturer. The following table provides an overview of the most common wash programmes, as well as their average duration and temperature.

In choosing your new dishwasher, you should pay attention to additional features and equipment, which can improve safety and ease of use.

Features, equipment and accessories for dishwashers

• Automatic door opening ensures that the door opens after the programme has finished so that your dishes dry quicker.

• Smart dishwashers can be easily operated using your smartphone.

• A level gauge for dishwasher salt and rinse aid lets you know when to refill.

• Child protection: a button lock prevents your children from setting a programme by mistake when playing with the buttons.

• The flood protection feature interrupts the water supply when there are defects, preventing your kitchen from flooding.

• Adjustable upper racks allow more space for the lower shelf, if required.

• Glass and bottle holders, or removable cup trays are found in many dishwashers but can also be bought separately.

What is better? A cutlery tray or basket?

The cutlery basket is placed in the lower shelf and is removable. This allows you to place the clean cutlery on your kitchen surface so you can easily tidy it away.

Many modern dishwasher models, however, are equipped with a cutlery drawer that is pulled out above the upper rack. This allows you to pre-assort your cutlery and easily remove it without having to bend over.

Dishwasher noise

Loud dishwashers are particularly annoying in open plan rooms and can affect your comfort in the home. Choose a model with a maximum of 45 decibels - this is the equivalent of a residential area without street traffic, or a quiet conversation.

You can discover the decibel levels of a dishwasher is by reviewing its product information or energy label.

Dishwasher energy labels

Choose a dishwasher that is as efficient as possible. Energy-efficient dishwashers work using minimal electricity and water. This allows you to save money whilst protecting the enviroment. Since March 2021, all new dishwashers must be marked with an energy label. The best energy efficiency grade is A. Dishwashers with energy ratings of F or G, on the other hand, consume a lot of energy.

In addition to the energy efficiency rating, the label also provides information on:

• energy consumption per 100 operating cycles in kWh;

• Water consumption per cycle;

• the appliance's operation noise level in dB;

• maximum loading capacity;

• the length of an eco-programme wash cycle.

6 tips on washing dishes economically

1. Ensure that your dishwasher is completely full to save electricity and water.

2. Choose an appliance that is appropriate for your household and your habits.

3. Choose the energy-saving/eco-programme as often as possible when washing.

4. Care for your dishwasher regularly so that it cleans smoothly and lasts longer: clean the filter, remove limescale regularly using the appropriate cleaner, and use a programme running at a minimum of 60 °C.

5. Switch your dishwasher off as soon as your programme ends.

6. Use renewable energy to operate the dishwasher.

Ensure to dispose of your old dishwasher correctly by having it collected, or bringing it to a household recycling centre.

In order for your dishwasher to continue to operate without issues, make sure to clean it regularly. Taking care of your dishwasher correctly prevents unpleasant odours from developing inside.

• Select the appropriate hardness level to prevent limescale. Water hardness varies according to different regions, so it is best to enquire at the relevant water company as to the exact details regarding your water supply.

• Regularly clean the filter at the bottom of your dishwasher.

• Check the water dispensers for limescale or food bits, which can block the nozzles.

• Wipe the door seals occasionally using a wet cloth .

• Run your dishwasher empty, once per month at 60 °C , using the appropriate cleaning product, such as appliance cleaner.

You will find all the specific recommendations for your appliance in your dishwasher's product guide.

Further information on household appliances and kitchen cleaning can be found in the following advice guides.

• Fridge buying guide

• How to plan a kitchen layout