Dishwasher Buying Guide
Dishwasher Buying Guide
Dishwashers are useful appliances to have in any home. They save you the time and effort of scrubbing dishes by hand - and energy-efficient models can even save you money on your bills. Our dishwasher buying guide gives you all 'the need-to-knows' before making your purchase.
What is a dishwasher?
Dishwashers are appliances that use hot water and cleaning detergent to clean, rinse and dry dirty dishware, cookware, and cutlery. A dishwasher is a great way of saving time and money compared to hand washing dishes, as well as saving you the effort.
1. Decide on dishwasher type
First things first, you'll need to determine the type of dishwasher you can fit in your kitchen. There are three different types to choose from, and they all fit differently:
- Freestanding:
These dishwashers stand independently. The exterior and control panel are exposed and can be placed underneath a worktop or anywhere there is access to a water connection.
- Integrated:
Fully built into kitchen units, these appliances are hidden behind a kitchen cupboard door, blending in with your kitchen. The control panel sits on the top lip of the door for access when you're loading up.
- Semi-integrated:
Partially hidden with the control panel on show, the rest of the dishwasher is concealed by a door matching your cabinets. This fit offers the best of both worlds.
2. Dishwasher sizes
The first decision you'll need to make when choosing a cooker is what type of fuel would work best for you. Here are your options:
Full-size dishwashers:
Ideal for larger households. 85cm tall, 55-60cm deep and 60cm wide. Fit around 120-150 items.
Slimline dishwashers:
Small on the outside, large on the inside. 45cm wide, 55cm tall and 55-60cm deep. Fit around 9-10 place settings
3. Choose your place setting
Dishwasher capacity is measured in 'place settings' - this refers to how many sets of dishes, cutlery and glasses an appliance can clean in one go.
If you had eight people for dinner, you'd need a dishwasher with a place setting of eight to get everything sparkling clean with one cycle (aside from pots and pans).
One place setting should allow room for:
- One large dinner plate
- One small plate
- One cup
- One saucer
- One bowl
- One drinking glass
- Cutlery: a knife, fork, dessert spoon, and teaspoon
| Place setting | No. of people | No. of items (excl. pots & pans) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 36 |
| 8 | 8 | 48 |
| 10 | 10 | 60 |
| 12 | 12 | 72 |
| 14 | 14 | 84 |
| 16 | 16 | 96 |
4. How to measure for a new dishwasher
- Choose the right model from integrated, semi-integrated to freestanding dishwashers.
- Integrated dishwashers only need the width to be measured (60-70cm) because the height (82cm) and depth (55cm) are the standard sizes. Freestanding dishwashers have a general height of 84cm to 85cm, 60cm width and 59cm to 60cm depth. If you've chosen an integrated or freestanding slimline dishwasher, they have a standard width (45cm) and the same height and depth as the relevant standard model.
- Another simple way to measure for your new dishwasher is to measure the dimensions of your current appliance if you are choosing to upgrade. Make note of these for reference
- You can also measure the chosen area for your dishwasher to be on the safe side. This will guarantee a nice snug fit for your appliance when making your choice of size.
- You can find the dimensions of our products within the product description or feel free to contact us for assistance if you need.
- Once you know the dimensions and are ready to purchase your appliance, select our installation service at the checkout to make the process even easier for you.
5. Dishwasher energy ratings
Dishwasher energy ratings show you just how much energy your appliance produces, for a better understanding of how it can impact your utility bills and emissions. Dishwashers are rated from A to G, with A being the most efficient and G being the least. There are other ways to use less energy when washing dishes, including making sure your dishwasher is full for every cycle.
6. Dishwasher features to consider
Below, we've explained some useful functionalities that you'll come across as you shop around for your new appliance
Smart Dishwasher Technology:
Stop, start or activate a delayed start from your phone using Wi-Fi connectivity.
Half-load Option:
Save water and energy, even with a half-filled dishwasher. Your appliance can turn off the jets to either the top or the bottom.
Delay Start:
Set your dishwasher to start cleaning at a specified time. Time your cycle to finish when it works for you.
Quick Wash:
A quick wash lasts between 15 minutes to over an hour, for clean dishes even when you're in a hurry.
Child Lock:
Dishwashers have extremely hot water, so it's best to make sure little hands can't get into the appliance. Look for Child Lock if you have young children.
Quiet Mark:
For peace on an evening or while you're working, look for a dishwasher with a quiet mark - you'll forget it's even there!
7. Dishwasher brands
We stock a wide range of trusted dishwasher brands. You may want to stick with a particular brand that matches the kitchen appliances that you already have. Alternatively, you could compare brands and the different functions they offer.
Dishwasher FAQs
You might have lots of questions when choosing a dishwasher. Below are some dishwasher FAQs that customers tend to ask us. Can't find an answer to your question here? Get in touch with our team today and we'll be happy to help.
How much water does a dishwasher use?
Dishwashers don't use much water when compared to handwashing. A dishwasher will use around 11 litres of water per wash cycle. Whereas hand washing will generally use about 60l. You can save up to 18,000l of water per year with a dishwasher!
How much electricity do dishwashers use?
Dishwashers use roughly 1200 to 2400 watts depending on the type, although, on average, a dishwasher will use 1800 watts. This is the same amount of energy used to power a hairdryer for 10 minutes.
How much does a dishwasher cost to run?
On average, a dishwasher will cost between £40 and £60 per year to run. More energy-efficient models will cost the least.
How long does a dishwasher last?
A dishwasher should last around 10 years.
Where can I install my new dishwasher?
Whichever fit you choose, your new dishwasher will need to be installed near a water supply and drainage point.
What does dishwasher salt do?
Dishwasher salt softens the water to gain better cleaning results. Hard water makes it difficult for dishwasher detergents to dissolve because it has more lime. Hard water affects the cleaning results.
How should I clean my new dishwasher?
The foundation of a lot of odour issues with dishwashers is due to food remnants sitting in the appliance. After each cycle, make it a habit to remove bits of food. Rinse the dishwasher filter by running it under hot water safely. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the filter as you do this. To clean the interior of your dishwasher use vinegar. Fill the safe bowl with 1 cup of vinegar and put it on a hot water cycle. The vinegar will remove any grease, food, residue and grime
Added to your basket
You've added an item to your basket.