What Dishwasher To Buy? The Full Dishwasher Buyers Guide

Choosing a great dishwasher can be a hard decision as it is an investment for you and your home that you want to work on for years to come.

Say goodbye to washing up by hand with my full dishwasher buyer guide to help you choose the right one.

I know you might say a dishwasher is just a dishwasher and their all the same right?

This is not true.

There are many different types of dishwashers, including full-size, slimline, compact, then you have freestanding, semi-integrated and fully-integrated, and many various features and programs with that aside the overall factor of buying a dishwasher is the space that you have in the kitchen and the size of the family in the home.

Is it a minefield, right?

When I was looking for a dishwasher myself I had all these questions, and I'm a plumber and kitchen fitter, so if I'm, I'm having trouble picking the right dishwasher how can other people that's not a kitchen fitter or even a tradesperson.

If you read on, I will go through all you need to know before buying a dishwasher.

In this guide:

What I Look For When Recommending Dishwashers

I have been a plumber and kitchen fitter for many years; therefore, I have large amounts of experience in dishwashers and appliances in general.

When I recommended a dishwasher, I look at many different factors such as

• Cost
• Energy rating and costs
• Reliability and Warranties
• Amount of place settings
• Anti-leak devices
• Programs and features
• Manufacturers warranties

What Is The Average Cost Of A Dishwasher

The average cost of freestanding dishwashers is between £190 and £300 whereas semi-integrated and fully integrated dishwashers average between £250 and £500 and slimline dishwashers average between £250 and $500 dishwashers are typically into three price brackets which are budget, mid-range and luxury.

Recommended Budget Dishwashers

There are several reasonably good reliable dishwashers in the budget range in both freestanding and integrated there are also good budget versions of compact dishwashers, for a budget dishwasher you would be looking to spend under £300.00.

Recommended Freestanding Dishwashers For Under £300

1. Beko DVN05R20W Freestanding dishwasher

Dishwasher Specs at a Glance

• A++ Energy rating
• Anti-flood devices
• Childproof lock
• Cutlery basket
• Delay timer
• Half-load wash option
• 13 place settings
• 30-minute quick wash
• 1-year manufacturer warranty

This dishwasher will cost an average of £40.34 to run per year based on the energy cost of 15.40p per unit, and the water consumption will be an average of 3612 litres per year

2. Hotpoint HFE2B+26CNUK Freestanding dishwasher

Dishwasher Specs at a Glance

• A++ Energy rating
• Anti-flood devices
• Cutlery basket
• Delay timer
• Adjustable height top basket
• 13 place settings
• 30-minute quick wash
• 1-year manufacturer warranty

This dishwasher will cost an average of £40.50 to run per year based on the energy cost of 15.40p per unit, and the water consumption will be an average of 3360 litres per year

Recommended Integrated Dishwashers For Under £300

1. Indesit DIE2B19UK Fully integrated dishwasher

Dishwasher Specs at a Glance

• A+ Energy rating
• Anti-flood devices
• Cutlery basket
• Fixed door fixing
• Adjustable height top basket
• 13 place settings
• 28-minute quick wash
• 1-year manufacturer warranty

This dishwasher will cost an average of £45.58 to run per year based on the energy cost of 15.40p per unit, and the water consumption will be an average of 3360 litres per year.

2. Hisense HV603D40UK Fully integrated dishwasher

Dishwasher Specs at a Glance

• A+++ Energy rating
• Anti-flood devices
• Cutlery basket
• Delay timer
• Half load option
• Fixed door fixing
• Adjustable height top basket
• 14 place settings
• 40-minute quick wash
• 2-year manufacturer warranty

This dishwasher will cost an average of £36.65 to run per year based on the energy cost of 15.40p per unit, and the water consumption will be an average of 2800 litres per year

Recommended Freestanding Slimline Dishwashers For Under £300

Electra C1745WE Slimline dishwasher

Dishwasher Specs at a Glance

• A++ Energy rating
• Cutlery basket
• Delay timer
• Adjustable height top basket
• 10 place settings
• 30-minute quick wash
• 1-year manufacturer warranty

This dishwasher will cost an average of £42.80 to run per year based on the energy cost of 15.40p per unit, and the water consumption will be an average of 3080 litres per year

Recommended Integrated Slimline Dishwashers For Under £300

Belling IDW45 Fully Integrated Slimline Dishwasher

Dishwasher Specs at a Glance

• A++ Energy rating
• Anti-flood devices
• Adjustable plate spikes
• Cutlery basket
• Delay timer
• Half load option
• Adjustable height top basket
• 10 place settings
• 30-minute quick wash
• 1-year manufacturer warranty

This dishwasher will cost an average of £32.34 to run per year based on the energy cost of 15.40p per unit, and the water consumption will be an average of 2520 litres per year

Recommended Mid-range Dishwashers

If you are purchasing a dishwasher you want it to last the test of time, therefore, a mid-range dishwasher would be best suited however they do cost a bit more, and consequently, you would be looking to spend between 300 and £500.

Also, the manufactures warranties are typically more extended than the budget range

Recommended Freestanding Dishwashers For Under £500

1. Bosch Serie 2 SMS2ITW08G Freestanding dishwasher

Dishwasher Specs at a Glance

• A++ Energy rating
• Anti-flood devices
• Adjustable plate spikes
• Cutlery basket
• Delay timer
• Adjustable height top basket
• 12 place settings
• 29-minute quick wash
• 2-year manufacturer warranty

This dishwasher will cost an average of £45.27 to run per year based on the energy cost of 15.40p per unit, and the water consumption will be an average of 2940 litres per year

2. Samsung Series 7 DW60R7040FW Freestanding dishwasher

Dishwasher Specs at a Glance

• A+++ Energy rating
• Anti-flood devices
• Adjustable plate spikes
• Childproof
• Cutlery basket
• Delay timer
• Half load option
• Adjustable height top basket
• 13 place settings
• 55-minute quick wash
• 2-year manufacturer warranty

This dishwasher will cost an average of £36.04 to run per year based on the energy cost of 15.40p per unit, and the water consumption will be an average of 2772 litres per year

Recommended Fully Integrated Dishwashers For Under £500

1. Smeg DIA13M2 Fully integrated dishwasher

Dishwasher Specs at a Glance

• A++ Energy rating
• Anti-flood devices
• Adjustable plate spikes
• Cutlery basket
• Fixed door fixing
• Half load option
• Adjustable height top basket
• 13 place settings
• 27-minute quick wash
• 2-year manufacturer warranty

This dishwasher will cost an average of £39.73 to run per year based on the energy cost of 15.40p per unit, and the water consumption will be an average of 3360 litres per year

2. Bosch Serie 4 SMV46GX01G Fully integrated dishwasher

Dishwasher Specs at a Glance

• A++ Energy rating
• Anti-flood devices
• Adjustable plate spikes
• Cutlery basket
• Delay timer
• Fixed door fixing
• Adjustable height top basket
• 12 place settings
• 29-minute quick wash
• 2-year manufacturer warranty

This dishwasher will cost an average of £39.73 to run per year based on the energy cost of 15.40p per unit, and the water consumption will be an average of 2800 litres per year

Recommended Freestanding Slimline Dishwashers For Under £500

Zanussi ZSFN131W1 Slimline Freestanding dishwasher

Dishwasher Specs at a Glance

• A+ Energy rating
• Adjustable plate spikes
• Cutlery basket
• Delay timer
• Adjustable height top basket
• 10 place settings
• 30-minute quick wash
• 1-year manufacturer warranty

This dishwasher will cost an average of £30.34 to run per year based on the energy cost of 15.40p per unit, and the water consumption will be an average of 2574 litres per year

Recommended Fully Integrated Slimline Dishwashers For Under £300

Bosch Serie 2 SPV2HKX39G Fully integrated dishwasher

Dishwasher Specs at a Glance

• A+ Energy rating
• Anti-flood devices
• Adjustable plate spikes
• Cutlery basket
• Delay timer
• Fixed door fixing
• Adjustable height top basket
• 9 place settings
• 29-minute quick wash
• 2-year manufacturer warranty

This dishwasher will cost an average of £33.88 to run per year based on the energy cost of 15.40p per unit, and the water consumption will be an average of 2380 litres per year

Recommended Luxury Dishwashers

If you want to purchase an all-singing dancing dishwasher then you will want to buy a luxury dishwasher, some of these luxury dishwashers come equipped with WI-FI contestability and phone control, and some don't.

Again, the manufactures warranties are typically more extended than the budget range.

Recommended Freestanding Dishwashers For above £600

1. AEG FFE63700PW Freestanding dishwasher

Dishwasher Specs at a Glance

• A+++ Energy rating
• Anti-flood devices
• Adjustable plate spikes
• Cutlery tray
• Delay timer
• Adjustable height top basket
• Air drying technology
• 15 place settings
• 30-minute quick wash
• 2-year manufacturer warranty

This dishwasher will cost an average of £37.11 to run per year based on the energy cost of 15.40p per unit, and the water consumption will be an average of 3080 litres per year

2. Miele G5222SC Freestanding dishwasher

Dishwasher Specs at a Glance

• A+++ Energy rating
• Anti-flood devices
• Adjustable plate spikes
• Childproof
• Touch control
• Cutlery tray
• Cutlery basket
• Delay timer
• Adjustable height top basket
• 13 place settings
• 58-minute quick wash
• 2-year manufacturer warranty

This dishwasher will cost an average of £32.80 to run per year based on the energy cost of 15.40p per unit, and the water consumption will be an average of 2492 litres per year

Recommended Fully Integrated Dishwashers For above £600

1. Miele G5272SCVi Fully integrated dishwasher

Dishwasher Specs at a Glance

• A+++ Energy rating
• Anti-flood devices
• Adjustable plate spikes
• Cutlery basket
• Delay timer
• Fixed door fixing
• Adjustable height top basket
• 14 place settings
• 60-minute quick wash
• 2-year manufacturer warranty

This dishwasher will cost an average of £32.80 to run per year based on the energy cost of 15.40p per unit, and the water consumption will be an average of 2492 litres per year

2. Miele G7160SCVi Fully integrated dishwasher

Dishwasher Specs at a Glance

• B Energy rating
• Anti-flood devices
• Adjustable plate spikes
• Childproof lock
• Cutlery tray
• Delay timer
• Fixed door fixing
• Adjustable height top basket
• 14 place settings
• 58-minute quick wash
• 2-year manufacturer warranty

This dishwasher will cost an average of £39.73 to run per year based on the energy cost of 15.40p per unit, and the water consumption will be an average of 2800 litres per year

Recommended Freestanding Slimline Dishwashers For above £600

Siemens IQ-300 SR23E128ME Slimline Freestanding dishwasher

Dishwasher Specs at a Glance

• A++ Energy rating
• Anti-flood devices
• Childproof lock
• Adjustable plate spikes
• Cutlery tray
• Delay timer
• Adjustable height top basket
• 10 place settings
• 29-minute quick wash
• 5-year manufacturer warranty

This dishwasher will cost an average of £32.49 to run per year based on the energy cost of 15.40p per unit, and the water consumption will be an average of 2660 litres per year

Recommended Fully Integrated Slimline Dishwashers For above £600

NEFF N50 S975HKX20G Fully integrated dishwasher

Dishwasher Specs at a Glance

• A+ Energy rating
• Anti-flood devices
• Adjustable plate spikes
• Cutlery tray
• Delay timer
• Fixed door fixing
• Adjustable height top basket
• 9 place settings
• 2-year manufacturer warranty

This dishwasher will cost an average of £32.49 to run per year based on the energy cost of 15.40p per unit, and the water consumption will be an average of 2380 litres per year

Which Type Of Dishwasher To Buyer?

Full-size Dishwasher

Pros

• Perfect size for larger families
• A large amount of choice
• Good prices to meet most budgets

Cons

• Smaller families will struggle to fill the dishwasher, therefore, run out of cutlery.

Slimline dishwashers

Pros

• As they are smaller, they can fit in smaller kitchens more easily

Cons

• They are 15cm (150mm) smaller; therefore, a larger family will struggle
• A smaller amount of choice, therefore, harder to meet all budgets

Compact dishwashers

Compact dishwashers are also known as countertop dishwashers.

Pros

• Perfect for small apartments or flats
• Ideal for one or two-person homes

Cons

• They sit on top of the worktop taking up space
• Very small so, therefore, one good for families
• Can be different to install

Now we will look at the pros and cons of the three different styles of dishwashers.

Free Standing dishwashers

Pros

• As this type of machine is very common, there is a large volume of choices to fit all budgets

• Easy to remove clean and carry out maintenance

• Easier to install or replace

• Can be easy to remove if moving home

Cons

• They can stick out from the worktop

• They are not always the nicest looking for a modern kitchen

Integrated dishwashers

Pros

• As this type of machine is very common, there is a large volume of choices to fit all budgets

• Can fit under the worktop with a door on the front so that the dishwasher bleeds into the kitchen nicely

Cons

• Can be different to install or replace

• Unable to remove if moving home

Semi-Integrated dishwashers

Pros

• Can be fitted in line with the kitchen; therefore, they don’t stick out

Cons

• Can be difficult to install or replace

• Can look quite ugly as they have a door on the bottom and the face of the dishwasher on the top

• Unable to remove if moving home

• Not as common and there the vary limited to choose

Smart Dishwashers

Smart dishwashers are now part of modern-day homes as they are getting smarter each year.

A smart dishwasher is connected to Wi-Fi and has the functionality to use voice via a virtual home assistant such as Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant or a smartphone.

Recommended Fully Integrated Smart Dishwasher

Candy CDI1LS38S wi-fi Fully integrated dishwasher

Dishwasher Specs at a Glance

• A+ Energy rating
• Anti-flood devices
• Cutlery tray
• Delay timer
• Residual Heat
• Fixed door fixing
• Half load Option
• Adjustable height top basket
• 13 place settings
• 29-minute quick wash
• 1-year manufacturer warranty

This dishwasher will cost an average of £45.43 to run per year based on the energy cost of 15.40p per unit, and the water consumption will be an average of 3120 litres per year

Smart Dishwashers Pros And Cons

Pros

There are a lot of pros when it comes to a smart dishwasher, for example, the Samsung Series 9 comes with an app that goes onto your phone or tablet, and you can have full control over the dishwasher

With this dishwasher, you can control the top and lower rack independently from each other and even control when the dishwasher starts so that when you get home, you know the washing up is all finished.

Some smart dishwasher also comes with leak monitoring and performance alerts and can be much quieter and more energy-saving.

 Cons

The cons of a smart dishwashers are that they can be more expensive than a standard dishwasher as they are mostly luxury dishwashers.

Because of the technology behind, them, I would recommend that you take out any warranties if they are available however with the Samsung dishwasher above, one of the reasons I picked this one is because of the 5-year warranty.

One other big con for me is if the appliance has leak monitoring you could become reliant on the dishwasher or App to tell you there is a problem however if that fails for whatever reason you will never know there is a problem.

With that in mind, we are relying on technology, and let's face it technology always fails and some point.

Are The More Expensive Dishwashers Worth It?

The more expensive dishwashers will have more functionality and features such as wi-fi they can usually have more extended warranties; however, they will be more expensive.

How Long Do Dishwashers Last

Dishwashers are expected to last between 6 and 10 years with the average dishwasher being replaced after 8 years this is because over time the dishwasher components start to wear out which in some cases can cost as much as a new dishwasher.

Which Is The Most Reliable Brand Of Dishwasher

The most reliable brands of dishwashers in my experience are  

• Bosch
• Neff
• Samsung
• Miele
• AEG

This is based on the years of dishwashers I have supplied and installed and the years of plumbing service calls.

Dishwasher Programs And Features To Look Out For

All dishwashers come with some of the same features and programs; however, they can also differ as to the features and programs you get with your dishwasher usually varies between the three different prices baskets of budget, mid-range and luxury

Dishwasher Features To Look Out For

Some of the most common features are anti-flood, delay start and cutlery baskets, where they differ can be on things such as childproof locking doors, cutlery trays and the types of displays the list below is the most common features you should be looking out for.

• Anti-flood protection

• Adjustable racks

• Removable cutlery tray

• Child Safety Lock

• Adjustable plate spikes

• Delay Start

• Drying method

• Automatic wash sensor

• Half Load Wash

• Dishwasher capacity

I will quickly go through some of the basic dishwasher functions, and what they do so you can make the discussion if they are essential to you or not.

Anti-flood protection- This anti-flood protection device comes with all dishwashers from budget to luxury as this is a device that tells the dishwasher to stop the water flow to prevent water from flooding out of the dishwasher onto the floor.

Adjustable racks – Not all dishwasher comes with adjustable shelves as some will be fixed, and therefore you are unable to move them to allow for more oversized dishwashers. If you have large house gatherings, then adjustable racks would be suitable to have.

Cutlery tray – Now not all dishwashers come with a cutlery tray the only dishwashers that do come with a cutlery tray are luxury dishwashers.

If you don't have a cutlery tray, you will most likely get a removable cutlery basket instead.

Child Safety Lock – A child safety lock is a lock on the door that will help prevent children from opening the door when the dishwasher is on as the water can vary hot and this will help to prevent the child from getting burnt

Adjustable plate spikes – These are what hold the plate upright, so if you can lower them when you have larger items than with adjustable plate spikes, you can do that otherwise they are rigid.

Delay Start – This is a feature that will allow delaying the start of the dishwasher so if you don't like to leave the dishwasher on when you are at work or if you want to use the dishwasher at night if the energy costs are cheaper this can be a great function to have.

Start delay timers can vary from 12 hours to 24 hours

Drying method – This is the way the dishwasher dry's the items inside the dishwasher during the cycle, and this can be completed in several ways such as heating element, residual heat, and airflow this varies depending on the dishwasher

Automatic wash sensor – The auto wash function is an electronic sensor that detects the toughness of the leftover food on the plate or cookware. Then the sensor adjusts the water temperature the best clean the dishes.

Half Load Wash – The dishwasher detects the load amount and reduces the amount of water used to save on water.

Dishwasher Programs To Look Out For

As for the programs these again have the most common programs such as quick wash and half load washing options however these also can differ from make to make and even model to model

• Pre-rinse

• Main Washing

• Eco

• Quick wash

• Intensive

• Delicate

Now I will quickly go through some of the basic dishwasher programs that you should look out for to decide whether they are essential to you or not.

Pre-rinse – This is excellent for those extra dirty dishes, where there many are tough stain the pre-rinse help to loosen them so that once washed you have a better result.

Economy – The most energy-efficient way to clean the dishes while staying environmentally friend

Quick wash – If you only have a small amount in the dishwasher then the quick wash is an excellent program best used on less grand in dirty

Intensive – The intensive cycle is where there are very tough powered jets working simultaneously on grand in dirty on dishes or cookware

Delicate – The delicate wash cycle is designed for those fragile dishes and some glassware such as crystal the dishwasher has a gentler spray to avoid damaging the items

How Much Does A Dishwasher Cost To Run

Dishwashers' average electric usage is between 190Kwh and 295Kwh, which costs on average between £29.26 and £45.43 per year based on 15.40p per unit.

You will need to add the cost of the water on top of the electrical charge, dishwashers use on average between 2200 litres and 2900 litres of water per year.

How Noisy Are Dishwashers

Dishwashers range from 44db to 60bd however nowadays the large brand is making them much quieter, and therefore they are between 44db and 50bd which might sound loud, but in fact, they are just below the noise level that would wake someone up.

I hope this guide has helped you make a more informed decision when buying a dishwasher.

Once you have purchased your dishwasher you might wish to install or replace the dishwasher yourself without paying a plumber if that is the case I have a how-to guide for you on how to install or replace a dishwasher