Buying a dishwasher is a large financial commitment that, when made well, can save you time, effort and money by cutting the cost of your annual energy bills.

Advertisement

The average household in England and Wales spends £473 per year on water (including waste), and washing the dishes accounts for four per cent of domestic waste use. Dishwashers can provide an all-round more efficient way of cleaning dishes, which means you spend less time at the sink in a pair of rubber gloves.

To help you navigate making such an investment purchase, we've spoken to domestic white goods experts from Quiet Mark, AO, Currys, Appliances Direct, Samsung and independent advisors from UK Whitegoods to bring you trusted advice and recommended dishwasher suggestions, and help you make an informed decision about which dishwasher to spend your money on.

Want to make a saving on your purchase? Discover our guide to the best dishwasher deals.

Best dishwashers at a glance

  • Best freestanding dishwasher: Samsung Series 11 DW60A8060FS, £699
  • Best integrated dishwasher: Bosch Series 6 SMD6TCX00E, £999
  • Best semi-integrated dishwasher: Bosch Series 2 SMI2ITB33G, £579
  • Best energy efficient dishwasher: Beko Pro BDFN36560WCFG, £549
  • Best energy-efficient integrated dishwasher: Samsung DW60A8060BB, £799
  • Best energy-efficient freestanding dishwasher: Beko BDFN36640CX, £429
  • Best slimline integrated dishwasher: Indesit DSIO3T224EZUKN, £323.97
  • Best slimline freestanding dishwasher: Beko DVS04X20W, £269
  • Best smart integrated dishwasher: Neff S1531TX02G N30, £449
  • Best tabletop dishwasher: Bosch Series 4 SKS62E32EU, £549

Jump to section:

More like this

Best dishwashers to buy in 2024

Samsung Series 11 DW60A8060FS freestanding dishwasher

Samsung Series 11 DW60A8060FS freestanding dishwasher

Best freestanding dishwasher

Energy rating: B

Top features:

  • 14 place settings
  • Adjustable trays
  • Quick-wash programme
  • Delay timer
  • Auto door opening

Cycle options: 8

Versatile and flexible, this B-rated dishwasher has ample capacity for a medium-to-large-sized family or anyone who loves to entertain. There's an express-wash setting for speedy cleaning, and an eco cycle that uses less water and lower temperatures (great for keeping energy costs down).

If you've got a particularly sizeable load, you can use the Flex Load system to adjust various sections, too, so you don't have to run multiple cycles. Once the cycle is finished, you can also programme the door to open automatically, so everything inside dries naturally.

Available from:

Bosch Series 6 SMD6TCX00E fully integrated dishwasher

Bosch Series 6 SMD6TCX00E fully integrated dishwasher

Best integrated dishwasher

Energy rating: A

Top features:

  • 14 place settings
  • WiFi-enabled
  • Zeolith drying technology
  • Adjustable racks
  • Quick-wash programme

Cycle options: 6

A good integrated dishwasher should fit seamlessly into your existing kitchen set-up, and this Bosch model really looks the part. Featuring Bosch's PerfectDry technology, it uses minerals called Zeolites that absorb any leftover moisture after the cycle has finished – so you shouldn't need a tea towel when you're emptying a clean load.

There's more space in the lower baskets for large items thanks to the VarioDrawer at the top, where all your cutlery can sit. You can also keep an eye on how long is left on a cycle with the handy InfoLight, which reflects onto your kitchen floor, or with the Bosch Home Connect app, where you can manage your dishwasher remotely.

Available from:

Bosch Series 2 SMI2ITB33G semi-integrated dishwasher

Bosch Series 2 SMI2ITB33G semi-integrated dishwasher

Best semi-integrated dishwasher

Energy rating: E

Top features:

  • 12 place settings
  • Half-load setting
  • Adaptive auto programme
  • Delay start

Cycle options: 5

Ideal for smaller households, this Bosch appliance is built with sensors that detect how dirty your plates, glassware and cutlery are – then adjusts the water levels and temperature to match the load, saving time and energy.

Alongside the 60-minute quick-wash cycle, it also has a silence programme that reduces the noise levels to a minimum. There's an extra third basket for storing smaller utensils, leaving you more room for dishes and cookware underneath. When you want to control your dishwasher remotely or check how long is left on a cycle, you can also pair your appliance with the Bosch Home Connect app.

Available from:

Beko Pro BDFN36560WCFG WiFi-enabled dishwasher

Beko Pro BDFN36560WCFG WiFi-enabled dishwasher

Best energy efficient dishwasher

Energy rating: A

Top features:

  • 15 place settings
  • WiFi-enabled
  • LCD touchscreen
  • Half-load, quick-wash and eco cycles
  • Includes extra third rack

Cycle options: 6

Rated as 'best for energy savings' by independent energy expert YourEko, for its low running costs, this A-rated dishwasher has six settings to suit a variety of loads – this means you're never using more water or energy than is required. Where it falls short on eco credentials is the manufacturer's guarantee, which is just one year.

If you need the dishes washed in a hurry, the Fast45 programme cleans and dries a full load in just 45 minutes. The intensive setting, on the other hand, uses higher temperatures to shift particularly stubborn stains or wash heavily soiled dishes. The additional third rack means there's more storage space inside, and you can easily keep track on your dishwasher's progress with the HomeWhiz app.

Available from:

Samsung DW60A8060BB integrated WiFi-enabled dishwasher

Samsung DW6OA8O6OBB integrated WiFi-enabled dishwasher

Best energy-efficient integrated dishwasher

Energy rating: B

Top features:

  • 14 place settings
  • WiFi-enabled
  • Great for medium households
  • Half-load setting to reduce energy and water waste
  • Flexible interior

Cycle options: 7

This Samsung dishwasher is a versatile choice for medium-sized households, offering both flexible storage and easy height adjustment. Its eco credentials, however, are the standout. Even under the new energy rating classification system it scores a B, and its half-load option enables lower energy usage when you have fewer dishes to clean.

With 14 place settings and seven programmes, it also has some pretty impressive technology, including voice controls and an auto-door option that allows dishes to dry more quickly. There's an app, too, which you can use to download more functions, plus a speed boost setting that reduces timings for each programme.

Available from:

Beko BDFN3664OCX full-size dishwasher

Beko BDFN3664OCX full-size dishwasher

Best energy-efficient freestanding dishwasher

Energy rating: C

Top features:

  • 16 place settings
  • Ideal for larger households
  • 30-minute quick-wash programme
  • Self-dry function
  • Adjustable baskets

Cycle options: 6

With 16 place settings, this large-capacity dishwasher still manages to be both water- and energy-efficient. There are programmes for when you're in a hurry – including the quick-wash setting that can clean a full load in just 30 minutes. The hotter HygieneIntense function, which claims to kill up to 99.9 per cent of bacteria, is also impressive and a nice safety feature.

Flexibility-wise it scores highly, with an adjustable upper basket and folding plate that allows more room for large dishes and pans. The cutlery tray is at the very top, offering up more space elsewhere, and there's a self-dry function that lets air into the dishwasher after the programme has finished. Another nice touch is the bright interior light, so you can easily check what's inside without having to pull an entire drawer out.

Available from:

Indesit DSIO3T224EZUKN 10-place setting fully-integrated dishwasher

Indesit 10-place setting fully-integrated dishwasher

Best slimline integrated dishwasher

Energy rating: B

Top features:

  • 10 place settings
  • Great for small households
  • Quiet performance
  • 40-minute quick-clean cycle
  • Half-load option

Cycle options: 9

If you're limited on space and want a dishwasher that slots easily into your kitchen, an integrated slimline model will help you achieve that seamless look. At 45cm across, this Indesit dishwasher fits neatly into tighter spaces, and because it's more compact than a regular-sized dishwasher, it typically uses less water and energy, too.

It's also quiet, which is handy if you live in an open-plan space, and its rapid cleaning cycle produces gleaming results in just 40 minutes. With 10 place settings, it's great for smaller households, plus there's a handy half-load option if you can't quite fill it to full capacity. There are five programmes to choose from, including an eco setting. The 10-year parts warranty offers excellent value as well.

Available from:

Beko DVSO4X2OW slimline dishwasher

Beko DVS04X20W dishwasher

Best slimline freestanding dishwasher

Energy rating: E

Top features:

  • Great for smaller households
  • 10 place settings
  • 30-minute quick-wash setting
  • Half-load function
  • Flexible functions, including a removable cutlery basket

Cycle options: 4

Versatile and surprisingly spacious, this dishwasher from Beko comes with folding cup racks and a removable sliding cutlery basket, which is ideal if you need more room for larger dishes and pans.

It has 10 place settings, so offers ample capacity for smaller households, plus a half-load function for those days when you have fewer dishes and glasses to clean. There's four programmes to choose from: eco, intensive, quick and shine, and mini – the latter of which blasts lightly soiled items in just 30 minutes.

The delayed timer is a handy cost-saving feature, too, as you can set the dishwasher to run later at night when energy tariffs are lower.

Available from:

Neff N30 integrated dishwasher S1531TX02G

Neff N30 integrated dishwasher S1531TX02G

Best smart integrated dishwasher

Energy rating: E

Top features:

  • 12 place settings
  • Two-year warranty
  • Info Light when running
  • Smart capabilities

Cycle options: 5

This N30 model by Neff sits at the more affordable end of the price spectrum for a smart home-compatible dishwasher, able to be voice activated and controlled remotely by smartphone.

However, sometimes it's the simple things that make life easier, like handy lights projected onto the floor to show when the dishwasher is running.

It lacks a separate cutlery tray, offering a basket instead. However, a Chef 70C program is on offer for blasting sticky, starchy remnants with a high heat. It's also possible to save a favourite wash cycles for quick starting.

Available from:

Bosch Series 4 SKS62E32EU compact dishwasher

Bosch Series 4 SKS62E32EU compact dishwasher

Best tabletop dishwasher

Energy rating: F

Top features:

  • 6 place settings
  • Functions quietly
  • Auto detergent detection
  • Basket system

Cycle options: 6

Offering six programmes, including eco and quick-wash cycles, this tabletop dishwasher provides a compact solution for small kitchens, mobile homes, or anyone who struggles with bending down.

At 45cm x 55cm, it comes with all the sections you'd expect to find in a traditional fully-sized dishwasher, including cup shelves and a removable cutlery basket. Using the AquaSensor and LoadSensor, it's also able to identify how much water and energy you need per cycle, depending on the size of the load and how heavily soiled the dishes are.

According to UK Whitegoods, several tabletop dishwasher brands offer little to no post-purchase support, and availability of spare parts is often rare. For this Bosch model, however, we found that spare parts can be purchased via the Bosch website should you need them in future.

Available from:

Which dishwasher should I buy?

When it comes to choosing a dishwasher, Lauren Clark, trading director of AO says to carefully consider what features are important to your household, such as:

  • What energy efficiency you'd prefer
  • How many table settings you'll need it to wash
  • How flexible you need the shelving to be

Some dishwashers are more adaptable for switching between stacking pots and pans, and lots of glassware.

"We're looking at all the same features as the buyer at home when choosing which dishwashers to stock at AO," Lauren says.

The following are also factors to consider:

  • The quality of the appliance
  • How much energy it uses
  • How easy it is to use
  • How good it looks in the kitchen

What type of dishwasher do I need?

Depending on the design of your kitchen, dishwashers can be installed differently to best fit the space available. There are three main types:

Integrated: integrated dishwashers sit under your kitchen counters and are entirely hidden by a furniture door that matches the rest of your kitchen.

Semi-integrated: the dishwasher is also placed under a countertop but the machine’s panel and door is on show.

Freestanding: these can stand alone wherever you place them and are finished on all sides.

What dishwasher features and programmes should I look for?

Andy Trigg, director of whitegoodshelp.co.uk – with over 45 years in the white goods and domestic appliance industry – shares his recommendations of features to look out for when buying a new dishwasher.

  • Place settings: this should be prominently mentioned in the dishwasher’s specs. Capacities range from 12 place settings up to 16 on a full-size dishwasher. The place settings calculation should be around 10 items per person, including cutlery.
  • Anti-flood protection: a dishwasher with anti-flood protection should detect leaks, drain out the water and shut off before any major damage is done.
  • Child lock: with all dishwashers, as soon as the door is pulled open the dishwasher stops working. You can usually just see the spray arms slowly come to a halt. However, the dishwasher could potentially be full of very hot water, plus there is access to sharp knives. So, it might be desirable to have a dishwasher with a child lock system.
  • Adjustable top rack: some top racks move up and down to accommodate extra large dishes or pans.
  • Hot-fill option: some dishwashers can be connected to the hot water supply instead of cold. This may or may not be something that you are aware of as a possibility. Dishwashers are normally plumbed in with only a cold water supply, so if you wanted to use hot water instead you would need to have extra plumbing fitted.
  • Quiet Mark symbol: if a dishwasher is advertised and promoted as being quiet, then it should be fairly safe to rely on that.
  • Eco setting: a longer wash cycle that uses less energy.
  • Auto wash: sensors that can detect how clean or dirty the water is and adjust the wash cycle accordingly.
  • Time remaining display: while not always 100 per cent accurate, they do usually give a reasonable estimate of the time remaining. It's extremely useful if you don’t want to leave a dishwasher running when leaving the house or going to bed (never leave a dishwasher running when no one is around).

AO's dishwasher expert Gwil Snook also suggests looking out for automatic washing technology. "This creates shortcuts to your favourite programmes and can help you start a full wash and dry cycle with just a touch of a button, which can save you a lot of time and effort."

How to pick an eco-friendly dishwasher

As climate change and economic uncertainty continue to dominate the news, many households are seeking out more eco-friendly appliances to cut down on energy and water usage.

When it comes to dishwashers, experts at Currys and AO advise looking for a machine with an eco setting. This can help you reduce energy and water use quickly, particularly if your dishes only need a light wash.

Look at the energy rating, too, says AO's Emma Krystena McDermott: "Choosing a dishwasher with a good energy-efficiency rating will use less electricity and save money. You should also compare the annual water consumption – this is usually based on an average cycle."

"Finding a dishwasher that works for your specific household and lifestyle is another good way to ensure you won't waste energy or water," says Joe Close, dishwasher expert from Appliances Direct.

If you're going to be producing lots of dirty dishes and glasses throughout the day, it's much more eco-friendly to run a larger dishwasher once than a smaller dishwasher several times, adds Currys. Similarly, you shouldn't buy a dishwasher that's bigger than your needs, as it will be at its most efficient when run at full capacity.

Which dishwasher mistakes can cost you more money?

"Using incorrect settings when shorter or less energy-consuming settings are more suitable" is one of the biggest mistakes most households make, says Joe Close from Appliances Direct.

UK White Goods' Kenneth Watt echoes this: "Lots of people use the wrong cycle, detergent and programme, and when the machine doesn't do the job effectively, they just put it back on again, which wastes energy, time and money."

"Learning how to use your dishwasher efficiently in terms of load, detergent and general use will prove more effective in the way of savings," he adds. "There are also guides on the UK White Goods' website that show you how to run your machine correctly, and even getting halfway there can make a monumental difference."

Keep your dishwasher as clean as possible, too, says Joe Close. "This stops dirt building up, which can cause problems down the line. Hand-washing items such as oily pans instead of putting them in the dishwasher can also prevent your appliance from working overtime and clogging up drains."

Understanding efficiency ratings

Legislation by both the UK Government and the European Commission dictates that all dishwashers sold in the UK and EU must have a label showing their energy efficiency rating.

As of March 2021, the former classification system of some large white goods from A+++ (most efficient) to G (least efficient) was dropped in favour of a simpler of A-G grading system, thereby making room for brands to make technological improvements around sustainability at the top.

As a result, many dishwashers which previously boasted A+++ ratings now loiter around the C-E area; a move that's hoped will re-ignite competition between manufacturers when it comes to sustainability.

Dishwasher whitegoods label

The energy class system on these labels takes into account the following information:

  • Energy consumption of an eco wash
  • Power consumption when the dishwasher is not switched on
  • Power consumption when in standby mode
  • Standby mode duration
  • Capacity of the dishwasher
  • Programme type

Insights on the machine’s noise emissions, drying performance and water consumption per standard cycle should also be included, according to UK legislation. This label focuses on the eco functions of each dishwasher which generally have longer duration times, but should be more efficient.

Which is cheaper – washing-up or using a dishwasher?

"Modern, energy-efficient dishwashers are a great way to save water usage in your home," says Lauren Clark of AO. "It’s a common myth that they use more water than hand-washing, and the higher temperatures used means that they are also far more effective at killing bacteria."

According to the Energy Saving Trust, washing the dishes by hand accounts for four per cent of domestic waste use. Using a dishwasher, on the other hand, takes up just one per cent.

Small actions like fully loading your dishwasher before turning it on and scraping excess food from your plates will also help improve the efficiency of your dishwasher’s water and energy consumption.

How much water does a dishwasher use?

Our survey revealed that a dishwasher’s water consumption was a top-five deciding factor for participants when it came to buying their dishwasher. Andy Trigg shares a simple rule of thumb to follow.

"Dishwashers with the highest energy ratings tend to use the least water. This is likely to be because a dishwasher using less water will also use less energy to heat up."

"The annual water consumption quoted for dishwashers is based on 280 wash cycles a year," Trigg tells us. "That works out as 5.38 wash cycles per week. So if you use your dishwasher more or less than that, your costs will vary accordingly."

Having checked the annual water consumption figures of 50 dishwashers from various brands with a range of place settings, Trigg found that the amount of water used by a dishwasher doesn’t always correlate to its capacity. He recommends, instead, using the energy rating as a more accurate guide of a dishwasher’s water efficiency.

Annual water consumption of a dishwashers

Annual water consumption of a dishwasher:

A: lowest 2,492 litres – highest 2,800 litres
B: lowest 2,520 litres – highest 3,360 litres
C: lowest 2,880 litres – highest 3,360 litres

How do you know if your dishwasher is quiet?

A noisy dishwasher could become quite intrusive if, for example, you have an open-plan kitchen or living area. You will find details of a machine’s airborne acoustic noise emissions rating and class on the machine’s energy label in dB (decibels).

"Along with the decibel level, appliances show an A-D rating, with models in 'A' being amongst the quietest and 'D' being some of the loudest, but this compares all dishwashers together," says Simon Gosling, Quiet Mark's CMO. "At Quiet Mark, we compare freestanding models separately from built-in models to ensure we can certify the quietest in each category."

An independent scheme, Quiet Mark tests dishwashers every year to certify the quietest 10-20 per cent across sub-categories and re-evaluates them annually, to reflect and include the advances in performance of new models coming onto the market.

John Lewis & Partners also provides helpful comparisons on its product listings, to give customers a better sense of just how loud a dishwasher is: "a human voice is around 60dB and an alarm clock is around 80dB", it says.

Cutlery tray vs. cutlery basket?

It’s common for dishwashers to have small cutlery baskets that sit in the bottom layer during washes. Others have a slim tray that pulls out like a drawer and sits right at the top of the machine for laying cutlery down in.

Cutlery trays allow for extra washing room between each piece and offer more flexibility for utensils such as spatulas, tongs and sharp knives to also be washed safely. Sometimes, large dishwashers have both. A separate cutlery tray leaves you with additional room for plates in the lowest dishwasher rack.

What is a smart dishwasher?

Smart dishwashers connect via WiFi to an app on your phone, allowing you to control them remotely through that app. You no longer have to pay through the nose for them but Andy Trigg suggests approaching these with an air of caution.

"Think carefully before paying extra for smart features," says Trigg. "You should never run a dishwasher when nobody is present in the house. They are a potential fire risk. If you can see that there are genuinely useful (and not just novel) functions on a smart dishwasher, you will no doubt be happy to pay extra for one."

What size dishwasher do I need?

A dishwasher’s size comes down to two factors: its physical dimensions and the number of items or place settings it can hold. Measure the space you have available for a dishwasher and compare that to the standard dimensions of these three common types.

what_size-ce2be1c

Recommended dishwasher dimensions:

Full-size: 120-150 items / 60cm wide / 4+ people
Slimline: 90-100 items / 45cm wide / 2-4 people
Compact: 40-60 items / 55cm wide / 2 people

How much does a dishwasher cost to run?

You will often find annual running costs provided in dishwasher product descriptions, which comes in useful when deciding what dishwasher to buy. However, many reviews and product retailers quote the energy usage of dishwashers in pound sterling rather than kilowatt hours.

When comparing the running costs of dishwashers, take these with a pinch of salt and remember that as energy prices change, so will the annual running costs of the dishwasher. If you look for a dishwasher with a high energy rating, you'll likely save more on energy bills over the long term.

How long should a dishwasher last?

How often the machine is used and how well it's cared for can both affect the lifespan of a dishwasher. A smart investment can often last 10 years.

"Dishwashers are relatively reliable," says Trigg. "Compared to something like a washing machine they have very few parts. They don't do as much physical work either. Usually only on once a day, and essentially they are just heating up water and swishing it around, which isn't particularly hard work. So dishwashers can last a very long time."

When should you replace a dishwasher?

"If your dishwasher is still functioning but you feel like the dishes aren’t coming out as clean as they should be, or that the cycles take too long for your family’s requirements, it may be worth looking into replacing it," says Lauren Clark of AO.com.

"Drainage issues are a common problem people experience with their machines," says Mark Davidson, appliance engineer with Pimlico Plumbers. "This happens for two main reasons; people don’t scrape their plates before they put them in the dishwasher" and "broken glass, where items have smashed in the wash and the tiny shards have got stuck when draining the machine".

If you’re having issues with your current appliance, we recommend checking the product’s warranty or checking in with the manufacturer to see if your existing dishwasher could be repaired before you replace it.

"Running a regular cleaning cycle and cleaning out the filters will certainly help it to last longer," adds Clark.

Top tips for looking after your dishwasher

Mark Reeves, director of Glotech Domestic Appliance Repairs, shares his top tips for taking care of your dishwasher.

  • Clean your filters regularly: modern dishwasher filters are designed to be really efficient with energy and water, so are more sensitive than older ones.
  • Keep your dishwasher salt topped up: salt is used to clean the water softener, so without it the dishwasher will get scaled up, causing elements to burn out.
  • Be gentle with your control panel: make sure you don’t press the buttons too hard as it can bend the printed circuit board (PCB) behind.
  • Don’t put washing-up liquid into the dishwasher: it foams up and can cause damage.

More appliance reviews

Best microwaves
Best fridge-freezers
Best ovens
Best induction hobs
Best mini fridges
Best air-fryers
Best coffee machines
Best food processors
Best blenders
Best slow cookers
Best stand mixers
Best pressure cookers

Advertisement

If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk

Comments, questions and tips

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Choose the type of message you'd like to post
Advertisement
Advertisement
Overhead shot of a Mindful Chef recipe box

Exclusive: 25% off Mindful Chef

Save 25% on your first two curated recipe boxes.

Claim the offer
Advertisement