Despite the huge choice of dishwashers available on the market, choosing the one most suitable for your requirements is not difficult as the main criteria are quite simple: size, cost and functionality. We hope that the information provided in this guide will help you make an informed choice.
Integrated Dishwashers
These dishwashers are usually designed to sit under the kitchen worktop and the front is covered by a panel that matches the rest of the kitchen.
Semi-integrated Dishwashers
These are similar to integrated dishwashers, but the panel does not fully cover the front as the control panel is visible for easy access.
Freestanding Dishwashers
These dishwashers are not designed to be built into kitchen units.
The main criteria for choosing a dishwasher are size, cost and functionality.
The capacity is determined by the number of place settings that a dishwasher can hold. For example, a 12 place setting capacity would hold 12 each of the following: full dinner plates, dessert plates, soup plates, cups and saucers, glasses as well as knives, forks, soup spoons, dessertspoons and teaspoons. The capacity of a full size dishwasher will usually range from 12 settings up to 14 settings, although there are also models on the market with 15 and even 17 setting capacities.
Some models offer a more flexible arrangement, with the ability to remove or adjust the baskets to increase capacity and/or feature folding shelves and tall glasses racks.
Apart from the capacity, there is also the physical size of the dishwasher to take into consideration. Most dishwashers measure 60cm wide x 60 cm deep, and some feature height adjustable tops. The heights of dishwashers can vary and include models 81.5, 84.5 and 86.5 cm in height. However there are also slim-line models and compact models available for the smaller kitchen. Slim-line models are usually 45cm wide and hold 9 or 10 place settings. Compact or table-top models can vary in size but are usually 45cm or 60cm high with 6 or 8 place settings.
As well as the initial machine cost, a consumer should also consider running costs, both electricity and water. The higher specification and more expensive machines often have higher energy ratings and offer energy saving features. It is important to check the water consumption for each model which is shown on the specifications sheet.
Some models offer a sensor technology which can gauge the level of soiling of the dishes and adjust the cycle time and temperature accordingly, as well as the amount of water used. Others can detect the level of soiling of the water. Certain models re-use the pre-rinse water if it is only lightly soiled therefore saving water. Some also determine the level of hardness of the water.
Generally speaking, a higher cost machine will offer more functionality and flexibility to the user. Most dishwashers will have at least three cycles including an intensive 65 degree cycle, a regular cycle and an economy cycle, as well as a rinse-only option. Some additional programmes offered by certain models and brands include:
- Express wash programmes which save time, water and electricity.
- Hygiene programmes with a hotter final rinse, especially designed for chopping boards, baby bottles etc.
- Programmes specifically designed to protect cutlery and glasses.
- A half-load option where the user only fills one of the two levels within the machine.
- A rinse and hold option for very dirty dishes or pans.
Other features can include:
- Child safety locks to ensure that children cannot access the dishwasher
- Anti-flood devices to detect leaks
- Electronic time delay.
- Automatic detergent detection
The way the dishes are dried differs from machine to machine but the main technologies are:
- Residual heat, where the heat created from the washing cycle dries the dishes.
- Heated air.
- Fan assisted heat process.
Heated air and fan assisted air are the quickest and most energy efficient way to dry the dishes.
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Bosch Dishwashers. Bosch - as the market leader for household appliances in Western Europe, they offer a wide range of dishwashers in four distinct series. The premium Logixx range which features their patented Active Water technology, designed to maximise water efficiency, and the unique Variodrawer, a third level loading drawer which replaces the cutlery basket if required, allowing additional space in the bottom drawer; the Exxcel range; the Avantixx range; and the value for money Classixx range. |
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Hotpoint Dishwashers. Hotpoint - this UK manufacturer has an extensive range of dishwashers including 45 cm slim-line models as well as 60cm full-sized models. |
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Indesit Dishwashers. Indesit - their range of machines offers a capacity of 9, 12 or 14 place settings with some featuring their Speed+ technology for quick intensive washing and delay timers. |
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Whirlpool Dishwashers. Whirlpool - they have a complete range of dishwashers, many of which offer their 6th Sense, Aquasteam and Powerclean technologies. |
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Hoover Dishwashers. Hoover - they sell a select range of slim-line and full-sized dishwashers, including a machine with a 15 setting capacity. |
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AEG Electrolux Dishwashers. AEG Electrolux - they offer a full range of dishwashers, including slim-line and full-sized with the higher end models featuring the AEG Electrolux Proclean technology. |
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Beko Dishwashers. Beko - they offer a range of both full-size and slim-line dishwashers in white, silver and stainless steel. |
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Miele Dishwashers. Miele - this high end manufacturer of household appliances offers a comprehensive range including full-size, compact and slim-line models, with some models featuring auto-sensor technology. |
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Neff Dishwashers. Neff - their range of integrated and freestanding dishwashers includes some with their Hydrosensor technology which detects if water from the first cycle is clean, and if so, reuses it, thus saving water; and their Optosensor technology to determine the hardness of the water and adjust it accordingly. |
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Baumatic Dishwashers. Baumatic - they offer a complete range of integrated dishwashers and freestanding dishwashers, as well as 45 cm slim-line dishwashers, and a 46cm compact dishwasher for smaller kitchens. |
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Candy Dishwashers. Candy - they offer a small selection of dishwashers amongst their extensive household appliance range. |
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Smeg Dishwashers. Smeg - their range of dishwashers includes their 'Aqua Centres' - machines that are fully integrated into a 90cm or 120cm wide sink unit, as well as 50's style retro dishwashers in lime green or red. |
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Siemens Dishwashers. Siemens - this German manufacturer has a complete range of dishwashers in their iQ series, the iQ300, iQ500 and iQ700, with some machines featuring their Zeolith drying cycle, using a natural silicate mineral to ensure faster and more efficient drying. |
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Fisher and Paykel Dishwashers. Fisher and Paykel - they invented the unique DishDrawer type of dishwasher, designed similarly to an office filing cabinet, and which is available in a range of designs and sizes. |
Anti-flood devices Anti-flood devices - this detects any leaks and stops the machine automatically.
Auto-Sensor Technology Auto-Sensor Technology - this is where the dishwasher automatically detects either the level of soiling of the dishes and adjusts wash intensity, the cycle duration and the number of rinses accordingly, or detects the soiling of the pre-rinse water which it then re-uses if possible.
Time Delay Time Delay - this allows the user to load and pre-set the dishwasher which comes on later at a specified time. This is useful if electricity rates are lower at certain times or if the user prefers to avoid the noise during the day.