Having a dishwasher has become essential to most homes, especially to large and busy households. This indispensable appliance makes cleaning dirty dishes quicker and easier, allowing families to have more time to relax or to do other chores.
In searching for the best dishwasher, consider factors such as premium and reliable performance, durability, energy efficiency, and low noise levels. Some dishwashers even offer additional features like drying, rack flexibility, and connectivity.
To help you choose among the many brands and models available today, we’ve listed our top picks for the best rated dishwashers and why they’re stand-out options.
Best Dishwashers
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Best Overall
1Bosch Freestanding Dishwasher
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| 3
Best For Low Budgets
3Bosch White Dishwasher
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| 4 |
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| 5
Best For Higher Budgets
5Beko Standard Dishwasher
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Buy On AO1. Bosch Freestanding Dishwasher
- Multiple water protection
- Residual heat drying system
- Polinox interior
- DosageAssist detergent dispenser
With innovative features that complement its performance and its brandished convenience, the Bosch Freestanding Dishwasher makes dishwashing an efficient and hassle-free experience. It has a LoadSensor that, with its rotary speed sensory, automatically detects load weight and adjusts the water level accordingly. This allows you to save water and electricity. It also has an ActiveWater Technology that optimizes water distribution and circulation. These features allow you to save water and electricity.
Moreover, the machine has an EcoSilence Drive system, which keeps the noise level at 50 dB by using a brushless motor that reduces friction noise, resulting in a quieter and more energy-efficient performance. Only the best materials are used in the construction of this product, and it guarantees 10 years of rust-free performance.
Specifications
Pros
- Optimized glass protection
- Can clean 12 place settings per load
- VarioSpeed function to reduce cleaning time by 50%
- Time delay for scheduled dishwashing
Cons
- Lacks indicator for successful setting change
- May not be ideal for narrow kitchens
2. Indesit Fully Integrated Dishwasher
- Self-cleaning filter
- LED controls and display
- Anti-flooding protection
- Levelling feet
The Indesit Fully Integrated Dishwasher has 13 place settings to let you maximize each load and wash more tableware at a time. It comes with a cutlery basket on its top rack, and this can keep your silverware organized and protected from getting scratched while in the wash. The upper rack’s position is adjustable so you can optimize the space inside. It also features simple slots through which you can insert and safely hang your wineglasses by the stem.
It has adjustable feet that ensures maximum stability during loads, and it only emits 49 dB of noise level for a safe, quiet wash. With its overall energy-efficient washing and drying performance, this is a great dishwasher option that won’t bloat your electricity bill.
Specifications
Pros
- Easy to install
- Defaults to eco setting
- Removable silverware basket
- Classic white finish
Cons
- Left-to-right loading may not be convenient for some
- Quickest wash cycle is 2 hours
3. Bosch White Dishwasher
- VarioBasket system
- SilencePlus technology
- Informative 7-segment display
- AquaSensor for stain detection
The compact Bosch White Dishwasher is a good fit for smaller households, offering 6 place settings per load. It can be placed on top of a table or a counter for your convenience. Its SilencePlus technology and EcoSilence Drive work together to keep noise emission low at 48 dB. And with its time delay feature, you can select the programme and set the dishwashing time beforehand, which is useful whenever you have a busy day ahead.
The machine’s informative display makes it easy to keep track of the remaining time, the refill status, and other standard information. Its AquaStop system helps prevent water damage even after long-time use.
Specifications
Pros
- Built-in load weight sensor
- Optimized water distribution
- Gentle handling of glassware
- Detergent automation
Cons
- Some may find the wash cycles a bit long
- Loading may take some getting used to
4. Zanussi Table Top Dishwasher
- Quick wash times
- 4 wash temperatures
- Built-in water softener
- Overflow protection
The Zanussi Table Top Dishwasher is a compact model for homes that can’t accommodate a full-sized machine. It can wash up to 6 place settings at a time using any of its 5 programmes while emitting an average noise level of 52 dB. Its quickest wash time is 20 minutes, which makes it particularly ideal for instances when you need clean plates right away, like when you’re hosting a party. With its longest wash cycle being 70 minutes, this option is one of the fastest dishwashers.
Furthermore, compared to the other models in its category, it uses less water, on average, per cycle. This efficiency translates into savings of time, water, and electricity, and makes it one of the best value dishwashers today.
Specifications
Pros
- LED indicators
- Adjustable baskets
- Efficient water usage
- Stylish silver finish
Cons
- Full-sized dinner plates may not fit in the rack
- Dishes may need more drying time after a cycle
5. Beko Standard Dishwasher
- A++ Energy Efficiency rating
- Child-lock
- Time Saver function
- 3 Position Acrobat System
At 43 dB, the Beko Standard Dishwasher has one of the lowest noise emissions for a dishwasher. It boasts 14 place settings that enable you to clean more dishware at a time. It features a sliding cutlery basket, which you can move to the left or right so you can have room for pots and pans. If you need more space, the plate support can be easily folded to accommodate bulkier items.
It also has a SoftTouch accessory for your wineglasses, which keeps them safe during the wash. And if you’re worried about getting watermarks on them, the machine’s SteamGloss feature helps ensure that they’re clean and sparkling. For those in a hurry, you can speed things up 3 times faster with the Fast+ function.
Specifications
Pros
- Lower noise level
- Easily adjustable trays and support
- Adjustable time management up to 24 hours
- Sleek black colour
Cons
- Lacks overflow protection
- Heavier than other models in its category
Dishwasher Buying Guide
Type
Dishwashers are usually categorized based on the type of installation they require, and choosing the right machine entails figuring out which type best suits your needs. For instance, you’ll need to take the size of your living space and your stay duration into consideration.
Freestanding Dishwasher
The most common type of dishwasher, freestanding models are built for easy access and visibility. They can easily be slotted into the space that a previous unit used to occupy or on an empty spot where there’s both a water connection and a drainage point.
Unlike integrated machines, a freestanding dishwasher might not blend into the kitchen space seamlessly. But, on the upside, it’s portable, and you can take it with you should you decide to move out.
Integrated Dishwasher
Integrated dishwashers, also called built in dishwashers, are the type that’s installed seamlessly into your kitchen space so that they’re almost invisible to the eye.
As the name suggests, they’re built into countertop, with their wires and plumbing hidden. The best integrated dishwashers are also quieter than the non-integrated types.
There are two sub-types under this kind of dishwasher: the fully integrated and the semi-integrated machines. The fully integrated models are completely hidden behind a kitchen cabinet door, and you won’t be able to see any part of unless you open this door. Meanwhile, semi-integrated dishwashers are mostly hidden, but you’ll be able to view the control panel at the top. These dishwashers let you to stop the load or change the settings without having to open the dishwasher door.
Drawer Dishwasher
As their name suggests, drawer dishwashers are styled as drawers and are ideal for households that only use a small number of dishes. Like integrated dishwashers, drawer dishwashers require permanent installation. They can come in single- or double-drawer units and are loaded from the top.
Double-drawer units give you the option to load dishes separately and even using different programmes, like one for chinaware and another for pots and pans. This also lets you use the dishwasher even at half-load so you can save water and energy. If you want to keep your dishes warm after taking them out of the drawer dishwasher, you can use warming drawers too.
Table Top Dishwasher
Table top dishwashers, also known as countertop or benchtop dishwashers, are compact models that can easily be placed on top of a table or counter.
They’re good for smaller households or people who don’t do much cooking at home. They cost less than their full-sized counterparts, and they enable you to save even more on water and electricity expenses.
Pricing Range
Dishwashers can cost anywhere from a few hundred pounds to over a thousand pounds, depending on their size, type, and additional features. Nowadays, you can find cheap dishwashers that are either compact- or full- sized, and are either freestanding, integrated, or table top types. These affordable options are usually good for small- to medium-sized households. The more expensive ones boast higher efficiency ratings, more place settings, quicker wash settings, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Dishwasher Maintenance
As with any other appliance, dishwashers need regular cleaning and maintenance not just for proper functioning, but also for safety and hygiene.
Dishwasher Tablets
Dishwasher tablets are detergent tablets used to wash dishes in the machine. They are usually dissolved after the dishwasher finishes a load. If there’s excess build-up in the detergent holder, you can remove it by rinsing the area with hot water. Then, you can gently scrub away the residue using a small brush.
Dishwasher Parts
When cleaning the dishwasher parts, it’s important to find the instruction manual first so you can follow the recommended maintenance procedure. Generally, maintenance involves unclogging the sprayer arm nozzles, cleaning the drain, and inspecting and repairing the dishwasher racks.
Dishwasher Salt
Dishwasher salt helps in softening hard water, which can leave cloudy or gritty residue on your dishes. The coarse-grained salt also helps keep the softener unit in your machine from clogging up. Most dishwashers have an indicator light to warn you if the level of dishwasher salt is getting low.
Size
Dishwasher sizes can be categorized into 3: slimline, compact, and full size. When choosing the size of your dishwasher, keep in mind how much space you have in your kitchen and how many people are in your household.
Slimline Dishwasher
For those who don’t have much space in their kitchen, you might want to consider slimline dishwashers. They’re typically 45 cm wide and can fit narrow kitchen spaces. They can’t wash the same amount of load as full-sized dishwashers, but they can still provide the same level of cleaning power.
These types usually have around 9 to 10 place settings, which is good enough for a smaller household. However, their slimmer size does not necessarily guarantee water or energy efficiency.
Compact Dishwasher
Compact dishwashers are for those who don’t have a lot of floor space but have room on their countertops. They vary in width but are commonly shorter than both the slimline and full size models.
What gives compact dishwashers an edge over other options is the convenience they afford to users. Since they’re placed on countertops, there’s no need to bend down to load and unload the dishwasher.
Full Size Dishwasher
Normally measuring around 60 cm in width, full size dishwashers have a large loading capacity. Their place settings can range from 9 to 12 for smaller units and up to 16 for bigger ones.
This allows you to wash more items at a time, which translates to more water and energy savings if you usually run a full load. Their bigger capacity makes them good for larger households.
Frequently Asked Questions
When cleaning a dishwasher, it’s best to refer to the maintenance procedure stated in your owner’s manual. If you’ve lost your manual, you can look it up online using your dishwasher’s model number. But generally, for quick cleaning, you may follow these steps:
- Do a wash cycle with vinegar. To remove the remaining soap residue, place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and let the dishwasher run a complete cycle.
- Rinse with baking soda. Get a cup of baking soda and sprinkle it along the bottom of the machine. Then, run a short hot water cycle to remove odours and to clean the interior.
It depends on the type, the size, and the efficiency rating of your dishwasher. On average, a countertop dishwasher with an A+ efficiency rating can use around 6 to 8 L of water, while a freestanding, full-sized model of the same rating can use around 11.7 L. On the other hand, an A++ full-sized dishwasher can consume 9.5 L per cycle on average.
Installing a dishwasher requires 3 mechanical connections: the power cord, the water supply, and the drain line.
- Power cord connection. You can do this both by hardwiring a connection and connecting via appliance cords and into the outlet. Hardwiring a connection requires some knowledge on electrical wiring, and it’s advisable to seek the help of a professional if you have no prior experience doing this.
- Water supply connection. Connect the braided steel supply tube to your dishwasher’s water inlet valve and to a hot-water supply pipe’s shut-off valve.
- Drain line connection. Connect the drain hose from the drain trap under your kitchen sink.
Before using a dishwasher, it’s important to pre-rinse your utensils and dishes to scrape off the food stuck in them. Once you’re done, do the following steps:
- Place the items in their appropriate racks.
- Place the detergent tablet on the dispenser.
- Set the programme.
- Let the dishwasher do its job.
A block on your dishwasher can either be caused by a clogged sprayer nozzle or a clogged drain. To clear both, simply follow these steps:
- Clean the sprayer arm nozzles. First, remove the racks so that you can reach the sprayer arm. Check if the nozzles are clogged and clean them with a toothpick or pipe cleaners, if needed.
- Clear the drain. Unplug your dishwasher, or, if it’s a built-in unit, turn off the circuit breaker for precaution. Consult your manual on instructions on how to remove the tray around the drain. Clear any food residue or debris.
An integrated dishwasher is a dishwasher that has been seamlessly installed into a kitchen space to match the theme. It’s usually inconspicuous and can be fully integrated or semi-integrated, depending on whether the control panel is visible.
To refill the salt, simply lift the bottom rack of your empty dishwasher and look for a cap. Once you’ve found it, unscrew it and place it in a safe place, and top it up as per the instruction manual. Once you’re done, screw the cap back on.
Loading a dishwasher requires knowing a few basic tips, like securing all plastics so that they don’t get flipped over by the blasts of water, not stacking items to avoid blocking water, and separating steel from silverware to prevent a reaction.
The next part is simply putting the items in their appropriate racks: pots, pans, bowls, and plates go in the bottom rack, utensils in the cutlery tray, and glasses and cups on the top rack. Once you’ve placed the items, put the detergent tablet in the dispenser and set the programme.
Our Verdict
When choosing a dishwasher for your home, it’s important to consider your kitchen space and the size of your household. While the full-sized units are the most energy- and water-efficient, savings can only be maximized if you normally run full loads. Compact and slimline units are good options for smaller households, for couples, or for people who are living alone.
Freestanding dishwashers are good for easy transport, while the integrated dishwashers are ideal for a streamlined, permanent setup. For those with limited floor space, you can opt for a countertop dishwasher or a drawer dishwasher, both of which have the advantage of half-load flexibility.
Whichever size or type you prefer, one of the most important things to look at when choosing the best dishwasher is its energy efficiency rating, as this will determine how much water and electricity you’d be using on average.
