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Dishwashers Buying Guide
No one likes washing dishes, but thankfully some clever clogs invented the dishwasher, so we don’t have to. Our handy guide will give you the low-down on everything you need to know about dishwashers.
Choose your fit
Choose your size
There are three different sizes of dishwasher. You have standard full-size dishwashers which measure at a width of 60cm and can hold between 120-150 items. Slimline models are usually 45cm wide and can hold between 90-100 items. Finally, table-top options are ideal if you need to save space, as they’re much shorter in height at around 43cm.
Did you know?
Dishwasher capacity is measured in place settings. One place setting consists of a large dinner plate, dessert plate, glass, bowl, teacup, saucer, two knives, forks, spoons.
Key Features
Eco programme
Eco programmes wash your dishes using 20 to 40% less energy by heating up the water slowly over a longer cycle. This will help you be more energy efficient and save you money too. Winner!
Quick wash
The handy quick wash programme is perfect for when you need dishes in a hurry. It works best with lightly used dishes, and some models can even wash them in just 15 minutes.
Quiet mark
Dishwashers with a quiet mark are quieter than standard models. They use brushless motors which means they can wash your dishes without making a racket. This is ideal if you have an open plan living space and you want to catch some evening telly in peace and quiet.
Baby cycle
Also known as hygiene cycles, these special intensive wash programmes ramp up the heat to 70 degrees to make sure that baby bottle is properly sterilised and perfectly clean and safe to use.
Adjustable baskets and racks
A lot of models come with handy adjustable baskets and racks that let you load your dishwasher the way you want. Some top racks can be positioned higher to fit bigger items underneath, or lower to squeeze in those tall wine glasses up top. Look out for models with a third cutlery rack, they let you easily pack in all those knives and forks and give you much more space for pots and pans underneath.
Built-in flood protection
A great safety feature, the built-in flood protection function will shut off the water supply automatically if there’s something wrong with your dishwasher. This way you won’t have to worry about any flooding.
Sensor wash
Why use more water and energy that you need to? The sensor wash feature works out how dirty your plates are after the first rinse phase. It then changes the cycle to use only what’s needed, saving water, energy and most importantly money.
Drying cycle
Some dishwashers have drying cycles that use condensation to dry your dishes. They work by coating dishes in hot water near the end of the cycle. The moist air from the hot water mixes with the cool stainless-steel interior of the dishwasher, forming drops of water that easily drain from your dishes. This is more hygienic and uses less energy that traditional heating elements.
Installation & Delivery
Kitchen & Home Delivery
We deliver 7 days a week and have flexible delivery options, but for a little extra you can pick a timeslot. Get everything from fridge freezers to dishwashers delivered exactly when you want them
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FAQs
- Do I need a dishwasher?
Dishwashers are very popular appliances. They save you from doing the dishes after tea, all you need to do is pop the dishes in the machine and let it do the rest.
- Do dishwashers use more water than handwashing?
No, they don’t, they actually use less water than if you were to wash your dishes by hand.
- Can dishwashers save you money?
Yes, they certainly will, especially if you’re on a water meter.
- Are slimline dishwashers as good as standard size dishwashers?
Of course, they just can’t fit as much stuff in as they’re thinner than standard models.
- Do dishwashers use a lot of electricity?
Dishwashers don’t use too much electricity. Some models will come with handy eco-programmes that while take a little longer, they use a lot less water and electricity.
- Can a freestanding dishwasher be built-in?
No, freestanding dishwashers can’t be built in. Take a look at our range of integrated dishwashers here.
- Do dishwashers heat their own water?
Yes, like washing machines, they’ll heat the cold water that comes from your mains supply.
- Do tabletop dishwashers need to be plumbed in?
They can either be plumbed in like a traditional dishwasher, or they can be connected to your sink taps.
- How long is an average dishwasher cycle?
This can vary depending on the cycle and the manufacturer.
- Where does a dishwasher drain?
A dishwasher drains water through a drain pump usually at the bottom of the machine and feeds the water through to your sink drain.
- What does fully integrated mean?
Fully integrated means the appliance is placed under your kitchen counters and hidden behind a furniture door that matches the rest of your kitchen.
- What is a semi-integrated dishwasher?
A semi-integrated model is like fully integrated; however, the dishwasher panel will always be on show.
- Which are the quietest dishwashers?
The quietest dishwashers are models with the Quiet Mark symbol.
- How much does it cost to run a dishwasher?
This can vary depending on the size of the model. But a standard 12 place setting dishwasher cost around £50 a year to run.
- How long should a dishwasher last me?
On average, a dishwasher should last at least 5 years.
- Do dishwasher dry dishes?
Dishwashers generally do dry your dishes through a few different methods. Some models use a heating element to dry your dishes while others use the more hygienic and eco-friendly condensation method.
- Do I need to clean my dishwasher?
You certainly do. Manufacturers usually recommend cleaning your dishwasher once a month, so make sure you check your product manual for the best advice. Get some more top tips on how to use and look after your dishwasher with our how to guide.
- Where can I find the serial number on my dishwasher?
You’ll find it on a label that’s usually on the edge of the door when you open the dishwasher.
- How much is a dishwasher?
It all depends on what kind of model you’re looking for. Standard models are typically more expensive than slimline ones. We’ve got loads for you to choose from - our current cheapest is £209 and our most expensive is £1,599.
- Which dishwasher should I buy?
It depends what you’re looking for. Some models are quite basic, and others come with loads of great tech. There’s also design to bear in mind – so if you’ve not got much space in the kitchen, you might want to opt for a slimline model.
- Where can I buy a dishwasher?
You’ve come to the right place. We’ve got loads of dishwashers for you to choose from, so have a browse here and see what takes your fancy.
- What’s the difference between a silver and a stainless steel dishwasher?
It’s just a style thing. They’re different metals, so they look slightly different – stainless steel can tend to last a little longer than silver too, because it’s more durable.
