Dishwasher Reviews & Best Buys for 2021

Standard Freestanding

A standard size freestanding dishwasher (like the example shown left)  is 60 cm wide and at approximately 85 cm high is designed to fit under the vast majority of kitchen worktops. The depth of various models varies but will most likely be about 60 cm. A machine like this will be designed to wash 12/13 place settings (a place setting being a dinner and dessert plate, soup bowl, tea cup and saucer, glass and cutlery set. Click here for more info about place settings).

This is a very popular choice as these machines have a large capacity and can be very reasonably priced.

Standard Integrated

Integrated (also known as built in) dishwashers are designed for use in fitted kitchens. They slot under the kitchen worktop just like freestanding models but they have a fascia panel mounted on the door (please see the example on the left) to make the appliance blend in seamlessly with your other kitchen units.

If you’re having  a brand new kitchen installed this is almost certainly an option you’ll want to consider as this can really enhance the look of the end result. You’ll pay a little more but the results really can be worth the extra investment.

The pros are as follows

Built in dishwashers look great matching the clean lines on your new kitchen

They have all the functionality of freestanding models

The downsides are

 They tend to be more expensive than freestanding models.

 They can be harder to fit. You’ll probably need a professional to attach the door fascia as they can be tricky but this shouldn’t be an issue if you’re having a whole new kitchen fitted.

 There are fewer integrated models to choose from (still more than enough though at over 100 currently)

Standard Semi-Integrated

Another great option for fitted kitchens is a semi-integrated dishwasher (also know as a semi built in dishwasher) like the example shown on the left. Semi Integrated machines are similar to integrated ones in that they have a fascia panel matching your other kitchen units mounted to the door so the unit blends in nicely. The difference is that there is a small exposed panel (normally at the top) where the controls of the machine are visible. The benefit of this is that you can see the display, for example, to find out how long a washing cycle has left to run. Also, the controls tend to be a little bigger than if they were embedded in the top of the door, so can be easier to use.

Like integrated units, these tend to be a little more expensive than free-standing models. Ultimately it’s really a question of taste as to whether you think one of these might look better in your kitchen than a fully integrated model. If you’re spending a fortune on your new kitchen and opting for top-of-the-range Miele appliances you might like the idea of the branding being visible – there’s no point spending an arm and a leg on top class appliances then hiding them away, right? Or maybe you find the controls in the top of the door a little fiddly to use? Either way, semi built in machines are an option you may want to consider.

Slimline

Freestanding slimline dishwashers, like the example shown on the left, are pretty much exactly the same as standard freestanding models except for their width (and corresponding capacity) which is normally in the region of 45 cm. This can be a great option if you don’t have the room for a full size machine, or for smaller families who just don’t need the extra capacity. You’ll find that slimline (sometimes known as ‘narrow’) models are a bit cheaper than their regular sized counterparts but the savings aren’t always as big as you might think – you won’t be paying half the price for example. The technology that goes into the machine is, of course, exactly the same and, if anything, squeezing it all into a smaller package is harder hence the savings aren’t massive. Having said that, if a narrow models suits your needs they can be a great addition to any kitchen offering all the functionality you need in a very space-efficient package. They will normally handle around 9 or 10 place settings which isn’t that much less than the average standard-sized machine (at around 12-13) so you can still get a substantial amount of washing up done on per load.

Integrated Slimline

An integrated slimline dishwasher (also known as a ‘built in’ slimline or narrow dishwasher) is, as with the standard-sized version above, simply an appliance that is fitted into your kitchen units and which has a fascia panel affixed to the front to give the impression of being ‘just another cupboard door’. These look very smart and maintain the nice clean lines of a fitted kitchen. If you’re having a new kitchen installed and are going for the ‘fully-fitted’ look this is most likely the way to go. The only real difference between a slimline and a standard model (other than the slightly inflated price)  is the width – a slimline models is normally about 15 cm narrower than a full size model. The capacity will obviously be smaller too, normally 9-10 place settings instead of 12-13. For most small families a narrow machine will be more than adequate and will leave you more room for additional storage if space is at a premium.

Compact Integrated

A compact integrated dishwasher, like the rather fancy Neff shown here, is similar in size to a table top model but is built into your kitchen units in the same way as other integrated units. The height is likely to be in the region of 45 cm so it’s approximately half the height of a standard unit (normally fitted at the top with a cupboard beneath). You won’t find a huge number of these on the market as demand is pretty limited but they do exist and serve a need for people who really can’t find the space for anything bigger. You’re unlikely to choose this over a larger model to save money as they tend to be a little more pricey (the model shown is over £450) so available space really is the key consideration when choosing this option. Functionality-wise the model shown will handle 6 place settings which isn’t inconsiderable, but is still about 40% less than a slimline model so you won’t fit a huge volume of washing in but for a single person or a couple it would most likely be perfectly adequate. You’ll struggle to fit large pans / baking trays etc in alongside your plates though and this can be an inconvenience. To sum up, not an option that would suit most people but worth considering if you’ve completely maxed out your available kitchen unit space but still really want a dishwasher.

Table Top

Table Top dishwashers (also known as ‘Counter Top’ or ‘Compact’ Dishwashers) are small freestanding units that you can install in any kitchen where you have some free worktop space. They take up about the same space as a large microwave so are are generally not too difficult to accommodate.

Capacity-wise, a compact model can generally handle 6 place settings, which should be more than enough for a single person, couple or small family.

Why would you want one?

You don’t have enough space for either a standard sized or integrated machine.

You’ll find it difficult to bend down so loading & unloading at counter level is more comfortable.

You have a small household and don’t think a larger machine is justified.

One of the main questions we get asked about counter top models is how easy they are to install/plumb in and what is involved? Most models come with a kit which will enable you to use your kitchen tap as a water source and will have a waste hose which you can simply position into your sink for waste water to escape. This won’t exactly look ideal but has the benefit of being minimal hassle if you want to get up-and-running ASAP. You will also have the option to plumb your machine in on a permanent basis exactly as you would with an under-counter model. If you’re a competent DIY’er you can most likely do this yourself. If not you’ll need to get a plumber in to do the install for you but it shouldn’t be oppressively expensive – just get a few quotes from local plumbers before going ahead. They will need to drill a hole in your worktop to run the pipes through and then hook into your existing pipework for either your sink or washing machine. Obviously the closer you locate the unit to one of these the easier/cheaper the job will be.

As with compact ‘integrated’ models this is unlikely to be a super-cheap option so is only really worth considering if size/space (or height) is an issue. Having said that, if this type of machine does suit your needs there are some very fine options on the market which are well worth a look.