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Looking for a standard sized dishwasher instead? Click here to see our full-size Best Buys
A dishwasher can be a great asset for any home – it not only saves the time and effort that goes into washing (and even more tedious, drying) the dishes but a machine can also get better results when it comes to sanitizing crockery, cutlery etc.
While the full-sized models can be great, and most people will view these as the ideal option, some kitchens just do not have the space. For these buyers, slimline machines can offer a great alternative. The space-saving design means that they are easier to fit in kitchens with less available cupboard space (they average around 45cm wide so approx 15cm slimmer than standard sized models) and the user can still wash about nine or ten place settings.
While the selection of slimline models might not be quite as a impressive as you would find with full-sized dishwashers, you will find that most of the top manufacturers do produce these smaller machines. Further, you will find there is a good selection when it comes to features and programs. You can find simple slimline machines that are just designed to get the job done, and you have machines that come with all of the top features.
With a large number of models to choose from, many buyers may have a hard time finding a machine that will fit their budget and their home. In addition to the many features and programs on offer, slimline dishwashers come at a range of different prices. You can find inexpensive models that sell for less than £200, and then there are high-end machines that retail for £600 plus.
To assist buyers, we offer recommendations for slimline dishwashers, both freestanding and built-in. However, please bear in mind that these recommendations are based on our (humble) opinion. For some people, what makes a best buy appliance might differ. To make the selections for our list, we consider a variety of different factors and we look at machines that are priced to fit different budgets. Whether you have a limited amount of money to spend or you’re looking an all-singing-all-dancing top-of-the-range model, our list should have a dishwasher that meets you needs.
For both standard-sized and slimline dishwashers, freestanding models tend to be the most popular choice. They do not need to be fitted into a cabinet space, which makes them easier to install and more versatile with regards to positioning in the kitchen. Additionally, these models tend to cost less, and they are easier to take with you if you move.
The integrated slimline models still have that compact size, but they also fit neatly in a cabinet space and will blend in with the rest of your kitchen units. The options for integrated machines that come in the narrow design are a little limited, and you will have to pay a little bit more, but there are a number of good models out there.
In selecting models to list as best buys, we are not looking for machines that are necessarily the best models on the market, or the ones that come at the lowest prices. We use a number of different factors to evaluate the dishwashers, and, depending on how they rank for these different factors, they may or may not end up on the list.
Build Quality – We find build quality to be one of the most important factors in finding a dishwasher that is worth buying. Even if you invest a relatively small amount of money in the machine, you want to know that it is going to last for a reasonable amount of time. In that regard, we look to only recommend machines that made to withstand the normal wear and tear that a dishwasher would experience in the home.
Specification – The specification covers a number of different points. In this, we look at things like the maximum capacity of the machine, the features and options for racking, the programs, the optional features and more.
Value for money – When you look at all of the dishwashers that are currently available, you will notice that some offer a considerably better value than others. To determine the value for the money, we compare the machines to models that are of a similar price and consider if they offer more features for the money, better ease of use or if the build quality is significantly better.
Buyer Feedback – To find best buys, we also try to incorporate the experience of past buyers. If a machine has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from real customers, that says something about the quality of the appliance. We also search through reviews from multiple sources and evaluate the reviews for honesty and reliability. Not every review is an accurate reflection of what the user can expect, so we try to account for this.
Our aim is to list all the best-selling and top rated UK dishwashers on the market in 2021 and then make recommendations of what I would buy given various budgets and criteria (ie Do you want a freestanding or an integrated model? Slimline or standard width?). You’re then of course welcome to do as much, or as little, further research as you like but at least I’ll hopefully have pointed you in the right direction.