The Best Freestanding Dishwasher: Our Top 5 Recommendations
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Posted On April 6, 2021
Dishwashers have come a long way since they were first introduced to the home appliance market. The older machines were inefficient, and they didn’t do all that great of a job when it came to getting the dishes clean. When you buy a dishwasher now, you have models that are very efficient and ones that can clean even the dirtiest of dishes.
When you consider the design style you are looking for, you have options for freestanding dishwashers, integrated machines and semi-integrated models. Freestanding dishwashers are popular among many consumers because they do have several practical advantages over the other options.
Read on to learn more about the advantages of freestanding machines and the points you should look for when shopping. After that, we will give you some recommendations for some of the best freestanding machines available today.
Benefits of Having a Freestanding Dishwasher
The main benefit of having a freestanding dishwasher is the same benefit that you would get with any dishwasher: you don’t have to wash your dishes by hand. Washing dishes by hand takes time out of your day, and it requires a significant amount of effort.
Furthermore, you don’t have to leave the dishes stacked in a rack while they dry. They dry in the machine, so they don’t take up space on the counter while waiting to put them away.
As an additional point for dishwashers in general, a good machine will also provide a more hygienic cleaning than doing it by hand. The dishwasher can heat the water to higher temperatures than you would want handle with your hands. This kills more of the bacteria that could build up on the dishes.
When you are specifically talking about freestanding machines, the big advantage that they have over the integrated models is that they are more flexible in their installation.
The integrated models have to be built into a space in the kitchen. With a freestanding model, you do not have to go through the additional work. This makes the freestanding machines easier to replace, as you will not have to find one that fits the exact dimensions of the old machine, and it means that it is an appliance that will be easier to take with you if you move.
Another point that makes freestanding units a better option is that there is a wider selection. If you are going with an integrated dishwasher, there are plenty of machines out there, but it will be easier to find a freestanding model that meets your home’s needs.
And finally, built-in models tend to be more expensive.
What To Look for in a Freestanding Dishwasher
Once you know that you want a freestanding dishwasher for your kitchen, there are other points that you are going to need to have a look at. First, your budget is going to be a key factor in defining the range of options that will be available. After that, you will also want to consider the amount of space you have for the machine.
Capacity
Another important consideration is the number of place settings that it will hold. In this article, we are going to focus on full-sized machines. These models start at around 12 place settings, and you can find some models that go to 14 or 15.
The general idea is to get a machine big enough that you will only have to do one cycle on an average day (but this isn’t a hard and fast rule and will depend on personal preference as well as how many glasses, plates, bowls etc. you happen to have).
Many of the full-sized machines will even have the half load setting, so you do not have to worry too much about wasting water and electricity when you only have a few items to wash.
Interior Design
In shopping for a dishwasher, you want to get a machine that has a good level of interior flexibility. Look for features like a height-adjustable top rack, folding tines, moveable cutlery baskets or special features like the third-row cutlery tray or folding racks for large utensils and cups. With an interior that offers more options, you can fit in larger items or make it to fit more dishes in one load.
Extra Features
It can help to check out the features and programmes before you make a decision. Some machines will have a basic selection, and that is fine, but some dishwashers have sensor washing, sanitise settings, a half load feature and settings for glassware and delicates etc.
You can find lots more general buying advice and tips in our buying guide here.
Considering all these points, we’ve listed our top recommendations for the best freestanding models currently available below. Prices vary quite significantly, so your budget will probably, to a large extent, dictate which model will work best for you.
1. Bosch SMS24AW01G Freestanding Dishwasher, White
Key Features
- Glass Protection
- ActiveWater Technology
- EcoSilence Drive
- 10-Year Rust-Through Warranty
- DosageAssist
- Dimensions: 84.5 x 60 x 60 cm
This Bosch freestanding dishwasher with a 12 setting capacity has made our list because it comes straight from a reputable and well-known brand and has all the features you want when looking for the best new freestanding dishwasher for your kitchen.
It features a height-adjustable top basket that offers you extra space. This will prove useful when you have taller or larger dishes that you need to place inside the machine for washing. You will also find a glass protection feature, so you don’t have to worry about your gentle and delicate glassware becoming damaged during your wash cycle.
To secure against flooding and keep your kitchen clean, this freestanding dishwasher has multiple water protection features. It stops the water automatically when it senses a leak to avoid water damage. If you have a sleeping baby in the home or want to run your dishwasher at night, then the EcoSilence Drive feature of this Bosch dishwasher is what you want. Its motor is energy efficient and quiet.
With the 10-year guarantee, you are assured of this brand’s quality and can rest assured that you are promised quality and exceptional service if there is any kind of rusting in the inner tub of your dishwasher.
2. Miele G5200-Series Freestanding Dishwasher
Key Features
- 3D Cutlery Tray
- A+++ Energy Rating
- 45 Decibel Noise Level
- 5 Programmes
- 2-Year Warranty
- Dimensions: 85 x 60 x 60 cm
This Miele dishwasher is loaded with features and ready to replace any older and outdated dishwasher you currently have. It has a 14 place setting capacity which makes it ideal for a larger household. Miele is also the only home appliance brand that tests all its products to be equivalent to twenty plus years of use. This means each appliance has been tested for up to 10,000 wash hours, equating to five loads a week for 20 years.
The 3D cutlery tray is in a separate tray to provide your flatware with the ultimate cleaning. Since it is separate, it is also much easier to load and unload while also freeing the space you need in the lower basket in case you have larger pans or cookware to wash.
With open door drying technology, the door will automatically open at the end of the wash cycle. This allows any excess moisture in the dishwasher to escape so the dishes can dry faster, leaving no condensation behind. Even your plastic dishware will come out looking its best.
The Quick PowerWash cycle is great when you are in a pinch and running short on time. It can complete a full wash and dry cycle in just 59 minutes without compromising on performance.
The Miele dishwasher has five programmes to choose from for your wash cycles that work for everything between delicate glassware and the most caked-on roasting dishes you may have.
You can also save money and be more eco-friendly with the EcoPower technology with Freshwater. It has an ultra-low water and energy consumption rate and uses as little as six litres of water.
3. electriQ Slimline Freestanding Dishwasher
Key Features
- 10 Place Settings
- A++ Energy Rating
- Half Load Option
- 4 Programmes
- Up to 9-hour Timer Delay
- Dimensions: 84.5 x 44.8 x 60 cm
This electriQ Slimline Freestanding Dishwasher boasts a slim and compact design, making it the ideal choice for a smaller space. This dishwasher is 15 cm thinner than a standard dishwasher. However, even with its compact size, it can still fit 10 place settings, which equals about 110 pieces.
You can choose from four different wash programmes, including Eco, Intensive, Rapid, and Half Load. The Half Load feature allows you to save time and money because you don’t have to have a full load before starting a wash cycle. It will use the right amount of water. If you are short on time, the rapid cycle can get your dishes clean in just 30 minutes, making it the ideal time saver for a busy lifestyle.
This freestanding dishwasher is considered one of the most efficient and affordable models currently available. It is also considered 20% more efficient than other models with an A energy rating. This dishwasher has an A++ rating, making it extremely energy efficient.
Among its many features, you will also find a height-adjustable basket so you can make full use of your available space, a start and pause function, salt and rinse aid indicator, and a 3, 6, and 9-hour delay timer.
4. Indesit DFC2B16UK Freestanding Dishwasher
Key Features
- 13 Place Settings
- FastClean Function
- A+ Energy Rating
- 8 Hour Delay Timer
- 6 Programmes
- 46 Decibel Noise Level
- Cutlery Tray
- Dimensions: 85 x 60 x 59 cm
This Indesit freestanding dishwasher allows you to have clean dishes in less than half an hour. This fast and clean wash ensures that you have clean dishes, even if you forgot to start the dishwasher earlier in the day. It also can fit up to 13 place settings at a time, making it ideal for a medium to larger sized household.
If features are what you are looking for in a freestanding dishwasher, then this is a good choice. It has an 8-hour delay timer, so you can run the dishwasher whenever it is convenient for you. There are also 6 different wash programmes to choose from so you can achieve the optimal clean every time you use your new dishwasher. You will find Intensive, Rapid, Eco, Availability of Short, Prewash, and Eco among these programmes.
5. Hoover HDPN1S643PW Freestanding Dishwasher
Key Features
- 16 Place Settings
- 12 Programmes
- A+ Energy Rating
- Up to 23-Hour Delay Timer
- 45 Decibel Noise Level
- Hoover Wizard App
- AXI Intelligent Washing
- Dimensions: 60 x 60 x 85 cm
This Hoover dishwasher can accommodate a larger family size and is packed full of smart features you are sure to love. With Hoover Talks, you can control your dishwasher with just the sound of your voice. AXI Intelligent washing also does some of the work for you by selecting the appropriate programme for what is loaded. It is also capable of saving your most frequently used programmes.
With the 45-decibel noise level, you can be assured of its quiet operation, making it ideal to have an open floor plan or people in the household who may be more sensitive to loud noises. With its high energy rating, you can also rest assured that you are saving money by choosing an energy-efficient dishwasher for your home.
You can choose from 12 different wash programmes, including a Quick Wash cycle if you find yourself short on time. The height-adjustable upper tray and basket also help make loading your dishwasher easier. Other features include an electronic rinse aid indicator, electronic salt indicator, half load option, and prewash or extra rinse cycle options.
Conclusion
A full-size freestanding dishwasher can be ideal for a home with many dishes that regularly need cleaning. If you have the budget, you can get a machine that comes loaded with great features and interior racking that offers many options. However, even if you do not have a huge budget, you can still get a good dishwasher to perform well for your basic needs.
In the recommendations we have listed here, some machines can fit different budgets and different homes. Beyond this list, there are other good machines if you have not found what you are looking for here. We have a full section of freestanding dishwasher reviews if you want to look at some other models, or you could use our buying guide to provide tips for finding the right dishwasher on your own.
Best Freestanding Dishwasher FAQ
Still have questions about the best freestanding dishwasher and what to expect? Read through our brief FAQ below for answers to some of the more commonly asked questions.
How do you connect a freestanding dishwasher?
A freestanding dishwasher can be placed almost anywhere as long as there is a water connection and a drainage point. You don’t need to install a freestanding dishwasher and make sure the sides and top of the appliance are covered. In many cases, you won’t need any special tools or skills. Here is a video showing how to accomplish a freestanding dishwasher installation.
Can integrated appliances be used freestanding?
An integrated dishwasher is hidden behind a cupboard door to add a more uniform look to your kitchen. They are good for smaller kitchen spaces for this reason. A freestanding dishwasher is typically larger and won’t fit if you are short on space. So, while you can use an integrated appliance freestanding, it defeats the point of being integrated in the first place.
What are the standard dishwasher sizes in the UK?
The standard dimensions of an integrated dishwasher in the UK are 82 x 55 x 60 cm. The standard dimensions of a freestanding dishwasher in the UK are 85 x 59.8 x 60 cm, which is slightly larger.
What is the noise level of a freestanding dishwasher?
The noise level of a freestanding dishwasher often falls between about 46 and 60 decibels. A higher number means the dishwasher may be loud enough to disrupt a conversation, while a lower number indicates a much quieter operation.
