Dishwashers

Full size dishwashers are 60cm wide and suit most households. They hold more crockery per cycle and are more energy and water efficient per item washed. The right choice for families or anyone who runs the dishwasher daily.

Slimline dishwashers are 45cm wide and are ideal for smaller kitchens, flats, or households of one to two people who do not generate enough washing up to justify a full size machine. They take up less space but have a smaller capacity and can work out less efficient per cycle.

Freestanding dishwashers stand alone and can be placed anywhere with the right plumbing. Easier to install and replace, and generally better value. A good choice for most homes.

Integrated dishwashers sit behind a matching kitchen cupboard door for a seamless built-in look. They cost more and require professional fitting, but are ideal if a clean, uniform kitchen aesthetic matters to you.

Semi-integrated models have a visible control panel on the front but a door panel that matches your kitchen units — a middle ground between freestanding and fully integrated.

Place settings indicate how much crockery, cutlery, and glassware the dishwasher can hold in one cycle. As a rough guide:

9–10 place settings — suitable for 1 to 2 people or a slimline model.

12–13 place settings — the standard for a full size dishwasher, suits most families of 3 to 4.

14–15 place settings — ideal for larger households or those who entertain regularly.

If in doubt, go larger. A bigger capacity means fewer cycles and lower running costs over time.

Dishwashers are rated from A to G for energy efficiency. A-rated models use less electricity and water per cycle, which adds up to meaningful savings over the life of the appliance — particularly if you run it daily.

Also check the annual water consumption figure, usually listed in litres per year. Modern dishwashers are significantly more water efficient than washing by hand, especially on eco programmes. An eco cycle uses less energy and water but takes longer — ideal for everyday loads where time is not a factor.