Freestanding, integrated, or slimline?

This is the first decision to make, and it shapes everything else. The type you choose affects where the machine can go, what it costs, and what size options are available to you.

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Place settings — how many do you need?

Dishwasher capacity is measured in place settings — one place setting being a full set of crockery and cutlery for one person (plate, side plate, bowl, glass, cup, and cutlery). The number you need depends primarily on household size and how often you plan to run the machine.

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Energy and water efficiency

Dishwashers carry the same A–G energy rating scale as other appliances. But unlike a fridge freezer that runs 24 hours a day, a dishwasher's actual running cost depends heavily on how often you use it and which programme you run.

More useful than the energy rating letter is the annual consumption figure on the label — typically shown in kWh per year (based on a standard number of cycles). A more efficient machine on a higher label may use considerably less water and energy per cycle than a cheaper model, even if the rating letters are similar.

Things that affect running cost more than the energy label:

• Programme choice — eco programmes use significantly less energy and water than intensive programmes, at the cost of a longer cycle time.
• Running frequency — a full load uses roughly the same energy as a half load. Running the machine only when it's genuinely full is the single most effective way to reduce running costs.
• Water temperature — most modern dishwashers heat their own water. If your hot water supply runs from a combi boiler, connecting the dishwasher to the hot feed rather than cold can reduce cycle energy use.

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Features worth paying for

Third rack or cutlery tray

A third rack sits at the very top of the dishwasher and is designed for cutlery, utensils, and flat items like spatulas. It frees up space in the main baskets and tends to clean cutlery more thoroughly than a cutlery basket, as items lay flat rather than bunching together. Once you've had one, going back is surprisingly annoying.

Adjustable upper basket

Being able to raise or lower the upper basket lets you accommodate tall glasses on top and large pans on the bottom simultaneously — without either tier compromising the other. A simple feature that makes a real practical difference, particularly for households that cook with large pots and pans.

Delay start

Lets you load the machine and set it to run at a specific time — useful for running overnight or during off-peak electricity hours if you're on a time-of-use tariff. Most mid-range and above models include it.

Intensive zones

Some models offer an intensive lower basket zone that directs more water pressure at heavily soiled pots and pans, while running a gentler cycle for glasses on top at the same time. More useful than it sounds — particularly if you cook from scratch regularly.

Half load

Runs a cycle using only the upper or lower basket when you don't have a full load. Saves water and energy compared to running a full cycle with half the load.

Noise level

Measured in decibels (dB). A standard dishwasher runs at around 48–52dB. Quieter models run at 44dB or below, which is barely noticeable in an open-plan kitchen or dining room. If your kitchen opens onto a living area or you regularly run the machine in the evening, noise level is worth paying attention to — the difference between 52dB and 44dB is significant in practice.

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What programmes do you actually need?

Most dishwashers come with more programmes than the average person will ever use. The ones that genuinely earn their place:

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Before you buy — practical checks

• Measure the space — standard dishwashers are 60cm wide and 85cm tall (adjustable feet give a few centimetres either way). Check the depth too — most run 55–60cm deep, but this varies.
• Check the plumbing — you need a cold water inlet and a drain connection within reasonable reach. Most kitchens already have these under the sink.
• Door clearance — dishwasher doors open fully downwards. Make sure there's nothing in front that will block the door or make loading awkward.
• Check hinge type for integrated models — if replacing an existing integrated dishwasher, check whether your cabinet uses a fixed or slide-and-hide hinge. Not all machines are compatible with all hinge types.
• Salt and rinse aid — most dishwashers require both for best results. Built-in water softeners (which use salt) are standard on most models; some newer machines have auto-dosing for rinse aid, which is a small but genuinely convenient feature.