250+ models compared

Dishwashers Buying Guide

The spec sheet for a dishwasher tells you very little about whether it suits your needs. We explain the specs that matter - place settings, noise levels, and water use - and which ones are marketing noise.

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What to look for in a dishwasher

These are the specs that actually matter - explained without the jargon.

Types of dishwasher

Which style is right for your home and household?

Freestanding

Renters, easy installation, most households

Rolls or slides into a gap in the kitchen. Can be moved when you move. The largest installation group we list - 127 of the 247 household models - and the widest spread of price points.

Fully integrated

New kitchens, renovations, concealed look

A cabinetry panel takes the whole front, and the controls sit on the top edge of the door, hidden when closed. 46 of the models we list. Higher installation cost. Worth knowing: integrated doesn't always mean invisible - some of these are sold panel-ready and others carry a named visible finish, so check which version you're looking at.

Slimline (45cm)

Small kitchens, couples, 1-2 person households

15cm narrower than a standard 60cm machine. The eight 45cm models we list hold 9 to 11 place settings, against a median of 15 for full-size machines. Suits households that run the dishwasher every day or two rather than daily.

Built-under

Fitted kitchens keeping a visible control panel

Slides under a continuous benchtop with its own front and visible controls, rather than behind a cabinetry panel. 62 of the models we list. Cheaper than fully integrated, and you can still read the display without opening the door.