A Guide to Buying A Dishwasher

What You Need to Know

The standard dishwasher can take a load of 12 place settings. If this is more than you need you can save money by purchasing a slimline or compact machine.
You can get a cheap dishwasher for less than £200, whilst a compact machine can cost as little £100.
Smaller machines use more energy per an item washed and are relatively less energy efficient than full size machines.
Integrated dishwashers will blend perfectly with your kitchen units and are available in full size and slimline.
Energy efficient models will save you money in the long term. Machines are rated from A-G, A being the best.
Pricier machines tend to quieter, which can allow you to run the machine at night when electricity rates as cheaper.
You can save money by taking advantage of an offer that includes free delivery and installation.

Types of Dishwasher

There are various different kinds of machine you can choose from;

Full Size

The capacity of dishwashers is normally measured in place settings. A place setting would typically consist of one large plate, one desert plate, one side dish, a cup, a saucer and a set of cutlery. The industry standard capacity for a full sized dishwasher is 12 place settings. They are generally 60cm wide.

You would normally expect to pay over £200 for a full size machine and the top performing models will cost you closer to £1,000.

Slimline

If a full size dishwasher seems to be beyond what you and your family require it can be a smart move to invest in a slimline washing machine. These machines are normally 15cm slimmer, but can still wash over 100 items per load.

As you’d expect these machines are cheaper to buy, with prices starting at around £160. If you’d struggle to fill a full size dish washer they’ll also help you avoid wasting water, as you’ll be able to wash full loads more often, which is more efficient than running the machine with only half a load.

Compact

If you live alone, or only need to wash up infrequently you can save money and space using with a compact dishwasher.

These machines are similar in size to an extremely large microwave and can only accommodate 50 or so items per a wash. However, you do not have to sacrifice cupboard space to install one as it can sit on your counter top. This also means you don’t need to frequently bend down to load or unload the machine.

These models can be acquired for as little as £100, however they are less efficient than larger models in terms of energy used per an item washed, meaning they are relatively more expensive to run.

Integrated Models

If you are worried about finding a dishwasher which won’t interfere with the look of your kitchen an integrated design might be the perfect solution.

Integrated dishwashers are designed to blend seamlessly into the design of your kitchen and have panels fitted over the doors to match those of your cupboards. These can be bought when you are having your kitchen fitted out or, if you decide to do it later, many kitchen suppliers will be able to provide a door which will fit your machine and match your décor, whether your machine is full size or slim line.

If you are simply looking to avoid the white, box design of traditional dishwashers you can also find stylish designs in black or with chrome and brushed aluminium finishes.

Performance Features

Even the most basic of dishwashers is likely to offer a range of cycles, allowing you to tailor a wash to suit the load. Quick wash, rinse and hard wash are among the most common standard settings, though some top-of-the-range machines will offer more-nuanced cycles.

For example more advanced machines come with special programmes just for cleaning glass, half load functions, to allow you to wash a smaller number of dishes without wasting water or having to wait for a full load. Many even come with sensors that detect the level of soling in the water and adjust the wash cycle accordingly.

Additionally, most dishwashers also come equipped with a range of specialist features. Among the optional extras offered by manufacturers are 'extra quiet' settings, extra-efficient detergent dispensing systems and child safety locks. However, you should ensure that you aren't paying over the odds for extras you'll never use.

One recommended feature is the anti-flooding devices, which will cut of the water supply to the machine if any leaks are detected.

Delivery and Installation

Your washing machine will need to located next to the cold water supply, a power point and a waste pipe. You can install a washing machine yourself but it is recommended that you use an expert.

Installation can be purchased as an extra but you can save money by finding an offer where installation is thrown in free with the delivery service.

If you are replacing an old machine you should ask if you can have it taken away as part of the installation service.

Installation fees cost about £20 and some stores will also remove the old machine at the same time for an additional £10.

Energy Efficiency

Dishwashers are rated for their energy-efficiency on a scale of A to G, with A-rated machines being the most efficient. By using less electricity and water, an extra-efficient machine will cut your utilities bills and your carbon footprint, though such machines tend to cost more up-front.

As well as looking for an A rated appliance you can also find washers with ‘eco settings’ which take a bit longer and use less water, though they do not normally make a huge difference.

Noise

The standard noise generated by a washing machine is 55db. More expensive models tend to be quieter by using noise pumps and sound absorbers. This can be helpful as using your machine at night will allow you to make use of lower electricity rates, without causing a racket.