The dishwasher is an invaluable part of the kitchen – a bit like an extra family member who never complains about having to do the washing up! And while there are plenty of different types to choose from, too much choice can often feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never bought one before. To help narrow down the search, we’re focussing here on freestanding dishwashers that sit beneath the worktop, with a buyer’s guide to standard, slimline, and energy-saving models. Whatever your space and budget, there’s a dishwasher out there for you!
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Best standard dishwashers
Standard or full-size dishwashers are 60cm wide, and fit into a standard-sized unit space in most kitchens. Holding between 10 and 16 place settings, they’re the perfect choice for families, busy households and those who love to host, but only if your kitchen is a good size and you can comfortably live without the cupboard space! Certain dishwashers come with the ‘Quiet Mark’ which tells you that they’re less noisy than other models – although you’ll pay more for these, the investment could be worth it to ensure a peaceful home. Consider the number of functions you might need, as prices range from £200 for basic models to up to £1,600 for those with smart tech.
Stainless Steel 60cm wide freestanding dishwasher (RHDW3SS-M/01), £399.99, Russell Hobbs
- D rated
This dishwasher has space for 12 place settings and features adjustable racks to fit in bulky items, like saucepans, when needed. There are six programmes, five temperatures and a delay timer setting, plus a handy half-load function to save water. ‘Dry Plus Technology’ also means the door automatically opens at the end of the drying cycle, helping to speed up the overall drying time and reduce energy costs.
Indesit Fast&Clean D2FHK26UK standard dishwasher, £271, Appliances Direct
- E rated
A handy feature of this machine is the Push&Go function, which lets you start an 85-minute cycle with just one button. It’s ideal for families, encouraging even younger members of the family to help with the dishes! Meanwhile, the Fast&Clean function gets through a wash cycle in just 30 minutes. With space for 14 place settings, it offers great value, and we also like the streamlined look it adds to the kitchen thanks to its symmetrical top panel.
Bosch Series 2 freestanding dishwasher in Stainless Steel (SMS2HVI66G), £499, AO
- E rated
This Bosch model has space for 13 place settings, adjustable baskets and a top drawer for cutlery. The super-quiet motor is a big selling point, and if you suddenly receive a call, the ‘Silence on demand’ function reduces noise further for up to 30 minutes.
Hotpoint HFC 3C26 WC B UK dishwasher in Black, £399.99, Robert Dyas
- E rated
With a variable spinning speed, combined with powerful water jets from the upper and lower spray arms, this Hotpoint machine offers precise cleaning, whether you choose the Rapid, Half Load, Eco or Intensive cycle.
Best slimline dishwasher
Taking up a narrower space at just 45cm wide, and holding around 9-10 place settings, slimline dishwashers are ideal for smaller households and compact kitchens. Apart from the size, the main difference between slimline and standard dishwashers is the energy consumption – being smaller, they use less water and therefore less energy to run – but there’s not a lot in it in terms of outlay. Generally, they tend to be slightly cheaper to buy than their full-size equivalents, but this isn’t always the case! Fortunately, the size doesn’t impact the functionality, and you can expect all the same handy settings as you’d find on a full-size dishwasher, making these space-savers a good middle ground if you want to run a more energy-efficient home.
Freestanding slimline dishwasher (JLDWW930) in White, £479, John Lewis & Partners
- E rated
For a more thorough clean, dual-spray arms with rotating sprinklers help the water get into every corner of this machine. The Eco setting will save you water and energy, while the efficient 30-minute program is great if you’re in a hurry or have a fuller household than usual. Helpfully, you can delay the start of any program for up to 24 hours, allowing you to make use of off- peak energy rates.
Kenwood KDW45X23 slimline dishwasher in Stainless Steel, £279, Currys
- D rated
For the price, this slimline Kenwood dishwasher has some impressive functions, such as automatic door-opening for quick drying, a Soil- Sensing auto wash, and a half-load programme all help to reduce energy use and save money.
Hisense HS523E15WUK slimline dishwasher in White, £300, Argos
- E rated
If you’re after a space-saving dishwasher with the added benefit of a cutlery drawer at the top, this Hisense model could be just the ticket. It’s easy to load and has flexible baskets, allowing you adjust the space for larger dishes and stemmed glasses. A convenient 30-minute wash cycle is great for a quick turnaround.
Best energy-efficient dishwashers
Designed to help keep your energy bills down, these dishwashers have extra features, such as sensors that automatically adjust the energy, water and cycle duration, based on the size of the load and the level of dirt on your dishes. They also use ‘active’ drying techniques that use less energy than standard condenser drying technology. An energy-efficient dishwasher will cost more up-front, but will save you hundreds of pounds in the long-run, as well as being kinder to the environment – so, if you can afford to, it’s worth spending a little extra. Look for the energy label when you buy – the most efficient machines being A-rated.
Hoover H-DISH 700 HF6B4S1PX wifi connected standard dishwasher, £649, AO
- B rated
Holding up to 201 items of tableware, this A smart dishwasher claims to be the most spacious on the market. It’s powered by a brushless motor that increases cleaning performance, while reducing energy use.
Beko Freestanding 60cm dishwasher Fast45 (BDFN36560WCFG) in Graphite, £549
- A rated
This Beko model has an innovative 45-minute programme, which uses an additional heater and automatic door opening to reduce washing and drying time. It also has a ‘HygieneIntense’ programme to kill bacteria and viruses.
Hotpoint H7F HS51 X UK full size dishwasher, Stainless Steel, £600, Argos
- B rated
This dishwasher features the 3D Zone Wash system – a unique spray set up at the base of the tub that produces up to 80% more power when cleaning particularly dirty dishes. To bust through bacteria, you can also choose the sanitising option, which heats the water to 72°C and rinses the dishes for at least 10 minutes.
How to zhuzh-up your dishwasher!
If the look of your freestanding dishwasher is leaving you underwhelmed, there are some easy ways to disguise it or make it more of a feature! Appliance paint is a great way to customise your white goods and match them to the colour of your cabinets for a streamlined look – just be sure to prep the surface carefully for a long-lasting finish. For country- style kitchens or those with a French aesthetic, a homemade curtain adds a pretty touch – choose a classic ticking fabric, or match your curtain to your blinds to tie the look together. Vinyl wrap, or even peel-and-stick wallpaper, is another great idea, and here you can get a bit more creative with different patterns to add some wow-factor to your scheme. It’s removable, too, so you can switch up the look any time you fancy a change.
