Find the best dishwasher for your home

Dishwasher buyers guide

Are you fed up with washing dishes? A dishwasher can save you time and effort, plus a surprising amount of money on your water and electricity bills. However, with so many options available deciding which one to buy can be confusing. That’s why we created this handy guide.

Choosing the right fit: freestanding vs integrated/ semi-integrated

There are three different types of dishwasher fits to choose from: freestanding, fully integrated and semi-integrated.

Freestanding dishwashers are self-contained appliances designed to sit underneath your kitchen worktop. They can be moved more easily than integrated models but the control panel and exterior is visible.

If you want your dishwasher to be concealed behind a cupboard, then an integrated model is for you. Integrated dishwashers are fully installed inside the kitchen unit for a sleek, seamless look. Semi-integrated dishwashers, however, have a visible control panel, with the rest of the appliance hidden behind a cupboard door.

Which option is best for you is really down to personal preference and what works for your kitchen.

Choosing the right size dishwasher

There are three main sizes of dishwashers to choose from:

• Full-sized dishwasher: a standard full-sized dishwasher measures 60cm wide and can hold between 120-150 items.
• Slimline dishwasher: slimline models are usually 45cm wide and can hold between 90-100 items.
• Compact dishwasher: Compact or tabletop dishwashers can typically hold 6 place settings.

We also stock a range of innovative Fisher & Paykel DishDrawers. Visit our website to find out more.

Common dishwasher features

Modern dishwashers come with a huge range of features, including:

Eco programme

Eco programmes wash your dishes using 20-40% less energy by heating the water slowly over a longer period of time. This will help you to be more energy-efficient and can save you money too!

Smart technology

Smart dishwashers allow you to programme your appliance using an app on your phone or tablet.

Quick wash programme

A quick wash programme is excellent for when you need to wash dishes in a hurry. It works best when dishes don’t require a thorough clean and just need to be rinsed off.

Glass care/ delicate programme

Some dishwashers come with a glass care programme that’s ideal for cleaning delicate items.

Child lock

A handy feature if you have young children in your home.

Quiet mark

Dishwashers that come with a quiet mark are quieter than standard models. They use brushless motors which means they make less noise when washing your dishes. This is a great feature if you have an open plan living space.

Adjustable baskets and racks

Many models come with handy adjustable baskets for your cutlery and different types of racks for added flexibility. Some top racks can be positioned higher up to accommodate bigger items underneath, or moved lower down to squeeze in those tall wine glasses up top.

Drying cycle

Some dishwashers have drying cycles that use condensation to dry your dishes. They work by coating dishes in hot water near the end of the cycle. The hot air from the hot water mixes with the cool stainless-steel interior of the dishwasher, forming drops of water that drain easily from your dishes.

FAQs

Q. How can a dishwasher save you money?

Dishwashers use less water than a typical bowl of washing up, which uses around 9 litres. A dishwasher can therefore save you money on your water and electricity bill, not to mention time and effort! Many dishwashers also come with an eco programme, allowing you to make even greater energy savings.

Q. What place setting do I need?

This will depend on how many people live in your home. Dishwashers with a higher place setting can accommodate more items and are ideal for larger families. A slimline or compact dishwasher may be a good option for two-person households.

Q. What type of dishwasher do I need?

Whether you opt for a freestanding, integrated or semi-integrated dishwasher is up to you. If you’d prefer not to have your appliances on show, an integrated model may be best. If aesthetics aren’t important to you, a freestanding dishwasher will give you plenty of flexibility.

When looking for a dishwasher, be sure to choose a model with a suitable load capacity. It’s also worth checking the energy rating, particularly if you want to keep bills down.

Q. How much does it cost to run a dishwasher?

This will depend on the make and model of your dishwasher. The average dishwasher is thought to cost just over £50 a year to run. Please consult the product manual for a more accurate estimate.

Q. Do I need to clean my dishwasher?

Yes. Food debris, grease and soap scum can accumulate over time, so it’s important to clean your dishwasher regularly. Most manufacturers suggest cleaning it once a month, but check your manual as guidance can vary. Regular maintenance will help to prevent smells and germs and keep your dishwasher performing at its best.

Installation & delivery of your dishwasher

We offer a free local delivery service to certain postcodes within a set radius of our stores. National delivery to postcodes outside of these areas is charged at £24.98 (appliances under 60cm wide).

As well as delivering your new dishwasher, we can also remove your old appliance for a small fee. If you need help installing your dishwasher, just let our team know and we will arrange this for you (additional fee applies).

For more information please visit our delivery services page.

Shop for dishwashers at Knees Home & Electrical

Whether you’re looking for a freestanding or integrated model, we stock a wide variety of dishwashers from top brands including Miele, Neff, Siemens and Fisher & Paykel.

We have one store in Wiltshire, Trowbridge, so you can take a look before you buy.

But you don’t have to live locally to buy your dishwasher from us. We deliver across mainland UK using our delivery partner, and you can see and buy our entire range online.

If you need any help or advice, our helpful customer service team will be happy to assist you.