September 29, 2026
Slimline vs Full Size Dishwashers: Which Is Right for Your Home?
If you want to make life easier in your kitchen, a dishwasher is non-negotiable. Saving significant time, energy and reducing countertop clutter, dishwashers are truly life changing. Whether you are upgrading your current model or are looking to buy your first ever dishwasher, it is important that you buy one that fits your needs, as well as your kitchen. This blog explains the types of dishwashers, helping you decide what will work best for you.
7 min read
Full Size Dishwashers
When shopping for dishwashers, it’s likely the first thing you’ll see online is a full size dishwasher. Full size dishwashers are between 55-60cm wide and 81-86cm tall, fitting comfortably under most kitchen worktops and into cabinetry if you go for an integrated option. Freestanding and integrated full size dishwashers usually offer 12 to 16 place settings, a great way to clean lots of dishes at once while accommodating for larger families. If you find yourself reaching for the washing up liquid multiple times a day, take that as a sign that you will need a full size dishwasher.
Pros:
- Great for larger households and creative cooks
- Can accommodate larger pots and pans
- More choice between cutlery tray or basket – some models even provide both!
Cons:
- Less energy efficient
- Take longer to fill up which can lead to smells
- Higher noise levels
Slimline Dishwashers
In certain situations, a slimline dishwasher will be the better option. Typically around 45cm wide and 81-85cm tall, freestanding and integrated slimline dishwashers offer roughly 9 to 10 place settings and have limited space for pots and pans. While they do have less cleaning space, they still offer excellent dishwashing for smaller kitchens, maximising your space while reducing water & energy usage for single households.
Pros:
- Use less water and energy
- Great for single people or couples
- Use up less kitchen space
Cons:
- Fewer place settings
- May need to be used more frequently if you have a larger household
- Limited space for big pots and pans
Freestanding or Integrated?
Think you know whether you need a full size or slimline dishwasher? Before you get buying, you will also need to know if you need a freestanding or integrated dishwasher.
If your kitchen has empty space under your worktops that is 45cm or 60cm wide and is up to 85cm tall, this means your kitchen has been designed to house a freestanding dishwasher. Offering simple installation, freestanding dishwashers will need to be plumbed into a water supply and drain.
Pros:
- Easy to install and remove
- Wide variety of colours
- Less expensive than integrated dishwashers
Cons:
- Less attractive finish
- Louder than integrated alternatives
- Require more floor space – an issue for smaller kitchens
More commonly found in newer build houses and flats, integrated dishwashers (built in dishwashers) are installed into your kitchen cabinetry with your own furniture doors attached. Some semi-integrated dishwashers have a visible control panel when not in use, while all fully integrated dishwashers fully blend into the rest of your kitchen – a great choice if kitchen aesthetic is a high priority for you. Integrated dishwashers have either a fixed hinge or door slider, it is important you choose the right type for your kitchen.
Pros:
- Aesthetically pleasing minimalist look
- Generally quieter than freestanding dishwashers
- Offers same performance as freestanding models
Cons:
- Requires professional installation
- Harder to move from home to home
- More expensive than freestanding dishwashers
What's Next?
Now we have explored the pros and cons of slimline and integrated dishwashers, as well as learning the differences between integrated and freestanding dishwashers, we hope you now know what will fit best in your kitchen. Shop our full range of dishwashers or give our friendly sales team a call on 0115 965 1937 for expert advice.
| Freestanding Full Size Dishwashers | Freestanding Slimline Dishwashers | Integrated Full Size Dishwashers | Integrated Slimline Dishwashers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 60cm | 45cm | 60cm | 45cm |
| Height | 82cm to 85cm | 85cm | 81cm to 86cm | 81cm to 82cm |
| Auto Dosing | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Noise Level | 35dB to 50dB | 41dB to 50dB | 35dB to 50dB | 41dB to 50dB |
| Cutlery Storage | Basket, Tray, Basket & Tray | Basket, Tray | Basket, Tray | Basket, Tray |
| Place Settings | 12 to 16 | 9 to 10 | 13 to 16 | 9 to 10 |
| Door Fitment | - | - | Fixed Hinge or Door Slider | Fixed Hinge or Door Slider |
| Energy Rating | A to E | C to F | A to E | B to E |
| Price Range* (*As of September 2026) | £269 to £1396 | £269 to £957 | £279 to £2404 | £259 to £1145 |
