Finding the Perfect Dishwasher

What is the holy grail of dishwashers? You’ve been looking at dozens of models with varying specifications and features but you’re still left wondering the same thing as you were when you first left the house… which is the best dishwasher?

Unfortunately, we can’t answer that for you, since everyone’s requirements are different. However the good news is that although we can’t tell you which model to buy, we CAN break down the elements that make a good dishwasher.

What Brand of Dishwasher to Buy?

Determining the best dishwasher brands is 50% reputation and 50% your preferences. Maybe you’ve had a dishwasher previously that worked brilliantly and as a result you’re looking to replace it with the same brand. Alternatively, you may have had a bad experience with a brand and want to avoid it in future. That’s fine either way – there are plenty of choices available to you. Popular dishwasher brands include Bosch, AEG, Siemens, Smeg, and many more.

What Size of Dishwasher to Buy?

The space you have in your kitchen is going to influence what you consider to be the best dishwasher for you. The good news is that you’re going to be spoilt for choice whatever size you need.

Compact dishwashers are your best option if space is tight. If you have ample under-worktop space then you should definitely consider an integrated dishwasher (or semi integrated dishwasher). If you have the floor space then a freestanding dishwasher is a good option as it can be moved around easily.

Do You Want an Integrated or Freestanding Dishwasher?

We mentioned these briefly above but let’s look these two options in a bit more detail.

Integrated Dishwasher

If you are looking for a dishwasher to suit a room with limited floor space, or you want to conceal your dishwasher behind your cupboards, an integrated dishwasher is a great option. The integrated model is often found under a worktop, positioned between cupboards and concealed behind a door.

An integrated dishwasher is great for small spaces as it doesn’t eat up floorspace. It’s for this reason that you’ll commonly find them in flats and houses with small kitchens.

Freestanding Dishwasher

The freestanding dishwasher is exactly what it sounds like. This is a stand-alone model which can be positioned anywhere there is floor space. This style is commonly found in large kitchens and garages, as well as commercial properties. You can position freestanding models between existing appliances, or within a utility room on its own – it’s entirely up to you!

Dishwasher Warranties

This may not be on your list of things to search for in your perfect dishwasher, but it should be. The warranty offered varies per model, per brand, and per offer. Some models will offer a one year warranty, while others may offer a five year warranty. Ultimately, this factor shouldn’t be at the top of your list of things your appliance must have, but a longer warranty is certainly desirable.

You may find that some models offer an extended warranty for an additional price. This is something to consider if you find your ideal model but it doesn’t have the warranty length that you want.

Domestic Use v Commercial Use

This is a very important factor to consider when looking for your ideal model. If you’re a restaurant catering for many people you will want to avoid a compact dishwasher. The most popular style used commercially are freestanding dishwashers as they allow for repositioning, which can be hugely beneficial. However, if you need a dishwasher for commercial use on a small scale, perhaps a café with limited space, then the compact dishwasher may be more suited.

The best dishwasher for a small kitchen will generally be either a compact or integrated model. If you don’t have a huge amount of space then these two models will really help you make the most of what you do have; you’ll also find that the best dishwasher for office use is likely to be one of these two styles. However, the best dishwasher for large families is likely to be either an integrated or freestanding model.

As you can see, although there are certain circumstances in which you can assume a particular size or style of dishwasher will be best suited to either domestic or commercial use, it is ultimately down to your individual needs.

As we mentioned earlier in this article, this isn’t an exhaustive list of criteria to check when deciding what dishwasher to buy. Use the information above as guidelines, and develop and grow this list in accordance with your individual needs. As you can tell, there is no definitive ‘best model’ for any one circumstance; only you can decide which model dishwasher is best for you.