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Dishwashers: Buying Guide
A helpful guide for purchasing dishwashers
A dishwasher is becoming an increasingly popular appliance for modern kitchens, offering convenience and saving you precious time. Choosing the right dishwasher will ensure a smooth installation and a fantastic addition to your kitchen. This guide will walk you through everything you need to consider when purchasing a dishwasher, from types and sizes to key features and energy efficiency.
Types of Dishwashers
Integrated Dishwashers
Integrated dishwashers are designed to blend seamlessly with your kitchen cabinetry. There are two types of integrated dishwashers:
Fully Integrated
The control panel is hidden, and the dishwasher is entirely concealed behind a cabinet door, offering a streamlined look.
Semi-Integrated
The control panel remains visible, but the lower part of the dishwasher is hidden behind a cabinet door, balancing aesthetics with convenience.
Freestanding Dishwashers
Freestanding dishwashers can be placed anywhere in your kitchen, and come with a finished exterior. They’re easier to install and perfect for those who frequently move.
Dishdrawers
Dishdrawers can be easily integrated into your kitchen design. Single drawers offer a space-saving solution to dishwashing, whilst double drawers allow you to run two separate cycles at the same time.
Sizes and Capacity
Dishwashers come in various sizes and capacities. The most common width is 60cm, which usually accommodates 12-16 place settings. Slimline models are around 45cm wide, holding 8-10 place settings.
When considering capacity, think about your household size and dishwashing frequency. For larger families or frequent entertainers, a larger capacity model is essential. Meanwhile, smaller households might prefer a slimline option.
Standard Dimensions
The standard height of an integrated dishwasher is 82cm, with a depth of 55cm, and a width of 60cm.
This means that they’ll fit under a standard kitchen worktop with ease.
The standard dimensions of freestanding dishwashers are 85cm tall, 59.8cm deep, and 60cm wide.
They are slightly larger than integrated dishwashers to allow the top of the appliance to sit in line with your countertops.
Installation
For a smooth installation, you need to ensure your chosen dishwasher fits the designated space in your kitchen. Things to take into consideration include:
To ensure your dishwasher fits, you’ll need to measure the allocated space. If you’re replacing an existing dishwasher, you can measure your old appliance to guarantee a good fit.
In short, you’ll want to measure from:
Be sure to also allow a minimum of around 3cm extra space behind your integrated dishwasher for the water and waste pipes.
Some integrated models require professional installation for a seamless look.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient dishwashers save money and reduce your environmental footprint. Look for models with:
Warranty
Always check the warranty period offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty period provides peace of mind and protects your investment. Standard warranties for dishwashers are 1-2 years, however some come standard with longer warranties. You may also have the option to extend your warranty for a fee.
Price and Budget
Dishwashers vary widely in price, from budget-friendly models to high-end options with advanced features. Determine your budget beforehand and prioritise features that are most important to you. Remember, investing in a more energy-efficient model can save money in the long run!
Key Features
There are many features to consider when choosing a dishwasher. From helpful features to improve performance, to advanced features designed to simplify your daily tasks, keep your eyes peeled for these brilliant advancements:
Cleaning Performance
Multiple Spray Arms
Ensures thorough cleaning by reaching all areas.
Soil Sensors
Adjusts the cycle length and water usage based on the level of dirt on your dishes.
Steam Cleaning
Enhances the cleaning power, especially for tough stains.
Drying Performance
Zeolith Drying
Uses zeolite granules to absorb humidity and convert it into dry, hot air, reducing energy consumption and speeding up drying time.
Fan-Assisted Drying
Circulates air to remove moisture.
Auto-Opening Door
Some models open the door slightly at the end of the cycle to let out steam and speed up drying.
WiFi Connectivity and Smart Features
Remote Start and Monitoring
Start cycles and check status from anywhere.
Maintenance Alerts
Receive notifications for filter cleaning or other maintenance tasks.
Voice Control
Compatible with virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Quiet Mark Certified
Quiet Mark Certified dishwasher models operate at lower noise levels. This is ideal for open-plan kitchens, or when you run your dishwasher overnight.
Transporting a New Dishwasher
Getting your new dishwasher home can feel like a hassle, but stress not. We’re here to help! When you purchase a dishwasher from Appliance City, you can choose to have your new appliance delivered for free by our expert delivery team. We can also take away your old appliance and recycle it responsibly for you.
If you’re planning to transport a dishwasher yourself, there are a few things to remember:
How Heavy is a Dishwasher?
The weight of your dishwasher will largely depend on the type of dishwasher that you’ve purchased. Expect a compact dishwasher to weigh around 15-30kg, a slimline dishwasher to be between 30-40kg, and a full-size dishwasher to be anything from 40-60kg.
Will a Dishwasher Fit in My Car?
Due to the angular nature of a dishwasher, and the weight associated with it, it’s unlikely that a dishwasher will fit in a hatchback or compact car. The dimensions often make manoeuvring and lifting a dishwasher very difficult. Small vans and estate cars, which have a much bigger and lower boot space, could be used for transporting a dishwasher. This is because they require you to lift the appliance to a much lower height and can be transported standing upright.
That said, we recommend hiring a professional. They will know how to lift and move large and bulky items, like dishwashers, and often have trolleys that will make getting your new appliance in and out of your home a breeze.
Can I Lay a Dishwasher on its Side?
When possible, you should transport a dishwasher upright. If this isn’t possible, it’s better to transport it on its back, rather than its side. This is because dishwashers tend to be a little top-heavy, so they’ll be more likely to roll and become damaged if transported on their side.
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