Best dishwashers 2024: Which? Best Buys and expert buying advice

Integrated or freestanding? Slimline or full-sized? – whatever type of dishwasher you want, our Best Buy recommendations will help you pick a model that you can rely on. 

We’ll also tell you which dishwashers to avoid. The worst models that we’ve tested are a hassle to use, often guzzle energy and water, and leave your dishes dirty and still soaking wet.

Check our dishwasher reviews to find the model that's right for your home.

Best dishwashers for 2024

Here’s our pick of the top Best Buy dishwashers, including integrated and slimline models, plus the cheapest dishwasher to ace our tests.

See more best cheap dishwashers from our tests.

See more best integrated dishwashers from our tests.

See more best slimline dishwashers from our tests.

See more best freestanding dishwashers from our tests.

See more energy efficient dishwashers from our tests.

Join Which? to get access to all our Best Buys and dishwasher reviews. We’ve tested more than 100 dishwashers from brands including Bosch, Indesit and Miele, but only the very best get our Best Buy recommendation.

Video: avoid an expensive mistake when buying a dishwasher

Watch to find out how our Best Buy recommendations and buying advice can help you avoid buying the wrong dishwasher.

We've covered everything from features to look out for to how much you should expect to pay.

Once you’ve decided on the size, type and features you need, head to our dishwasher reviews to find out which model you should buy.

Freestanding, integrated or semi-integrated?

We explain the key differences between the types, plus their pros and cons, to help you decide.

Freestanding dishwashers

These are the most common, mainly because you can put them anywhere with access to a drain and a plug socket. The door is designed to remain fully visible.

Pros

• A large range of models available to suit different budgets. 
• They're not built into your kitchen units, so you could take your dishwasher with you if you move home. 
• Easier to pull out and remove for maintenance.

Cons

• They don't blend into kitchens the way integrated models do, although you could find one in a colour that suits your decor.

Integrated dishwashers

Designed to be incorporated into built-in kitchens, these are entirely hidden behind a cabinet door.

Pros

• They completely blend into your kitchen, giving it a streamlined look..

Cons

• Often more expensive than freestanding models. 
• The controls and display aren't visible at a glance, so you'll need to open the door to check them (although some models project the time remaining on to the floor).

Semi-integrated dishwashers

Although quite rare, semi-integrated dishwashers give you the functionality of a freestanding model, but with the streamlined look of an integrated dishwasher.

Pros

• They blend into your kitchen, mostly hidden behind a cabinet door.
• With most you can see at a glance how long is left of the current program.

Cons

• Often more expensive than both freestanding and integrated models.
• Choice of models is limited.

Full-sized, slimline or compact? 

Dishwashers come in three different sizes: full-sized, slimline and compact. If you're fitting a new dishwasher into an existing kitchen, you'll need to measure the width of the space you plan to put it in.

You're better off going for a full-sized dishwasher if you have the space. Slimline dishwashers can sometimes be trickier to load, and our lab tests reveal that they use about the same amount of energy and water as a full-sized model – meaning that, per item, they’re actually less economical.

Full-sized dishwashers

Width: Approximately 60cm.

Pros: They can wash at least 120 items at once, and are generally more efficient with water and energy. 

Cons: They might be too big for small kitchens. Households that don't use much crockery could struggle to make up a full load, and running the dishwasher when it isn't full wastes water and electricity.

Capacity: 120-150 items.

The smallest full-sized machines have room for 12 place settings – each place setting is made up of 10 items, so that's 120 pots, pans, plates and pieces of cutlery in total. 

The biggest dishwashers can squeeze in more than 150 items, so they’re capable of coping with the washing up after a large dinner party or family get-together. 

Slimline dishwashers

Width: Approximately 45cm.

Pros: A great option if you're short on space. 

Cons: Less energy and water efficient, per item, than a larger machine. 

Capacity: 90-100 items.

Slimline dishwashers are 15cm narrower than full-sized models, but are still capable of washing nine or 10 place settings.

Compact or table-top dishwashers

Width: Approximately 55cm.

Pros: A good choice if you don’t use many dishes or are tight on space. With a table-top model, you don't have to bend down to load the dishwasher. 

Cons: Often quite expensive and usually a lot less energy efficient than full-sized or slimline models. It can be tricky to fit large items inside. 

Capacity: 40-60 items.

Compact models can be either integrated or table-top.

They're slightly bigger than a large microwave oven or a big drawer. They can only hold between four and six place settings, and use more water and energy per item than slimline and full-sized machines.

How much does a good dishwasher cost?

Price isn't a guarantee of quality: some of the best cheaper dishwashers we've tested cost less than £300. You might need to compromise on features, though.

Expensive models will often have more program options and advanced features. These include an anti-flood sensor, an auto-open door feature for leaving your dishes completely dry, and built-in wi-fi for controlling your dishwasher remotely via your phone. 

If you want a dishwasher that isn’t white, expect to pay slightly more. It will limit your choice, too, as many retailers will only sell one colour.

You’ll also pay more for a freestanding model with a stainless steel exterior.

How much will a dishwasher cost to run?

Based on the latest data from February 2024, the most expensive-to-run full-size dishwasher will cost you £96.30 in annual running costs, while the cheapest model will add only around £50 a year to your bills. 

Use our running cost tool below to find the dishwasher that will cost the most and least over its lifetime. Use the search bar to find a specific model or brand.

Dishwashers have an official rating for energy efficiency, but this doesn't guarantee that you're getting the most efficient machine. That’s where our expert tests can help. 

When we test dishwashers, we base it on real-life scenarios, using the programs you use most often. We calculate the energy running costs a machine uses and find significant differences between the best and worst regardless of energy label.  

In terms of water use, full-sized machines that use just half a litre per place setting. Slimline models tend to be less frugal, but the most efficient we've tested still used less than a litre per place setting – far less than the amount used while handwashing. 

Learn more about running costs and energy labels in our guide to the most energy efficient dishwashers

Features and programs to look for

Adjustable upper racks You can lower or raise the height to fit in large items such as pots, pans or long-stemmed wine glasses. Roller systems allow you to adjust the rack's height. However, as you need to remove and then replace the basket, this isn’t always easy and you won’t be able to do it if the rack is full.

Anti-flood protection If something goes wrong, float switches detect water in the base of the machine and stop it from filling further, while an aqua stop prevents flooding if the hose that fills the dishwasher splits or leaks.

Automatic sensor wash This measures how dirty the dishes are, and adjusts the temperature and length of the wash accordingly. It's frequently found on more expensive models.

Built-in wi-fi or smart features Wi-fi-connected dishwashers can be paired with an app on your smartphone and monitored or controlled remotely. An increasing number of dishwashers have smart capabilities, but consider how much you’ll use them before spending more.

Child safety lock This is a reasonably common feature that prevents unwanted changes being made to settings while the dishwasher is in use. In some cases, the child-safety lock also stops the door being opened while the machine is cleaning.

Cutlery tray Some dishwashers have a third rack, right at the top of the machine, which replaces the cutlery basket. They can be fiddly to use, but they also free up the space that would have been used for a basket.

Delay start Most dishwashers have a delay timer, which lets you set the wash program to come on later. This is handy if you like to time your dishwasher so that your plates are warm for dinner, for example.

Delicate program Suitable for more delicate glassware such as wine glasses.

Fold-down prongs These make loading large items easier. Look for dishwashers with this feature in both the upper and lower racks, as well as prongs with different spacing options. 

Half load This setting lets you wash only half the dishwasher's usual capacity – check your machine's manual for guidance on how to use it. While this program uses less energy, it's only 10-25% less than a full load, despite washing half the volume of dishes.

Intensive program Some dishwashers have a program specially designed for items such as pots and pans that have baked-on or dried-on food residue. These typically involve higher temperatures than main programs.

Large spray head These can be used on extremely dirty items, such as roasting trays. Removing the lower spray arm and attaching the large spray head concentrates the water in one direction.

Night mode Reduces the noise level when you want you want your machine to run quietly – for example, overnight to take advantage of lower energy tariffs.

Second cutlery basket Some dishwashers have a basket as well as a tray, or even have two baskets, giving you the option for extra flexibility when loading.

Smart dishwashers

Smart dishwashers connect to your home wi-fi network and pair with an app on your smartphone or tablet. They used to be more expensive – usually more than £600 – but recently we've seen smart models available for less than £300. 

Most allow you to start your dishwasher remotely, but some also let you automatically order more detergent on a timer and download new programs. This should give you greater flexibility, but we're not convinced it's worth paying more for.

Which smart dishwasher brands offer the best software and security support policies?

Security and software support policies determine how long a smart dishwasher brand plans to update the device with new features and security patches, to guard against emerging cyberthreats.

We estimate the 'lifetime' of a dishwasher – the average time we’d expect one to last before it breaks down or deteriorates significantly – is 13 years. This is based on robust analysis of recent product surveys and is a conservative estimate, so we’re confident that the genuine average is more than this.

We reached out to the biggest brands to find out more about support policies, and many are falling well short of this.

• Miele plans to release security updates for approximately 10 years after the model stops being produced, but might release critical updates beyond this period.
• BSH, the manufacturer of Bosch, Siemens and Neff dishwashers, said it will support all its Home Connect appliances with security updates for at least 10 years after they've been sold.
• Hisense said in 2022 it will provide updates for eight years from when a model is discontinued. It didn't respond in 2023.
• Samsung told us it supports smart dishwashers for a minimum of five years from launch.
• Beko said last year it will support models for three years if the warranty period is three years or more, or otherwise for the duration of the warranty period. This year it didn't respond.
• LG will only guarantee a minimum of two years of updates from launch.

Other brands, including AEG and Candy, didn't provide us with specific support periods for their smart dishwashers.

For more information, read our guide to smart devices and security.

Where to buy a dishwasher

Whether you're shopping online or in-store, make sure you pay attention to the shop's returns policy in case there's an issue.

Popular online retailers that stock dishwashers:

• AO.com has dishwashers from a huge selection of brands. Expect to spend at least £199.
• Argos sells freestanding and fully integrated dishwashers, including models for less than £500 from Beko, Candy, Hotpoint and several other brands. The retailer will recycle your current dishwasher for £19.99.
• Currys has a varied selection from major brands including AEG, Beko, Hisense and Indesit. Prices range from around £200 and to £1,500 for premium Miele dishwashers. Currys has a recycling service for your old dishwasher.
• John Lewis stocks a range of dishwashers starting from around £250.

Find out which retailers are rated highly by Which? members with our expert guide on the best and worst shops.

What are the best dishwasher brands?

Even the most well-known and reputable dishwasher manufacturers can end up producing bad models, which is why it’s important to read our individual dishwasher reviews. 

If you want an overall impression of how the different manufacturers compare, our annual survey of thousands of dishwasher owners reveals which brands have the happiest customers and produces the most reliable machines.

Find out which dishwasher brand to buy.

Can you buy an eco dishwasher?

To reduce your environmental impact and save money at the same time, look for a dishwasher with our Eco Buy recommendation. These are models that do well in our cleaning tests, while also being efficient and long-lasting. Buying an Eco Buy could save you as much as £45 a year in energy costs, which equates to several hundred pounds over the dishwasher's lifetime.

To find the cheapest-to-run and most sustainable models, read our Eco Buy dishwasher reviews. 

Buying and selling second-hand dishwashers

In general, we recommend buying a dishwasher new rather than second-hand as there’s less risk of safety problems.

If you do buy second-hand, make sure you know what you’re getting:

• Used models will have been in someone's home and haven’t undergone any kind of refurbishment. 
• Ex-display or graded dishwashers come from a store so will have been used minimally. 
• Refurbished means the dishwasher been used but has undergone a full check and repair where necessary in order to be as 'like new' as possible.

Before buying a second-hand dishwasher, ask whether a Portable Appliance Test (PAT) has been carried out to ensure the appliance is safe for your home. If you’re going to sell a second-hand machine, make sure you get this test done first.

Also check whether the seller offers a guarantee, particularly useful for third-party sellers and marketplaces, such as Amazon and eBay. This will give you more security in case the dishwasher goes wrong quickly, or there’s a safety problem.

You should also check if a product has been recalled before buying – see the Electrical Safety First website.

Consider repairing your dishwasher instead of replacing it

Many common problems can be fixed yourself or with the help of a professional.

Read our full guides to find out if you can keep your current dishwasher for longer.

• How to fix common dishwasher problems yourself
• How to clean a dishwasher 

Any repairs that require dismantling your dishwasher or fiddling with the electrics should be carried out by a professional. Find a qualified Which? Trusted Trader you can rely on.

Repairing will not only save you money but also save your dishwasher from the scrapheap, reducing the environmental cost of recycling and producing a new one.

How to dispose of a dishwasher

Every item that has either a plug, a charger, batteries or carries a crossed-out wheelie-bin logo can be recycled, and that includes dishwashers. 

If your dishwasher is still working, you can sell it second-hand.

Many retailers - including AO.com, Currys and John Lewis - offer to remove your current dishwasher when installing a new one, although you will have to pay extra for this, typically around £20.

Another option (which might not cost anything) is council pick-up. Many councils let you dispose of one large item per year for free, charging for any more in that year. Search your local council's website for large item collection for more information.

Alternatively, you can take your dishwasher to a local recycling centre yourself. Most of these will have an area especially for waste electronics. 

In some cases, you might need to get a permit before dropping off broken items, so check this on your local council's website. Find your nearest recycling location (including stores and council sites) using Recycle Now’s electrical recycling locator.

How we test dishwashers

Which? is independent, meaning we work for you, the consumer. We buy all the products that go to our test lab, so you can be sure that our dishwasher recommendations are influenced only by our test results and not by the manufacturers.

We put every dishwasher through a series of rigorous tests, which include using dishes with baked-on milk, tea, minced meat, eggs, oat flakes, spinach and margarine to see how well each machine cleans and dries on a typical cycle. 

Find out more about the lengths we go to in our test lab by visiting how we test dishwashers