The best dishwasher is the dishwasher that fits in with your kitchen and your day-to-day. You might need a slimline dishwasher that’s especially good at cleaning wine glasses. Or an integrated dishwasher that’s energy efficient. Or maybe the best freestanding dishwasher under £300.
The good news is that their are dishwashers for just about every scenario. The less good news is that there are loads of dishwashers out there - so picking the one you need can be a bit tougher. Fortunately, we’re here to give you great recommendations - from different styles, layouts, sizes and for different budgets. All dishwasher. No wishy washy.
What to look for when buying a dishwasher
When you’re buying a dishwasher, you’ll naturally think about capacity. But don’t forget energy efficiency, what kind of tub it has, soil sensors and adjustable racks. Here’s a quick explainer for each…
Capacity – This mostly comes down to how much washing-up you’re dealing with day to day. Once you’ve got a sense of that, it’s easier to pick the right capacity.
As a rough guide:
6–12 place settings suits smaller households
13–14 place settings works well for medium-sized homes
15+ place settings is better for bigger households or if you get through a lot of dishes
It’s less about the size of your kitchen, more about how often you’ll fill it.
Stainless steel tub – These are way more rugged than other dishwasher tubs. And because of that, it’ll last way longer – and you won’t have to replace it anytime soon.
Soil sensors – These detect how dirty your dishes are and adjust the wash accordingly. If there’s a heavier load, the machine will use more water or extend the cycle to get everything properly clean. So you’re less likely to find yourself running things through again.
Adjustable racks – If you’re fed up with trying to cram all your bowls, cups and cutlery in, look for a dishwasher with adjustable racks. You can fold, flip or remove certain parts to make more space and wash bulky bits like pots and pans.
Energy efficiency – Bills just keep getting more and more expensive. With a better energy rating, you’ll keep costs down a bit. And have a little extra cash to play with at the end of the month.
That should act as a good start. And if you’re still researching, check out our [Dishwasher buying guide](https://www.currys.co.uk/buying-guides/dishwasher-buying-guide.html Anchor text: Read our dishwasher buying guide) for more help.
Best integrated dishwasher
Model: BOSCH Series 4 SMV4HVX00G
Top feature: 6 wash programs including Quick Wash
If you’re after something that blends in and keeps things calm, this Bosch Series 4 dishwasher ticks both boxes. It’s a fully integrated dishwasher, so it sits neatly behind your kitchen cupboard doors, and it runs nice and quietly. Ideal for open-plan spaces or evening cycles.
There’s a handy red InfoLight on the floor so you know when it’s running without any noise giving it away. And if you want it even quieter, Silence on Demand keeps noise to a minimum. Ssshhhh!
Best slimline dishwasher
Model: Beko Slimline Dishwasher
Top feature: 10 place settings
If you need a dishwasher that slots perfectly into that little nook in your kitchen, go for this Beko Slimline dishwasher. And just because it’s small, it doesn’t mean it isn’t mighty. Slimline dishwashers are great for tight spaces, but being able to fit as many as 10 place settings gives you the best of both worlds.
It can do a full-on wash in just half an hour with the Mini 30 programme. Ideal for when you’re in a rush – or when you just want your favourite mug for a cuppa. Then, when you need to do a thorough job, switch it to the Quick and Shine cycle and hit go. You’ll have a full load squeaky clean in only 58 minutes.
Best table top dishwasher
Model: RUSSELL HOBBS Table Top Dishwasher
Top feature: Quick wash in 60 minutes
Table top dishwashers are the ultimate space savers for studio apartments, holiday homes or student dorm rooms. Unlike most types of dishwasher they can be run from a fillable tank or even connected to a tap.
This RUSSELL HOBBS Table Top Dishwasher only need 5 litres of water per cycle - which makes it very efficient to run. Its obviously not made for loads of settings, but if you need to wash up a few cups or plates, it’s perfect. It even has a Baby Care program to hygienically clean bottles at 69°C. And when you’re not using it, you can store it away too.
Can I use smart home features with my dishwasher?
That all depends on which dishwasher you end up buying. With some, you can control them straight from your phone from anywhere in the house. So, you can chill out on the sofa, and start a cycle without having to hit pause on your favourite show. With the more advanced dishwashers, you could even sync them up with virtual assistants like Alexa. Making your dishwasher even easier to use – and way more convenient!
Affordable dishwashers
Paying a bit less doesn’t mean having to miss out on some of the handiest features. If budget is your priority, here’s a few quick recommendations for dishwashers under £300, £400 and £500.
The best dishwasher under £300
Budget doesn’t have to be a dirty word. Especially when it comes to the Logik LID60W23.
You’re still getting plenty of bang for your buck here. And we’re talking literally as well. With the Eco wash function, it’ll save on water and your electricity bills with every cycle. So, you’ll save a bit of cash each month. Nice.
It’s perfect if you’re a medium-sized household too. There are 14 place settings – which is more than enough space to clean up after dinner and get the kids’ lunchboxes washed before school tomorrow. And if you’re in a hurry and left it to the morning, the 30-minute quick wash function has got your back. Phew.
The best dishwasher under £400
If you’re shopping under £400, this Beko Pro PowerIntense is a strong all-rounder that covers the basics really well without feeling stripped back. You’ve got 15 place settings, which is more than enough for busy households or bigger loads. Plus, there’s flexible space inside so it’s easy to fit everything in at once.
It also keeps things simple where it counts - reliable cleaning, low water use and a quiet design you won’t notice running in the background. Features like SensorAdapt, which adjusts the wash based on how dirty things are, help avoid wasted water or energy. Smart!
The best dishwasher under £500
If you’re stretching to under £500, this Bosch Series 4 is definitely worth a look. With 14 place settings and flexible baskets, it’s well suited to busy households. And Bosch’s reputation for reliability makes it a safe long-term choice.
It’s also designed to fit around real life. The Home Connect app lets you start or monitor cycles remotely, and the quiet programmes mean you can run it in the evening without disruption. Add in solid drying performance and efficient water use, and it’s a more premium-feeling option that still keeps things practical.
Get the top-rated dishwashers
When you’re hunting for your perfect dishwasher, check out our customer ratings and reviews. You’ll get useful opinions from customers who’ve unboxed and tried them out. Once you've got yours check outhow to clean a dishwasherandhow to clean, maintain and fix common problems with your dishwasher for some handy tips. A little TLC goes a long way.
And if you want more help while you’re shopping, the next place to stop should be our Dishwasher buying guide.
FAQ
How long should a dishwasher last?
A dishwasher should last around 8–10 years with regular use and proper care. Keeping filters clean, using the right detergent, and avoiding overloading helps extend its lifespan, so it keeps running efficiently without losing cleaning performance over time.
Is dishwasher installation difficult?
Dishwasher installation isn’t usually difficult, but it depends on your setup. If plumbing and electrics are already in place, it’s fairly straightforward—otherwise it’s best left to the pros. The Currys installation service can take care of everything safely and properly.
What is the best brand for a dishwasher​?
The best dishwasher brand depends on what you need, but names like Bosch, Hotpoint, and Indesit are known for reliable performance, efficient cleaning, and solid build quality. It’s worth focusing on features, capacity and energy efficiency rather than brand alone.
What's the best smart dishwasher for families?
The best smart dishwasher for families is one that combines large capacity with flexible cycles and app or voice control. Look for models with adjustable racks, quick wash options and quiet performance, so it can handle bigger loads without disrupting busy home routines.
