Dishwasher Buying Guide
Choosing a new dishwasher can be confusing. With freestanding, integrated, full-size and slimline models available, along with different capacities, energy ratings, noise levels and features, it is not always obvious which dishwasher is right for your kitchen.
At Dacombes of Wimborne, we have been helping customers choose home appliances for generations. From our showroom in Wimborne, Dorset, our experienced team can help you compare dishwashers from leading manufacturers and find the right model for your household, kitchen and budget.
Whether you are replacing an existing dishwasher, fitting a new kitchen or buying your first dishwasher, our Dishwasher Buying Guide answers some of the most important questions to consider before you buy.
Shop our full range of Dishwashers here.
1. Should I Buy an Integrated or Freestanding Dishwasher?
One of the first decisions when choosing a dishwasher is whether you need a freestanding or integrated model.
Freestanding Dishwashers
A freestanding dishwasher has a finished exterior and visible control panel and is designed to fit into a suitable space in your kitchen.
Freestanding models can be a straightforward choice when replacing an existing freestanding dishwasher, provided you carefully check the dimensions and available connections before ordering.
They are available in a wide range of sizes, capacities, specifications and prices.
Integrated Dishwashers
An integrated dishwasher is designed to sit behind a matching kitchen furniture door, allowing the appliance to blend into your kitchen.
Fully integrated models have their controls positioned along the top edge of the dishwasher door so they are hidden when the door is closed.
When replacing an integrated dishwasher, it is particularly important to check the appliance dimensions, available space and kitchen furniture door arrangement.
If you are unsure which type you need, speak to the Dacombes team before ordering.
2. What Size Dishwasher Do I Need – Full-Size or Slimline?
Most households will choose between a full-size and slimline dishwasher.
Full-Size Dishwashers
A full-size dishwasher is typically around 60cm wide and provides greater capacity than a slimline model.
This makes full-size dishwashers a popular choice for families, larger households and anyone who regularly has plenty of plates, glasses, cookware and cutlery to wash.
Slimline Dishwashers
A slimline dishwasher is typically around 45cm wide and can be an excellent choice where kitchen space is limited.
Although narrower than a full-size dishwasher, a slimline model can still provide useful capacity for smaller households.
Do not assume that every dishwasher has exactly the same dimensions. Always check the manufacturer's dimensions for the individual model and measure your available space before ordering.
3. How Many Place Settings Do I Need in a Dishwasher?
Dishwasher capacity is usually described in place settings. The higher the number of place settings, the greater the amount of standard tableware the dishwasher is designed to accommodate.
The right capacity depends on the size of your household, how often you cook and how frequently you intend to use your dishwasher.
A smaller household may find a lower-capacity or slimline dishwasher perfectly adequate, while a busy family may benefit from the additional flexibility of a larger full-size model.
Capacity is not just about the headline number. Look at the layout of the baskets and racks as well.
Adjustable baskets, folding supports and flexible loading areas can make it much easier to accommodate larger plates, pans, glasses and awkwardly shaped items.
Think about what you actually wash rather than simply choosing the dishwasher with the largest quoted capacity.
4. What Energy Rating Should I Look for When Buying a Dishwasher?
Dishwashers use the current A to G energy-rating scale, with A representing the most energy-efficient rating on the scale.
However, the energy-rating letter is not the only information worth comparing.
The dishwasher energy label provides additional information that can help you compare models, including energy consumption, water consumption, programme duration, capacity and noise.
If your dishwasher is likely to be used frequently, differences in energy and water consumption can become increasingly important over the lifetime of the appliance.
Eco programmes are designed to reduce energy and water consumption, although they can take longer to complete than some standard or quick programmes.
When comparing dishwashers, consider overall efficiency alongside capacity, features, purchase price and how frequently you expect to use the appliance.
Shop Energy-Efficient Dishwashers
5. How Quiet Should a Dishwasher Be?
Dishwasher noise is measured in decibels (dB), and the noise level can be particularly important if you have an open-plan kitchen or regularly run your dishwasher while using nearby living areas.
Generally, the lower the quoted dB figure, the quieter the dishwasher.
For a dishwasher installed in a separate kitchen, a small difference in noise may be less important. In an open-plan kitchen, however, choosing a quieter model could make a noticeable difference to everyday use.
The dishwasher energy label includes information about airborne acoustic noise, making it easier to compare different models.
Some dishwashers also include particularly quiet or reduced-noise programmes for times when lower operating noise is useful.
6. What Features Should I Look for When Buying a Dishwasher?
Modern dishwashers can offer a wide range of features, but the best dishwasher is not necessarily the one with the longest specification list.
Consider the features that will genuinely make a difference in your household.
Cutlery Drawer or Cutlery Basket?
Traditional cutlery baskets sit in the lower dishwasher rack and are simple to load and remove.
Some dishwashers instead have a separate cutlery drawer or third rack at the top of the machine. This can free up additional space in the lower basket and provide an organised area for cutlery and smaller utensils.
Which is best comes down largely to personal preference and how you normally load your dishwasher.
Adjustable Baskets
Height-adjustable upper baskets and folding supports can provide greater flexibility when loading large dinner plates, tall glasses, pans and other awkward items.
If you regularly wash larger cookware, basket flexibility is particularly worth considering.
Quick Programmes
Quick programmes can be useful when you need lightly soiled dishes cleaned in less time.
Programme times and intended loads vary between models, so check the individual dishwasher specification.
Intensive Programmes
An intensive programme can be useful for heavily soiled pots, pans and cookware where a stronger wash is required.
Automatic Programmes
Selected dishwashers use sensors to adjust elements of the wash according to the load and level of soiling.
Smart Connectivity
Wi-Fi connectivity is available on selected dishwashers and, depending on the manufacturer and model, can provide functions such as programme information, notifications or remote features through a compatible smartphone app.
Smart functionality can be convenient, but we recommend choosing your dishwasher primarily according to capacity, washing and drying performance, efficiency, noise and the features you will actually use.
Measure Before You Buy a Dishwasher
Always measure the available space before ordering a new dishwasher, even if you are replacing an appliance that appears to be the same size.
Check the height, width and depth of the space and compare these measurements carefully with the dimensions of the dishwasher you are considering.
Remember to allow for plumbing, drainage and electrical connections where required.
For integrated dishwashers, additional consideration needs to be given to the kitchen furniture door, plinth, hinges and installation arrangement.
You should also consider the delivery route into your home, including doors, hallways and other restricted spaces.
If you are unsure whether a dishwasher will fit, speak to the Dacombes team before ordering.
Which Dishwasher Brand Should I Choose?
There is no single dishwasher brand or model that is right for every household.
Different manufacturers offer different combinations of capacity, basket design, programmes, drying systems, energy efficiency, noise levels and additional features.
Rather than choosing purely by brand, consider:
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whether you need integrated or freestanding
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full-size or slimline
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capacity and internal layout
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energy and water consumption
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noise level
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washing and drying features
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programmes you will actually use
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warranty
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purchase price
Most importantly, choose a dishwasher that suits the way your household actually uses it.
If you are unsure, our team can help you compare models and explain the differences before you buy.
Dishwasher Delivery & Installation
Replacing a dishwasher involves more than simply choosing a new appliance.
Depending on the appliance and installation required, Dacombes can help with local delivery, installation and the removal of your old appliance.
Integrated dishwashers can require additional installation work because the kitchen furniture door needs to be correctly fitted to the new appliance.
If you are replacing an integrated dishwasher or are unsure about your existing plumbing, dimensions or installation requirements, please speak to us before ordering.
Our team can help you understand the options available and choose an appropriate dishwasher for your kitchen.
Why Buy Your Dishwasher from Dacombes of Wimborne?
Buying your dishwasher locally gives you the opportunity to get advice from people who understand the products rather than choosing an appliance based purely on specifications on a screen.
At Dacombes of Wimborne, our experienced team can help you compare freestanding and integrated dishwashers, full-size and slimline models, capacities, energy ratings, basket layouts and useful features.
You can buy your new dishwasher online or visit our Wimborne showroom for friendly, expert advice.
From our showroom in Wimborne, Dorset, we serve customers throughout the surrounding area including Wimborne, Colehill, Corfe Mullen, Ferndown and nearby communities, with customers from the wider Poole and Bournemouth area also welcome.
We can also help with local delivery and professional installation, making replacing your dishwasher as straightforward as possible.
Need Help Choosing Your New Dishwasher?
Still not sure whether you need a freestanding or integrated dishwasher? Wondering whether a full-size or slimline model would be best, or whether a cutlery drawer is worth having?
Visit Dacombes of Wimborne and speak to our experienced team.
We can help you compare different models and find the right dishwasher for your kitchen, household and budget.
You can also browse and buy dishwashers online from Dacombes of Wimborne, with fast local delivery available on selected in-stock models.
Visit Us in Wimborne
Dacombes of Wimborne
61–63 Leigh Road
Wimborne
Dorset
BH21 1AE
United Kingdom
Telephone: 01202 882615
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