Choosing the right dishwasher isn’t just about convenience—it’s about improving your home’s efficiency and supporting your overall wellbeing. In today’s fast-paced world, where energy costs are rising and time is precious, a modern dishwasher can help reduce stress by simplifying daily chores. These appliances are designed to save water, cut energy bills, and free up time for activities that matter most to you, contributing to a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
From smart connectivity and eco-friendly wash cycles to adjustable racks and advanced drying systems, the choices can feel overwhelming. That’s why this guide compares the best dishwashers available, focusing on cleaning performance, running costs, capacity, smart features, and ease of use. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen or buying your first dishwasher, we’ll help you choose a model that enhances both your home and your wellbeing.
Why a Dishwasher Supports Your Wellbeing
A dishwasher is more than a convenience—it’s a lifestyle upgrade that promotes balance and wellbeing at home. By automating one of the most repetitive chores, it frees up valuable time for relaxation, family, or self-care, reducing daily stress. Beyond saving time, modern dishwashers are designed to use less water and energy than handwashing, making them eco-friendly and cost-effective—helping you feel good about your environmental impact.
Advanced models also sanitise dishes at high temperatures, creating a cleaner, healthier kitchen environment by reducing bacteria and allergens. With smart features like quick wash cycles, energy-saving modes, and app connectivity, a dishwasher isn’t just about clean dishes—it’s an investment in efficiency, hygiene, and a more mindful, stress-free home.
How We Tested the Dishwashers
- We loaded each dishwasher with a typical household mix: plates, pots, pans and plastics.
- We ran the standard wash and eco cycles. We measured water usage, power consumption, cycle duration, and noise levels.
- We also checked how easy each machine is to load, how much space it has, and whether it could clean tough, dried-on food (e.g. dried scrambled egg).
Top Dishwasher Picks
Here are the models that stood out — each excelling in a different use case.
Hotpoint Hydroforce H8I HT59 LS UK Built-In Dishwasher — Best Overall
This integrated model offers extra tub space (about 10% more than standard), a three-rack layout (plates at bottom, dishes and glasses in the mid rack, cutlery/mugs at top). You can fit large plates, wine glasses, bowls, mugs — even tall items.
Wash modes include Eco, Auto, 3D-Wash (for heavily soiled items), Half Load, Rapid, and Sani Rinse (for sanitising). Temperature settings range from 45 °C to 65 °C.
In tests, the Eco cycle costs around 16 p per run — very economical. For heavily soiled loads (Auto + 3D Wash), the cost increased to 46 p. The rapid mode took 30–40 minutes and cost 31 p. As part of the finishing cycle, the dishwasher slowly opens the door to allow steam to escape and help the dishes air-dry.
3D Zone Wash for precision cleaning
Three-rack interior with adjustable heights
Auto-opening door for improved drying
Eco cycle costs ~16p per wash
14 place settings
Quiet operational noise suitable for open-plan living
Anti-bacterial Sanitise mode for hygiene-focused households
Hisense HV693A60UVADUK Integrated Standard Dishwasher — Best for Big Households
If your household generates a lot of dishes — from dinner parties to big families — this model delivers. Even on eco mode, dishes came out clean, including stubborn coffee stains.
Eco runs cost roughly 15 p per cycle — making it efficient for frequent use. The dishwasher comes with an app that displays remaining wash time and offers features such as auto-dose detergent and a light indicator.
- Hygiene Guard with UV Technology – UV technology to remove 99.9% of bacteria
- A Rated – A-rated efficiency for every wash
- Auto Dose – Measuring the perfect amount of detergent
- 16 Place Settings – Large loads, maximum cleaning
- 38dB – 38dB Whisper quiet – perfect for open plan living
Hotpoint HD7FHP33UK 10 Program Freestanding Dishwasher — Best Large Dishwasher
This full-size machine includes three adjustable racks. The middle rack can switch between plate and bowl setups. Even tall wine glasses fit under the top cutlery rack — a common issue with standard dishwashers. Bottom rack tines also fold down to fit larger pans or dishes.
It offers a wide variety of programs, including Auto (which adapts to load dirtiness), Rapid 30-minute wash, Delicate, Self-Clean, and Active Dry (door auto-opens at the end of wash to release steam and help drying). Eco mode costs ~22 p per cycle; intensive cycles up to ~48 p; fast wash ~17 p (best for light loads).
Large families or frequent entertainers will appreciate its capacity and flexibility — though running costs are higher for heavy-duty cycles.
Three adjustable racks
ActiveDry auto-opening door
Rapid 30-minute quick cycle
Self-cleaning program
Adjustable tines for tall items
Energy-efficient Eco mode
Strong stain removal performance
Hotpoint HSFO 3T223 W X UK N Freestanding Slimline Dishwasher — Best for Flexibility (Slimline)
If full-size dishwashers won’t fit — for small kitchens or flats — this slimline model delivers surprising flexibility. It features two adjustable racks, fold-down wine-glass holders, a movable cutlery basket, and supports a variety of wash modes (Eco, Intensive, Sanitising, Self-Clean, etc.).
Eco cycles cost ~22 p; Auto-Intense ~38 p; 30-minute quick wash ~9 p. For small loads and modest households, this can be a reasonable and space-saving choice.
Slimline 45cm width
Flexible racks with glass holders
Rapid 30-minute cycle at ~9p
Sanitise mode for hygienic cleaning
Quiet operation
Adjustable interior for cups and tall glasses
Indesit Push and Go D2F HK26 UK 14 Place Setting Dishwasher — Best Value Large Dishwasher
For those seeking simplicity and reliable washing without extra frills, this integrated dishwasher offers good value. It fits 14 place settings and includes a third rack. Wash cycles include Eco 50 °C, Auto-Intensive 65 °C, and a “Push and Go” everyday cycle — useful for quick washes.
Eco mode costs around 24p per run; Auto-Intensive costs around 38p. While it handled general washing well, it struggled a bit with stubborn, dried-on stains in Eco mode. Auto-Intensive helped improve results.
Overall, this model is a practical, no-nonsense dishwasher: good capacity, fair cleaning performance, and reasonable running costs.
14 place settings
Simple Push & Go cycle
Eco 50°C and Auto-Intensive 65°C modes
Low maintenance design
Good stain removal for everyday cooking
Beko BDEN38640FG 16 Place Setting Dishwasher — Best Budget Dishwasher
As an entry-level freestanding dishwasher, this Beko model offers excellent value. It includes fold-down tines, a cutlery rack, a baking tray and wine-glass holders, giving flexibility for 16 place settings.
It offers normal cycles, an “AquaFlex” everyday mode, and an auto mode that adjusts between 40–65 °C based on the soil level. Its Corner Intense spray arm reaches hard-to-access areas for better coverage.
Eco mode runs cost ~23 p, but cleaning under eco can leave some tough stains. Using the Intensive 70 °C mode improved results (cost ~39 p). For heavy-duty cleaning, this model works — but quick everyday washes may not fully clean heavy messes.
Large 16-place capacity
Corner Intense rotating spray arm
Auto, AquaFlex, and Intensive wash modes
Flexible interior layout
Eco mode ~23p
Durable and user-friendly design
Hoover H-DISH 700 Dishwasher — Best Low-Cost Dishwasher
This model is suitable if you want a straightforward, large-capacity dishwasher without incurring a high price. It can accommodate 16 place settings, making it useful for large households or frequent entertaining.
Its Eco cycle is efficient (~18 p per run). For heavy washing needs, the “Power Wash” mode is available, though its interface may not be intuitive for everyone. For a budget-oriented setup, it remains a solid performer.
16 place settings
Eco mode ~18p
Power Wash settings
Good drying performance
Large, deep interior
How to Choose the Right Dishwasher for You
When picking a dishwasher, consider the following:
- Household size & load frequency: Larger households or frequent dinner parties benefit from big-capacity models (e.g. Hisense, Hotpoint HF7HP33UK). Smaller households or flats may prefer slimline or budget models.
- Budget: If cost is a priority, go for budget or low-cost models (like Beko or Hoover). For long-term durability and performance, a higher-end model may be worth the investment.
- Space constraints: Flat or small-kitchen homes may need slimline or integrated dishwashers.
- Type of use: If you often wash heavily soiled pots and pans, choose a model with strong intensive cycles and flexible racks. If you mostly wash everyday dishes, efficient eco cycles may be enough.
Final Thoughts
A dishwasher can simplify daily life and save time. The “best” dishwasher depends on your household size, space, and budget. For most homes, a good mid-range model offers a balance of capacity, cleaning performance, and running costs. If you care about value for money, consider a model like Indesit or Beko. If you want maximum capacity and flexibility, a model like Hisense HV693A60UVADUK or Hotpoint HF7HP33UK may fit better.
Dishwasher FAQs
What should I look for when buying a dishwasher?
Focus on energy efficiency, noise level, capacity, drying performance, and smart features like adjustable racks and quick wash cycles.
Are dishwashers more eco-friendly than handwashing?
Yes. Modern dishwashers use less water and energy compared to handwashing, making them a sustainable choice for your home.
How much water does a dishwasher use per cycle?
Most energy-efficient dishwashers use between 6–12 liters per cycle, significantly less than washing dishes by hand.
Do dishwashers sanitise dishes?
Many models include high-temperature sanitizing cycles that kill bacteria and allergens, promoting a healthier kitchen environment.
What is the average lifespan of a dishwasher?
A quality dishwasher typically lasts 8–12 years with proper maintenance and care.
Are smart dishwashers worth it?
Smart dishwashers offer app control, energy monitoring, and custom cycles, adding convenience and efficiency for tech-savvy households.
How can I maintain my dishwasher for optimal performance?
Regularly clean the filter, check spray arms, use dishwasher-safe detergents, and run a cleaning cycle monthly to prevent buildup.


