9 best dishwashers that take the load off household chores

Best: For versatility

• Place settings: 13
• Energy rating: F
• Type: Freestanding

Boasting bounteous wash settings and adjustable shelving, the Samsung DW60M5050FW is one of the most versatile dishwashers we’ve encountered. We were particularly impressed with this machine’s height-adjustable shelves and fold-down prongs, which make it possible to fit just about any dishwasher-safe item inside the machine. If you like to use oversized dinner plates or platters, this dishwasher could be the one for you.

Another highlight of this machine is the beautiful, light-blue LED display interface – although having said that, it may take users a little while to work out the meanings of all the symbols shown.

Best: For use on kitchen counters

• Place settings: 6
• Energy rating: F
• Type: Tabletop (freestanding)

Neat, sleek and highly effective, the Zanussi ZDM17301WA is our favourite table top dishwasher. We were particularly impressed with its minimalistic design and snazzy digital display – considering these appliances tend to be kept in highly visible places, aesthetics are important here.

In terms of dishwashing performance, it’s effective and impressively versatile. And the 20-minute quick wash mode comes in handy when a few items need cleaning fast. However, tabletop dishwashers do have some common disadvantages, and this Zanussi model is no exception. In particular, bear in mind that this dishwasher is not especially energy-efficient, and it can only wash six place settings at once – fine if you live alone, but large families might want to opt for something bigger.

Read more about this table top dishwasher in our round-up of the best

Best: Space-saver

• Place settings: 10
• Energy rating: F
• Type: Slimline freestanding

If you’re looking for a dishwasher that won’t gobble up too much valuable space in your kitchen, the Indesit DSFE1B10SUK would be a great choice. Measuring just 45cm across, this appliance is only three-quarters the width of a standard dishwasher.

Considering its narrow design, this can handle an impressive amount of kitchenware in a single wash, with enough space for 10 place settings. What’s more, the dishwasher cleans effectively and quietly. Our only criticism would be that with a duration of 40 minutes, this machine’s “quick wash” isn’t all that speedy.

Best: For large households

• Place settings: 16
• Energy rating: C
• Type: Freestanding

Here’s a truly excellent freestanding option from Hisense. The HS661C60WUK is one of the most energy-efficient dishwashers you can buy in 2021, with a high-tech motor, eco wash programme and auto-dry functionality all contributing to the savings.

The best news from a practical standpoint is that it can wash an extraordinary amount of kitchenware at once, with capacity for loads of up to 16 place settings. If you have a big, hungry household, or if you have a penchant for hosting lavish feasts, this dishwasher would be our recommendation to you.

Best: Value

• Place settings: 13
• Energy rating: F
• Type: Integrated

You really don’t have to break the bank in order to get a quality integrated dishwasher. Consider the Hotpoint HIC3B19C. This high-performing appliance offers a great choice of settings, user-friendly controls, and superb cleaning performance, all for less than half the price of some of the other dishwashers we’ve tested.

The one major downside to the HIC3B19C is its energy efficiency rating: a lowly F grade. However, there is much to be said for a dishwasher that brings many of the benefits of a high-end dishwasher at an affordable price.

Best: For subtle integration

• Place settings: 9
• Energy rating: E
• Type: Slimline integrated

This could be just the dishwasher to solve your kitchen layout conundrum. A slimline integrated dishwasher, it’s been designed to be built into a 45cm-wide kitchen unit. Fixed to a custom door matching the rest of your kitchen, this dishwasher can blend seamlessly into its surroundings.

In terms of dishwashing performance, highlights include automatic load sensing and water adjustment, and very quiet performance, with a noise level of just 44dB. Just be conscious that this dishwasher’s capacity of nine place settings might make it a little too small for larger households.

Best: For retro design

• Place settings: 13
• Energy rating: D
• Type: Freestanding

Smeg has done the unthinkable here, and made a dishwasher that is genuinely lovely to look at. The DF13FAB3CR borrows design elements of Smeg’s classic, mid-century fridges, from its beautifully curved edges to its smart, metallic details. If retro style is your thing, then this is surely your dream dishwasher.

Of course, it can’t just sit around looking pretty all day. It also does a solid job of washing the dishes, with features including a residual drying system and a 27-minute quick wash mode to make the user’s life easier. The only potential sticking point is the price.