A dishwasher is one of those appliances that you don’t know how you lived without before you bought it.
Like having a permanent member of staff in your kitchen that doesn’t require a salary, these magical machines can be packed with your dirty pots and pans, loaded with a cleaning agent and left to their own devices as you stick the telly on and put your feet up. An hour or so later, you return to the scene of the grime and open the door to reveal (mostly) sparkling dishes ready for putting away. That’s about the only flaw – why haven’t they invented an innovative model that unloads everything for you?
What types of dishwashers are there?
But not all dishwashers are made equal, it turns out. There are several major considerations when choosing the best, whether built-in or freestanding, portable or countertop, drawer or compact, slimline or smart.
Each serves different spaces and needs, of course, but freestanding offers a raft of undeniable benefits, from portability and aesthetics, plus more besides.
What is a freestanding dishwasher?
“Freestanding dishwashers are models that do not require a cupboard door to be attached, making them designed to fit into any standard kitchen space without the need for additional cabinetry,” explains Gwil Snook, dishwasher expert at electrical retailer AO.
“This flexibility allows them to be easily relocated if you decide to change your kitchen layout. They differ from semi-integrated models, too, which have an exposed control panel but are concealed by a cupboard door. Fully integrated dishwashers, on the other hand, are completely hidden behind a door to blend seamlessly with the kitchen design.”
How do you choose a freestanding dishwasher?
But how to pick one? Snook says: “When selecting a freestanding dishwasher, the first consideration should be its size, based on the available space in your kitchen. Full-size dishwashers are typically 60cm wide, fitting into standard unit spaces, while slimline models are usually 45cm wide, making them ideal for compact kitchens.
Dishwasher capacity, meanwhile, is measured in place settings. A place setting generally includes a large dinner plate, dessert plate, glass, bowl, teacup, saucer and two knives, forks and spoons. Sizes vary, with small dishwashers accommodating around nine place settings, and large models capable of handling over 15. The greater the number of place settings, the more cookware the dishwasher can accommodate.”
Are dishwashers expensive to run?
Snook adds: “It's also important to check the energy rating of the dishwasher. Opting for a more efficient appliance will save you money on your energy bills. Look for models with an energy rating of C or above, as these are among the most energy-efficient available. If your kitchen is open-plan or you want to run the dishwasher at night, consider a model with a quiet mark. This design indicates that the appliance operates more quietly than standard dishwashers, allowing you to enjoy your evening without disruption.”
Anything else to note? Snook concludes: “The number of programmes on dishwashers vary but can be from as little as four to around eleven for the higher-end models. If you have lots of different types of cookware, or you like the choice of different temperatures and times, a machine with a wider range of settings might be the one for you. For example, automatic detergent uses the right amount of detergent, meaning there’s no need to work it out yourself. Another great setting is a sensor-controlled wash. These special sensors detect how dirty your dishes are before accurately adjusting the amount of water and pressure needed.”
Here, we round up the latest and greatest freestanding dishwashers for your cleaning pleasure.
Shop the selection below
Hotpoint Full Size Freestanding Dishwasher
Neat and sleek, this stainless-steel number has a 15 place setting capacity, making it a winner for those with big families and dinner party hosts.
Boasting a B energy rating, it features a raft of intelligent programmes, including one that automatically adjusts the water, energy and time based on how dirty your dishes are, meaning you can keep your bills firmly in check (always a good thing). The ActiveDry programme is nifty, opening the door near the end of each cycle so air can circulate inside for more natural drying.
Finally, there are two racks with a flexible third that can be reduced by two-thirds of its surface to arrange dishes in the lower basket.
Buy now £549.00, Hotpoint
Candy Slimline Dishwasher
Proof that you don’t have to splash out to get a sparkling clean is this slimline dishwasher from Candy. Its slimline design makes it perfect for smaller kitchens without compromising on performance, while it features a 30-minute quick-wash option that’s perfect for when you’re in a rush (always?).
Additionally, it has a height-adjustable top basket that can be raised to accommodate larger items beneath, whether a baked-on roasting tin or an oversized saucepan.
A brilliant buy if you’re on a budget.
Buy now £249.00, AO
Beko HygieneShield™ Standard Dishwasher
What makes this freestanding model stand out from the crowd is its namesake Hygiene Intense cycle that utilises extremely high temperatures to kill 99 per cent of germs – reassuring for the clean freaks amongst us.
Thanks to its ProSmart Inverter motor, it also contains fewer moving parts than traditional models, making it more energy-efficient and cost-effective. We love its Fast+ function, which cuts the length of your chosen programme by up to 70 per cent – handy when you’re in a hurry.
Buy now £469.00, AO
Bosch Series 2 WiFi Connected Fully Integrated Standard Dishwasher
Most premium dishwashers now come with smart connectivity, allowing you to pair your machine with your smartphone and schedule cycles even when you’re not home (top tip: time it so it’s ready to unload when your partner gets home).
This model from Bosch may have a higher price point than many but it offers great value with its premium features. The Hygiene+ programme ensures your pots and pans are spotless while also rinsing at high temperatures to eliminate germs.
If you want a quieter experience while watching a movie, the Silence on Demand setting will help minimise the sound of running water, leaving you to enjoy your flick in peace.
Buy now £449.00, AO
Smeg 50s-style Freestanding Dishwasher
Inspired by ‘50s aesthetics, this black beauty (also available in cream) doesn’t just make a nostalgic design statement in your kitchen, but comes packed with contemporary features too – a winning combination.
It includes an impressive 10 programmes including a Rapid 27-minute quick wash, QuickTime option to shorten cycles and Delay timer to take advantage of off-peak times. The Planetarium wash system is of particular note, ensuring precise water distribution and excellent coverage thanks to the double simultaneous motion of the spray arm, maintaining efficiency and minimising waste.
With a B energy rating, it’s efficient to boot and keeps costs down.
Buy now £979.00, AO
Miele AutoDos Freestanding Dishwasher
Don’t be put off by the eye-watering price; this freestanding dishwasher from premium brand Miele is worth forking out for.
Featuring an A rating – the best you can get – it’s both eco-friendly and energy-saving while it’s Quiet Mark Approved thanks to incredibly low sound emissions (perfect for putting a load on before going to bed).
Other features include programmes that adapt according to the contents – meaning less water consumption – automatic dispensing of the powder from the PowerDisk (the cleaning agent) and a space-saving way of positioning pots and pans. Magic.
Buy now £1529.00, Miele
Hisense Freestanding Standard Dishwasher
The fully adaptable interior of this freestanding dishwasher from Hisense is what gives it the edge – offering three levels with the option of folding the plate supports in the lower basket to accommodate even the biggest pots – while the hot-water connection cuts down on programme times and electricity consumption.
Innovative programmes, meanwhile, include Short – perfect for everyday plates in under an hour – Half Load, taking less time and energy, and Start Delay, enabling you to set the cycle to start later.
Buy now £266.00, Amazon
COMFEE Freestanding Dishwasher
Combining functionality and capacity – a winning combination – the Comfee’ freestanding dishwasher offers plenty of bang for your buck with a spacious interior that holds everything from awkward utensils to bulky pots and pans.
There are a total of eight wash programmes, including Delay Start, Quick Wash, Half Load and Extra Drying, meaning you’ll never need to dry anything with a tea towel afterwards, plus an intuitive control panel. It’s low noise, too, making this a dream to operate at night.
Buy now £269.99, Amazon
Siemens Freestanding Dishwasher with Zeolith Drying
Packed with time- and energy-saving features, this freestanding design from Siemens is a dishwashing dream.
Its namesake Zeolith compartment contains natural minerals that absorb moisture and release hot air to make for an efficient drying process – including difficult-to-dry plastic items – while the Easy programme always knows what cycle is best for the load and adjusts accordingly. Capacity-wise, it’s like a Tardis, compact on the outside and cavernous on the inside. The varioDrawer offers an additional loading level, not just for cutlery, but ladles and servers, while the absence of a cutlery basket in the bottom level means there’s even more space for crockery.
But the best bit? There’s a safe zone for glassware with dedicated nozzles that provide a gentle, steady flow of water to leave them sparkling without breakages.
Buy now £799.00, John Lewis
Beko Slimline Dishwasher
Perfect for smaller households, this Beko dishwasher is slimline without compromising on spaciousness with folding cup-racks and a removable cutlery basket so you can easily create room for larger pots and pans.
There are four programmes, including Mini 30 which gets the dishes done in half an hour, plus Quick&Shine – taking just 58 minutes to do a full load – and a half-load function to save time and energy.
Buy now £249.00, Currys
