Shopping Guides 5 Dishwashers

• Next >

1. Buyer's Guide (Image 1 of 6)

Alright, so we don't need to tell you why you need a dishwasher. Suffice to say that no one enjoys doing the dishes by hand, and any other excuses you have for not getting one simply won't fly these days.

Worried about the environmental impact? Today's intelligent versions use considerably less water and energy than washing by hand. No room?

Even if you can't squeeze in a slimline, we've got a model that takes up no more space than a sink. Can't figure out how to work gadgets? There's even a machine that tells you what to do! Whatever you are looking for a dishwasher, we have found the newest, the cleverest, the neatest and the loveliest.

By Kerry Young

Jargon Busting

Noise Levels: Knocking through is all very well, but trying to set a mood with kitchen appliances whirring in the background can be tricky. If your home is open plan, go for a dishwasher that has a quiet operation of 45dB or less.

Ratings: In dishwashers these are for energy efficiency, wash performance and drying performance. The ratings are from A (hurrah!) to G (boo!), but in this day and age, there is no excuse for anything less than straight A's.

Delay Start: Set the dishwasher to come on in the wee hours and you'll save money on electricity, plus it will spook anyone wandering about your home in the dead of night.

Automatic Programme: Frankly, who actually knows what is the best setting for the load? Do you ever use more than one or two of the available programmes? To ensure you are getting the optimum wash, go for an auto programme that assesses the load and sets the water and time to suit.

Internal Configuration: It may seem obvious, but if they won't fit in the dishwasher, you simply won't use those stylishly massive dinner plates. Check that all your precious crocks will fit in and that the baskets and supports are right for what you use.