Kitchen buying guide

Dishwasher Buying Guide

Making the most of time with the family is important, so that is why we have created this handy dishwasher buying guide to help you choose the right device for your home. In this article, we explore all the different models available, along with all the features to consider to make after-dinner chores a breeze.

What are the different types?

Freestanding dishwashers

Quick to install, freestanding models can be slotted into existing layouts where there is a waste connection and inlet pipe, without having to re-plan an entire design. They are also simple to remove and can be taken to new properties with ease – great for landlords or those that move frequently.

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Integrated dishwashers

For those who have a pared-back scheme or families who want to maintain a minimal decor, a fully-integrated dishwasher is a good option. Designed to be fitted within a cupboard, this style can easily blend into a layout, keeping everything looking uniform, while reducing visual clutter for a more open and spacious feel.

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What are the different sizes available?

Full-size dishwashers

Supplied in a 60cm width, full-size devices match standard unit widths to create a flush finish during installation when using an integrated style. Depending on the model, it can fit up to 150 items, including crockery, cutlery, and other cookware, making it a practical choice for larger households or those who like to entertain.

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Lamona Slimline Fully Integrated Dishwasher

Slimline dishwashers

For couples, small families, or those with a compact room, a small dishwasher with a slimline design is a better choice, as it saves on floor space. Just 45cm wide, this option can still pack in up to 100 items, which is great for fitting in a few day’s worth of dishes, reducing the number of cycles in a week and saving on energy.

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What colours are available?

White dishwashers

Timeless and versatile, white is a popular shade for household devices, as it can complement a variety of decors and create a co-ordinated look with other equipment. This fresh shade has a hygienic appearance too, which is great for keeping a space looking clean and inviting.

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Lamona Eco Deluxe Fully Integrated Dishwasher

Stainless-steel dishwashers

Offering an easy-clean surface and cool-toned finish, stainless-steel devices are a staple for busy homes that want both practicality and style. This hue is readily available across cooking, cooling, and refrigeration equipment, making it simple to achieve a cohesive scheme.

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Black dishwashers

With more households backing the trend for black, this bold shade is a great way to achieve a stylish look with a new cleaning device. It can easily complement a darker scheme to create a refined design, or it can be used to punctuate a paler theme for added visual interest.

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Things to consider when planning for a new dishwasher

Lamona Eco Deluxe Fully Integrated Dishwasher - Adjustable Rear Feet From Front

Installation

Cleaning devices need to be installed no more than 50cm away from a waste connection and inlet pipe, so be sure to consider this when you and your designer are planning your layout. Ask a trade professional to place the machine near a cleaning area, as this can reduce the amount of plumbing required to save money.

Lamona Integrated Dishwasher in Chilcomb Navy Handleless

Location

Placing your device in the right location will make installation simple and make accessing your machine easy. Be aware of limiting factors, like supply pipes and electrics, which require extra space at the back. You also need to avoid planning stoves above dishwashers and ensure doors can open in corner placements.

Maintenance

Taking care of your device will mean that it will continue to function efficiently for many years to come. Food can get caught in the machine, so plates should be scraped clean of debris and filters must be washed regularly. To keep blockages and limescale at bay, use detergents to keep the interior squeaky clean.

Number of place settings

The capacity of a cleaning device is measured in place settings, which refers to the sets of crockery that the machine can wash. Smaller families should look for place settings of around nine or 10, whilst bigger households would benefit from full-size options that can hold 13 or more.

Energy efficiency

Using around 12 litres of water less per cycle than traditional handwashing, dishwashers are already a more environmentally-friendly way of getting the dishes done. They also use less than one kilowatt of electricity for a standard cycle, keeping energy bills down too.

Lamona Eco Deluxe Fully Integrated Dishwasher - Rinse Aid Adjustment

Water hardness

Hard water can cause damage to crockery over time. To prevent this, set the water hardness level in your device to match your area – check this with your local water supplier if you are unsure. You can also use special salts and detergents to soften the water for a smooth-running machine.

Features to look out for

Lamona Eco Deluxe Fully Integrated Dishwasher - Plate Size Diameter

Start delay

Begin a wash cycle to suit your schedule with the start delay function. This means you can set it to finish at the same time as your workday ends, or you can run it at night and take advantage of cheaper energy rates.

Adjustable baskets

Height-adjustable baskets allow you to customise the interior of a machine to match the size and shape of your cookware. This means less space is wasted and you can load more dishes with each cycle.

Chilcomb Dove Grey Handleless Dishwasher Cameo

Cutlery tray

Designed to slot in at the top of a device, a cutlery tray will make it easy to pack in knives, forks, and other utensils, while giving you more space at the bottom to fit larger items, like casserole dishes and roasting tins.

Light beam indicator

This function shines a light on the floor beneath a device to indicate when a programme has stopped, started, or is currently running. This is great when you have multiple chores on the go.

Quick wash

When clean dishes are needed in a hurry, a quick wash programme is a great option. Lightly soiled items can be washed in 30 minutes to keep your day running smoothly, especially if you are entertaining guests.

Lamona Eco Deluxe Fully Integrated Dishwasher - Sliding Cutlery Basket

Eco programme

By using less water and heat at a lower temperature over a longer cycle, eco programmes will save on both energy and money. This makes it good for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint or household bills.

Auto dry

Say goodbye to condensation spots with an auto dry function. It works by automatically opening the door at the end of a cycle to let out excess steam, so even items like plastic utensils come out clean and pristine.

Anti-flood

By monitoring and controlling the water level, anti-flood functions automatically shut off the water supply if it senses something has gone wrong with the machine. This reduces the risk of flood for total peace of mind.

Discover dishwasher brands

Lamona LAM8605 Integrated Full Size White Dishwasher

Lamona dishwashers

Offering a wide collection of built-in styles exclusive to Howdens, Lamona models are great for keeping a room looking streamlined. With both standard and slimline integrated dishwashers available, Lamona devices will fit into any layout to create a functional space.

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Bosch dishwashers

A household brand known for its expert engineering, Bosch integrated dishwashers provide incredible cleaning power. There are a variety of sizes and place setting options to choose from, offering a wide selection for all families, big and small.

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Neff dishwashers

Maintain a minimal look with the integrated styles available from Neff, which come with helpful features, like a quick-wash setting for a faster wash. This collection also includes extra quiet models, which are good for open-plan spaces or those with little ones.

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Beko dishwashers

Gain the flexibility of installing a device into an existing layout with the freestanding selection available from trusted household brand, Beko. Great for co-ordinating with other white goods, these models also come with a one-year guarantee for added peace of mind.

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Samsung appliances

Full of cutting-edge features and advanced technology, Samsung's collection of appliances makes everyday tasks a breeze and brings continual innovation into the home.

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