A saving grace for big families and dinner party hosts, a dishwasher is the best assistant you can have in the kitchen when it comes to washing up.
WATCH: Kitchen cleaning checklist
Saving you time and effort and conserving water and energy – provided you are doing full loads in an energy-efficient model and are not pre-rinsing dishes – the benefits of a dishwasher can outweigh those of handwashing.
Read on for everything you need to know when investing in a dishwasher – including which factors to consider in a model and our top picks of the market.
What should I look for when buying a dishwasher?
Size and capacity
Consider the size of your kitchen to see whether a benchtop, integrated or freestanding dishwasher would best suit the space – as well as how many people usually eat in your home to determine the appropriate capacity of your model.
Energy efficiency
Look for dishwashers that have good energy and water ratings as they are designed to be energy and water-efficient and can help you save money on bills.
Cleaning performance
Consider the dishwasher’s features, like multiple wash cycles, adjustable racks, and efficient water jets to ensure that your dishes come out clean and suit the needs of your household.
Noise Level
Look for dishwashers that operate quietly – especially if you have an open-concept kitchen or if you run the dishwasher at night.
Warranty
Look for dishwashers that come with a warranty and ensure that the manufacturer provides good customer support in case you encounter any issues with the appliance.
Our top picks for the best dishwashers to shop in Australia for 2024
We’ve done the research for you and have curated a list of some of the best dishwashers currently on the market. Read on for our top picks for spotless dishes…
The best quality dishwasher
Fisher & Paykel built under stainless steel dishwasher, $1599, The Good Guys
Energy rating: 4.5 stars
Water rating: 5.5 stars
A stylish and efficient dishwasher to complement your kitchen, this Fisher & Paykel built under dishwasher features a sleek stainless steel finish and 15-place setting capacity. The flexible racking system allows you to easily load all of your dishes, while the six wash programs ensure thorough and efficient cleaning. And with added features like a delay start function, child safety lock and flood protection system, you can rest easy knowing your dishes are in good hands.
“Love this dishwasher, it is so quiet I kept checking whether it was working. Great choice of cycles and it remembers the previous cycle you chose, which is usually the most common one used…Great value for money,” wrote one five-star reviewer.
The best freestanding dishwashers
LG QuadWash matte black 60cm dishwasher, $1399, The Good Guys
Energy rating: 4 stars
Water rating: 5.5 stars
Marrying style and functionality, the LG QuadWash is an ideal appliance for the modern kitchen. With its advanced QuadWash system, six programmed wash cycles and 15-place setting capacity, it’s a great choice for bigger families and those who love to entertain.
“Quality machine. Cleans all dishes and cutlery perfectly and leaves a sparkle. Looks fantastic. Doors opens automatically after wash cycle so that the dishes can dry,” wrote a reviewer who left five stars, “not cheap but not expensive, well worth the investment”.
Westinghouse WSF6604WA 60cm freestanding dishwasher, $920, Appliances Online
Energy rating: 3 stars
Water rating: 4.5 stars
With a 15-place setting capacity and five wash programs, this Westinghouse dishwasher is perfect for larger households and for tackling tough, baked-on food stains. Its delay start feature allows you to schedule washes during off-peak times to save on energy costs. Plus, the dishwasher’s adjustable top basket and fold-down tines provide flexible loading options, ensuring that you can easily fit even the most awkward-shaped dishes.
“After years of putting up with a very old dishwasher, the Westinghouse is an absolute pleasure to use,” wrote a five-star reviewer, “Everything comes out perfectly clean. It’s quiet, efficient and I couldn’t be happier”.
The best integrated dishwasher
Bosch Serie 8 fully-integrated dishwasher 60cm XXL SBV8EDX01A, $1999, Bing Lee
Energy rating: 3 stars
Water rating: 4.5 stars
Featuring a height-adjustable upper basket, six wash programs, Delay Start setting, and a FlexZone wash option for when you’ve only got a small load of dishes to wash, the Bosch Serie 8 is a strong player in the washing up game. With quiet operation and a 13-place setting capacity, stress-free cleaning takes form in a model like this.
“Cleans dishes, pots, pans & glassware sparkling clean….So quiet I run it late at night using the set timer function. The three drawer system is fantastic as well. You can also lift up or remove the top cutlery tray for large pots etc. Only negative is the tupperware is slightly damp straight after its cycle. I find if you run the DW at around 10pm along with using Finish Rinse Aid the tupperware is dry in the morning. This is my third Bosch DW. I love my Bosch!” wrote a five-star reviewer.
The best benchtop dishwasher
Devanti benchtop dishwasher, $481.95, Myer
Energy rating: 2.5 stars
Water rating: 3.5 stars
Space-saving and easy to install, a benchtop dishwasher like this Devanti model has most of the features of a conventional dishwasher but in a slighter, more convenient size. With quiet operation, eight place settings, six cleaning programs and a delay start function, this compact dishwasher packs a cleaning punch.
“Great dishwasher, works brilliantly; very easy to setup, great for smaller kitchens,” wrote a five-star reviewer.
How long should a dishwasher last?
While 10 years seems to be the average lifespan of most dishwashers, some brands claim, with the right care, that their models can last between 13 to 15 years.
You might also like:
3 signs it’s time to clean your dishwasher
3 things you didn’t know about your dishwasher
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