What actually matters
- 1Size & type. A full-size (60cm) fits ~12–15 place settings — best for families. A slimline (45cm) fits ~9–10, ideal for small kitchens. Decide between freestanding and integrated (hidden behind a cupboard door) based on your kitchen.
- 2Running cost & energy rating. A dishwasher runs hundreds of times a year, so water and energy use add up. A more efficient model can be cheaper to own even if it costs a little more up front.
- 3Noise (dB) — matters a lot in open-plan kitchens. Under ~46dB is quiet; under ~42dB is very quiet.
- 4Reliability beats gimmicks. Flexible racks and a good eco/auto programme are worth more day to day than a dozen rarely-used cycles. Lean on brand reliability records.
Typical UK price bands (2026)
| Budget | What you get |
|---|---|
| £250–£400 | Reliable full-size/slimline with the essentials. Great value (Beko, Hisense, Indesit). |
| £450–£700 | Quieter, more efficient, flexible racks, better drying (Bosch, Siemens, AEG). |
| £750+ | Premium: very quiet, auto-dosing, advanced drying and connectivity. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✕Not measuring the gap (and the door swing) before buying — especially for integrated models.
- ✕Paying for a dozen programmes you'll never use instead of efficiency and quietness.
- ✕Forgetting delivery, recycling of the old machine and installation — factor these into the real price.
See today's top dishwashers — with live UK prices
Savvey Search asks your kitchen size, budget and integrated vs freestanding, then shows three current, in-stock picks with live verified UK prices. Bosch, Siemens, Beko and AEG lead UK round-ups across the price range — check what's current and cheapest now.
Get my dishwasher picks →Is it actually a good price?
Large appliances swing a lot between Currys, AO, John Lewis and the manufacturers' own stores, and bundle deals (with installation or recycling) muddy the comparison. Savvey checks 40+ UK retailers for the exact model and shows the cheapest verified price against the market median, so you can see whether a "sale" is real before you commit to a big purchase.
FAQ
Full-size or slimline?
Full-size (60cm) for families and bigger kitchens; slimline (45cm) where space is tight. Don't buy bigger than your gap or your dishes.
Integrated or freestanding?
Integrated looks seamless behind a cupboard door but costs more and needs a matching door; freestanding is cheaper and movable.
Which brands are most reliable?
Bosch, Siemens and Miele have strong records; Beko and Hisense offer excellent value. Check current reliability surveys for the specific model.