dishwashers

Meet 16 of the Best Dishwashers

16 of the Best Dishwashers

Compiling a list of the best dishwashers isn’t an easy exercise since we all measure the quality of appliances on a wide range of different attributes. For instance, some people will judge a quiet machine as more important than the number of programmes a dishwasher has, while others will put eco-efficiency at the top of their list of priorities. Still others consider the most important feature to be how well the dishwasher, you know, washes dishes.

Anyone in the market for a new dishwasher will also be limited by budget, and how much room they actually have to accommodate a large appliance. Some dishwashers are physically bigger than others, but a smaller machine may make better use of the space within. A carefully laid out inner space will make your dishwasher easier to load – and more efficient at getting your dishes clean.

It’s also important for the dishwasher to be user-friendly. The whole point is convenience after all, and if you have to spend as much time figuring out the correct settings for the dishwasher as you would have spent hand washing your dishes, well, then it’s not exactly a sound investment.

What we’ve done here is tried to compare and contrast the different features we ourselves value – such as low decibel count, eco-saving programmes and ease of use. We’ve come up with a list of the dishwashers we consider to be the cream of the crop. Your opinion however, may very well differ…

16 best dishwashers

  1. Beko DSFN6839W (around £350).

Easy to use, quiet and with a separate top basket for knives.

  1. Bosch SMS53A12GB (around £440).

Quiet, easy to use and very effective eco wash.

  1. Beko DSFN1530 (around £260).

Easy to clean filters, childproof controls on inside of machine, quiet.

  1. Miele G5620SCclst (around £1200).

Moveable racks, very efficient quick cycle, quiet and excellent cleaning performance. Very expensive, but it is Miele.

  1. Baumatic BDF465SL / W (around £250).

Very stylish and efficient, slim, has a very good one-hour quick wash.

  1. LG D1454 (around £590).

Easy access sliding cutlery tray, energy saving ‘off’ switch, stylish and quiet.

  1. Bosch SMS65E22GB (around £540).

Quiet, easy to load, good performance and choice of wash cycles.

  1. CDA WC370 (around £380).

Large choice of programmes, roomy, impressive short cycles available.

  1. Whirlpool 6th Sense PowerDry ADP900IX (around £600)

Sadly, the ‘6th sense’ in the title does not mean it has the ability to see dead dishwashers. It does, however, have a self-cleaning filter, which saves the owner a lot of time and effort. It also has a feature known as ‘PowerClean’, whereby water is sprayed through 28 high-power jets at the rear of the dishwasher. This is a particularly effective weapon against grimy pots and pans.

  1. Zanussi ZDS2010 (around £310).

Good for small kitchens, easy to use, quiet to run.

  1. AEG F99009W0P / M0P (around £600).

Very quiet, easy to load, ‘extra silent’ programme of 37 decibels.

  1. Miele G4920SC (around £600)

Energy-efficient, user-friendly and extremely good at cleaning dishes, which at the end of the day is what you buy it for. A bit on the noisy side though.

  1. Samsung DW60H9970FS (around £700)

The price tag is intimidating, but it’s justified. You expect quality craftsmanship from a Samsung product and this dishwasher delivers with premium class cleaning and drying facilities.

  1. Hotpoint FDEB10010P (around £260)

Easy to install, energy-efficient and with 13 place setting capacity that makes it well-suited to cleaning up after family meals.

  1. LG D1484CF (around £600)

As well as a spacious interior that makes it easy to load, this model boasts a highly effective ‘steam mode’ which blasts the dirt off your dishes using high-pressure steam. It also has an eco-mode which, as the name suggests, minimises its use of water and electricity.

  1. White Knight DW0945WA (around £180)

If you’re trying to cram a dishwasher into a very narrow space, this may be the ideal model. With a width of only 45cm, it saves space in the kitchen but still has capacity for 9 place settings, which will be enough for most family occasions. Like many of the other options listed here, it’s also energy-efficient.

The above are what we judge to be the best dishwashers around at this moment in time. However, the technology changes so rapidly today, with major improvements on an annual basis, so no doubt our list will look very different this time next year. And with the “Internet of Things” being a trending topic at the moment, who knows? Your next dishwasher may even be internet compatible.

Posted by Surewise in Appliance Insurance Articles

7 Troubleshooting Tips for Fixing a Leaking Dishwasher

7 Troubleshooting Tips for Fixing a Leaking Dishwasher

If your dishwasher starts leaking water on to the kitchen floor, don’t worry. It doesn’t necessarily imply that you need to spend loads of money on dishwasher repairs or buy a new dishwasher. A few basic checks may remedy the leak and save you a great deal of trouble.

Before you begin the inspection, turn off the dishwasher and unplug the power chord. Here are some faults that could possibly be causing the leak:

1) Dishwasher overloading: One of the most common reasons for the dishwasher to leak water is overloading it with dishes. Too many dishes may block the spray of water and cause the water to leak out.

2) Damaged spray arms: Remove the spray arms to check for blockages and clear any debris with a toothpick. Frequent overloading can also damage the spray arms and prevent them from spinning properly. Replacement spray arms will cost you between £10 and £30.

3) Dishwasher not level: If the dishwasher is not completely stable, it will raise the water level in the tray and cause the water to leak.

4) Damaged door seal: A common reason for the water to leak from the dishwasher is worn out door seals. Check that the upper door seal (running through the side and top of the dishwasher) and lower door seals are clean and in good condition. Upper seals are easy to replace but replacing the lower door seal can be tricky. It may be a good idea to call the appliance technician for the job.

5) Excessive dishwasher detergent: Using the incorrect quantity of dishwashing detergent will cause excessive foaming and may result in the dishwasher leaking water. Ensure that you use the right quantity of detergent, as specified in your appliance manual and as per the type of detergent used.

6) Blocked drain filter: If you see water in the dishwasher after the cleaning cycle is completed, it may be due to a blocked drain filter. Clear the blockage using a plunger.

7) Damaged inlet hose or drain hose: The leak may be due to a broken drain hose that needs replacement. Worn out washers on the ends of the inlet hose will also cause the water to flow out. Remember to specify the dishwasher model when buying replacement parts.

As part of the dishwasher upkeep, it’s a good idea give the dishwasher a thorough clean once a month to keep get rid of food debris clogging the water inlet/outlet and remove hard water deposits/scale. Also, keep the salt-dispenser drawer topped up.

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Why is My Dishwasher Leaving Grit?

Why is My Dishwasher Leaving Grit After a Wash?

Are you baffled by the presence of grit on dishes after they are washed in the dishwasher? This common dishwasher problem has a simple explanation.

When the dishwasher does not clean properly, the high temperature at which the dishes are dried burns the food residue on the dishes. This forms grit or dust like particles on the items washed. The appearance of grit on your dishes may also occur because of short wash cycles, low water temperature, and use of poor quality dishwasher detergent.

Before you call the appliance engineer to look at the problem, try the following dishwasher maintenance steps:

  • Clean the dishwasher filter of any food residue and debris
  • Ensure that you use the right amount and type of detergent as described in the appliance manual
  • Do not use the quick cycle if there are a lot of items to be washed
  • Load the dishwasher correctly, placing the items at the right levels in the dishwasher
  • Ensure that nothing is blocking the dishwasher spray arms
  • Also, check that the dishwasher spray arms are clear and clean

Do not connect the dishwasher to hot supply unless it is clearly marked as suitable for use. Running the dishwasher with hot water will shorten the wash cycle, causing the detergent to decompose too early and give poor wash results.

Run the regular cycle and do not add items in the midst of a wash cycle. If the problem of the dishwasher leaving grit persists there could be a fault with the main recirculation pump. Most dishwashers take in cold water and heat the water to a higher temperature. A heating fault with the dishwasher will also result in poorly cleaned dishes. It is advisable to call the appliance technician for further troubleshooting.

The dishwasher is a wonderful time-saving home appliance. To keep it functioning smoothly, clean the dishwasher once a month and follow the maintenance instructions provided in the product manual.

Posted by Surewise in Appliance Insurance Articles

8 Reasons For Beeping Dishwashers

8 Reasons For Beeping Dishwashers

Having your dishwasher breakdown is a massive inconvenience. The thought of all those long years of peace in the household giving way once again to bitter conflict as struggle ensues over who has to wash the dirty dishes. But the good news is that the dishwasher is the most likely to appliance to malfunction as a result of simple issues that can be easily resolved, without requiring expensive dishwasher repairs.

Furthermore, unlike geysers and circuit boards, fixing a dishwasher is not a matter of urgency. So you have time to troubleshoot the fault and see if it is one of the many issues that you can resolve yourself. Here are just a few examples of common dishwasher problems:

Safety First: The first thing to bear in mind is that a dishwasher is an electrical device, and thus you are required to follow electrical safety guidelines when carrying out DIY dishwasher repairs. If you suspect the problem requires electrical work to fix, take the safe option and call a professional, unless you have experience working with electronics. Electrical components will usually be located in the door and at the base, and can be accessed via the inspection panel or by removing the inner door. These parts can carry current even when the dishwasher is switched off and unplugged.

Dishwasher won’t turn on

  • The first thing to do is check the plug and socket. Try plugging another small appliance into the same socket and see if it works. If it does, the problem is with the dishwasher.
  • Check the dishwasher door is properly closed.
  • Check to see if the dishwasher door latch is broken. Most dishwasher door latches are made of plastic, and if they’ve degraded to the point where they can’t hold the door closed then the dishwasher won’t start.
  • Try resetting the dishwasher. You can find instructions on how to do this in the manual.
  • Was there a power surge? Again, reset the appliance by pressing the reset button. In addition, some dishwashers have their own circuit breakers which can be reset.
  • Other components that could prevent the dishwasher from turning on are the thermal fuse, the door switch and the main control board. Checking the condition of these components will require you to remove the control panel, so you may want to contact a professional unless you’re familiar with the inner workings of a dishwasher.

Dishwasher not Draining

This is usually a problem with the dishwasher drainage systems or with the house plumbing. Here are some routine checks you can make before calling a professional:

  • Remove, clean and replace the filters. You’ll find them in the bottom of the dishwasher, and they’re easy to twist and pull out.
  • Pull the dishwasher away from the wall and check the waste hose. If it’s squashed it may not be able to drain properly.
  • A blockage in your sink could also prevent proper drainage, if the dishwasher waste water pipe is connected to it.

Dishwasher making beeping sounds

If your dishwasher starts beeping, it is probably a sign of either incorrect use or a part that needs replacing.

Electronic appliances such as dishwashers often come inbuilt with electronic sensors, which may make beeping sounds or display blinking lights to caution the appliance user that something is wrong. It is important to note here that the combination of beeping and lighting display mean different things in different dishwasher models.

Turn off the dishwasher and check for any of the following that could be causing your dishwasher to beep:

  • Did you open the dishwasher door before the cycle was complete? If so the appliance may memorise the cycle status and will not start a new cycle the next day. Check your appliance’s instruction manual on how to reset the appliance.
  • Have you added rinse aid or coarse salt? Check your dishwasher handbook on how to refill this.
  • Have a technician check the pressure switch or flow meter.
  • Have a technician check the reed sensors for normal wear and tear – these detect obstruction to the dishwasher spray arms.
  • Is the dishwasher beeping in tandem with blinking lights? This may indicate anti-flood device activation. This means that the dishwasher sensors have detected water in the casing and has stopped working to prevent the water in the drum from leaking over your floor. If it is an integrated model, sponge off water in the base. If it is a freestanding appliance, tilt the machine slightly to drain out the excess water.

Prevent dishwasher problems by keeping it in good condition

It is estimated that you save three weeks a year by using your dishwasher! Regular cleaning and maintenance of the dishwasher will ensure that it continues to work without developing a fault and so saves you hours every week.

Also be sure to read the dishwasher instruction manual. According to service engineers on UK White Goods, most dishwasher problems are down to people not knowing how to look after their dishwasher because they didn’t read the instruction manual.

Please remember:

Appliances should be serviced regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions found in the product manual. If you have a problem with an appliance, call in a NICEIC or Gas-Safe registered appliance engineer to repair your appliance. Don’t forget that if your appliance is not working optimally, you should also have it serviced to prevent causing damage to the appliance.

Posted by Surewise in Appliance Insurance Articles

Dishwasher Gives Shock – What to do?

Dishwasher Gives Shock – What to do?


If your dishwasher has started giving the person who touches it a shock, it is time to call in a skilled technician to do some maintenance checks immediately.  If you notice that your appliance is sending out any form of electric shock, no matter how mild, immediately switch off the power socket and remove the plug from the socket. It is best to also wear rubber-soled shoes when removing the plug.

Here is what could be causing the kitchen dishwasher to pass an electric shock when in use:

  1. An internal live wire may be touching the appliance chassis. Another electrical appliance with a loose wire, placed near the dishwasher, may also cause the problem.
  2. The switch used to power the dishwasher may have a loose connection or the earth wire around the socket may be broken. Have a technician use a socket-tester to rule out the problem.
  3. It is possible that the insulation around the heating element has deteriorated. Have a technician check the heating element in the dishwasher.
  4. If your dishwasher is giving an electric shock, it may mean that the safety device called the ‘trip switch’ is not working. Since electrical kitchen appliances operate in a wet area, they come with a built-in safety device to automatically cut-off power in the event that a fault leads to a shock. Unfortunately, even very well made electric appliances can malfunction.

Here is what could be causing the kitchen dishwasher to pass electric shock when NOT in use:

  1. If the dishwasher is off and you still get a voltage when you touch it, there could be an earthing fault with the electrical supply. In case of an earthing problem, even a malfunctioning appliance in your neighbour’s house can give you an electric shock. Consult an electrician immediately.
  2. Getting a shock from the dishwasher when it is off could also be due to a faulty capacitor or suppressor.  These parts hold charge for up to 5 minutes after the appliance is unplugged and can give you a nasty shock.

Please remember:

Appliances should be serviced regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions – found in the product manual. If you have a problem with an appliance, call in a NICEIC or Gas-Safe registered appliance engineer to repair your appliance. Don’t forget that if your appliance is not working optimally, you should also have it serviced to prevent causing damage to the appliance or harm to you or others.

Posted by Surewise in Appliance Insurance Articles

To Use a Dishwasher – or Not to Use a Dishwasher…

To Use a Dishwasher – or Not to Use a Dishwasher…

In terms of cost (both financial and to the environment) is it better to use a dishwasher or to hand wash our pots and plates?

On the surface it would seem that hand washing would be more energy efficient surely since there’s no need to switch on an electric appliance. But don’t be too sure… many surveys have been done which show that, depending on what type of heating you have in your home ie gas or electric, at times there’s not much in it.

And bear in mind too that the efficiency of dishwashers has come on leaps and bounds, especially within the past decade or so. In the 90s, for instance, a typical dishwasher programme would use around 13 gallons of water; today your average dishwasher uses four.

Why using a dishwasher is as energy efficient as washing by hand

Like cleaning your teeth, do you sometimes leave the tap running in between brushes? If so, chances are you do the same when washing the dishes, leading to more hot water being used than is necessary. This is where the cost adds up, say scientists, and why if you use a dishwasher rather than hand wash you’ll be better off financially.

Use a dishwasher or hand wash? Advantages of the former

  • Hygiene. Dishwashers are up to 400 per cent more hygienic than washing by hand (ie there is less bacteria and other ‘nasties’ left on the plate
  • Time. It takes far longer to stand at a sink and wash dishes than it does to load a dishwasher (up to four times as long say researchers)

How to cut your eco footprint even more using a dishwasher

  • Use the dishwasher at night (1am to 5am). By doing so you’ll be taking advantage of the low tariff which means your utility bill won’t cost as much. Incidentally you can set the timer – you don’t actually have to get up in the middle of the night.
  • Load up fully. Never use the dishwasher when it’s only half empty. That’s just a waste of electricity.
  • Use the eco programme. Most machines have one of these. It works by heating the water up slowly over a far longer time than a normal cycle would. In doing so it saves energy (up to 20 percent say some surveys). Newer machines will even recycle the water.

So there you have it – these days it seems the answer to the question about whether to use a dishwasher or hand wash is that it’s probably far more economical and eco-friendly to use the former. And it’s definitely better for your hands.

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What are the Best Dishwashers Under £250?

What are the Best Dishwashers Availible Under £250?

These days you can spend as much as £1726.99 on a dishwasher (Miele’s G5935SCi XXL) or as little as £179.97 (Candy’s CFD612). They’ll all do pretty much the same job ie get your dishes and cutlery clean – such is the high standard in technology around.

Price differences come in terms of size, whether or not the appliance is integrated and how you want your dishes to be dried. The most costly the dishwasher, the more eco-friendly it is and the less you can expect to pay on your utility bills.

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Posted by Surewise in Appliance Insurance Articles