Looking to cut down on time spent at the sink? A dishwasher is a smart, efficient solution for any home — saving you effort, water, and energy. From full size to slimline, freestanding to integrated, this guide will help you choose the right model to suit your kitchen, household size, and everyday needs.
Full Size vs Slimline vs Integrated
Full Size Dishwashers
Full size dishwashers are the most popular choice for medium to large households, offering generous capacity with space for 12 to 16 place settings. At around 60cm wide, they’re ideal for tackling the daily dishes, as well as bigger items like pots and pans. These models are available with a wide range of features, such as adjustable racks, flexible wash zones and eco programmes, making them both powerful and efficient.
Slimline Dishwashers
Slimline dishwashers are a fantastic solution for smaller kitchens or households with limited space. Typically 45cm wide, they still offer impressive capacity – usually around 9 to 10 place settings – and many come equipped with the same modern features as their full size counterparts. If you’re short on room but don’t want to compromise on convenience, a slimline dishwasher is a smart, space-saving option.
Integrated Dishwashers
Integrated dishwashers are designed to blend seamlessly into your kitchen cabinetry, with a cupboard door fitted to the front of the appliance to keep it hidden from view. This creates a sleek, uncluttered finish that’s ideal for modern or open-plan kitchens. Both full size and slimline dishwashers are available as integrated models, giving you the flexibility to choose a size that fits your space without sacrificing on style.
Features That Make a Difference
When selecting a dishwasher, certain features can significantly enhance convenience, efficiency, and performance. Here’s a breakdown of key features to consider:
Quick Wash
Quick wash programmes are ideal for lightly soiled dishes, providing a rapid cleaning cycle that can complete in as little as 15 to 30 minutes. This feature is perfect for times when you need clean dishes in a hurry, such as during dinner parties or busy weekdays.
Super Quiet Operation
Modern dishwashers offer super quiet operation, with some models operating at noise levels as low as 39 dB – comparable to a quiet library. This is particularly beneficial for open-plan living spaces or households where the dishwasher runs overnight.
Smart Connectivity
Smart-connected dishwashers can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, allowing you to start, pause or monitor cycles from anywhere. Some models also provide notifications when a cycle is complete or when maintenance is needed, adding a layer of convenience to your daily routine.
Flexible Space
Dishwashers with flexible interior designs feature adjustable racks and foldable tines, accommodating a variety of dish sizes and shapes. This adaptability ensures efficient use of space, whether you’re washing large pots or delicate glassware.
Floor Indicator Light
Integrated dishwashers often come with a floor indicator light that projects onto the floor to signal when the machine is running. This subtle feature lets you know the dishwasher’s status at a glance, preventing accidental interruptions mid-cycle.
Dish Drying Technologies
Advanced drying technologies, such as heat exchange or auto-opening doors, enhance drying efficiency while reducing energy consumption. These features ensure your dishes come out dry and ready to use, even plastic items that are traditionally harder to dry.
Energy Saving Technology
Energy efficient dishwashers are designed to use less water and electricity without compromising performance. Features like eco-friendly wash cycles and soil sensors adjust the wash parameters based on the load, leading to cost savings and environmental benefits.
Intense Clean
For heavily soiled pots and pans, the intense clean feature provides a higher temperature wash with increased water pressure, effectively removing stubborn residues. This ensures thorough cleaning without the need for pre-soaking or manual scrubbing.
Machine Clean Programme
Regular maintenance is simplified with a machine clean programme, which runs a high-temperature cycle to eliminate limescale and grease build-up inside the dishwasher. This helps maintain optimal performance and extends the appliance’s lifespan.
Things to Know
Energy Rating
A dishwasher’s energy rating shows how efficient it is to run, helping you make a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective choice. Ratings now range from A to G, with A being the most efficient. Choosing a model rated C or above can help reduce your electricity use and lower your household bills – a smart move for both your wallet and the planet.
Warranty
Dishwashers are built to be dependable, but having a warranty in place offers extra peace of mind if something goes wrong. Most models come with a standard 1 or 2 year manufacturer warranty. Some products come with free promotional extended warranties – these are clearly marked on our website and in-store. We offer the option to extend your warranty at the point of purchase, giving you either 3 or 5 years of full cover at a competitive price. Best of all, all cover is backed by our own team of experienced engineers, so if anything goes wrong, we’ll come out and put it right.
Freestanding vs Integrated
Whether you’re after a sleek, built-in look or something more versatile for a utility space, there are two main layout options to consider: integrated and freestanding. Integrated dishwashers are designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen units, sitting behind a cupboard door for a clean, streamlined finish. Freestanding models, on the other hand, are more flexible – they can be positioned under a counter or in an open space, but remain fully visible and are not designed to be hidden behind cabinetry. Choosing the right style from the outset helps ensure a smooth installation and the best fit for your kitchen layout.
Download our Freestanding vs Integrated Checklist to make sure you’re ordering the correct product.
Here to Help
If you’re still unsure which washing machine is right for your home, the team at HBH Woolacotts is here to help. Pop into your local store and speak to one of our experts; we’ll guide you through your options and find a model that fits your space, your budget and your routine. Plus, we offer delivery, installation and recycling to make the whole process hassle-free.
Free Delivery
We offer free delivery across Cornwall and Devon, plus affordable installation and disposal services to make upgrading easy.
Installation Services
Our expert installation services start from just £10, with recycling options from £15, making it easy and affordable to get set up.
Price Match Promise
Our prices are competitive as standard, but if you do find a product cheaper elsewhere, our Price Match Promise means we’ll try to match it, so you never pay more than you need to.