Dishwashers Price Comparison
Compare 787 dishwashers from Bosch, Miele, AEG and more — find the best price across top UK retailers, from budget buys to premium integrated models.
Dishwashers price comparison UK
Choosing a dishwasher has become considerably more nuanced than it once was. The gap between a £250 Indesit and a £1,300 Miele isn't just about brand prestige — it reflects genuine differences in noise levels, drying technology, energy efficiency, and how long the machine will actually last. Our price data across 787 models shows a market split fairly cleanly between everyday workhorses clustered around 399 £ and a premium tier that starts where most people stop looking.
Bosch dominates the catalogue with 97 models and remains the default recommendation for good reason — consistent build quality, quiet operation, and strong after-sales support through retailers like Currys and John Lewis. AEG and Siemens sit a notch above in average pricing, targeting buyers who want zeolite drying or advanced soil sensors without going full Miele. At the other end, Hotpoint and Indesit account for a significant share of the most-compared models on this site, and they do the job for most households — just don't expect whisper-quiet operation or bone-dry glasses straight from the machine.
One thing worth flagging: the energy rating system was overhauled in 2021, so an older "A+++" label is not equivalent to the current A-G scale. Many models in the 239 £–284 £ range carry an E rating under the new system, which adds up on your electricity bill over a five-year lifespan. If you run the dishwasher daily, stepping up to a B or C-rated model often pays for itself. You can explore laundry appliances for similar efficiency considerations across washing machines and tumble dryers.
Installation type is the other fork in the road. Freestanding models are simpler to install and easier to take with you if you move, but integrated dishwashers — whether semi or fully built-in — give kitchens a cleaner look and are increasingly standard in new builds. Fully integrated models hide the control panel behind the door, which looks sleek but can be fiddly if you need to change a setting mid-cycle. If your kitchen is already fitted, check the cabinet opening dimensions carefully before ordering — 60cm is standard, but slimline 45cm models exist for tighter spaces and typically hold 9–10 place settings rather than the usual 13–14.
For those fitting out a whole kitchen at once, it's worth comparing prices alongside large cooking appliances — some retailers offer bundle discounts, particularly around Black Friday and the January sales. And if you're already comparing, don't overlook dishwasher parts and accessories — salt, rinse aid, and replacement spray arms can vary significantly in price between suppliers.
How to Choose the Right Dishwasher for Your Kitchen
With prices ranging from 239 £ to 1,369 £, the dishwasher market rewards those who know what they're actually paying for. The most common mistake is buying on capacity alone — here's what else deserves your attention before you commit.
Capacity: place settings vs. your actual household
Place settings are the standard unit — one person's full set of crockery, cutlery, and glassware. A 14-place-setting machine is the full-size 60cm standard; 9–10 is slimline territory. For a couple, a 9–10 setting slimline is genuinely sufficient and saves worktop space. Families of four or more should look at 13–14 settings minimum, otherwise you'll be running two cycles a day. Worth noting: manufacturers measure capacity under ideal conditions with standardised items — your oversized pasta bowls and tall wine glasses will eat into that figure in practice.
Energy rating under the current A–G scale
Since the 2021 label reform, the old A+++ machines were reclassified — most now sit at C or D. A-rated dishwashers are rare and expensive; B and C represent the realistic sweet spot for efficiency. An E-rated machine at 239 £ might seem like a bargain, but running it daily at current UK electricity rates adds a meaningful premium over its lifetime compared to a C-rated model. Always check the annual kWh figure on the label, not just the letter.
Noise level — critical for open-plan living
Noise is measured in decibels (dB) and matters far more than most buyers realise until they've lived with a loud machine. Anything above 50 dB is genuinely disruptive in an open-plan kitchen-diner. Under 44 dB is comfortable for evening use; under 42 dB (common on Bosch, Siemens, and Miele premium lines) is near-silent. Budget models from Hotpoint and Indesit typically sit in the 48–52 dB range — fine for a separate kitchen, less ideal if the dishwasher runs while you're watching television next door.
Drying technology: condensation vs. zeolite
This is where the price gap between mid-range and premium models is most visible. Condensation drying — standard on most machines below 399 £ — leaves plastic items damp and often requires a quick towel-dry. Heat exchanger drying (common on AEG and Bosch mid-range) is noticeably better. Zeolite drying, found on higher-end Bosch and Miele models, uses mineral crystals to absorb moisture and release heat — the result is genuinely dry dishes including plastics, straight out of the machine. If you have a lot of Tupperware or baby bottles, it's worth the upgrade.
Freestanding vs. integrated: more than just aesthetics
Freestanding dishwashers are quicker to install, cheaper to replace, and portable if you rent. Integrated models — semi-integrated (visible control panel) or fully integrated (panel hidden behind the door) — blend into fitted kitchens and tend to hold their value better in a property. The practical catch with fully integrated models: you can't see the cycle status without opening the door. Some higher-end models project a light beam onto the floor to indicate the machine is running — a small detail that becomes surprisingly useful. Budget around 284 £ or above for a decent fully integrated option.
Soil sensors and wash programmes
A soil sensor detects how dirty the water is and adjusts the cycle length and water temperature accordingly — saving energy on lightly soiled loads without compromising on a full wash when needed. It's a feature that pays for itself over time and is increasingly standard above 284 £. The number of wash programmes matters less than their quality: a machine with 12 programmes but no sensor is less useful than one with 6 programmes and a good auto cycle. Look for at minimum: eco, intensive, quick (30–45 min), and auto/sensor programmes.
- Budget buys (From 239 £ to 284 £) : Indesit, Hotpoint, Hoover, and Amica dominate this bracket. You get a functional 60cm freestanding machine with 13–14 place settings, but expect E energy ratings, 48–52 dB noise levels, and condensation drying. Perfectly adequate for a rental property or a household that doesn't run the dishwasher every day. Don't expect longevity beyond 5–7 years.
- The sweet spot (From 284 £ to 399 £) : This is where value peaks. Beko, Hisense, and entry-level AEG and Bosch models sit here, offering C or D energy ratings, quieter operation (44–48 dB), and better rack flexibility. Integrated options become viable. A solid choice for most households — you get meaningfully better build quality without paying the premium brand tax.
- For the discerning buyer (From 399 £ to 494 £) : Mid-to-upper Bosch, AEG Series 6000, and Neff models occupy this range. Expect heat exchanger or zeolite drying, noise levels under 44 dB, soil sensors, and stainless steel interiors. Fully integrated options are plentiful. This is the tier Which? Best Buys tend to cluster around — and for good reason. Worth stretching to if you run the machine daily.
- Premium and built-in specialist (Over 494 £) : Miele, high-end Siemens, and top-spec Bosch Serie 8 models. Miele's average price of over £1,300 reflects genuine engineering differences: quieter motors, better long-term reliability, and superior zeolite drying. Siemens iQ700 models add smart connectivity and auto-dosing. Justified for a high-use household that wants a machine to last 15+ years — less so if you're buying on brand alone.
Top products
- Hotpoint Freestanding Dishwasher 60cm Full Size With Adjustable Racks (Hotpoint) : The most-compared model on this page for good reason — it's the go-to budget freestanding option. Adjustable racks add genuine flexibility, but don't expect low noise or impressive drying. Best for a second home or low-frequency use.
- Indesit D2F HK26 UK dishwasher Freestanding 14 place settings E (Indesit) : 14 place settings at the lowest price point in the top 15 — that's the appeal. The E energy rating is a genuine long-term cost, and build quality reflects the price. A pragmatic choice if budget is the overriding factor, but not one we'd recommend for daily heavy use.
- AEG Series 6000 FFB53617ZM Freestanding 13 place settings D (AEG) : The standout value pick in the top 15. AEG's Series 6000 brings a D energy rating, solid build quality, and noticeably better drying than anything in the budget bracket. If you're willing to stretch past 284 £, this is where the quality step-up becomes tangible.
- AEG Series 6000 FFX52607ZW Freestanding 13 place settings E (AEG) : A more accessible entry into the AEG Series 6000 range — the E rating is a step down from its sibling above, but rack flexibility and build quality remain strong. Worth comparing prices carefully against the FFB53617ZM; the gap is often smaller than expected.
- Beko DIN15C20 Integrated Full Size Dishwasher with Quick&Shine (Beko) : The best-value integrated option in the top 15. Beko's Quick&Shine cycle is genuinely useful for lightly soiled loads, and the integrated format suits fitted kitchens well at this price point. A sensible middle ground between budget freestanding and premium built-in.
Related categories
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good number of place settings for a family of four?
A 13–14 place setting dishwasher is the right choice for a family of four. This is the standard full-size 60cm capacity and allows you to load a full day's worth of dishes in one cycle. Going smaller risks running the machine twice daily, which negates any energy savings from a cheaper model. If you regularly host or cook elaborate meals, look for models with flexible upper rack adjustment to accommodate larger pots and serving dishes.
Is an integrated dishwasher worth the extra cost?
An integrated dishwasher is worth it if you have a fitted kitchen and care about aesthetics — but the price premium is real, starting around 284 £ for a decent fully integrated model. The practical trade-off is slightly harder access to controls and the need to match your cabinet door panel. For renters or those who move frequently, a freestanding model is almost always the smarter financial choice.
How much does it actually cost to run a dishwasher in the UK?
Running costs depend heavily on the energy rating and how often you use it. A C-rated machine running once daily costs roughly £30–£50 per year in electricity at current UK rates; an E-rated model can cost noticeably more over the same period. Factor in water consumption too — efficient models use around 9–10 litres per cycle, older or budget models can use 12–14 litres. The eco programme is almost always the cheapest to run, even if the cycle takes longer.
Should I avoid dishwashers with a plastic interior?
Not necessarily, but you should go in with realistic expectations. Plastic interiors are cheaper to manufacture and more common in budget models below 284 £. They discolour over time, absorb odours more readily, and perform worse at drying — moisture doesn't condense as efficiently on plastic as it does on stainless steel. If drying performance matters to you (especially for plastics), a stainless steel interior is worth prioritising, and it's standard on most models above 399 £.
What noise level should I look for in an open-plan kitchen?
For an open-plan kitchen, aim for 44 dB or below. At that level, the dishwasher is audible but unobtrusive — comparable to a quiet conversation. Models rated 42 dB and under (common on Bosch Serie 6/8, Siemens iQ500+, and Miele) are genuinely near-silent and suitable for running during the evening without disturbing conversation or television. Budget models in the 48–52 dB range are noticeably louder and better suited to a separate kitchen.
Are slimline 45cm dishwashers worth considering in 2026?
Slimline dishwashers are a genuine solution for small kitchens, not just a compromise — but they suit households of one or two people best. At 9–10 place settings, they'll struggle with a family's daily load. The price premium over equivalent full-size models has narrowed, and brands like Bosch and AEG offer slimline versions of their mid-range lines with the same energy ratings and noise levels as their 60cm counterparts. Check cabinet depth as well as width — some slimline models are shallower than standard.
What are the most common mistakes people make when buying a dishwasher?
The biggest mistake is ignoring the energy rating and focusing only on the upfront price. A cheap E-rated machine can cost significantly more to run over five years than a mid-range C-rated model. The second most common error is buying a freestanding machine without checking the water inlet and outlet positions relative to your plumbing — repositioning pipework adds cost. Finally, many buyers overlook the drying technology: if you regularly wash plastic containers, condensation drying (standard on budget models) will leave them wet every time.