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Dishwasher buying guide
By Ruislip Appliances, independent kitchen and laundry appliance specialist in Ruislip since 1958. Updated October 2026.
A dishwasher usually uses less water than washing by hand. The main decisions are size, how it fits into your kitchen and how quiet it is.
1. Full size or slimline
- Full size (60cm wide) holds 12–15 place settings and suits most households.
- Slimline (45cm wide) holds 9–10 place settings and suits small kitchens, or one or two people.
2. How it fits
- Freestanding: its own finished door and worktop. Easy to fit and move.
- Fully integrated: hidden completely behind a kitchen door. The controls are on the top edge of the door.
- Semi-integrated: the control panel shows above a kitchen door.
- Built-under: fits under a worktop with its own front.
For integrated dishwashers, check the height of your kitchen's plinth (kickboard). Most models fit kitchens with a standard space of about 81.5–82cm. "Tall" models (about 86cm) are for kitchens with higher worktops. Some brands, for example Bosch with VarioHinge, are designed to fit kitchens with tall doors and low plinths. If in doubt, measure the space and the kitchen door, and ask us.
3. Noise
Noise is shown in decibels. Below 44dB is quiet enough for open-plan kitchens; around 46–48dB is typical; 49dB and over is noticeable. Many models also have a night or silence programme.
4. Energy and water
Dishwashers carry the A–G energy label, which shows energy per 100 eco cycles and water per cycle. The eco programme is long but uses the least energy.
Features worth having
- A third rack for cutlery and utensils, freeing space in the lower basket.
- Adjustable upper basket for tall plates and glasses.
- Half load or zone options for small loads.
- Delay start to run overnight.
- Aqua-stop or similar leak protection.
Before delivery
Check you have a water supply and a waste connection within reach, and a socket nearby. We take away and recycle your old dishwasher.
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Still deciding? Call us on
01895 633837,
send us a question, or visit the showroom at 112-116 Pembroke Road, Ruislip (Mon-Fri 9:00-17:30, Sat 10:00-16:00). We price-match most major retailers, deliver with our own team across London and the South East, and take away your old appliance.