Dishwasher Buying Guide
The Dishwasher Buyer's Guide: find the right fit for your kitchen.
Type, size, energy rating and the features that actually save you time at the sink — this guide walks through every decision, so you can buy with confidence instead of guesswork.
Selecting your fit
A dishwasher cleans, rinses and dries dishware, cookware and cutlery using hot water and cleaning agents — offering convenience, efficiency and cost-effectiveness over hand washing. There are three main types to choose between.
Freestanding
Standalone units that can be positioned anywhere with a water connection and drainage point, requiring no fascia panel.
Shop freestanding →Fully integrated
Concealed behind cupboard doors for a unified aesthetic, with the control panel discreetly positioned for easy access.
Shop integrated →Semi-integrated
A balance of visibility and integration — the control panel stays exposed while the rest blends with your cabinetry.
Shop semi-integrated →Dishwasher sizes
Dishwashers are measured by place-setting capacity — match this to your household size and how often you tend to run a cycle.
Full-size
Ample capacity, comfortably accommodating 12+ place settings — ideal for larger households.
Slimline
Compact yet efficient, fitting approximately 9–10 place settings while keeping a sleek design.
Compact
Perfect for constrained spaces, accommodating around 6 place settings without compromising functionality.
Measuring for a new dishwasher
Whether integrated, semi-integrated or freestanding, confirm the right width, height and depth before you buy. If you're upgrading, measuring your current appliance is a useful reference point.
Dishwasher energy ratings
A to G — lower running costs, lower impact
Energy ratings run from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Larger, full-size dishwashers are typically able to achieve better efficiency per place setting than smaller models, so it's worth weighing size and rating together.
Typical water use per cycle — a fraction of the water used hand washing the same load.
Typical electricity draw per cycle, costing roughly 40–60 cent depending on your rate and cycle length.
Expected lifespan with proper maintenance and regular cleaning.
Elevating everyday utility
Beyond type, size and energy rating, these are the features that shape how convenient your dishwasher feels day to day.
Smart technology
Remote operation and energy monitoring via Wi-Fi connectivity, straight from your phone.
Half load option
Saves water and energy for partial loads, optimising resource use when you don't have a full dishwasher.
Delay start
Pre-set cleaning cycles to coincide with off-peak electricity hours or your own schedule.
Quick wash
Expedited cleaning for time-sensitive needs, ranging from around 15 minutes to just over an hour.
Child lock
Enhances safety by restricting access to hot water and sharp items inside the machine.
Quiet operation
Minimises operational noise — worth checking the decibel rating if your kitchen is open-plan.
Picking your colour
Melding form with function — choose a finish that suits your kitchen decor.
Black
Contemporary and low-maintenance.
White
Timeless and space-enhancing.
Stainless steel
Durable and modern.
More colours
Silver, grey and cream also available.
Dishwasher FAQs
How much water does a dishwasher actually use?
A typical cycle uses somewhere in the region of 10–17 litres of water, depending on the model and cycle chosen — significantly less than hand washing the same load, which can easily use 50–100+ litres once you factor in running the tap to rinse and heat it.
How much electricity does a dishwasher use?
On average, a dishwasher draws around 1,200–2,400 watts per cycle, working out to roughly 40–60 cent per cycle depending on your electricity rate and the programme used. Eco cycles typically use less power (and take longer) than a quick or intensive wash.
How long does a dishwasher last?
With proper care, expect a dishwasher to last around 10 years. Regularly cleaning filters, removing food debris, and running an empty maintenance cycle with dishwasher cleaner every so often can all help it get there.
What is dishwasher salt for, and do I need it?
Dishwasher salt softens the water going into your machine, preventing limescale build-up inside the appliance and on your dishes and glassware. It's especially important in hard water areas — common across much of Ireland — where limescale can otherwise shorten the life of your dishwasher's heating element and internal components. Most integrated water-softener compartments need topping up every few weeks; check your model's manual for the recommended frequency.
How should I install my dishwasher?
Install it close to both a water supply and a drainage point, with a nearby electrical socket, and make sure it's level once in place — an unlevel machine can affect both drainage and wash performance over time. For integrated or semi-integrated models, professional installation is generally recommended to get the cabinetry fit right.
How do I keep my dishwasher clean and odour-free?
Regularly remove food remnants from the filter, wipe down the door seal, and run an empty hot cycle with white vinegar or a dedicated dishwasher cleaner every month or so to cut through grease and mineral build-up and prevent odours.
Found the right spec? Let's find your dishwasher.
Browse our full range by type, brand or budget — or drop into your local store and talk it through with the team.