What to look for when buying a dishwasher

With affordable prices and slimline models, why wouldn't you want to swap the drudgery of washing up for sparkling dishes at the touch of a button?

Have a look at our selection of The Best dishwashers

SIZE A standard dishwasher is H85cm x W60cm x D60cm. There are slimline models at 45cm wide and table-top ones that can sit on a worktop or draining board (around 45cm high).

CAPACITY A standard dishwasher will take 12 (76 pieces of crockery and 64 pieces of cutlery); a slimline takes eight to 10 place settings; a table-top model four to six.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT GRADING On average, a dishwasher uses 13 litres of water, while washing by hand uses up to 45 litres. All dishwashers are rated from A to G for energy, washing and drying, with A being the most efficient and economical. Look for AAA ratings.

INTELLIGENCE Dishwashers with intelligence technology will automatically assess how dirty dishes are and will adjust the length of programme and the amount of water used accordingly.

PROGRAMMES Think about your lifestyle and the sort of programmes you'll need. Most machines have at least three programmes and a rinse cycle, but you may want extra functions, such as a half load, quick wash, delicate wash or intensive wash.

CONDENSER DRYING SYSTEM This encourages the circulation of air through the machine and condenses the steam naturally so it doesn't escape into the kitchen.

FLEXIBLE RACKS/BASKETS Adjustable or removable lower baskets and height-adjustable upper baskets make it easy to fit big plates and pans in the bottom or tall glasses in the top. Some pull right out for easy loading.

INDICATOR LIGHTS Dishwashers need rinse aid to prevent marks on glasses and to speed up drying, plus salt to soften hard water. A light to warn when they need topping up is useful.

LCD display This allows you to follow the progress of the wash; some give an end time.

A DELAY TIMER This allows you to set the machine to switch itself on during the night to take advantage of cheaper electricity.

3-in-1 or 4-in-1 option Special options to help maximise the efficiency of all-in-one detergent tablets. Programmes tend to take around 10 minutes longer using these options.

Have a look at our selection of The Best dishwashers

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