Dishwasher buying guide
When dirty dishes are piling up, dishwashers offer an easy and convenient solution. However, before deciding which dishwasher to buy, there are a few things to consider.
What will meet your needs?
Are you looking for a built-in
or freestanding
dishwasher? Have you thought about dishwasher sizes and energy efficiency? Perhaps you’re looking for the quietest dishwasher on the market?
Compare your options
Compare dishwashers with our buying guide, to make sure you choose an appliance that meets your needs.
Built-in or freestanding dishwasher?
Whether you decide to go for a built-in or freestanding dishwasher will probably depend on your budget, the space that’s available and your personal preference.
Do you want it to blend in?
Built-in dishwashers
are a good option for anyone who wants to create a streamlined look in their home, because they’re hidden behind cabinet doors.
Will you want to move it?
Freestanding dishwashers
can be moved more easily, so if you’re likely to relocate, choose this type. Make a statement out of your new appliance by choosing a dishwasher that’s sleek and modern.
Dishwasher types and sizes
Full size and slimline models are available, with the flexibility to suit different spaces and household needs.
Measure up first
Standard dishwasher sizes can vary, but most measure around 24x24 inches¹ (or 60x60cm). When choosing a dishwasher for your home, measure the width, height and depth of the available space, and compare this against the model you’re looking at.
Understanding dishwasher capacity
Dishwasher capacity is given in place settings. One place setting equals to approximately one dinner plate, one side dish, a soup bowl, one glass tumbler, a teacup and saucer, and 5 pieces of cutlery. ²
Larger dishwasher options
Some full-size dishwashers – including selected Samsung models – have up to 14 place settings. These larger types can easily take care of the washing up after dinner parties or big family meals.
Dishwasher features to look out for
Modern dishwashers come with optional extras; additional features that are designed to make life easier.
Height adjustment functionality
This allows you to adjust the height of the upper rack, when larger kitchenware takes up more room below.
Express wash
Express wash saves time and energy, and works best on items that don’t need rigorous cleaning. On Samsung models, express wash can clean and dry your dishes in just one hour.
Flexible racks
Reconfigure your dishwasher’s internal layout with flexible racks that feature fold-down tines (prongs that hold things in place). Make space on the lower rack to fit larger items, and adjust the upper rack to hold cups and glasses.
Half load settings
Ever need to run a load but feel like you can’t justify it until the machine is full? Samsung’s half load function rinses just the bottom rack, for an energy efficient wash that doesn’t waste water or power.
Anti-flood protection
Accidents happen, which is why anti-flood protection has been cleverly designed to prevent water damage in your home. On Samsung models, this is known as Aqua-Stop; in the event of a leak, the water supply and machine itself are automatically turned off.
Automatic sensor wash
Automatic sensor wash detects how dirty your kitchenware is, before working out the ideal wash settings for a perfect clean. This is called Auto Wash on Samsung models.
Quiet washing options
Quiet wash allows you to run your dishwasher without generating lots of noise. Especially useful for anyone living in a flat or smaller home, selected Samsung models offer ‘Quiet’ and ‘Very Quiet’ settings.
Child locks
A reassuring feature for parents everywhere, child lock settings prevent little ones from pressing things they shouldn’t, and changing settings while the dishwasher is in use.
LED displays
LED displays look modern and stylish, and are easy to read, so you can change your dishwasher settings quickly.
Targeted washing
This targets harder-to-clean items in your dishwasher rack, and delivers high water pressure on the relevant side of your machine. On Samsung models, this is known as Zone Booster™.
Wi-Fi control
Control your dishwasher remotely, using your smartphone*. You can switch on your dishwasher, access reminders and modify cycles, when you’re not at home.
* Requires SmartThings App, available on Android and iOS. An internet connection is required.
Auto Door Open
Samsung’s Auto Door Open feature automatically opens the dishwasher door once the cycle is complete, to let the moisture escape and dry your crockery, so that it’s ready to put away.
Delay start
Not quite ready to run your dishwasher cycle? Set your load to begin at a time that suits you with the delay start function.
Eco Wash modes
Sometimes, dishes simply aren’t dirty enough to warrant a deep clean. Whenever you’ve got a lighter load, select Eco Wash; an energy efficient option that can save you money.
Hygiene rinse
Preparing raw meat or need to give your baby bottles extra special treatment? Run the Samsung Hygiene Rinsing cycle, which is extra hot, for a safe and thorough clean.
Energy efficiency
Understanding energy efficiency could save you money on your electricity bills. What’s more, energy efficient machines are kinder to the environment. The most energy efficient dishwashers have an energy rating of A since 1st March 2021.
Reduce your energy consumption
Once you’ve bought a dishwasher, you can continue to reduce your energy consumption, by using features like Eco Wash and Half Load on Samsung machines.
See appendix
See appendix
Dishwasher installation
Dishwasher installation is usually quick and straightforward, although fitting an integrated dishwasher may require more expertise.
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Installation checklist
Whether you’re installing it yourself or plan to hire a professional, there are a few points to consider:
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On arrival, check your new appliance for any signs of damage; using a faulty appliance could be dangerous.
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Upon arrival, check your new appliance for any signs of damage - using a faulty appliance could be dangerous
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There should be no plug sockets directly behind your dishwasher, as this space can become hot and pose a fire risk
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Plug the dishwasher into a socket that’s easily accessible, so it can be disconnected quickly if necessary
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Don’t connect your dishwasher to a multi-socket or extension lead
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Switch off the water and power prior to installing your dishwasher
Dishwasher maintenance
It’s important to look after your dishwasher, to get the best possible results from each wash and to ensure the longevity of your machine.
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Maintenance checklist
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We recommend removing and cleaning out the filters weekly, to prevent food waste trapped by the filter from being transferred back onto your dishes
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You should also use dishwasher salt and rinse aid, ideally on a monthly basis - salt tackles limescale, while rinse aid helps kitchenware to dry without streaking
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When you’re not using your dishwasher, leave the door slightly ajar, to air out your machine and stop it smelling
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party for your friends or just need a bit of help tackling your washing up on a weeknight, dishwashers are a must-have for modern households.
Ready to buy?
Discover Samsung’s range of dishwashers online, and let these handy home appliances take care of your kitchenware.
¹ Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/dishwashers/buying-guide/index.htm.
² Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/interiors/home/best-dishwashers/. 14th November 2019.