Dishwashers: FAQs
Do different programs use different amounts of water and electricity?
We’ve tested all the dishwashers on their main program, which washes dishes at the hottest temperatures, and their Eco program, which uses less water and electricity but washes for longer and at lower temperatures.
| Dishwasher water usage | |
|---|---|
| Program | Water useda |
| Intensive program |  18.3 Litres |
| Main program | 17.9 Litres |
| Eco program | 14.4 Litres |
Table notes
- Based on water consumption for all the full-sized models recently tested
Because Eco programs like this wash dishes at lower temperatures, they usually need a little bit longer to get the dishes clean.
The good news is there isn’t a huge amount of difference between washing results on the main program and the Eco program with our Best Buys, but the Eco program will use significantly less water and electricity than the main program.
Intensive programs are designed to clean extremely dirty pots, pans and dishes that would normally need soaking, rinsing and extra wash cycles to get them sparkling and clean. Intensive results are generally impressive but come at a price – intensive programs use more energy and water than either the main or the Eco programs.
How does a dishwasher compare to washing by hand?
Washing by hand can be a quick and easy way to clean your dishes. But it won’t always save water when compared with using a dishwasher.
The Eco program on one of our Best Buys uses just 12.1 litres of water to wash a full load of 97 items - that’s just a little bit more than a standard washing up bowl. And by using the intensive program for your really dirty pots and pans you won’t have to soak them first, which again will save some water.
But if you don’t leave the tap running while you wash, are happy to use one bowl of water for everything and don’t rinse or soak anything, you might save water by washing by hand. But it will be a very close run thing.
Is it better to use all-in-1 tablets or separates?
All-in-ones dominate the dishwasher detergent market
Three-in-one tablets supposedly provide all the consumables a dishwasher needs – detergent, rinse aid (to prevent watermarks) and dishwasher salt (to soften hard water) – in one handy tablet.
Many dishwashers now feature a special program for them (see 'Program choices' for more information).
Four-in-one and five-in-one products also exist now, which claim to have an additional function to keep glasses looking newer for longer (four-in-one1) as well as a function to give a better shine to stainless steel (five-in-one).
If you choose all-in-one tablets, check your dishwasher manual first. If you have an older machine that doesn't have a three-in-one button and isn't designed to work with all-in-one products, you may invalidate your warranty.
With all-in-one products you'll usually still have to add dishwasher salt separately. See our dishwasher detergents review to help you choose the best one for you.
Do you have any dishwashing tips?
- Place the largest items at the side and the back of the machine – they might prevent water from reaching the detergent dispenser if they're at the front
- Pre-rinsing by hand is a waste of time and water. Wipe food residues away and/or use the rinse-and-hold program
- For the best cleaning, make sure the dirtiest side of the dish faces towards the centre of the dishwasher
How do I wash delicate glasses?
For delicate glassware, select the lowest temperature and the shortest duration
Cleaning delicate glassware in the dishwasher can be a problem. Most manufacturers suggest you avoid putting long-stemmed wine glasses in to stop them breaking.
The aluminium, lead and silver content of crystal glasses also tends to discolour or fade during repeated washes.
If you're feeling brave and want to risk glassware in the dishwasher then here are a few things to bear in mind:
- Wash delicate glassware separately and select the lowest temperature with the shortest duration possible
- Spread glasses out in the upper basket to ensure they avoid contact with each other. Some wine specialist stores such as wineware.co.uk and manufacturers including Whirlpool sell crystal glass racks for this purpose
- Use a mild detergent that is ‘kind to dishes’ or labelled ‘glass protector’
- Place a cup of white vinegar in the lowest part of the dishwasher and run for 10 minutes. Stop the cycle, add a little detergent and re-start
- To prevent damage remove glasses from the machine as soon as the program has finished
When it's time to say goodbye to my old dishwasher, what's the best way to get rid of it?
You can get rid of an unwanted dishwasher through the retailer supplying your new model or via your local council. Check when you buy if a retailer will take away an old machine when delivering a replacement.
Your local authority has a responsibility to offer a collection service for the disposal of waste machines, but it's a bit of a postcode lottery. Some councils offer free collection; others charge up to £30.
If you can take the machine to your local civic amenity yourself, though, there should be no charge. For more information on recycling electrical products and the WEEE directive see our recycling guide.
Recycling schemes
One thing to remember is that it doesn't have to be sent to a landfill site. Large household appliances already make up 43% of the total electrical and electronic waste sent to landfill – and there are other options.
The Furniture Recycling Network co-ordinates the refurbishment of furniture and appliances for people in need. Call 01924 375 252 for details of your nearest project.
Similarly, Create (Community Recycling and Enterprise Training for Employment) repairs appliances and sells them on. It has projects in London (020 8885 6209) and Merseyside (0151 448 1748).
Also, when buying a new appliance, you could ask whether the retailer or manufacturer will remove the old one. Some will pick up old appliances when they deliver new ones, and dispose of them for you.
What's the point in choosing a dishwasher so carefully? Aren't they all the same?
Our tests show not all machines will clean your dishes effectively. A machine with average marks, or below, might leave specks of dried-on food behind. They won't all dry and rinse equally well either.
There are also differences in the amount of water and electricity each uses, how easy the machines are to use and how flexible they are to load.
Are small worktop dishwashers any good?
Many people with small kitchens won't have room for a plumbed-in dishwasher, so a worktop or tabletop model might seem like a good idea. They take between four and six place settings (compared with eight to 10 for a slim model or 12 for a full-sized one).
However, most models we've tested didn't produce impressive cleaning results and were quite noisy.