Dishwashers review

A dishwasher is a big investment

Our report will save you money for years to come and goes beyond the sales hype to reveal:

• Which of the cheaper models perform best.
• How to save hundreds of dollars on running costs every year.
• Which brands need the least repairs.
• What optional features you need and what you can do without.
• Which dishwasher is the most suitable for your home and individual needs.
• Which models are the most environmentally friendly.

CHOICE independence is guaranteed

These independent ratings are only available through membership with CHOICE Online because no one tests products like we do. Arm yourself with our unique and exclusive information and make your next purchase with confidence.

Brands tested

# AEG F88089MOP Favorit
Ariston LBF 51
Ariston LFF 825 X
Asko D5434
Bellissimo by Technika TBD4SS-4
Blanco BFD10 XP
Bosch Classic SMI50E25AU
Bosch Classic SMS50E12AU07
Bosch Classic SMS50E22AU07
Bosch Classic SMU50E15AU
Bosch Classic SMU50E25AU
Bosch Lifestyle Automatic SMS68M02AU
Bosch Lifestyle Automatic SMU68M05AU01
Bosch SBV63M00AU
Bosch SMS63M08AU
Bosch SMS65MO8AU25
Delonghi DEDW60S
Dishlex DX103WK
Dishlex DX203WK
Dishlex DX301WK
# Fisher and Paykel DD60DCX6 Double DishDrawer
Fisher and Paykel DD60DCW6 Double DishDrawer
Fisher and Paykel DW60DOX1
# Haier DW12-TFE4WH
Indesit DFG261 S AUS
LG LD-1419W2
LG LD-1421T2
Miele G 5300 SC
Miele G 5500 SCU
Miele G 5775 SCVi XXL
# Miele G4101i
# Miele G5141i
Omega DW402WA
Samsung DMS 400 THX
Samsung DMS 500 TRW
# Smeg DWA149W
Smeg STH903
Technika TDX 8SS
V-Zug Adora 60SL
Westinghouse WSF6602WR
Westinghouse WSU6603XR
# Whirlpool ADP8000WH 
 

Compacts and slimlines 

AEG Electrolux Sensorlogic Favorit F65411VI
# Bosch SCE53M05AU/01
Bosch SKE53M05 AU
Fisher and Paykel DD90SDFTX1
Fisher and Paykel Single DishDrawer DD60SCW6
Fisher and Paykel TallDrawer DD60SDFTX6
Omega DW101 WA
Technika TDX4SS

# Most recently tested machines.

Note: We regularly test dishwashers and add them to our existing list of tested models. We move deleted discontinued models to the Compare discontinued dishwashers table as some readers still like to compare past models, and many are likely to be available second hand.

How we test

We don’t just use any old crockery and cutlery for our dishwasher tests. In accordance with the dishwasher standard AS/NZS 2007, we’ve used an IEC load that complies not only with the Australian but also the relevant international standard.

• Our testers check how well the machines tackle a full load of dirty dishes by measuring out and placing equal amounts of egg yolk, spinach and baby cereal on plates, butter on saucers, tomato juice in glasses and tea in cups. They also put egg yolk and cereal onto cutlery.
• It’s all then left to dry for 15–18 hours before being loaded into the machines, washed (using the sensor wash if the machine has one or a normal cycle if it doesn’t) and dried.
• Each machine is tested at least twice and the scores are averaged.
• Testers also measure the amount of water and energy used in a cycle, and how easy it is to load the dishwasher.

Test program selection

If a machine has an "Auto" program, we select it over the "Normal" program. We do this because an auto or sensing program should be designed to give optimum results for every wash. You're also generally paying extra money for this feature, as usually the base model won't have it. If there isn't an Auto program we test on the Normal program as this is what our readers tell us they use the most.

Why CHOICE results often differ to those on energy and water labels

For the mandatory energy and water labels (the star rating stickers on the machines), the test is done on any program nominated by the manufacturer as long as it's stated in the product literature that it's designed to wash a normally soiled load at rated capacity. This means programs such as economy, daily, intensive, regular, and with extra options selected, etc, all qualify.

CHOICE doesn't select any optional extra functions, eg, eco options, as we stick to a stricter term of the word "normal". We select the auto program if it has one. We also select programs predominantly from the control panel. CHOICE selects programs for testing this way because you tell us in our Appliance use surveys that this is what the majority of you do at home.

The scores explained

Overall score

The overall score is a combination of the washing, drying, energy and water efficiency scores for the ‘normal’ or 'sensor' wash program weighted as follows:

• Washing performance: 55%
• Water efficiency: 15%
• Drying performance: 15%
• Energy efficiency: 15%

Washing score

We assessed how well the machines could remove food such as spinach, egg yolk, baby cereal, butter, and tea stains that had been dried overnight, and without being rinsed first. This is based on the current Australian standard.

Drying score

This score reflects how dry the dishes were 30 minutes after the ‘normal’ cycle finished. During that time the doors were left closed (unless the dishwasher has an automatic door opening function that is activated at the end of the program).

Energy usage / score

This is based on the amount of energy used per place setting by the dishwasher on the tested program. The less energy used, the higher the score.

Water usage /score

This is based on the amount of water used per place setting by the dishwasher on the tested program. The less water used, the higher the score.

Note: The energy and water usage may differ from those given on the energy label because we often use a different program for our tests. In a recent CHOICE survey, members told us they mostly use the "normal" or "sensor" program, so this is what we use for our tests.

Running costs

This is an estimate of how much it’ll cost you over 10 years (the average life of a dishwasher) for water and electricity if you wash one full load every day using a ‘normal’ cycle. The calculations are based on 22 cents per kWh for electricity and $1.50 per 1000 L for water.

For simplicity, we’ve excluded depreciation and any interest costs, as well as the cost of detergent – people use different amounts and the price varies considerably between brands.

Noise level

These are the maximum noise levels recorded during the normal program, measured 1 m away from the machine and 1 m above the ground. You’d be aware of all these dishwashers in the background.

Water connection

Most dishwashers give you the option of connecting to either cold or hot water. See Water temp and efficiency for the pros and cons.

Types

Freestanding:

• FW – freestanding with worktop; can be freestanding or built into a space.
• F – freestanding no worktop; can be freestanding or built into a space.

Built-in - many don’t have side, top, or back panels, so must be built-in and anchored so they don't tip forward when loaded baskets are pulled out:

• fully integrated – a built-in type that you can fit a customised panel to the door, which matches your kitchen cabinet doors and covers the whole front of the dishwasher. You have to open the door to access controls.
• semi integrated – a built-in type that you can fit a customised panel to the door under the control fascia, which matches your kitchen cabinet doors.

Note: Customised door panels cost extra so needs to be added to the the purchase price of the dishwasher.

Dimensions

The dimensions listed are the smallest figures stated by the manufacturer.

The installation space given is the smallest dimensions in which the dishwasher will fit according to the manufacturer. If the installation height is smaller than the height given for the dishwasher, you could either remove the worktop or lower the levelling legs, or both. It's best to leave extra space around the machine for easy installation and air circulation.

Recommended retail price (RRP)

This is the manufacturer’s recommended retail price. You can often get a better price by shopping around or try using CHOICE Shopper. You tell us the brand name and model number of the product you want to buy and a price you’d like to beat, and we’ll try to find it for you.