The Best Dishwasher (UK, 2026)
By Niko Moustoukas, Founder & Editor
Published 14 October 2026
If you want one freestanding dishwasher for a family and the best value, buy a full-size 60cm model with a high place-setting count, and the COMFEE 14-place is our pick. It fits a proper family's worth of dishes in a single load, which is the efficient way to run a dishwasher, it carries a sensible energy rating, and it costs far less than the premium brands while doing the same core job well. For most kitchens with a standard 60cm gap, it is the sensible, affordable choice.
If you want the quietest, most reliable machine, a Bosch is worth the extra; if budget is tight, a 13-place COMFEE trims the price; and a stainless Hisense is a smart mid-option. If your kitchen only has a narrow gap, you want a slimline 45cm model instead, which we cover below. We also explain why a dishwasher is greener than hand-washing, why the eco cycle saves the most money, and why noise matters more than you think in an open-plan kitchen.
The winner · Best Overall
COMFEE' 60cm Freestanding Dishwasher (14 Place Settings, Stainless)
A full-size 60cm, 14-place dishwasher that does the job of the big brands for a lot less: the sensible value buy.
Price checked live · updated 14 October 2026 · we may earn a commission
The top 4, ranked
★ Our pick · Best OverallCOMFEE' 60cm Freestanding Dishwasher (14 Place Settings, Stainless)A full-size 60cm, 14-place dishwasher that does the job of the big brands for a lot less: the sensible value buy.Why we picked it ↓£269.96● In stockCheck price
Best PremiumBosch Series 2 Freestanding Dishwasher (60cm)Bosch build, quieter running and a strong reliability record: the one to buy if it will run for years.Why we picked it ↓£399.00● In stockCheck price
Best BudgetCOMFEE' 60cm Freestanding Dishwasher (13 Place Settings, White)A full-size 13-place machine at the lowest price here: plenty of dishwasher for the money.Why we picked it ↓£229.99● In stockCheck price
Best Mid-RangeHisense Freestanding Dishwasher (60cm, Stainless)A well-rated stainless Hisense that sits between value and premium on price and polish.Why we picked it ↓£279.00● In stockCheck priceCompare the specs
| # | Product | Best for | Size | Place settings | Energy rating | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMFEE' 60cm Freestanding Dishwasher (14 Place Settings, Stainless) | Best Overall | 60cm full-size | 14 | Check listing | Most families, value | £269.96 | |
| 2 | Bosch Series 2 Freestanding Dishwasher (60cm) | Best Premium | 60cm full-size | Full-size | Check listing | Quiet, reliability, longevity | £399.00 |
| 3 | COMFEE' 60cm Freestanding Dishwasher (13 Place Settings, White) | Best Budget | 60cm full-size | 13 | Check listing | Budget, full-size loads | £229.99 |
| 4 | Hisense Freestanding Dishwasher (60cm, Stainless) | Best Mid-Range | 60cm full-size | Full-size | E rated | Mid-range, more polish | £279.00 |
Prices are live from Amazon and refresh through the day; last page update 14 October 2026.
Full-size (60cm) or slimline (45cm)?
This is the first thing to get right, and it is a measuring job:
- Full-size (60cm wide): takes around 12 to 15 place settings, the efficient choice for families and anyone who runs full loads. Our picks.
- Slimline (45cm wide): takes around 9 to 10 place settings, for narrow kitchen gaps and smaller households. Choose this only if a full-size genuinely will not fit, as you get fewer dishes per load for a similar price.
Measure your gap, width, height and depth, before buying, and decide between freestanding (stands alone, can move with you) and integrated (built in behind a cupboard door for a seamless kitchen). If you have a standard 60cm space, a full-size machine is better value per place setting than a slimline.
The running-cost truth: dishwasher vs hand-washing
It surprises people, but a modern dishwasher on a full load uses less water, and usually less energy, than washing the same dishes by hand under a running tap. Hand-washing a full load's worth of dishes gets through a lot of hot water; a dishwasher is designed to do it with far less.
Two things cut the running cost most:
- Run full loads. A dishwasher uses roughly the same water and energy whether half or full, so wait until it is full. This is the single biggest saving.
- Use the eco programme. It runs longer at a lower temperature but uses the least energy and water of any cycle, despite the longer time. It is the cheapest way to wash, so make it your default.
Also check the energy rating when buying: a more efficient machine costs less to run over its life, which can outweigh a slightly higher purchase price.
Why noise matters more than you think
Dishwasher noise is measured in decibels (dB), and it matters far more now that kitchens are open-plan and run into living spaces:
- Under about 45dB is quiet, you can run it while watching TV or chatting nearby without it intruding.
- Around 45 to 50dB is average, noticeable but fine in a separate kitchen.
- Above 50dB is on the louder side and can be intrusive in an open-plan space.
Premium brands like Bosch are generally quieter, which is a big part of what you pay extra for. If your dishwasher sits near where you relax, or you run it at night, prioritise a lower dB figure, as a noisy machine in an open-plan kitchen gets irritating fast.
Our picks in detail
COMFEE' 60cm Freestanding Dishwasher (14 Place Settings, Stainless)
A full-size 60cm, 14-place dishwasher that does the job of the big brands for a lot less: the sensible value buy.
A strong-value full-size machine.
The COMFEE 14-place is the dishwasher most people should buy. It is a full-size 60cm freestanding machine that takes 14 place settings, so a whole family's dishes go in one load, which is the efficient way to run any dishwasher, and the stainless finish suits most kitchens. It carries a sensible energy rating and the usual range of programmes including an eco cycle, and it does all of that for well under the price of a premium brand.
It is a value machine, so it is not the quietest on the market and the badge does not carry Bosch's reputation for longevity. But modern value dishwashers clean well and reliably, and for the core job, getting a big load properly clean and dry efficiently, it delivers at a price that leaves money in your pocket. If quietness and long-term reliability are your priority, the Bosch is worth the step up; for the best balance of capacity, performance and price, this is the pick.
What we like
- Full-size 60cm, 14 place settings
- Does the big-brand job for far less
- Eco programme, sensible energy rating
- Smart stainless finish
What we'd change
- Not the quietest
- Less long-term track record than Bosch
Buy this if: you have a standard 60cm gap and want the most capacity and value.
Bosch Series 2 Freestanding Dishwasher (60cm)
Bosch build, quieter running and a strong reliability record: the one to buy if it will run for years.
If you want a dishwasher that runs quietly and lasts, the Bosch Series 2 is the premium pick. Bosch has one of the best reputations in dishwashers for reliability and build, its machines typically run noticeably quieter than value brands, which matters a lot in a modern open-plan kitchen where the dishwasher is near where you sit, and the cleaning and drying are consistently good. It is a full-size 60cm freestanding machine that should give years of dependable service.
It costs meaningfully more than the value machines, and in pure cleaning the gap is smaller than the price suggests, as modern budget dishwashers clean well too. What you are really paying for is quietness, build quality and longevity, which are worth it if the machine will run daily for years and sits in a space where noise matters. If you want the best value or the most place settings per pound, the COMFEE is excellent; if you want quiet, reliable and long-lasting, this is it.
What we like
- Trusted Bosch reliability and build
- Quieter running, good for open-plan
- Consistent cleaning and drying
What we'd change
- Costs meaningfully more
- Cleaning gap over value machines is small
Buy this if: you want a quiet, reliable machine that lasts for years.
COMFEE' 60cm Freestanding Dishwasher (13 Place Settings, White)
A full-size 13-place machine at the lowest price here: plenty of dishwasher for the money.
If you want a full-size dishwasher for as little as possible, this 13-place COMFEE is the budget pick. It is still a proper 60cm freestanding machine that takes a big 13-place load, so you are not sacrificing much capacity to save money, and it has the programmes most people use including an eco cycle. For a family that wants the efficiency of full-size loads without a premium price, it is honest value in a clean white finish.
You give up a place setting or two versus the 14-place model and the usual value-brand trade-offs on noise and badge apply. But it cleans well, runs efficiently on a full load, and costs less than almost anything else full-size. If you want maximum capacity or a stainless finish, the 14-place COMFEE is barely more; if you want the lowest full-size price, this is the one. Either way you are getting a capable machine for the money.
What we like
- Lowest full-size price here
- 13 place settings, still big loads
- Eco programme, clean white finish
What we'd change
- A place setting or two less than the 14-place
- Value-brand noise and badge
Buy this if: you want a full-size dishwasher for the lowest price.
Hisense Freestanding Dishwasher (60cm, Stainless)
A well-rated stainless Hisense that sits between value and premium on price and polish.
The Hisense is a sensible middle ground: a full-size 60cm freestanding dishwasher in a smart stainless finish from a brand that has built a solid reputation across home appliances, priced between the value machines and premium Bosch. It cleans and dries well, carries the programmes you want including eco, and feels a step up in finish and refinement from the cheapest options without the premium price tag.
It is not quite as quiet or as established for long-term reliability as a Bosch, nor as cheap as the value machines. But for buyers who want a bit more polish and a recognised appliance brand without paying top money, it strikes a fair balance, and the stainless finish looks the part. If you want the lowest price, the COMFEE wins; if you want the quietest, longest-lasting machine, the Bosch does; if you want the middle ground, this is a strong choice.
What we like
- Smart stainless finish
- Recognised appliance brand
- Good balance of price and polish
What we'd change
- Not as quiet or proven as Bosch
- Dearer than value machines
Buy this if: you want a stainless, recognised-brand machine between value and premium.
How many place settings do you need?
- 9 to 10 (slimline): one or two people, or a narrow kitchen gap.
- 12 to 13 (full-size): a typical family. The common sweet spot.
- 14 to 15 (full-size): larger families, or anyone who likes to run one big load rather than several small ones.
More place settings mean you can wait longer to fill the machine and run fewer, fuller, more efficient loads, which is both cheaper and greener. If you have the 60cm space, erring towards more capacity helps you run full loads, which is the efficient way to use a dishwasher.
Common myths, corrected
- "Washing by hand is greener and cheaper." Usually the opposite. A modern dishwasher on a full load uses less water and energy than hand-washing the same dishes under a running tap.
- "The eco cycle is a gimmick because it takes ages." No. It takes longer precisely because it uses a lower temperature and less water to save energy. It is the cheapest cycle to run despite the time.
- "You must rinse everything first." No. Scrape off food, but heavy pre-rinsing wastes water and the detergent actually works better with some soil to grip. Scrape, do not rinse.
- "Half loads save money." Not really. A dishwasher uses roughly the same water and energy regardless of how full it is, so running it full is far more efficient than frequent half loads.
What we’d skip
- Buying a slimline 45cm machine when you have a standard 60cm gap. Slimline takes fewer dishes for a similar price, so you run more loads. Measure your gap, and only go slimline if a full-size genuinely will not fit.
- Hand-washing a full load thinking it saves money. A modern dishwasher on a full load uses less water and energy than washing the same dishes by hand under a running tap. Running full loads in the dishwasher is both cheaper and greener.
- Ignoring the eco programme. It runs longer but uses the least energy and water of any cycle, making it the cheapest to run. Make it your default rather than always using the faster, hotter cycles.
- Overlooking the noise rating in an open-plan kitchen. A machine above 50dB can be intrusive where you relax or if you run it at night. If the dishwasher sits near living space, prioritise a quieter model under about 45dB.
- Heavily pre-rinsing every dish. Scrape off food, but heavy rinsing wastes water and detergents actually work better with some soil to grip. Scraping rather than rinsing saves water and gets just as clean a result.
Frequently asked questions
Does a dishwasher use less water than washing by hand?
Yes, on a full load. A modern dishwasher is designed to clean a full load with far less water, and usually less energy, than washing the same dishes by hand under a running tap, which gets through a lot of hot water. So running full loads in a dishwasher is both cheaper and greener than hand-washing. The key is to wait until it is full rather than running frequent half loads.
Full-size or slimline dishwasher?
A full-size 60cm machine takes around 12 to 15 place settings and is the efficient choice for families who run full loads. A slimline 45cm machine takes around 9 to 10 settings and suits narrow kitchen gaps and smaller households, but gives you fewer dishes per load for a similar price. Measure your gap first, and choose slimline only if a full-size genuinely will not fit, since full-size is better value per place setting.
Is the eco programme really cheaper to run?
Yes, despite taking longer. The eco cycle washes at a lower temperature and uses less water, which is why it runs longer, the lower heat needs more time to clean effectively, but it uses the least energy and water of any cycle overall. So it is the cheapest way to run your dishwasher, and worth making your default. The faster, hotter cycles cost more to run, so save those for when you genuinely need speed.
How many place settings do I need?
Match it to your household. Around 9 to 10 (slimline) suits one or two people or a narrow gap, 12 to 13 (full-size) suits a typical family, and 14 to 15 suits larger families or anyone who prefers one big load. More place settings let you wait longer to fill the machine and run fewer, fuller, more efficient loads, which is cheaper and greener, so if you have the 60cm space, err towards more capacity.
Do I need to rinse dishes before loading?
No, just scrape off food scraps. Heavy pre-rinsing wastes water, and modern detergents actually work better with some food soil to grip onto, so rinsing everything spotless first can leave dishes less clean, not more. Scrape plates into the bin, load them, and let the machine do the work. The exception is dried-on, baked-on residue, which a quick scrape or soak helps with, but you still do not need to wash dishes before the dishwasher.
How much does a dishwasher cost to run?
Less than most people expect, especially on the eco cycle and full loads. The exact cost depends on your energy and water tariffs, the machine's efficiency rating and the cycle you use, but running full loads on eco keeps it low, and it is cheaper than hand-washing the same dishes under a running tap. When buying, check the energy rating: a more efficient machine costs less over its life, which can outweigh a slightly higher purchase price.
Why does dishwasher noise matter?
Because kitchens are increasingly open-plan and flow into living and dining spaces, so a loud dishwasher intrudes on where you relax, and it matters more if you run it overnight. Noise is measured in decibels: under about 45dB is quiet enough to run while watching TV nearby, 45 to 50dB is average, and above 50dB can be intrusive in open-plan rooms. Quieter running is a big part of what premium brands like Bosch charge extra for.
Freestanding or integrated dishwasher?
A freestanding dishwasher stands alone with its own finished sides and top, so you can position it where you like and take it with you if you move. An integrated one is built in behind a matching cupboard door for a seamless fitted-kitchen look, but it is fixed in place and tied to the kitchen. Choose freestanding for flexibility and easier replacement; integrated for a built-in, uninterrupted kitchen appearance. All our picks here are freestanding.
Ready to choose?
Our one clear winner is the COMFEE' 60cm Freestanding Dishwasher (14 Place Settings, Stainless).