Slim dishwashers don’t have quite the same capacity as their bigger stablemates, but you’d be surprised at how much you can fit in. For smaller families, they’re perfect.
Choosing the right one can be a challenge, however, as there’s a proliferation of makes and models to choose from. That's why we've taken the time to study the specs, round up the reviews and check the prices of practically every slimline model on sale in the UK to identify the five best time- and space-saving appliances. It’s time to bin the Marigolds.
How to choose the best slimline dishwasher
What makes a dishwasher “slimline”?
A standard dishwasher measures 60cm in width, while slimline models measure just 45cm across. That means capacity is smaller, but you can still fit a lot in. Most slimline models will accept nine or ten “place settings” - each one representing one dinner plate, a side or dessert plate, a soup bowl, a glass, a teacup and saucer and five pieces of cutlery. That compares to 14 place settings in a full-sized machine.
Which settings are suitable for a slimline dishwasher?
Slimline dishwashers are perfect for one-bedroom flats, studios, narrowboats, small mobile homes, country cabins and holiday homes; basically, they’re a good choice anywhere that space is at a premium.
What features should I look for?
The external design and the control panel will be the first thing you notice, but ultimately it’s what’s inside that matters most. It goes without saying that the more you spend, the better the quality of the machine’s interior components.
Most budget slimline dishwashers use a basket for cutlery storage. This reduces the space available for pots and pans, and it’s not ideal for cleaning as items tend to end up in contact with each other. If you can afford it, choose a machine with a slide-out cutlery tray instead. These are much more space efficient, and the cutlery gets a more thorough washing. Another worthwhile feature is the ability to adjust the height of the upper rack to allow as much space as you need for larger pots and pans.
Freestanding or Integrated?
Freestanding slimline machines are the most popular, as they can be installed pretty much anywhere. All you need is a suitable space with an electricity supply, a cold water outlet (or both hot and cold if the machine has twin inlets) and access to a drainage pipe.
Integrated models are designed to fit flush with your existing kitchen units. They look smart, but they do have drawbacks. For one, they’re effectively a permanent installation: you’ll probably end up leaving the appliance behind if you move. And the control panel is normally hidden away, so you can’t check the timer without physically opening the door. That’s not a universal issue, though: the Neff model reviewed below bucks that trend.
What do Energy Ratings mean?
An energy rating is a great way to estimate the machine’s annual running costs. The standard ratings run from D (the worst) up to A, with additional plus signs denoting even better efficiency. Machines with an A++ rating are your best choice - you can expect these to cost around £50 per year in electricity use - but A+ is still well worth a look. Water, tablets, salt and rinse aid are all extras.
The best slimline dishwashers to buy
1. Bosch Serie 4 ActiveWater SPS40E12GB: The best slimline dishwasher under £400
Price: Around £369
This Teutonic freestander is an exemplary addition to the Bosch portfolio, offering pretty much all you want from a slimline dishwasher. With just four programmes and one main function dial, it couldn’t be easier to use. Intensive 70˚ gives the grubbiest pots and plates a thorough seeing to, while the Eco 50˚ mode keeps electricity usage to a minimum without affecting results (the water is cooler, but it runs for a bit longer). For modestly soiled items, select Quick 45˚ and it’ll all be over in about 30 minutes. And if you hit the VarioSpeed button during the cycle, it’ll reduce the time taken by roughly half.
The ActiveWater feature is an especially clever water-saving addition that uses sensors to detect how much dirt has been mixed in with the pre-rinse water. If the water is clean enough, it’s reused for the main wash. The final rinse is also carefully monitored, using internal light beams. The whole process is said to save between three and six litres of water per wash.
The Serie 4 provides enough space for up to nine place settings and uses an excellent basket system that can easily be adjusted to accommodate large pots and pans. It also has twin spray arms in the top so everything receives a good dousing, while the heat exchanger ensures the final rinse water is gently heated to prevent shocking the life out of your prized Swarovski toasting flutes. Top choice.
Key specs– Type: Freestanding; Place settings: 9; Energy rating: A+; Water consumption: 9.5 litres; Quick wash: Yes; Cutlery basket/tray: Basket; Adjustable upper rack: Yes
2. Beko DFS05010: The best slimline dishwasher under £200
Price when reviewed: Around £199
Turkish brand Beko specialises in high-quality, low-cost appliances. The DFS05010 offers an impressive range of features for the price - though bear in mind that it may not be economical to repair if something goes wrong outside of the warranty period.
It’s available in three colours – white, silver and, for those with slate-coloured kitchens, pure black. Inside, there’s space for up to 10 place settings, which is one more than most. Some owners have reported that it won’t accept dinner plates larger than 31cm, even with the upper rack raised to its maximum height, but that’s often the case even with full-sized machines.
The Beko comes with five programmes, including a quick 30-minute wash at 35˚ and a full-blown 70˚ intensive blast that takes 115 minutes to complete. It has a 50˚ eco function, too, which uses less electricity to heat the water at the expense of a longer 200-minute running time. Its water consumption (13 litres) is higher than most, but if you’re watching the pennies then this well-equipped washer will definitely suffice.
Buy the Beko DFS05010 now from John Lewis
Key specs– Type: Freestanding; Place settings: 10; Energy rating: A+; Water consumption: 13 litres; Quick wash: Yes; Cutlery basket/tray: Basket; Adjustable upper rack: Yes
3. Miele G 4720 SC: A brilliant slimline dishwasher, if you can afford it
Price: Around £749
Many reviewers recommend Miele, and for good reason: although they’re more expensive to buy than their competitors, they’re also among the most efficient and reliable appliances on the market. Engineers like them too, because they’re also easier to fix.
This high-end, freestanding model supports up to nine place settings and comes with a top-mounted cutlery tray rather than a traditional basket. Not only does this give you more space at the bottom of the machine, it ensures that your cutlery will be properly cleaned.
Feature wise, this model has six programmes, including a gentle cycle for delicate glassware, a soft door-closing aid, a height-adjustable top rack, a SensorDry feature to ensures that crockery comes out bone dry and a hot water connector that can reduce power consumption by up to 50%. It also uses very little water during its automatic programme – just six litres.
It’s the perfect machine for a small trendy flat or a holiday cottage, although you’ll need to dig a little deeper into your pocket for the privilege of owning such a smooth operator.
Buy the Miele G 4720 SC from Currys
Key specs– Type: Freestanding; Place settings: 9; Energy rating: A+; Water consumption: 6 litres; Quick wash: Yes; Cutlery basket/tray: Tray; Adjustable upper rack: Yes
4. Neff S58T69X1GB: The best integrated slimline dishwasher under £700
Price: Around £629
If your kitchen is swathed in bespoke cabinetry then an integrated machine like this highly-rated Neff is the way to go. It’s rated A++, so it won’t cost much to run, and its TARDIS-like interior will swallow up to 10 place settings.
The Neff offers a tantalising spread of features and functions, including a three-stage height-adjustable top rack, a space-saving, top-mounted cutlery tray, and six different programme cycles with five cleaning temperatures.
One problem with integrated dishwashers is that their control panels are normally out of sight. This machine works around that issue with an LED TimeLight display that projects the remaining time in minutes – onto the kitchen floor. It’s a very cool feature that most owners find really useful.
Buy the Neff S58T69X1GB from John Lewis
Key specs– Type: Integrated; Place settings: 10; Energy rating: A++; Water consumption: 9.5 litres; Quick wash: Yes; Cutlery basket/tray: Tray; Adjustable upper rack: Yes
5. AEG FFB62400PW: Amazing cleaning performance and whisper quiet
Here’s another German dishwasher to add to your shopping list - and this one has one very tempting feature on board. Where most machines get by with a single lower spray arm, this one has an additional short satellite arm, fitted to the end of the main arm, that spins independently, distributing water to every corner of the machine.
The freestanding design means that installation is simply a case of sliding it into position, plugging it in and connecting the water and drainage pipes. It’s A++ rated for energy efficiency, and is whisper quiet while running. There’s six wash programmes, and a Sensorlogic function that measures the size of the load and degree of soiling, plus a TimeSaver feature that drastically shortens the cycle of you’re in a hurry. However, some users report that it’s not the easiest machine to get a handle on and that the rack system can’t be adjusted, which makes it less versatile when it comes to loading time.
Buy the AEG FFB62400PW from Appliances Direct
Key specs– Type: Freestanding; Place settings: 9; Energy rating: A++; Water consumption: 9.9 litres; Quick wash: Yes; Cutlery basket/tray: Basket; Adjustable upper rack: No