Which dishwasher?

We’ve got a selection of Best Buy dishwashers to suit all pockets...
Full-sized models
...
We’ve a hat trick of Best Buys from AEG. Firstly the AEG F40850S.Running on its main program this model cleans and dries superbly and leaves dishes shining. The eco program is also pretty good, but if you want to maintain these levels of performance, the filter should be cleaned regularly. Luckily, on the AEG this is quite straightforward, as the filter is accessible and easy enough to remove. Simple controls and spacious racks also make this dishwasher easy to use on a day-to-day basis. We tested a silver model but white versions are generally cheaper, in this case £300 from Comet.

Also from AEG is the F50740M. This model gives excellent results on its normal program, but the eco program is less impressive and there is no automatic program. However, it’s even easier to use than the F40850S and it’s quicker too but noisy. This model is good value, but availability on the high street is limited. You’re best bet is to look online where you’ll find it for around £300.

The AEG F60870M will also get your dishes sparkling - although on the eco program this may take some time. It’s the quietest of the three full-sized AEG models, and recharging the detergent, salt and rinsing agents is straightforward. The controls are easy to use and the filter is simple to remove and replace. This model costs £470 from John Lewis.

Bosch dishwashers regularly appear in our Best Buy guide, and we’ve got four in the current line up. The Bosch SGS47E02 is a mid-range model and costs £350 from Currys and Comet. It cleans and dries well on both the main and eco programs, and it’s a reliable brand, gaining above average results in our annual survey. Program selection is uncomplicated, and the racks, having folding tines, are simple to load and unload.

A little more expensive, but still worth looking at, is the Bosch SGS65L02. It has six programs to choose from, the baskets are flexible and easy to load and the controls are straightforward to use. One drawback worth noting is that the filter can be tricky to reach. This model is from Bosch’s premium Logixx range and costs £480 from John Lewis and Currys.

Our most expensive Best Buy, the Miele G 694-3 SC Plus, washes and dries well and leaves virtually no water marks. It’s quiet, too, so you won’t be kept awake at night by noisy rattling in the kitchen. And we know from our surveys that Miele produces dishwashers that are relatively unlikely to need repairing. A clever design makes it simple to use, and it has a cutlery tray instead of a basket, which frees up more space in the lower rack for your dirty dishes. However, this model’s not for the energy-conscious – cleaning on the eco program is only average. So, if you leave food to dry on, you’ll still see flecks on the dishes after this wash cycle.

This Miele has been a Best Buy for some time and stocks seem to be running low, but you should still be able to find it online for about £645.

The Siemens SE25T250 costs £520 from Miller Brothers. This model scores highest of all the full-sized dishwashers we’ve looked at and it’ll give you great results on both the normal and eco programs. It’s also easy to load, the controls are simple and it’s very quiet – but the programs are quite long.

A good value best buy is the Whirlpool ADP4601. It washes and dries very well but is prone to leaving water marks. It’s spacious inside, easy to keep clean and has six programs. Although it can be difficult to get in the shops you should find it online for about £260.

Updated June 2005