Size and capacity
Dishwashers come in three sizes: full size (60cm wide), slim line (45cm wide), and compact (sits on a table top). Capacity is measured in place settings, ranging from 6 to 14 – the maximum number of plates and eating utensils it can clean at once.
For example, a dishwasher with 12 place settings could clean 12 dinner plates, 12 soup plates, 12 dessert plates, 12 teacups and saucers, 12 tumblers and 12 knives, forks, soup spoons, teaspoons, and dessert spoons.
Slim-line dishwashers are compact – 45cm wide – and can wash 9-10 place settings at a time. If you have a large household, a full-size model is usually around 60cm wide and can fit between 12-14 place settings.
Flexible racking
This feature allows for more room to fit in large or irregularly shaped items. You can also find models that come with adjustable baskets and a secure top drawer for glassware or sharp knives.
Pre-rinse and intensive wash
Pre-rinse cycles help to loosen food stains before the main wash. Some models also have intensive washes using powerful jets of water and higher temperatures to remove stains. Others come with intensive zones that target certain heavy-duty stains but ignore other areas of the dishwasher.
Energy rating
Energy ratings for dishwashers range from A+++ through to D; A+++ being the most energy efficient. Check the specifications of your replacement options to see what is available to you.