How to Choose a Dishwasher: The Complete Buying Guide
Buying a dishwasher involves more decisions than most people expect. This guide walks through every key consideration to help you find the right model for your household and kitchen.
1. Size and Configuration
60cm vs 45cm vs Drawer Dishwashers
- 60cm (standard): The most common size in Australian kitchens. Fits 12–16 place settings. Right for most households of 2 or more people
- 45cm (compact): Narrower footprint for small kitchens or low-volume households. Fits 8–10 place settings. Good for single people, couples or households with limited bench space
- DishDrawer (Fisher & Paykel): Drawer-style units that open like a file cabinet. Available single or double. More flexible loading and running options. The only drawer dishwasher on the market
Freestanding vs Built-In vs Semi-Integrated vs Fully Integrated
- Freestanding: Finished on all sides, sits anywhere with a water connection. Most affordable. The standard choice for rental and move-able use
- Built-in (underbench): Fits under the benchtop. Usually has a stainless or black front panel. The most common choice for renovated kitchens
- Semi-integrated: Control panel visible at the top of the door, rest covered by a matching cabinet door panel. Blends better with cabinetry
- Fully integrated: Completely hidden behind a cabinet door panel. Completely invisible when closed. The premium, cleanest look for high-end kitchen renovations
2. Place Settings
Place settings is the standard measurement of a dishwasher's capacity (a place setting = all dishes for one person for one meal). Standard 60cm dishwashers offer 12–16 place settings. For a family of 4, 12 place settings is a minimum; 14–16 is better. For a household of 2, 12 place settings is usually sufficient and allows running the machine every two days.
3. Wash Programs and Temperature
The minimum useful program set includes: normal (everyday use), eco (longer, lower temperature, more energy-efficient), intensive (heavily soiled pots and pans), quick (lightly soiled, fast cycle), and delicate (glasses and fine china). Premium models add AutoSense (adjusts the cycle based on detected soil level), steam programs and others.
4. Drying Performance
Drying is where dishwashers differ most significantly. From best to worst:
- AutoOpen (Miele, AEG): Door automatically opens at cycle end. Very effective drying including plastics
- Zeolith (Bosch Series 8): Mineral-based heat generation. Excellent results, especially on plastics
- Condensation drying (most brands): Adequate for glasses and crockery, often leaves plastics wet
- Fan-assisted drying: Better than condensation alone but not as good as AutoOpen or Zeolith
5. Noise Level
Dishwasher noise is measured in dBA. Under 44 dBA is quiet enough to run with people in the kitchen without distraction. Under 42 dBA is very quiet. Under 40 dBA is barely audible. If your dishwasher is in an open-plan kitchen adjacent to living areas, noise level matters significantly.
6. Water and Energy Efficiency
Modern dishwashers use 6–15 litres per cycle. The most efficient models use 6–8 litres. Running a dishwasher is usually more water-efficient than hand-washing when it's fully loaded. Check the WELS water efficiency star rating (more stars = less water per cycle) and the energy star rating.
7. Features Worth Paying For
- Third rack / cutlery tray: provides dedicated organised space for cutlery, freeing up the lower basket
- Height-adjustable upper rack: allows tall items in the lower rack
- Half-load option: runs only the top or bottom rack when you don't have a full load
- Delay start: programs the dishwasher to start at off-peak electricity times
- WiFi/app control (premium models): start, monitor and get alerts remotely
Price Guide
| Segment | Price Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level | $600–$900 | Basic programs, condensation drying, 44dB+ |
| Mid-range | $900–$1,500 | Third rack, better drying, quieter, more programs |
| Premium | $1,500–$2,500 | Zeolith/AutoOpen drying, very quiet, WiFi, flexible racks |
| Luxury | $2,500–$5,000+ | Miele/Bosch flagships, AutoDos, fully integrated options |
Shop Dishwashers at Oceania Appliances
We carry a wide range of dishwashers across all price points and configurations. Our team can help you find the right model for your kitchen size, household and budget. Free delivery across Sydney. Visit 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park, call or WhatsApp 0422 489 492, or email support@oceaniaappliances.com.au. Open 7 days, 10am–8pm.