NOWADAYS space is a premium, so it’s worth investing in kitchen appliances that make the most of what you’ve got – that’s where slimline dishwashers come in.
The best slimline dishwashers cut back on capacity, but not quality.
Perfect for one bed flats, couples or even small families, slimline models can differ in size by up to 15cm and that can make all the difference when you’re struggling for space.
Of course, a dishwasher isn’t a necessity as such, but who doesn’t enjoy sitting back and relaxing post dinnertime while the machine does the hard work for you? Hand washing is so dull.
But, like with all appliances, they don’t come cheap, so it’s worth doing your research to ensure you don’t invest in a dud.
Luckily we’ve done the hard work for you, scouring the web and sifting through customer reviews to find the best slimline dishwashers for every budget.
1. Best value for money: Beko Slimline Dishwasher
£240 is pretty cheap for a dishwasher, but this one by Beko isn't basic.
It has several programmes to choose from like the eco-wash, an intensive option, as well as speedy and shine offerings.
So whether you want to conserve energy, your washer is only half full or you need serious pressure for particularly grubby items, it's got you covered.
The flexible upper basket is ideal if you need to rearrange to make larger items fit, too.
- Beko Slimline Dishwasher, £239.99 from Currys – buy here
2. Best for when money is no object: Miele Semi-Integrated Slimline Dishwasher
The brand name Miele is a great sign this dishwasher is going to be reliable and long-lasting, not that you should ever really base it on that.
It lives up to the hype though, with its great energy rating (therefore saving you money in the long term), the super-efficient AutoProgramme which adjusts the settings depending on how full your dishwasher is and dirty your dishes are, and the fact that it's really quiet.
It's also been tested to the equivalent of 20 years of use, so you can rest easy in knowing it's built to last.
It boasts a cutlery tray at the top, which most slimline options don't have – a great way to save space and clean your cutlery properly.
Great all-rounder, but the price tag is hefty.
- Miele Semi Integrated Slimline Dishwasher, £999 from AO.com – buy here
3. Best integrated slimline dishwasher: John Lewis Integrated Slimline Dishwasher
A discreet offering because of its size, but also because it'll be integrated into your kitchen.
It boasts a few clever features such as an automatic pop-open door to allow natural drying and energy to be saved, plus plenty of programmes including a Quick Plus option for dishes to be washed in 30 minutes.
It's a great all-rounder.
- Integrated Slimline Dishwasher, £399 from John Lewis – buy here
4. Cheapest slimline dishwasher (and still works well!): Electra C1745B Slimline Dishwasher
It's under £220, which is a bargain in the dishwasher world.
It's not a dud pick either.
It does its job well with minimal fuss and frills and it's even got an impressive energy rating so it'll save you money on bills.
This black slimline dishwasher has an impressive 4.7 stars on AO.com and customers rave about how much room it has.
- Electra C1745B Slimline Dishwasher, £219 from AO.com – buy here
5. Speediest slimline dishwasher: SMEG Slimline Dishwasher
Smeg is a household name – they are known for their great appliances.
Sadly, you are paying for the name so it's not a cheap offering and you don't get the chic vintage look of many of Smeg's other products which is a shame.
Still, with looks aside, it does its job well and speedily.
If you're in a hurry for some fresh plates in time for dinner, there's a 27-minute programme – the display shows how long is left to wait too.
The racks are adjustable which is great for fitting in big objects lower down, so it's a solid speedy all-rounder.
- SMEG Slimline Dishwasher, £484.99 from Currys – buy here
6. Slimline dishwasher with 'smart' features: Siemens SR636D00MG Fully Integrated Slimline Dishwasher
Siemens is the brand leader when it comes to connected dishwashers and while the connected models aren't widely available yet (and only come in 60cm models so far), this slimline design has plenty features to make your life easier.
With its A++ energy rating to lower those energy bills over time and three levels, including a varioDrawer for cutlery, salad servers and more, this slimline dishwasher packs a punch while measuring a petite 45cm in width.
You'll like the VarioSpeed Plus feature, which can reduce washing time by as much as 66 per cent for those days when you need a quick turnaround.
Press the autoProgramme button and the aquaSensor will test the water for dirtiness, adding clean water and regulating the temperature as necessary.
'The best dishwasher ever, easy to use, I love the cutlery drawer.
'It is so quiet (I thought it wasn't working). Little blue light that shines on the floor, to show that it's on.
'It cleans fantastically even on the 1 hour wash, the cups have come up like new.
'You get what you pay for and it's worth every penny', writes a fan.
- Siemens SR636D00MG Fully Integrated Slimline Dishwasher, £599 from John Lewis – buy here
How do you clean a dishwasher?
Regularly maintain your dishwasher with salt and rinse aid to keep it running optimally – dishwasher salt helps to prevent limescale buildup in the machine.
You should also wipe down (and clear out) the dishwasher filter every week, getting rid of any food blockages, as well as wiping down the arms.
Run the dishwasher on a hot, empty cycle every few months – this should help to combat any smells.
You can also invest in a dishwasher-specific cleaner: EcoZone make eco-friendly, lemon-scented dishwasher cleaning tablets to rid your machine of any gunk and leave it smelling fabulous.
How much does a slimline dishwasher cost?
You can find slimline dishwashers at a range of price points to suit your budget.
Typically, they start around £250 going all the way up to nearly £1000 for high-end, brand names like Miele.
Somewhere between the two, you'll find well-regarded slimline dishwashers from brands like Bosch and Siemens (typically between £400 and £600).
If you need something more budget-friendly, Argos and Currys have slimline dishwashers for under £200.
Are slimline dishwashers more efficient than full-sized dishwashers?
Slimline dishwashers tend to be 45 cm in width (or less) compared to a full-sized dishwasher's 60cm, so you won't be able to pack as much into them as you can a full-sized dishwasher.
However, slimline dishwashers can still handle a decent-sized load (think 8-10 place settings) so will fit more than you think.
Many slimline dishwashers come with the same features you love and expect from full-sized models.
In terms of energy and water efficiency, filling a full-sized dishwasher is the most eco-friendly way to clean the dishes (yes, even more energy-efficient than hand-washing!).
Enjoyed our selection of the best slimline dishwashers? Discover Sun Selects for more of our roundups.
Looking for a new home item? Check out our dedicated home section here.
If you're not limited to slimline models, discover our roundup of the best dishwashers.
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