Before you start your dishwasher buying journey, take a moment to reflect on your specific needs. Think about your household size and daily routine, for example, will a compact or DishDrawer dishwasher suffice, or do you have a larger family and frequently entertain, therefore need a higher capacity? Do you need a quiet dishwasher? Do you prefer a cutlery drawer or a cutlery basket? Do you want an integrated, under-bench or freestanding dishwasher? Knowing these preferences will help you select the right features.

Dishwashers can range in price from as low as $779 to over $3,000. Establishing a clear budget for your new dishwasher will help you narrow down your options and prevent overspending. Keep in mind that while the initial cost is important, considering long-term savings from energy-efficient models and reliable dishwasher brands with robust warranties is equally crucial.

When selecting a dishwasher, size and capacity are crucial factors to consider. Do my platters or pots fit in the dishwasher; are those lovely white dinner plates too big? Standard built-under or integrated dishwashers usually hold between 12-16 place settings and are on average about 600mm mm wide. A single dishdrawer which holds about 7 place settings is also around 600mm wide but the height depends on whether you have opted for a single or tall model. A compact dishwasher at 450mm wide, can deal with 10 – 12 place settings.

The stars on the Energy Rating Label show how efficient a particular model is compared to other models of the same size/capacity. The more stars, the more efficient it is. The kilowatt/hour rating assumes that the dishwasher is used 365 days a year – the lower this kWH, the cheaper it will be to run. Like the energy star rating, the Water Rating is measured out of six stars. The more stars a dishwasher has, the more efficiently it uses water.

At the very least, a good dishwasher has to clean and dry your dishes and glasses really well. But nowadays with advancements in technology there are lots of additional features and smarts that your dishwasher can offer to make your life even easier. Some key things to look out for are models with multiple spray arms to ensure thorough coverage, reaching every corner of the dishwasher and those equipped with sensors which detect the level of dirt on your dishes and adjust the cycle accordingly, optimising cleaning performance while conserving water and energy.

One thing dishwashers haven’t always got right is the ‘drying’ performance, particularly as regards plastic items. Nowadays there are models that offer special drying features designed to deal with this issue, so look at Fisher & Paykel models which offer a Dry+ Modifier feature, or Bosch models which have the Extra Dry feature. Other innovations offered by top brands include a sanitising wash which uses high temperatures to kill bacteria and germs, making it ideal for baby bottles and cutting boards, a quick wash cycle for lightly soiled dishes, or a half-load option which allows the dishwasher to run efficiently even when it’s not full.

Dishwasher noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). With our modern penchant for open plan living, noisy dishwashers can be a real nuisance, so look for dishwashers with noise levels between 40-50 dB. These models operate quietly and won't disrupt conversations or sleep. Most of the top dishwasher brands offer models consistently under 44dB.

The installation process varies depending on the type of dishwasher you choose. Built-under and Integrated Models will require professional installation to ensure proper setup and avoid potential issues such as leaks or incorrect connections. A portable or freestanding dishwasher can typically be set up without professional help. Ensure you have the necessary connections and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Research the reputation of the dishwasher brand for brands that are known for durability, reliability and responsive customer service and support. Read reviews to see how well the company handles issues and repairs.

Investing in a dishwasher is a significant decision, so consider the warranty and customer support offered by the manufacturer. Most dishwashers come with two-year manufacturer’s warranty covering parts and labour. However, Beko is the exception, offering a five-year warranty on all their models.

The design of your dishwasher should complement your kitchen's aesthetic. Obviously, the integrated dishwasher will match cabinetry, but if you’re opting for an under-bench or free-standing model, common finishes include stainless steel, black, and white. Many models also come with visible or hidden control panels as well as touch controls vs traditional buttons.

This feature uses high temperatures to kill bacteria and germs, making it ideal for baby bottles, cutting boards, and other items that require extra hygiene.

A shorter cycle for lightly soiled dishes, perfect for when you need clean dishes in a hurry.

This feature offered on some dishwashers allows you to run the dishwasher efficiently when it’s not full but you need the items to be washed.

Allows you to set the dishwasher to run at a later time, convenient for running it during off-peak energy hours or when you're out of the house.

A few models offer additional drying features which help with drying plastic – a pet peeve for families with small children who use a lot of plastic bowls and storage containers.

Important for families with small children to prevent little hands opening dishwashers.

Fisher & Paykel have introduced a ‘Knock to Pause’ function on some of their DishDrawer dishwashers. A knock on the front panel will pause the dishwasher, which can be restarted by using the start button.

Many dishwashers are WiFi enabled and can link to your smartphone allowing for remote control and notifications