Dishwasher Buying Guide

Dishwasher Buying Guide

Dishwashers can save you time, money, and energy cleaning up after a big cook. If you're not sure what machine is right for you, never fear, Appliances Online is here, and we’ve got the widest range of dishwashers that can suit any household, from popular brands including Bosch, Miele, Fisher & Paykel, and ASKO


Use the navigation links below to find the right machine based on your needs.

What type of dishwasher do I need?

There are a few options, and what you’ll see below is a simplified look at the different dishwasher types. From these options you’ll be able to find the type that will suit your needs best.

Note: Freestanding and built-under (underbench) dishwashers are the most common types, but they can look quite similar at a glance, which can lead to confusion about which one your kitchen needs. Ordering the wrong type can lead to frustrating installation problems and unexpected costs, so if you are unsure, click here to confirm which style dishwasher is right for your kitchen.

Underbench Dishwashers

Designed to be built-in under your bench, underbench dishwashers are only made to go under benches and they typically do not come with sides or a top; meaning they will have exposed internals that will be covered by your benchtop and cabinetry.

Shop Underbench Dishwashers.

Freestanding Dishwashers

Similar to your washing machine, a freestanding dishwasher can be placed almost anywhere there’s a water connection and a drainage point. You do not need to build in a freestanding unit and it will come with sides and top cover so that you can safely place it wherever it will fit.

Shop Freestanding Dishwashers.

DishDrawer Dishwashers

Exclusively made by Fisher & Paykel, DishDrawer dishwashers are designed to function like any other drawer in your kitchen. Available as single or double drawers, you can usually slot a double DishDrawer into a standard dishwasher cut-out. And it is possible to integrate select DishDrawer units. As always, it’s a good idea to measure the area to be certain of fit.

Shop DishDrawer Dishwashers.

Slimline Dishwashers

Similar to a freestanding unit, slimline dishwashers are designed for smaller spaces and to fit comfortably in smaller kitchens. Typically 45cms wide, a slimline machine can’t wash the same load size as a full-sized machine, but still gives you the same wash power.

Shop Slimline Dishwashers.

Integrated Dishwashers

Integrated dishwashers arrive with no front cover or façade so that you can add your own cover to match your kitchen cabinetry. Integrated dishwashers have to be built into your kitchen and typically require some carpentry work to give them the flush, polished look that they’re made for.

Shop Integrated Dishwashers.

Benchtop Dishwashers

Designed for the space conscious, renters, or for those who don’t have standard access to add a dishwasher; benchtop dishwashers offer you a compact cleaning solution for smaller households. Sitting on your benchtop, a benchtop dishwasher can be connected directly to your kitchen tap.

Shop Benchtop Dishwashers.

When the Price is Right

With the cost of living always on the rise, being budget conscious is more important than ever. Thankfully when it comes to home appliances, like our Dishwashers, you can always find one that suits your needs and won't break your bank. To make things as easy as possible, we've already put together all of our budget friendly models in one easy click. Remember, cheap doesn't mean bad - it just means you get the items you are after, at a great deal!

Shop Cheap Dishwashers
Getting the right size dishwasher:

Getting the right size dishwasher is as simple as measuring the area it will live.

Simply measure the depth, width, and height dimensions. Make sure your measurements are exact.

Thankfully, most dishwashers are generally the same width and height, it’s the depth that can vary, and not usually by too much.

Standard dishwasher sizes

Dishdrawers and benchtop dishwashers come in a range of unique styles, so make sure to measure well.

Generally you need a couple of centimeters of free space behind your dishwasher to fit the drainage hose, water hose, and to allow for a bit of ventilation room.  

Underbench Dishwashers

Underbench dishwashers, as the name suggests, live underneath your kitchen bench. Typically, Underbench dishwashers arrive without sides or a top and so you can expect to see the exposed internals of the dishwasher. Underbench dishwashers are designed to seamlessly fit into a pre-existing or newly cut hole in your cabinetry.

The measurements of underbench dishwashers are generally standardised, but there can be some variation so make sure to measure.

Standard underbench dishwashers size: 598mm wide / 810mm – 840mm high / 500mm – 630mm deep

Make sure to measure and compare your space against any dishwasher specs to make sure it’ll fit snugly.

Shop Underbench Dishwashers

Freestanding Dishwashers

Unlike underbench dishwashers, freestanding dishwashers are designed to be a standalone unit that can be placed anywhere you have access to water and drainage. They come standard with sides and a top, and they connect the same way underbench dishwashers do. Freestanding units can be built under a bench, but keep in mind that the top would need to be removed, and for some units this is not an option. If you’re looking to install a dishwasher under a bench, an underbench dishwasher is a better option.

Most freestanding dishwashers come in a standardised size.

Standard freestanding dishwasher size: 600mm wide / 810mm – 850mm high / 500mm – 625mm deep

Shop Freestanding Dishwashers

Do You Need a Freestanding or Built-Under Dishwasher?

Now that you understand the key differences between underbench (built-under) and freestanding dishwashers, the next step is determining which one is the right fit for your kitchen. If you’re in the middle of replacing an old unit or installing a dishwasher for the first time, getting the wrong type can lead to unexpected installation challenges and added costs. Want to make sure you get the right one? Our in-depth guide walks you through how to identify your current dishwasher type, what you really need to think about to get that perfect seamless fit, and what to do if you’ve ordered the wrong model!

Read Our Full Blog Article

Dishwasher Maintenance: Cleaning, Odour Prevention, and Longevity

Slimline Dishwashers

Commonly known as slimline or compact dishwashers, this style of dishwasher is ideal for those with limited space. Slimline dishwashers offer you similar cleaning power as their large counterparts but from a more compact, slimmer design.

The size of slimline dishwashers tends to vary pretty broadly, so it’s best to measure your space well to make sure it’ll fit.

There is an overall standard for slimline dishwashers: 450mm wide / 815mm – 875mm high

Make sure to properly measure your area first to ensure that your new dishwasher will fit.

Shop Slimline Dishwashers

Dish Draw Dishwashers

 Designed to function like any other drawer in your kitchen, with a dish draw dishwasher there’s no excessive bending over to stack a dishwasher on a typical rack. You simply neatly stack everything in the drawer and the dishwasher will do the rest.

There are two main types of the Dish Draw Dishwashers, single drawers and double-drawers.

Shop Dish Draw Dishwashers

Integrated Dishwashers

Integrated dishwashers arrive with no front panel. This is so you can attach your own front panel that matches the surrounding kitchen cabinetry. This gives your dishwasher a sleek, modern, hidden design. Available in two styles: semi-integrated and fully-integrated, which simply means you can have the control panel semi or fully concealed, depending on your design preference.

It’s worth noting that integrated dishwashers usually require professional cabinetry work to make the panel fit perfectly.

There’s no real standard size for integrated dishwashers as it relies on your surrounding cabinetry. 

Shop Integrated Dishwashers

Optimising Dishwasher Use: Loading, Features, and Capacity Maximization

Benchtop Dishwasher

An ideal solution for those who are extremely limited on space, renters or for those that can’t make any modifications to their current kitchen cabinetry, Benchtop dishwashers offer you a compact, clever cleaning solution. Benchtop dishwashers still need to be connected to your kitchen water supply.

The advantage of benchtop dishwashers is that the sizes vary and they don’t need to be built in, which makes it easier to fit them on your free bench space. 

Shop Benchtop Dishwashers

Environmental and Health Considerations in Dishwashing