What makes a dishwasher slimline?
Slimline dishwashers are designed for smaller spaces and, as such, generally measure 45cm across rather than the 60cm width of a full-sized dishwasher. Unlike larger dishwashers which can generally accommodate 13 or 14-place settings, slimline dishwashers tend to have space for nine or ten.
Which settings are suitable for a slimline dishwasher?
Slimline dishwashers are ideal for smaller kitchens, open-plan spaces or simply kitchen spaces where you would prefer to prioritise cupboard or storage space.
Should you buy a slimline, compact or full-sized dishwasher?
The right dishwasher for you will very much depend upon your family size and personal circumstances. However, there are some things to consider when selecting between slimline, compact or full-sized dishwashers.
Slimline dishwasher
If you are limited on space or are part of a small household, a slimline dishwasher is a great alternative to washing by hand, offering more capacity than you may expect despite being 15cm narrower than a full-sized model. That said, slimline dishwashers do need some more thought when loading due to their compact design. If you have a large family, you may find that you need to run the dishwasher more regularly, or at least look for machines with a cutlery tray rather than a basket, as this frees up additional space on the lower shelves. It’s also worth noting that slimline dishwashers don’t tend to be as energy efficient as full-size machines, so may cost a little more to run on an annual basis.
Compact dishwasher
Instead of sitting underneath your kitchen countertops, tabletop dishwashers sit on top, helping you maximise the storage and cupboard space in your kitchen. There are a fairly limited number of compact dishwashers on the market and they can be quite costly when compared to a traditional dishwasher. They can also be a little restrictive in terms of the contents they can accommodate, so where possible, we would suggest opting for a slimline instead.
Full-sized dishwasher
A full-sized dishwasher offers the most flexibility when it comes to ease of loading and overall capacity and are often the most energy efficient to run. On the flip side, smaller households may find that full-sized dishwashers take a while to fill, resulting in an empty cutlery drawer with a half-filled shelf of plates and bowls. Unless the dishwasher has a half-load cycle, you could find yourself resorting to hand washing in between full loads or wasting some energy as a result.