Mumsnet is supported by readers. All our writers obsessively research every product we recommend. When you buy through a link on our site we might earn commission but this never influences our product choices.
Best slimline dishwashers 2023: compact models for small kitchens
Sick of spending time at your kitchen sink but not enough space for a full-sized dishwasher? Here are the best small but perfectly formed slimline dishwashers, as recommended by real parents.
By Lucy Cotterill | Last updated Mar 30, 2023
After an enjoyable meal with your family, there is nothing worse than standing at the kitchen sink for hours wearing your bright yellow marigolds. Plus, let's face it, even with the best cleaning products on your side, washing up is a task no-one envies. The best slimline dishwasher can be a practical space-saving solution, especially for those who don't have the luxury of the space needed for a full-sized model.
These smaller, more compact models are ideal for small or medium-sized families, with a choice of integrated or freestanding designs that can accommodate nine to ten place settings, without compromising on valuable storage space in your kitchen. Whilst they’re not quite as spacious as a full-sized dishwasher, you may be surprised just how much a slimline dishwasher can accommodate, with many brands offering height-adjustable shelving and flexible racks to make the most of the available space.
We know that investing in products for your kitchen can be a bit of a minefield, particularly when it comes to appliances, whether it be a quest for the best freezer, an impressive American fridge freezer, or a compact dishwasher. So, to make life easier, we’ve tapped into tried-and-tested brand recommendations from real parents in the Mumsnet forums to bring you the lowdown on slimline dishwashers and the must-have features you need to look out for. Whether it’s an integrated slimline dishwasher, a freestanding model or even one you can control directly from your mobile phone, we’ve researched the best compact dishwashers that will help make cleaning up an absolute doddle.
Here are the best slimline dishwashers you can buy in 2023.
The best slimline dishwashers: At a glance
1. Best overall slimline dishwasher: Bosch SPS4HMW53G Slimline Dishwasher
Price on writing: £529 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Energy rating: E | Dimensions: H84.5 x W45 x D60cm | Type: Freestanding | Place settings: 9 | Noise level: 45dB | Water consumption: 9.5L | Quick wash: Yes | Cutlery basket or tray: Tray | Adjustable upper rack: Yes
What we love
- Smart home connectivity
- Flexible racking
- Space-saving cutlery tray
What to know
- The cutlery tray does limit the height of glasses you can fit on the top shelf
What Mumsnet users say
“We have a Bosch [slimline dishwasher] and it’s very good. We use a dishwasher cleaner every few weeks or so to keep the inside clean and [get] none of the manky build up you can get.” (Brand tried and tested by Mumsnet user 277xo)
“I agree with Bosch, we got ours five years ago and never had a problem with it.” (Brand recommended by Mumsnet user BornOnThe4thJuly)
Our verdict
When asked for recommendations of slimline dishwashers (in fact, any dishwashers at all), Mumsnet users mention one brand time and time again: Bosch. Excellent build quality with reliable, consistent results, this is a brand name that comes with an excellent reputation.
With fantastic cleaning (and drying) results on everything from delicate glassware to dried-on pasta bake, this dishwasher can accommodate up to nine place settings, making it perfectly adequate for small families. Thanks to the convenient cutlery tray, you’ll find more room on the lower shelves for larger pots and pans (and won’t waste 20 minutes of your life strategically attempting to fit knives and forks into the slots of a restrictive basket).
If you really like putting your feet up at the end of a busy day, you can even kick start this dishwasher from the comfort of the sofa using the Home Connect app on a compatible device. What’s not to love?
Read next: The best oven cleaner for a spotless finish, as recommended by Mumsnet users
2. Best value slimline dishwasher: Beko DIS16R10 Fully Integrated Slimline Dishwasher
Price on writing: £340 | Buy now from AO.com
Key specs
Energy rating: E | Dimensions: H81.8 x W44.8 x D55cm | Type: Integrated | Place settings: 10 | Noise level: 47dB | Water consumption: 9.5L | Quick wash: Yes | Cutlery basket or tray: Basket | Adjustable upper rack: Yes
What we love
- Budget-friendly price tag
- Integrated design to match kitchen aesthetic
- 58-minute quick wash cycle
What to know
- The cutlery basket can be a bit fiddly to load
- Reviewers found installation instructions difficult to follow
What Mumsnet users say
“I have a Beko slimline dishwasher, just as good as my old Bosch one.” (Brand tried and tested by Mumsnet user fizzyfood)
“I've got a 12-year-old Beko. It was the absolute cheapest I could find and has never let me down. I believe in buying the cheapest white goods possible.” (Brand rated by Mumsnet user Billandbenflowerpotmen1)
Our verdict
If you’re looking to add a slimline dishwasher to your kitchen but don’t have a huge budget to spend (cost of living crisis anyone?), this Beko slimline machine provides great value for money, accommodating a generous ten place settings despite its compact design. It's a brand Mumsnet users rate highly too; they also feature on our guide to the best dishwasher if you want a full-sized model.
Whilst reviewers felt the installation instructions could be clearer, Mumsnet users found Beko dishwashers to be reliable and felt they offer excellent cleaning results despite their competitive price tag. We love the quick programme on the Beko DIS16R10 slimline washer that can help efficiently clear up after your dinner in just under an hour, whilst the intelligent auto programme can automatically adjust the programme depending on how dirty your dishes are.
Best of all, the residual heat generated during the wash helps completely dry your dishes at the end so you can pack that tea towel and dish rack away.
3. Best freestanding slimline dishwasher: Kenwood KDW45X20 Slimline Dishwasher
Price on writing: £289 | Buy now from Currys
Key specs
Energy rating: E | Dimensions: H89.1 x W49.4 x D66.1 cm | Type: Freestanding | Place settings: 10 | Noise level: 47dB | Water consumption: 11 litres | Quick wash: Yes | Cutlery basket or tray: Basket | Adjustable upper rack: Yes
What we love
- Quiet operation
- Rapid 30-minute quick wash
- Eco mode for energy efficiency
What to know
- No external LCD
- The basket is trickier to load than a tray
What Mumsnet users say
“I got a Kenwood slimline dishwasher from Currys. It's amazing. The best I've had yet. We've had Bekos in the past which were good, but this one is ace.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user gruffaloshmuffalo)
Our verdict
Freestanding dishwashers can be slotted directly under your kitchen countertops, often making them far cheaper and easier to install than a fully integrated design. This Kenwood slimline dishwasher has a sleek stainless steel design which is compact but surprisingly spacious. Not only does it look great in a modern kitchen, but it runs quietly too, making it a popular choice for open-plan homes, apartments or flats.
With an affordable price tag and a choice of eight adjustable programmes, you can vary between a super speedy 30-minute quick wash when you’re in a hurry, or opt for the more energy-efficient eco programme when you’re a little less pressed for time. One thing to note, however - there is no external display, making it challenging to check how long is left on your wash cycle.
Read next: The best vacuum sealer to keep your food fresher for longer
4. Best slimline dishwasher for energy efficiency: Siemens iQ300 SR2E128ME
Price on writing: £729 | Buy now from AO.com
Key specs
Energy rating: D | Dimensions: H84.5 x W45 x D60cm | Type: Freestanding | Place settings: 10 | Noise level: 44dB | Water consumption: 9.5 litres | Quick wash: Yes | Cutlery basket or tray: Tray | Adjustable upper rack: Yes
What we love
- Performs well across energy and water efficiency when compared to other slimline dishwashers
- Convenient cutlery tray
- Low noise levels
What to know
- Some reviewers found the controls complex
- Pricey
What Mumsnet users say
“No issues with Siemens after nine years of use.” (Brand tried and tested by Mumsnet user dotoallasyouwouldbedoneby)
“Siemens every time. Our first one lasted 15 years and our second is now 12-years-old and still going strong. Never had a single day's issue with either of them and they wash and dry everything brilliantly.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user ChequerBoard)
Our verdict
In a cost of living crisis, energy efficiency is understandably at the forefront of our minds when buying new home appliances. Whilst slimline dishwashers as a general rule aren’t the most energy-efficient appliances, the Siemens iQ300 is D-rated, scoring relatively well across the energy and water consumption rates.
Wi-Fi enabled via the Home Connect app, this intelligent dishwasher allows you to adjust programmes mid-cycle directly from your mobile phone, including varying the speed to wash up to three times faster on the days you’re short on time.
With an adjustable upper rack and VarioDrawer tray for cleaning cutlery and utensils, it's quick and easy to load, whilst leaving plenty of space for larger items on the bottom shelf. With an extra long double spray arm, the powerful cleaning jets are guaranteed to reach right into the corners, so no matter how haphazardly you load the shelves, the entire contents will come out clean and dry. Just pair with the best dishwasher tablets for enviably shiny pots and glasses every time.
5. Best integrated slimline dishwasher: Belling IDW45 Fully Integrated Slimline Dishwasher
Price on writing: £379 | Buy now from AO.com
Key specs
Energy rating: D | Dimensions: H81.5 x W44.8 x D55cm | Type: Integrated | Place settings: 10 | Noise level: 49dB | Water consumption: 9 litres | Quick wash: Yes | Cutlery basket or tray: Basket | Adjustable upper rack: Yes
What we love
- Great water efficiency
- 30-minute quick wash
What to know
- Noisier than some other slimline models
- Cutlery basket does take up significant space on the lower shelf
Our verdict
With a fully integrated design that can blend seamlessly into your existing kitchen space, the Belling IDW45 performs well across energy and water consumption, with an overall D energy rating.
For the days your family pop around unexpectedly, the quick wash cycle will have your dishes gleaming and ready to use in next to no time, whilst the eco programme helps conserve energy for those more relaxed days at home.
Adjustable spikes on the lower basket allow you to really make the most of the available space, whilst the top shelf can be lowered for those taller stemmed wine glasses. There’s space for ten place settings, with the option of running a half-load cycle if you haven't managed to fill it after clearing dishes from your placemats.
6. Best quiet slimline dishwasher: HOTPOINT HSFO 3T223 W UK N Slimline Dishwasher
Price on writing: £359 | Buy now from AO.com
Key specs
Energy rating: E | Dimensions: H85 x W45 x D59 cm | Type: Freestanding | Place settings: 10 | Noise level: 43dB | Water consumption: 9 litres | Quick wash: Yes | Cutlery basket or tray: Basket | Adjustable upper rack: Yes
What we love
- Variable cleaning power to suit the contents
- 30-minute quick wash
- Flexible loading system with adjustable shelves
What to know
- Some cycles (including the eco mode) are long
- The basket can be tricky to load
What Mumsnet users say
“Hotpoint for me. They last the longest - left one at my old place that was nearly 20 years old and working perfectly.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user GrumpyHoonMain)
“I have a Hotpoint slimline dishwasher which I've been very pleased with.” (Brand recommended by Mumsnet user seekingasimplelife)
Our verdict
If you’ve got young children and an open-plan living space, the last thing you need is the constant dull rumble of your dishwasher disturbing them when it's time to go to sleep. Thankfully, the 'Good Night' mode on this feature-rich Hotpoint slimline dishwasher uses a super-quiet inverter motor, keeping noise to an absolute minimum whilst restoring your dishes to their former glory.
Hotpoint also appreciates that not all dishwasher loads are created equal. This dishwasher offers a range of programmes that can easily be tailored based on the contents, from a 30-minute quick wash for freshening up glasses and cutlery to a more thorough intensive wash to tackle baked-on foods like pasta bake and spaghetti bolognese without the need to pre-rinse.
The basket does take up a fair bit of space on the bottom shelf, however, the flexible racking allows you to adjust the height of the top basket as required. The colour-coded sections also mean the entire family can help load and unload the contents.
Read next: Keep your whole kitchen sparkling with our choice of the best glass cleaner
7. Best stainless steel slimline dishwasher: Whirpool WSFE2B19XUKN Slimline Dishwasher
Price on writing: £389 | Buy now from AO.com
Key specs
Energy rating: F | Dimensions: H85.0 x W45 x D59cm | Type: Freestanding | Place settings: 10 | Noise level: 49dB | Water consumption: 11.5 litres | Quick wash: Yes | Cutlery basket or tray: Basket | Adjustable upper rack: Yes
What we love
- 25-minute quick cycle
- Good drying results
- Modern stainless steel design
What to know
- Energy rating could be better
- Noisier than other slimline dishwashers
Our verdict
If you’re looking for a freestanding design that compliments stainless steel home appliances like your fridge freezer and washing machine, this slimline dishwasher from Whirlpool comes well-regarded with great reviews.
Easy to use with a simple LED display, the adjustable shelving on the Whirpool WSFE2B19XUKN helps you fit far more than you might expect from a compact design. The quick cycle takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, with good drying results that mean they’re ready to use or pop in the cupboard straight from unloading.
It's worth noting that, despite having an eco programme to save energy, water and money, the overall energy rating of an F could certainly be better. Whilst still relatively quiet overall, it’s more audible than our other recommendations for best slimline dishwasher too.
8. Best white slimline dishwasher: Indesit DSFE1B10SUKN Slimline Dishwasher
Price on writing: £319 | Buy now from AO.com
Key specs
Energy rating: E | Dimensions: H89.0 x W50 x D67.5 cm | Type: Freestanding | Place settings: 10 | Noise level: 44dB | Water consumption: 9 litres | Quick wash: Yes | Cutlery basket or tray: Basket | Adjustable upper rack: Yes
What we love
- Low water consumption
- Quiet operation
- Speedy 28-minute quick wash
What to know
- Eco programme is long (four hours)
- Drying results can vary
What Mumsnet users say
“I have always bought dirt cheap Indesit dishwashers. They do a good job and last (in my experience so far) between 15 and 20 years.” (Brand recommended by Mumsnet user Babdoc)
Our verdict
Stainless steel dishwashers look stylish and striking when they’re clean, but you may find yourself constantly needing to wipe away fingerprints. A white freestanding dishwasher can be a great alternative, ideal for creating a fresh and modern look in your kitchen.
The Indesit DSFE1B10SUKN Slimline Dishwasher has a wide range of cycles to suit every lifestyle - from the 'Baby' cycle that reassuringly kills 99.9% of bacteria from your baby’s bottles to the 'Push & Go' programme for fuss-free cleaning of more grubby and grimy plates and pans if you struggle to get all of the residue into your kitchen bin.
The quick wash takes just 28 minutes to complete a full cycle and it does so with minimal noise, so it won’t disturb you at all whilst it works its magic.
9. Best high-end slimline dishwasher: Miele Slimline Dishwasher
Price on writing: £959 | Buy now from Appliances Direct
Key specs
Energy rating: D | Dimensions: H85 x W45 x D60cm | Type: Freestanding | Place settings: 9 | Noise level: 40dB | Water consumption: 6 litres | Quick wash: Yes | Cutlery basket or tray: Tray | Adjustable upper rack: Yes
What we love
- Incredibly quiet during use
- Easy-to-load cutlery tray
- Good energy efficiency
What to know
- Costly
What Mumsnet users say
”Miele last forever so they work out to be the cheapest option, mine is 20 years old, my parents' has outlived them and my brother has it, about 45 years old.” (Brand recommended by Mumsnet user Ariela)
Our verdict
Whilst Miele dishwashers certainly don’t come cheap, Mumsnet users praise this trusted brand for reliability and longevity, with many owning Mieles that have lasted for literally decades.
Whilst the majority of Miele’s designs are full-sized, this smart slimline option is packed full of innovative features that will make tidying your kitchen almost enjoyable. With an easily accessible and convenient cutlery tray, there’s no wasting time battling with your cutlery basket. The racks are fully adjustable too and can be raised and lowered as required, making it easy to load and unload even with larger items.
With low water consumption and a good overall energy rating, this slimline dishwasher is one of the quietest dishwashers you can buy today, with an inaudible whisper that may find you checking if you remembered to turn it on.
10. Best slimline dishwasher with drying function: NEFF N50 S875HKX20G Wi-Fi Connected Fully Integrated Slimline Dishwasher
Price on writing: £599 | Buy now from AO.com
Key specs
Energy rating: E | Dimensions: H81.5 x W44.8 x D55cm | Type: Integrated | Place settings: 9 | Noise level: 46dB | Water consumption: 8.5 litres | Quick wash: No | Cutlery basket or tray: Basket | Adjustable upper rack: Yes
What we love
- LED light that shows when the dishwasher is in use
- Extra dry programme
- Programme with hotter temperatures for the dirtiest dishes
What to know
- Costly for a slimline dishwasher
What Mumsnet users say
“We had a new kitchen fitted last year and they fitted a Neff. I’m very pleased with it so far.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Bowerbird5)
Our verdict
The Neff brand has grown hugely in popularity over recent years and with good reason; Mumsnet users have been impressed by the quality, reliability and effectiveness of Neff products.
With Wi-Fi connectivity that allows you to control it directly from your mobile phone, this innovative slimline dishwasher has a range of programmes including 'Chef 70' which operates with higher temperatures and increased water pressure to really break down congealed food that you’d have previously left to soak in the sink.
The 'ExtraDry' mode ensures everything is bone dry and ready to put away, including plastics and Tupperware, which can be prone to pooling water in even the most effective of dishwashers.
The downside? There’s no quick wash on this dishwasher, so you need to be a little more patient for the best results.
Read next: Short on space? See our best mini fridge for compact cooling
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 have a small family, 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 larger 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, compact 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.
How eco-friendly are dishwashers?
The energy efficiency of dishwashers varies quite significantly from one brand to the next, with slimline designs being generally less energy efficient than their larger counterparts. The energy efficiency scale now runs from A-G and whilst you’re unlikely to find a dishwasher with an A, B or even C rating, you can find several slimline dishwashers with a D grade - this takes into account electricity/energy use, the cost to run and overall water consumption.
How to choose the best slimline dishwasher for you
If you decide to opt for a slimline dishwasher, here are some of the features you should look out for:
- Integrated or freestanding? - Do you want your dishwasher to be integrated into your kitchen cupboards and match the overall aesthetic, or are you happy to have a freestanding design that slots underneath your kitchen countertops?
- Capacity - How much washing up can the slimline dishwasher accommodate? Most slimline designs can fit between nine and ten place settings, so opting for the larger of the two may help if you’re likely to be washing up more regularly.
- Drawer or basket? - With a compact design, the addition of a cutlery drawer rather than a basket can be really useful, freeing up space on the bottom shelf and leaving more room for larger items like pots and pans. Baskets can often be trickier to load and more restrictive in terms of sizing.
- Adjustable shelving - To help you make the most of the space, you should look for a slimline dishwasher that offers flexibility such as height adjustable shelves or moveable racks that can accommodate plates and bowls of different shapes and sizes.
- Quick wash - Not all dishwashers have a quick wash cycle, but they can be incredibly useful when you need to wash up in a hurry. A good quick wash cycle can get your plates and cutlery gleaming in as little as 25 minutes, however longer, more thorough cycles may be required when cleaning pots and pans with dried-on food or stains.
- Wi-Fi or smart home features - Some dishwashers offer smart connectivity, meaning they can be operated from your mobile or compatible tablet, including turning on, selecting programmes and checking the remaining time. Whilst a great time-saving tool, you will pay a premium for this, so consider how often you will actually use this before taking the plunge.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
To bring you our definitive list of the best slimline dishwashers you can buy today, we first sought the trusted opinions of Mumsnet users, getting their feedback on the dishwashers that they rate, recommend and use in their own kitchens.
We also looked out for any negative reviews, where Mumsnet users highlighted products that they felt were poor quality, overpriced or performed badly when returning dishes to their former glory.
Expert opinions
Next up, we considered reviews and feedback from trusted industry experts. We want to be confident that the products we recommend are fit for purpose, so we looked out for award-winning products or those that were well regarded in the marketplace, including those suggested by consumer champions and home tech experts.
Authentic consumer reviews
Finally, to bring you our definitive list of the best slimline dishwashers on the market, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, Currys, AO.com and John Lewis to get wider consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.