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Are dishwashers worth it?

190 replies

yourdaysa · 01/08/2021 13:45

We are moving to a new house soon and there seems to be space for a dishwasher

Would you bother? Are they really any good? I've heard you have to pretty much wash up what's there anyway before you put it in

Thanks! I've never had one before, I have heard they're life changing Blush


If you’ve landed here looking for advice on whether a dishwasher is worth getting for your home, we’ve recently updated our best dishwasher guide with plenty of high-quality, Mumsnetter-approved models, including advice on choosing the right one for your family. We hope it’s helpful Smile
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OP posts:
MaMelon · 01/08/2021 13:46

They’re worth every penny - I wouldn’t be without ours.

WisestIsShe · 01/08/2021 13:46

It is the best thing I ever bought. Once you have one is hard to imagine how you lived without it. Seriously, it's life changing.

Dfg15 · 01/08/2021 13:47

I wouldn't be without one! I never wash stuff first, why would anyone do that, just scrape off leftover bits and bung it in.

Interested in this thread?

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Chasingsquirrels · 01/08/2021 13:47

I would (and have) replace mine immediately if it broke.

I don't pre-rinse or wash anything that goes in it, just scrape the bits off.
I don't put pans in it now as my new one ruins the non-stick, but everything else goes in there.

Workinghardeveryday · 01/08/2021 13:47

Definitely get a dishwasher - seriously! Saves so much time, takes minutes to empty. Quick rinse before they go in takes seconds. No mess on the tops waiting to be washed up or drying!

Nameisjustaname · 01/08/2021 13:47

I lost a cupboard for a dishwasher about 4 yrs ago.
House of 5 and Best thing I ever did!

PurpleDaisies · 01/08/2021 13:48

Dishwashers are wonderful. Once you have one you’ll never go back.

Shmithecat2 · 01/08/2021 13:48

Love mine! I wouldn't be without one again. And you don't have to spend loads of money. We got our Bosch Exxcel off ebay for £55 😁😁. Still in perfect condition now. All I would say is ignore the claims that all-in-one tablet manufacturers make. Always use a separate rinse aid and dishwasher salt.

HerBigChance · 01/08/2021 13:49

I adore mine. It also helps to keep the kitchen tidy because there's nothing on the worktops or in the sink.

Jubbies · 01/08/2021 13:49

Yes. One of the best things we ever bought. Just scrape stuff off plates first then bung em in. Saves tedious washing up and saves dirty dishes and cutlery being bunged in the sink.

Shmithecat2 · 01/08/2021 13:49

Also, be mindful of whether your current cookware is dishwasher proof.

MrsDThomas · 01/08/2021 13:50

I’ve had one for 8 years. It broke 11 months ago and im yet to fix it.

So I don’t see it as a must.

yourdaysa · 01/08/2021 13:51

Can I ask -

As a hand washer Grin I use Fairy. It's a must. A Lidl one is pretty similar but generally, Fairy is best. Is this the same for dishwasher tablets?

Is there one really good brand that others just don't compare to?

OP posts:
EmmaGrundyForPM · 01/08/2021 13:52

I do like my dishwasher but if I had to give up either my dishwasher, tumble dryer or washing machine, I'd easily be able to live without it.

cushioncovers · 01/08/2021 13:53

Absolutely

MaMelon · 01/08/2021 13:54

We use Aldi’s Magnum ones - they’re really good.

Shmithecat2 · 01/08/2021 13:54

@yourdaysa

Can I ask -

As a hand washer Grin I use Fairy. It's a must. A Lidl one is pretty similar but generally, Fairy is best. Is this the same for dishwasher tablets?

Is there one really good brand that others just don't compare to?

Amazon always have amazing deals on Finish Quantum! Aldi dishwasher tablets are good but they smell like damp 😬. Seem to do the job though!
MaMelon · 01/08/2021 13:55

Aldi dishwasher tablets are good but they smell like damp

Eh?! No they don’t! Grin

GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman · 01/08/2021 13:55

No. Not worth the lost cupboard.

Plus dishwashers still leave you the really horrible jobs like grease burned on to saucepans.

The washing machine, on the other hand...

PurpleDaisies · 01/08/2021 13:56

Why are people talking about dishwashers vs washing machines? That’s not the dilemma.

Starjammer · 01/08/2021 13:56

100% worth it.

AlternativePerspective · 01/08/2021 13:56

Is there one really good brand that others just don't compare to? I tend to buy sainsburys own tablets. If fairy or finish are on very low offer I will buy those but honestly they’re about 3 times the price of the supermarket brand ones and definitely not 3 times better…

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 01/08/2021 13:57

Yes, absolutely.

But you also need a dh like mine, who not only loads it but also empties it and puts everything away.

(He never cooks though - fair division of labour.)

WeAreTheHeroes · 01/08/2021 13:57

I always buy supermarket own brand tablets. Finish strips the pattern off crockery over time and Fairy is so highly perfumed it taints plastics and silicone.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 01/08/2021 13:58

They are worth every penny, use salt and rinse aid even with the 3 in 1 tablets but use the cheap Tesco or Aldi tablets.

Don't rinse beforehand, just scrape.

They keep the kitchen so tidy.