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Original poster

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
MNHQ

OP posts:
TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 01/08/2021 14:37

Dishwasher!!!???

I still take our washing down to the river and bash it on the rocks.

MegaClutterSlut · 01/08/2021 14:38

Would love a dish washer Envy but no room for one 😭

MouseholeCat · 01/08/2021 14:47

I love our dishwasher, but I would advise buying the best you can afford.

I only ever had cheap dishwashers (in rentals/inherited from previous owners) up until our last one broke and we were constantly battling dishes not getting clean. We decided to replace with a medium-range model and it's like night an day. Much quieter, always gets everything looking beautifully clean.

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Home improvement
JustMeAndWheatley · 01/08/2021 14:56

Yes - definitely worth it.

It’s the appliance I’d most miss if it broke down. You don’t have to wash up before using it, just check that there aren’t any lumps of food that might block the filter.

Staywithmemyblood · 01/08/2021 15:04

Just had our dishwasher fixed after it broke down during the last lockdown. I am sooooo happy to have it working again 😊 They are well worth the investment IMO 👍🏻

Fluffycloudland77 · 01/08/2021 15:06

I don’t want to line the pickets of the water board by washing up by hand.

Our bill was £50 a month before the dishwasher, it dropped to £10 a month when we were both FT.

Datingandnoideahowto · 01/08/2021 15:06

I live alone but for uni holidays and I’d replace mine in an instant if it broke. I lost a cupboard to have it - mine is a narrow one - and it is fabulous.

BananaMilkshakeWithCream · 01/08/2021 15:07

I’m a dishwasher convert since about 3 years ago! We only ever seem to have to pre rinse once that have ketchup cemented onto them that have been lurking under my son’s bed for a week! Other than that everything just goes in dirty and comes out clean, what’s not to like?!!

Alfiemoon1 · 01/08/2021 15:07

Well worth it I wouldn’t be without mine

LynetteScavo · 01/08/2021 15:08

Yes! But then I bloody love my white goods more than is normal. If I had to lose one it would be the freezer. I love my tumbler an awful lot! I have based house purchase on whether I can fit 5 white goods or not. You'd be surprised how many 3 bed new builds don't expect you to have more than a fridge and washing machine.

FinallyFluid · 01/08/2021 15:11

Never mind losing a cupboard to a dishwasher, I lost a cupboard to a water softener, it is bloody marvellous and the shower is still sparkling two years on. Grin

prettybird · 01/08/2021 15:15

The Lidl W5 dishwasher tablets are brilliant - the basic ones, not the "all in one" ones. I live in Scotland in a soft water area so I use separate Rinse Aid (also W5 Wink) set to minimum on the dishwasher. I also half the tablet which seemed to also stop minor clouding of my glasses (as well as "doubling" the size of the box! Grin).

Our dishwasher is currently broken Sad and it's probably not economic to repair it (heating element has gone but in this dishwasher it's integrated into the pump Shock) but we've just had a new bathroom fitted so a new dishwasher will have to wait Sad
.

bigbluebus · 01/08/2021 15:17

My dishwasher broke down a few weeks ago. I've been waiting for parts. Fingers crossed the chap is coming tomorrow to fix it. I can't tell you how much I've missed it. I was quite laid back about timescales for fixing it as I thought washing up by hand wouldn't be a problem but believe me the novelty has worn off!
I use Lidl tablets and have used more expensive ones in the past and can't see a difference. I put salt in my dishwasher though as we live in an area with very hard water!

mrspainful · 01/08/2021 15:18

Of course it's VITAL! I've moved to a new house with a beautiful new spanking fitted kitchen which is gorgeous, but NO dishwasher! Why would you put a new kitchen in with no dishwasher???? There's no room to put one in either the kitchen or the utility as both are beautifully fitted with far too many cupboards.

Only option would be to remove cupboards. I thought I'd try and see how I went without one..... but I hate it! Seem to spend half my life washing up and the kitchen is never tidy, with pits draining or mugs / plates hanging around waiting to be washed.

Aquamarine1029 · 01/08/2021 15:18

I like my dishwasher but I could definitely live without it. Do you have a clothes dryer? I would get a dryer way before a dishwasher. I wouldn't be without my dryer.

mrspainful · 01/08/2021 15:19

@Aquamarine1029

I like my dishwasher but I could definitely live without it. Do you have a clothes dryer? I would get a dryer way before a dishwasher. I wouldn't be without my dryer.
Have you tried? Wink
LST · 01/08/2021 15:19

There was one in this house when we moved in. Seemed hardly used. It's in the garage now. Never even switched it on. We have another freezer in its place.

mrspainful · 01/08/2021 15:22

Oh and no, you don't have to wash anything before putting it in unless you are my EXH. I used to put casserole dishes, roasting tins etc in and it all came out clean.

I recommend Fairy Platinum tablets.

Aquamarine1029 · 01/08/2021 15:23

@mrspainful

Yes. I was without a dishwasher for years and never missed it. Mine broke and I couldn't be bothered to replace it. The only reason I have one now is because my mum "surprised" me with one as a gift. Very nice of her, but she glossed over the fact that I was more than financially capable to buy my own, I just didn't want it. She thinks they are essential.

Mydogsbetterthanyourdog · 01/08/2021 15:24

Absolutely, really helps in keeping the kitchen looking clean and tidy. Wouldn't be without ours

prettybird · 01/08/2021 15:27

When our washer/dryer broke down, I replaced it with a "plain" washing machine as we had almost never used the dryer function on the old one Grin This is despite living in Scotland Confused Just goes to show we all have different priorities Grin

Knittingnanny · 01/08/2021 15:27

@MegaClutterSlut, I’ve downsized children have flown but in my tiny kitchen I’ve got a slimline dishwasher which is fine for two of us. I sacrificed one of the cupboards as couldn’t face going back to hand washing up.
Many years ago prob about 1992 we were all invited to a neighbours Boxing Day lunch. I offered to wash up and she said “ no it’s fine we have a new dishwasher”
I was hooked and went out to get one ASAP. Then put three boys on a rota for emptying.....

Babyroobs · 01/08/2021 15:29

we were without one for 20 year with four kids, but after having an extension 2 years ago we had one and yes I love having it, although it is still often time consuming loading and unloading it due to having a large family and a dh who loves cooking but uses every bloody pan in the house !!

pontiouspilates · 01/08/2021 15:32

We were three weeks without one when our old one died and nothing felt properly clean. For me, it's a must have

aiwblam · 01/08/2021 15:35

I'd happily get on my knees and worship mine, having lived without one in the past!