Bit boring I know, but have never had a dishwasher before, and I am overwhelmed by all the different products

[Overrun]

Is it worth paying more for these 5in1 tablets, or are tablets better than powder? Do you need a extra rinse solution?
Blimey, I am amazed by how many different products there are and flummuxed by all the different claims.
Any recommendations?

we just use a basic supermarket own brand tablet. nothing extra. does the job fine. i use tablets over powder purely because there's less mess and spillage that way.

no, no, and yes if you've listened to my advice re the first two questions.

supermarket own brand powder is invariably greener than brand name stuff because it contains lower phosphate levels. they also clean perfectly well.

i'm usually farily eco friendly, but ecover tabs didn't work for me. tried various all in one brands - any variety of finish is good - whatever is on offer as they are expensive.

Another vote here for 3 in 1, tried the 5 in 1, couldn't really see the difference tbh.

Nah! Bog standard supermarket ones or as I do, which every are special offer from all the shops. Wilkos are usually quite cheap. If you haven't had a d/w before, you will be amazed at how clean everything is anyway!

powder goes much further than tabs though, because you can put less in if the plates aren't v greasy.

I've tried loads of different ones but I've gone back to ordinary tablets (Waitrose own brand, but they're all much the same). I use dishwasher salt and rinse aid because I live in a very hard water area, if you have soft water you probably won't need them.

I prefer tablets to powder because it doesn't spill everywhere, but if you have a steady hand and can keep the box near the dishwasher then the powder might work out to be better value.

If you do go for 3in1 or 5in1 then don't use salt and rinse aid because you will probably be over-dosing.

Basically, try the cheapest option and if you're not happy with the quality of the wash then try another option, and keep going until you find the one that suits you.

Congratulations on your new dishwasher, I hope you love it.

Blimey, thanks for that brilliant response. Some difference of opinion but most of you think that the 5in1 are not worth it, so thats useful to know.
I see what you are saying about the powder, and the also phosphates, so I will think about that side of things a bit more.
I am quite excited actually