Are Smeg dishwashers good?
Smeg dishwashers have an average overall score of 8.2, ranking #8 among comparable dishwasher brands, and an average user rating of 7.2, placing them at #26 based on user reviews.
Smeg dishwashers suit coordinated kitchens, with integrated, freestanding, retro-styled, and professional-looking finishes. Selected models combine 13–14-place capacity, automatic door opening, adjustable baskets, intensive washing, and orbital or planetary spray systems.
Smeg dishwashers can carry a design premium without superior noise, efficiency, drying, or rack geometry. Buyers should compare the motor, wash system, Total Acquastop protection, energy label, and basket configuration with plainer rivals before paying extra for appearance.
The chart below compares Smeg with other dishwasher brands by average overall score.
[horizontal-chart-05146734171668731297071529236993497072053739813640]What are the main advantages of Smeg dishwashers?
The main advantages of Smeg dishwashers are as follows:
- Design choice: Smeg offers conventional stainless, black, white, coloured, and design-led fronts that can coordinate with other appliances.
- Spray coverage: Planetarium or orbital wash systems vary water direction to reach complex loads; correct spacing remains essential.
- Drying: Dry Assist+ or equivalent automatic opening releases moisture efficiently and is especially useful for plastics.
- Capacity and racks: Full-size products commonly hold 13–14 settings and may add FlexiDuo, third-level storage, adjustable baskets, and folding supports.
- Efficiency options: Selected class A–B machines use roughly 0.5–0.7 kWh per Eco cycle while maintaining full-size capacity.
What are the main disadvantages of Smeg dishwashers?
The main disadvantages of Smeg dishwashers are as follows:
- A substantial design premium: Smeg prices commonly span about £410-£1,300, with a midpoint near £660 and top listings around £1,450. Retro styling, black glass, or coordinated finishes can therefore add several hundred euros without changing the 13–14-place tub, spray system, energy use, or drying hardware.
- Long standardized cycles: Smeg Eco programs usually take about 240–265 minutes, or 4 h to 4 h 25 min, and can reach roughly 280 minutes. Rapid modes reduce turnaround for light soil, but shorter programs may omit complete drying or consume more resources than the Eco figures on the label.
- Noise remains inconsistent: Models range from approximately 42 to 51 dB, with many near 45 dB. A 48–51 dB design-led machine is much more noticeable in an open-plan kitchen than a similarly priced 40–42 dB competitor, so finish should not be prioritized over the acoustic label.
- Premium washing is not universal: Planetarium or orbital washing, ActiveLight, automatic opening, flexible third racks, and the strongest glass supports vary by exact code. Buyers should verify spray-arm design and basket generation because two visually similar Smeg products can differ more internally than their exterior suggests.
- Efficiency and installation can undermine value: Energy use ranges roughly 0.53–0.94 kWh and water about 8.5–12 L per Eco cycle. Integrated and built-under versions also need exact hinge, panel, plinth, and steam clearances, so a high-priced finish can still combine average consumption with a demanding installation.










