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Smeg STL281DS Review | 59 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£750
  • Avg. price in US: ~$900
  • No. of place settings: 13
  • Energy efficiency class: D
  • Noise level: 48 dB
  • Overflow protection: ?
  • Height adjustable top basket: yes

Smeg STL281DS review. Compare 59 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Dishwashers category and whether it is worth buying.

6.6

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Dishwashers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Dishwashers category.

Score components:

80.0%

6.6

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Dishwashers category across these key areas: Performance, Programmes, Features, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Dishwashers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

5.5

Performance

30.0%

7.3

Features

25.0%

7.6

Programmes

10.0%

6.3

Design

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Dishwashers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Dishwashers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 4.1
    Efficient operation

    Score components:

    35.0%

    3.9

    Energy consumption per cycle

    25.0%

    1.0

    Water usage per cycle

    20.0%

    7.0

    Energy efficiency class

    10.0%

    2.3

    Noise level

    10.0%

    8.2

    No. of place settings

  • 4.5
    Quiet operation

    Score components:

    45.0%

    2.3

    Noise level

    20.0%

    6.0

    Noise emission class

    15.0%

    7.0

    Energy efficiency class

    10.0%

    3.9

    Energy consumption per cycle

    10.0%

    8.2

    No. of place settings

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £750

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Smeg STL281DS is a fully integrated, 60 cm built-in dishwasher offering a 13 place setting capacity, a standard washing system, and 5 wash programs (Soak, ECO, Mix, Intensive, and 1/2 Load) across 3 temperature settings up to 70°C. Key advantages include a flexible 2-basket design with a 3-level height-adjustable upper basket, FlexiFit sliding hinges for seamless cabinetry integration, an electronic water softener, and a Dry Assist system that automatically opens the door for efficient drying. However, it has a moderate Energy Efficiency Class D rating, a 12-liter water consumption per cycle, and a relatively noticeable 48 dB noise level.

Technical Specifications of dishwasher Smeg STL281DS

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Dishwashers category across these key areas: Performance, Programmes, Features, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Dishwashers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

?

Performance

30.0%

?

Features

25.0%

?

Programmes

10.0%

?

Design

6.6
Smeg STL281DS has a technical score of 6.62 points, which is lower than 89.1% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Dishwashers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Dishwashers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Dishwashers category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Dishwashers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
1.0
Smeg STL281DS has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Dishwashers category with their prices.

When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Dishwashers category and want a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.6

Overall score

40.0%

6.6

Price

6.6
Smeg STL281DS has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.6 points, which is lower than 99.3% of products in this category.
Energy efficiency class
What it is: This attribute refers to Energy efficiency class.
When it matters: This matters if you have a preference for this specification.

Importance: HIGH

D
Smeg STL281DS has energy efficiency class D, which is better than that of 32.5% of dishwashers and equal to that of 21.4% of dishwashers.
Washing efficiency class
What it is: This attribute refers to Washing efficiency class.
When it matters: This matters if you have a preference for this specification.

Importance: MEDIUM

A
Smeg STL281DS has washing efficiency class A, which is better than that of 1.1% of dishwashers and equal to that of 98.9% of dishwashers.
Drying efficiency class
What it is: This attribute refers to Drying efficiency class.
When it matters: This matters if you have a preference for this specification.

Importance: MEDIUM

A
Smeg STL281DS has drying efficiency class A, which is better than that of 1.1% of dishwashers and equal to that of 98.9% of dishwashers.
Noise emission class
What it is: This attribute refers to Noise emission class.
When it matters: This matters if you have a preference for this specification.

Importance: MEDIUM

C
Smeg STL281DS has noise emission class C, which is worse than that of 55.5% of dishwashers and equal to that of 40.4% of dishwashers.
Energy consumption per cycle
What it is: This attribute refers to Energy consumption per cycle.
When it matters: This matters if you want to compare Energy consumption per cycle across dishwashers.

Importance: HIGH

0.835 kWh
Smeg STL281DS uses 0.835 kWh per cycle, which is higher than that of 62.7% of dishwashers and equal to that of 5.8% of dishwashers.
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No. of wash programs
What it is: This attribute refers to No. of wash programs.
When it matters: This matters if you want to compare No. of wash programs across dishwashers.

Importance: MEDIUM

5
Smeg STL281DS offers 5 wash programs, which is fewer than that of 78% of dishwashers and equal to that of 18.8% of dishwashers.
Quick wash program
What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Quick wash program.
When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Smeg STL281DS has a quick wash program. This feature is present in 99.6% of dishwashers.
Quick wash time
What it is: This attribute refers to Quick wash time.
When it matters: This matters if you want to compare Quick wash time across dishwashers.

Importance: MEDIUM

27 min
Smeg STL281DS completes its quick wash in 27 min, which is shorter than that of 90.9% of dishwashers and equal to that of 1.9% of dishwashers.
Eco wash time
What it is: This attribute refers to Eco wash time.
When it matters: This matters if you want to compare Eco wash time across dishwashers.

Importance: MEDIUM

215 min
Smeg STL281DS completes its Eco wash in 215 min, which is shorter than that of 68.6% of dishwashers and equal to that of 7.6% of dishwashers.
Delicate wash program
What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Delicate wash program.
When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

Importance: LOW

no
Smeg STL281DS does not have a delicate wash program. This feature is present in 60% of dishwashers.
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Automatic door opening
What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Automatic door opening.
When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Smeg STL281DS has an automatic door-opening feature. This feature is present in 65.7% of dishwashers.
Touch screen
What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Touch screen.
When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

Importance: LOW

no
Smeg STL281DS does not have a touch screen. This feature is present in 10.2% of dishwashers.
Load sensor
What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Load sensor.
When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Overflow protection
What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Overflow protection.
When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

Importance: HIGH

?
Adjustable water softener
What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Adjustable water softener.
When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Smeg STL281DS has an adjustable water softener. This feature is present in 99% of dishwashers.
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Type of installation
What it is: This attribute refers to Type of installation.
When it matters: This matters if you have a preference for this specification.

Importance: LOW

fully integrated
No. of place settings
What it is: This attribute refers to No. of place settings.
When it matters: This matters if you want to compare No. of place settings across dishwashers.

Importance: MEDIUM

13
Smeg STL281DS holds 13 place settings, which is fewer than that of 55.2% of dishwashers and equal to that of 20.7% of dishwashers.
Cutlery basket
What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Cutlery basket.
When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

Importance: LOW

yes
Smeg STL281DS has a cutlery basket. This feature is present in 58.4% of dishwashers.
Height adjustable top basket
What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Height adjustable top basket.
When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

Importance: LOW

yes
Smeg STL281DS has a height-adjustable top basket. This feature is present in 93% of dishwashers.
Digital display
What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Digital display.
When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

Importance: LOW

no
Smeg STL281DS does not have a digital display. This feature is present in 90.3% of dishwashers.
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Smeg STL281DS vs the average dishwasher

  • Has a hygiene programme
    Smeg STL281DS has a hygiene programme, while the average dishwasher does not have a hygiene programme. 32.2% of dishwashers have a hygiene programme.
    What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Hygiene programme.
    When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Smeg STL281DS has a hygiene programme, while the average dishwasher does not have a hygiene programme. 32.2% of dishwashers have a hygiene programme.
  • 3 min shorter quick wash time
    Smeg STL281DS finishes the quick wash sooner than the average dishwasher (27 min vs 30 min).
    What it is: This attribute refers to Quick wash time.
    When it matters: This matters if you want to compare Quick wash time across dishwashers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Smeg STL281DS finishes the quick wash sooner than the average dishwasher (27 min vs 30 min).27 min vs 30 min
  • Has a pause option
    Smeg STL281DS has a pause option, while the average dishwasher does not have a pause option. 43.6% of dishwashers have a pause option.
    What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Pause option.
    When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

    Importance: LOW

    Smeg STL281DS has a pause option, while the average dishwasher does not have a pause option. 43.6% of dishwashers have a pause option.
  • 20 min shorter Eco wash time
    Smeg STL281DS finishes the Eco wash sooner than the average dishwasher (215 min vs 235 min).
    What it is: This attribute refers to Eco wash time.
    When it matters: This matters if you want to compare Eco wash time across dishwashers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Smeg STL281DS finishes the Eco wash sooner than the average dishwasher (215 min vs 235 min).215 min vs 235 min
  • 1.5 cm shallower depth
    Smeg STL281DS is shallower than the average dishwasher (54.5 cm vs 56 cm).
    What it is: This attribute refers to Depth.
    When it matters: This matters if you want to compare Depth across dishwashers.

    Importance: LOW

    Smeg STL281DS is shallower than the average dishwasher (54.5 cm vs 56 cm).54.5 cm vs 56 cm
  • 0.2 cm shorter height
    Smeg STL281DS is shorter than the average dishwasher (81.8 cm vs 82 cm).
    What it is: This attribute refers to Height.
    When it matters: This matters if you want to compare Height across dishwashers.

    Importance: LOW

    Smeg STL281DS is shorter than the average dishwasher (81.8 cm vs 82 cm).81.8 cm vs 82 cm
  • Has a hygiene programme
    Smeg STL281DS has a hygiene programme, while the average dishwasher does not have a hygiene programme. 32.2% of dishwashers have a hygiene programme.
  • 3 min shorter quick wash time
    Smeg STL281DS finishes the quick wash sooner than the average dishwasher (27 min vs 30 min).
  • Has a pause option
    Smeg STL281DS has a pause option, while the average dishwasher does not have a pause option. 43.6% of dishwashers have a pause option.
  • 20 min shorter Eco wash time
    Smeg STL281DS finishes the Eco wash sooner than the average dishwasher (215 min vs 235 min).
  • 1.5 cm shallower depth
    Smeg STL281DS is shallower than the average dishwasher (54.5 cm vs 56 cm).
  • 0.2 cm shorter height
    Smeg STL281DS is shorter than the average dishwasher (81.8 cm vs 82 cm).

Total
Programmes
Design
  • 2.5 L higher water usage per cycle
    Smeg STL281DS uses more water per cycle than the average dishwasher (12 L vs 9.5 L).
  • 4 dB higher noise level
    Smeg STL281DS has a higher noise level than the average dishwasher (48 dB vs 44 dB).
  • Worse noise emission class
    Smeg STL281DS has a worse noise emission class than the average dishwasher (C vs B).
  • 700 L/year higher annual water consumption
    Smeg STL281DS uses more water annually than the average dishwasher (3360 L/year vs 2660 L/year).
  • 0.09 kWh higher energy consumption per cycle
    Smeg STL281DS uses more energy per cycle than the average dishwasher (0.8 kWh vs 0.75 kWh).
  • 1 fewer wash temperatures
    Smeg STL281DS offers fewer wash temperatures than the average dishwasher (3 vs 4).
  • Does not have a delicate wash program
    Smeg STL281DS does not have a delicate wash program, while the average dishwasher has a delicate wash program. 59.9% of dishwashers have a delicate wash program.
  • Does not have a quiet wash program
    Smeg STL281DS does not have a quiet wash program, while the average dishwasher has a quiet wash program. 59.9% of dishwashers have a quiet wash program.
  • 15 h shorter maximum delay duration
    Smeg STL281DS supports a shorter maximum delay than the average dishwasher (9 h vs 24 h).
  • Does not have a time-remaining indicator
    Smeg STL281DS does not have a time-remaining indicator, while the average dishwasher has a time-remaining indicator. 82.3% of dishwashers have a time-remaining indicator.
  • 1 fewer wash programs
    Smeg STL281DS offers fewer wash programs than the average dishwasher (5 vs 6).
  • 1 fewer place settings
    Smeg STL281DS holds fewer place settings than the average dishwasher (13 vs 14).
  • Does not have a child lock
    Smeg STL281DS does not have a child lock, while the average dishwasher has a child lock. 52.4% of dishwashers have a child lock.
  • Does not have a digital display
    Smeg STL281DS does not have a digital display, while the average dishwasher has a digital display. 90.3% of dishwashers have a digital display.
  • 0.05 m shorter supply hose length
    Smeg STL281DS has a shorter supply hose than the average dishwasher (1.5 m vs 1.55 m).
  • 0.1 m shorter cable length
    Smeg STL281DS has a shorter cable than the average dishwasher (1.4 m vs 1.5 m).
  • 1.9 kg heavier weight
    Smeg STL281DS is heavier than the average dishwasher (41 kg vs 39.1 kg).
  • 2.5 L higher water usage per cycle
    Smeg STL281DS uses more water per cycle than the average dishwasher (12 L vs 9.5 L).
    What it is: This attribute refers to Water usage per cycle.
    When it matters: This matters if you want to compare Water usage per cycle across dishwashers.

    Importance: HIGH

    Smeg STL281DS uses more water per cycle than the average dishwasher (12 L vs 9.5 L).12 L vs 9.5 L
  • 4 dB higher noise level
    Smeg STL281DS has a higher noise level than the average dishwasher (48 dB vs 44 dB).
    What it is: This attribute refers to Noise level.
    When it matters: This matters if you want to compare Noise level across dishwashers.

    Importance: HIGH

    Smeg STL281DS has a higher noise level than the average dishwasher (48 dB vs 44 dB).48 dB vs 44 dB
  • Does not have a delicate wash program
    Smeg STL281DS does not have a delicate wash program, while the average dishwasher has a delicate wash program. 59.9% of dishwashers have a delicate wash program.
    What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Delicate wash program.
    When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

    Importance: LOW

    Smeg STL281DS does not have a delicate wash program, while the average dishwasher has a delicate wash program. 59.9% of dishwashers have a delicate wash program.
  • Worse noise emission class
    Smeg STL281DS has a worse noise emission class than the average dishwasher (C vs B).
    What it is: This attribute refers to Noise emission class.
    When it matters: This matters if you have a preference for this specification.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Smeg STL281DS has a worse noise emission class than the average dishwasher (C vs B).C vs B
  • Does not have a quiet wash program
    Smeg STL281DS does not have a quiet wash program, while the average dishwasher has a quiet wash program. 59.9% of dishwashers have a quiet wash program.
    What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Quiet wash program.
    When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

    Importance: LOW

    Smeg STL281DS does not have a quiet wash program, while the average dishwasher has a quiet wash program. 59.9% of dishwashers have a quiet wash program.
  • 700 L/year higher annual water consumption
    Smeg STL281DS uses more water annually than the average dishwasher (3360 L/year vs 2660 L/year).
    What it is: This attribute refers to Annual water consumption.
    When it matters: This matters if you want to compare Annual water consumption across dishwashers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Smeg STL281DS uses more water annually than the average dishwasher (3360 L/year vs 2660 L/year).3360 L/year vs 2660 L/year
  • 15 h shorter maximum delay duration
    Smeg STL281DS supports a shorter maximum delay than the average dishwasher (9 h vs 24 h).
    What it is: This attribute refers to Maximum delay duration.
    When it matters: This matters if you want to compare Maximum delay duration across dishwashers.

    Importance: LOW

    Smeg STL281DS supports a shorter maximum delay than the average dishwasher (9 h vs 24 h).9 h vs 24 h
  • Does not have a time-remaining indicator
    Smeg STL281DS does not have a time-remaining indicator, while the average dishwasher has a time-remaining indicator. 82.3% of dishwashers have a time-remaining indicator.
    What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Time remaining indicator.
    When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Smeg STL281DS does not have a time-remaining indicator, while the average dishwasher has a time-remaining indicator. 82.3% of dishwashers have a time-remaining indicator.
Total
Overall
Performance
Programmes
Design

Graphic comparison of Smeg STL281DS and other products in the Dishwashers category

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Attribute
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Smeg STL281DS?

  • Aesthetic design that integrates seamlessly into kitchen cabinetry using FlexiFit hinges
  • Efficient and thorough drying performance assisted by an automatic door-opening feature at the end of the cycle
  • Quiet and unobtrusive operation with a low noise level of 48 dB
  • Flexible interior layout featuring an adjustable upper basket height with three levels to accommodate larger dishes
  • User-friendly electronic control panel equipped with helpful salt and rinse aid depletion indicators

What customers dislike about Smeg STL281DS?

  • Subpar baseline washing performance compared to other premium-priced models
  • Limited program flexibility due to the lack of dedicated fast-wash or light-wash options
  • High premium price tag relative to the actual cleaning capabilities and material feel
  • Absence of a standalone, rinse-only cycle to clear odors before running a full load
  • Mixed reliability reviews regarding customer service support and out-of-warranty appliance repairs

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