Shopping for a dishwasher? While many brands offer solid reliability and good value, some are best left on the shelf. Choosing a dishwasher from a brand with poor support, bad reviews, or common faults can quickly turn a bargain into a headache. Here’s what you need to know about the brands and types to avoid in Australia.
Why Avoid Certain Brands?
- Poor cleaning or drying performance: Some brands consistently underperform in independent tests, leaving dishes dirty or wet.
- Low durability: Models that break down early or have parts that fail quickly cost more in the long run.
- Limited spare parts or service support: If you can’t easily get parts or a repair, a minor issue can write off the whole machine.
- Noisy operation: Cheap machines from lesser brands often have loud motors or poor insulation.
- Bad user reviews: Consistent complaints about leaks, errors, or poor results are red flags.
Dishwasher Brands with Consistently Poor Reputation (Australia)
- Euromaid — Frequently listed on “worst dishwasher” lists by CHOICE and other review sites. Common complaints: leaking, control faults, poor cleaning, long cycles, and hard-to-get parts.
- Esatto — While cheap, many users report breakdowns within 1–2 years and very slow warranty response. Drying performance is often weak.
- Devanti — Known for very cheap benchtop models. These are “get what you pay for” machines with frequent issues in cleaning, build, and lifespan.
- Bellini — Sold in some hardware chains, but reliability and performance issues are common. Spare parts may be a challenge.
- Blanco — Older models especially. Frequently flagged for leaking, electronics failures, and limited repair support in Australia.
- Midea — Some budget models sold via online-only retailers receive negative reviews for wash quality and durability.
- Generic “no name” brands from online marketplaces — Many are imports with poor manuals, no local support, and low-quality materials.
What Review Sites & CHOICE Say
CHOICE Australia regularly tests dishwashers and publishes a list of “dishwashers to avoid”—models that score very poorly for cleaning, drying, or reliability. These typically include lesser-known brands, and some specific models from larger names that fail basic tests.
- Consistent bottom-scorers: Euromaid, Esatto, Bellini, Devanti, Midea, and certain old Blanco models.
- Always check for recent CHOICE reviews or ProductReview.com.au complaints for up-to-date warnings.
Buyer Red Flags (Whatever the Brand)
- More than 15% 1-star reviews on ProductReview.com.au or AppliancesOnline.
- Common complaints about water leaks, control errors, or no drying.
- No Australian warranty or support phone number.
- Noisy operation (>54 dB on specs for full-size dishwashers).
- Unbranded or “private label” units from bargain online sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all cheap dishwashers bad?
No, but the cheapest of the cheap are often more trouble than they’re worth. Stick with entry-level models from trusted brands (Bosch, Westinghouse, Beko, LG, Fisher & Paykel, etc.) for better results.
Is warranty support really that important?
Yes. Even good dishwashers can have faults. Brands with slow or non-existent Australian support make a small problem a big one.
Do budget brands improve over time?
Some do, but many cycle through “new” model numbers without fixing the basic problems. Always check current year reviews before buying.
What’s the safest bet?
Go with a model from a known brand that offers good cleaning scores and local support. Bosch, Westinghouse, Beko, LG, and Fisher & Paykel are usually reliable choices in Australia.
Conclusion: Buy Smart, Avoid Regret
Saving a few dollars up front can cost you far more in hassle and repairs down the track. Before you buy, always check reviews for recent complaints and warranty problems. When in doubt, stick to trusted brands and buy from local retailers that stand behind their products.