Review of Smeg dishwashers

Smeg was founded by Vittorio Bertazzoni in his small home village in northern Italy in 1948. Beginning as an enamelling and metalwork business, Bertazzoni quickly shifted to designing kitchen appliances. The first Smeg dishwashers were produced in the 1960s, leading to the development of 60cm wide 14 place setting dishwashers which remain the standard today. Smeg is still based in its founding village and continues to be run by the Bertazzoni family.

Today the Smeg brand is popular across the world for its award-winning, contemporary and elegant designs for homes and business alike. What does the modern Smeg dishwasher range look like? Read on to explore what Smeg can do for your dishwashing needs.

What makes Smeg dishwashers stand out?

As one of the biggest players in the dishwasher market by sheer number and diversity of models available, Smeg makes a number of claims for notable features found amongst its product range. All Smeg dishwashers are fitted with ‘Acquastop’ flood protection hoses. Smeg also claims that their latest range improves on tank and internal hydraulics design to make a quieter appliance.

The more advanced Smeg dishwasher models include ‘Aquatest’, sensor technology which adjusts the water quantity, temperature and application to suit the type of load. The 315 series are Australia’s first 6 WELS water star rated dishwashers, and according to Smeg use as little as 9.8L of water per wash.

There are two types of wash systems used in various Smeg dishwasher models that function differently to the standard single spinning spray arm system.

Orbital wash – uses a main spray arm, with a satellite spray arm attached to an actuation point at one arm’s end. The smaller satellite arm spins ten times for every single revolution of the major spray arm. According to Smeg, this gives more thorough water distribution throughout the dishes.
Planetary wash – uses an energy efficient single wash arm, which rotates around two axis. This means the water jets are directed at more angles during the wash cycle, to get into more corners and wash dishes from more directions.

Smeg dishwashers’ eco washes also use less energy and water without recycling dirty water. This makes for a balance between environmental and hygiene concerns.

What kinds of dishwashers does Smeg make?

Smeg offers a massive range of dishwashers, with a staggering 42 models currently available on the market. A number of models have been recently discontinued, as Smeg has brought out improved versions, but at time of writing can still be readily found at a number of major retailers. Apart from the full spectrum of freestanding, built-under (Smeg refers to them as ‘underbench’), semi- and fully-integrated dishwashers, the Smeg dishwasher range also includes compact, wide, extra tall, and retro designs.

Smeg Freestanding Dishwashers

smeg freestanding dishwasher

The diverse range of freestanding dishwashers from Smeg is designed to be streamlined to suit most kitchen fittings. At present there are three different standard-width models, plus a compact 45cm wide dishwasher for cosier kitchens.

DWA6314X/W/B

At time of writing, the previous iteration of this line, the DWA314, was still widely available from retailers. The new model adds the ½ Load FlexiZone and more Quicktime programs, but has changed from a 1-24 hour timer to a 3-6-9-12 hour timer.

Orbital wash system
14 place setting capacity
LED display with sound to signal end of cycle
Natural condenser drying
Child door lock
3-6-9-12 hour delay timer with automatic soak
½ Load FlexiZone
5 stage stainless steel water filter
5 programs: Soak, Normal eco, Eco, Intensive 65°C, Ultraclean
5 Quicktime programs: Rapid 27 minutes, Eco Quick, Daily Quick, Normal Quick, Strong and fast
Fully adjustable upper and middle baskets
Water rating: 5.5 stars
Energy rating: 3.5 stars
47db noise level

RRP $1,650 (black), $1,650 (white), $1,750 (stainless steel)

DWA6315X/W

Another model that supersedes a discontinued but still available equivalent (the DWA315 range), the differences between the two include an upgrade from an LED to an LCD screen. The newer model adds in the ½ load Flexizone and the Ultraclean wash option, however, removes four wash programs – the Crystal, Normal, Super, and Delicate Quick cycles. The newer model, unlike the older model, does not include a black exterior finish option.

Orbital wash system
15 place setting capacity
Automatic door opening at end of cycle
Child door lock
Electronically adjustable water softener
LCD display with sound to signal end of cycle
½ load FlexiZone
1-24 hour delay timer with automatic soak
5 stage stainless steel water filter
5 programs: Soak, Normal Eco, Eco, Auto 60-70°C, Ultraclean
5 Quicktime programs: Rapid 27 minutes, Normal Quick, Eco Quick, Daily Quick, Strong and fast
Fully adjustable upper and middle baskets
Water rating: 6 stars
Energy rating: 4 stars
47db noise level

RRP $1,750 (white), $1,650 (stainless steel)

DWA6D15X (Diamond Series)

Planetary wash system
15 place setting capacity
Automatic door opening at end of cycle
Child door lock
Electronically adjustable water softener
LCD display with sound to signal end of cycle
Internal LED lighting
½ load FlexiZone
1-24 hour delay timer with automatic soak
5 stage stainless steel water filter
5 programs: Soak, Normal Eco, Eco, Auto 60-70°C, Ultraclean
5 Quicktime programs: Rapid 27 minutes, Normal Quick, Eco Quick, Daily Quick, Strong and fast
Fully adjustable baskets: Upper cutlery basket folds and slides to accommodate taller items in the basket below
Water rating: 6 stars
Energy rating: 4 stars
47db noise level

RRP $2,290

DWA6214S/W

Orbital wash system
14 place setting capacity
LED display with sound to signal end of cycle
Natural condenser drying
Child door lock
3-6-9-12 hour delay timer with automatic soak
5 stage stainless steel filter
5 programs: Soak, Normal Eco, Eco, Intensive 65°C, Ultraclean
Height adjustable upper basket
Water rating: 5 stars
Energy rating: 3.5 stars
49db noise level

RRP $1,390 (stainless steel), $1,080 (white)

DWA4510X (45cm Width Slimline)

Orbital wash system with upper spray arm (6 wash directions)
10 place setting capacity
30cm max plate diameter
Residual heat hot air drying
1-24 hour delay timer
½ load wash option
5 stage water filter
5 wash programs: Soak, Normal Eco, Eco, Normal, Super
2 graphite baskets: Top baskets tilt for larger plate placement below
48db noise level
Water rating: 3.5 stars
Energy rating: 3 stars

RRP $1,650

Smeg Underbench Dishwashers

smeg underbench dishwasher
Three underbench (usually referred to as ‘built-under’) models are currently available from Smeg. All of these are 60cm wide and should fit in most kitchens’ pre-existing dishwasher space.

DWAU6315X

Orbital wash system
15 place setting capacity
Automatic door opening at end of cycle
LCD display with sound to signal end of cycle
Child door lock
½ Load FlexiZone
1-24 hour delay timer with automatic soak
5 stage stainless steel water filter
5 programs: Soak, Normal Eco, Eco, Auto 60-70°C, Ultraclean
5 Quicktime programs: Rapid 27 minutes, Normal Quick, Eco Quick, Daily Quick, Strong and fast
Fully adjustable upper and middle baskets
Water rating: 6 stars
Energy rating: 4 stars
47db noise level

RRP $1,890

DWAU6D15XT (Diamond Series)

Planetary wash system
15 place setting capacity
Auto door opening at end of cycle
LCD display with sound to signal end of cycle
Child door lock
Internal LED lighting
½ Load FlexiZone
1-24 hour timer with automatic soak
5 stage stainless steel filter
5 programs: Soak, Normal Eco, Eco, Auto 60-70°C, Ultraclean
5 Quicktime programs: Rapid 27 minutes, Normal Quick, Eco Quick, Daily Quick, Strong and fast
Fully adjustable upper and lower baskets: Upper cutlery basket folds and slides to accommodate taller items in the basket below
Water rating: 6 stars
Energy rating: 4 stars
42db noise level

RRP $2,490

DWAUP364X (Professional Series)

Orbital wash system
15 place setting capacity
Auto door opening at end of cycle
Aquatest turbidity sensor
Half-load option
1-24 hr delay timer with automatic soak
5 domestic programs: Soak, Normal Eco, Eco, Auto 60°C, Ultraclean
4 professional programs: Glass Pro, Ultra Quick 16 minutes, Universal, Intensive
Grey rilson baskets: Upper – cutlery basket folds and slides to accommodate taller items in the basket below; Middle – adjustable to three different levels; Lower – completely foldable with glass holder, cutlery basket
Water rating: 5 stars
Energy rating: 5 stars
45db noise level

RRP $3,350

Smeg Semi-Integrated Dishwashers

The current range of Smeg semi-integrated dishwashers includes the following features:

Standard 60cm width
5 Quicktime programs: Rapid 27 minutes, Eco Quick, Daily Quick, Normal Quick, Strong and fast
5 stage stainless steel filter

Read on for further details about specific models.

DWAI6314X

Orbital wash system
14 place setting capacity
LED display with sound to signal end of cycle
Child door lock
Natural condenser drying
½ load FlexiZone
3-6-9-12 hour delay timer with auto soak
5 programs: Soak, Normal Eco, Eco, Intensive 65°C, Ultraclean
Fully adjustable upper and middle baskets
Water rating: 5.5 stars
Energy rating: 3.5 stars
47db noise level

RRP $1,950

DWAI6315XT

Orbital wash system
15 place setting capacity
Auto door opening at end of cycle
LCD display with sound to signal end of cycle
Child door lock
½ Load FlexiZone
1-24 hour delay timer with automatic soak
5 programs: Soak, Normal Eco, Eco, Auto 60-70°C, Ultraclean
LCD display
End of cycle indicator on display + acoustic signal
Fully adjustable upper and middle baskets
Water rating: 6 stars
Energy rating: 4 stars
42db noise level

RRP $2,150

DWAI6D15XT

Planetary wash system
15 place setting capacity
Auto door opening at end of cycle
LCD display with sound to signal end of cycle
Internal LED lighting
½ load FlexiZone
1-24 hr delay timer with automatic soak
5 programs: Soak, Normal Eco, Eco, Auto 60-70°C, Ultraclean
Fully adjustable upper & lower baskets: Upper cutlery basket folds and slides to accommodate taller items in the basket below
Water rating: 6 stars
Energy rating: 4 stars
42db noise level

RRP $2,790

Smeg Retro Dishwashers (DWIFABR/P/NE)

A retro look but with modern technology, Smeg’s retro range covers juicers, espresso, refrigerators, toasters, kettles, mixers, blenders. The Smeg retro dishwashers come in a choice of red, cream or black, with colour-coordinated baskets, racks, and handles.

The modern tech specs include:

Orbital wash system, with upper spray arm & 6 wash directions
14 place setting capacity, with 30cm max plate diameter
Natural condenser drying
1-9 hour delay timer
LED on/off light
End-cycle sound
5 stage water filtration system
5 wash programs: Soak, Normal eco, Eco, Auto 60-70°C, Super
4 quick washes: Speedy 27 minutes, Eco quick, Normal quick, Strong and fast
Upper basket: 3-level adjustment
Lower basket: double tilting rack
43db noise level

RRP $2,490-$2,650

Smeg Fully Integrated Dishwashers

smeg fully-integrated dishwasher
Within this range are a number of standard sized dishwashers, plus a 45cm wide compact model and a 90cm wide horizontal dishwasher.

Standard 60cm Width Integrated Dishwashers

All have the following:

14-15 place setting capacity
LED display with sound to signal end of cycle
½ Load FlexiZone
5 stage stainless steel water filter
5 standard wash programs: Soak, Normal eco, Eco, Auto 60°C (Intensive 65°C in DWAFI6314), Ultraclean

Apart from the DWAFIP364 Professional dishwasher, the standard width integrated dishwashers also include:

5 Quicktime programs: Rapid 27 minutes, Normal quick, Eco quick, Daily quick, Strong and fast

DWAFIP364 (Professional)

Orbital wash system
Aquatest turbidity sensor
Auto door opening at end of cycle
1-24hr delay timer with auto soak
4 professional programs: Glass Pro, Ultra Quick 16 minutes, Universal, Intensive
Grey rilson baskets: Upper – cutlery basket folds and slides to accommodate taller items in the basket below; Middle – 3 level adjustment, EasyGlide; Lower – completely foldable with glass holder, cutlery basket
Water rating: 5 stars
Energy rating: 4 stars
45db noise level

RRP $3,350

DWAFI6D15T/PO

The T and PO models differ in that the PO has a push-to-open door. Apart from that, both share the same specs, as below:

Planetary wash system
Auto door opening at end of cycle
Electronically adjustable water softener
Internal LED lighting
ActiveLight indicator (light projected onto floor which flashes during the wash cycle, and remains solid at the end of the cycle)
1-24hr delay timer with auto soak
Fully adjustable baskets: Upper cutlery basket folds and slides to accommodate taller items in the basket below
Water rating: 6 stars
Energy rating: 4 stars
42db noise level

RRP $2,790 (T tall model), $2,990 (PO push to open model)

DWAFI6314

Orbital wash system
Child door lock
3-6-9-12 hour delay timer with automatic soak
Natural condenser drying
Fully adjustable upper and middle baskets
Water rating: 5.5 stars
Energy rating: 3.5 stars
47db

RRP $1,950

DWAFI6315T

A step up from the 6314, this taller model adds an auto door open, a more precise timer, and improved water and energy ratings

Orbital wash system
Auto door opening at end of cycle
Child door lock
1-9 hour delay timer with automatic soak
Fully adjustable upper and middle baskets
Water rating: 6 stars
Energy rating: 4 stars
42db noise level

RRP $2,150

STH903 (90cm Width Horizontal)

Twin orbital wash system (with two full ceiling wash arms)
12 place setting capacity
Differential (half load) 65/35 wash, left or right
Full electronic display
1-9 hour delay timer
5 stage self-cleaning filter
77cm basket width: Accommodates 70cm and 90cm oven racks and trays; 6 collapsible dish racks, providing multiple loading options
Space for drawer installation below dishwasher

RRP $3,290

DWAFI4510 (45cm Width Slimline)

Swing wash system
10 place setting capacity
Natural condenser drying
5 wash programs: Soak, Normal Eco, Eco, Normal, Super
Top baskets tilt for larger plate placement below
48db noise level

RRP $1,690

How much is your dishwasher costing you on your energy and water bills? Find out with Canstar Blue’s dishwasher running cost analysis.

Should I choose a Smeg dishwasher?

Smeg has a number of high end dishwasher features to look out for within its range. But despite some uniformly high quality, only a few models would really be considered high end in terms of price. With Smeg, you get plenty of variety within the middle price range. There are no cheap Smeg dishwashers, but that’s because even the most basic model includes more features than the basic models of most other brands.

One downside for some shoppers will be that the vast majority of Smeg dishwashers are the standard 60cm width. If you’re looking for a non-standard sized dishwasher, Smeg doesn’t have as much to offer as some other big name brands. However, that doesn’t mean that the non-standard sized dishwashers are to be sniffed at. As with anything, shop around, but it’s certainly worth exploring the Smeg dishwasher range amongst others to see whether it has the right dishwasher for your kitchen.

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About the author of this page

Megan Birot

This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Home & Lifestyle Content Lead, Megan Birot. She’s an expert on household appliances, health & beauty products, as well as all things grocery and shopping. When she’s not writing up our research-based ratings reports, Megan spends her time helping consumers make better purchase decisions, whether it’s at the supermarket, other retailers, or online, highlighting the best deals and flagging anything you need to be aware of.

What do customers think about Smeg Dishwashers

In 2018, Australian customers gave Smeg 4 out of 5 stars for Overall Customer Satisfaction for Dishwashers

Smeg Dishwashers

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