9 best dishwasher tablets tried and tested (2024)

Score: 96/100

Number of tablets in pack: 85

Price per tablet: 17p

These tablets delivered an outstanding clean on test; they scored perfect marks on our standard cycle – our glassware was gleaming and cloud-free – and dropped just a few marks on economy and intensive settings.

This was due to a few stubborn porridge patches on economy and some lingering pasta sauce on our Pyrex dish after an intensive cycle. However, they undoubtedly produced the cleanest results of all tested.

Score: 93/100

Number of tablets in pack: 40

Price per tablet: 8.5p

Another supermarket buy, these tablets were equally strong cleaners across a range of programs. While they performed well in both our test dishwashers, perhaps unsurprisingly, they produced slightly better results in the high-end model. In our mid-range dishwasher, some mugs had a few tea stains remaining, while our Pyrex dish wasn’t free from pasta sauce either.

Cutlery and crockery were sparkling on all cycles though, and in both machines. Note, the packaging can only be recycled in stores. A great budget option.

Score: 90/100

Number of tablets in pack: 60

Price per tablet: 10.8p

Considering price per tablet, Morrisons is one of the cheapest brands on test. But the affordable price tag did not mean a reduction in quality. They produced slightly cleaner results on a normal cycle than on an economy one, but the difference was slim with no stains proving too stubborn. Our glassware sparkled, with no chalky residue, and there was only the odd speck left on crockery.

They fared well on an intensive cycle too, cutting through all our burnt-on food, bar troublesome pasta sauce. Again, you can only recycle packaging at your local supermarket but for maximum savings without compromising on cleanliness, these should be your go-to.

Score: 89/100

Number of tablets in pack: 24

Price per tablet: 44p

If eco packaging is a priority for you, then it’s worth paying slightly more for these dishwasher tablets — they come in a box made entirely of recycled cardboard. Most of our dishes were left sparkling too, with just minor tomato juice stains left on tumblers after a normal cycle and patches of porridge after economy.

Score: 88/100

Number of tablets in pack: 50

Price per tablet: 24p

For neutrally-scented dishes, look no further than these fragrance-free tablets. On test, most crockery and cutlery were left clean across all cycles, but it struggled with tea, porridge and baked-on jam stains. Most glassware emerged sparkling and dry.

Score: 88/100

Number of tablets in pack: 42

Price per tablet: 20p

If your bugbear is cloudy glassware, look no further. These tablets left our wine glasses shiny with no visible clouding, while they produced satisfactory results for most other crockery too, especially on economy and standard cycles. However, porridge, tea and pasta sauce stains proved more of a challenge on an intensive cycle.

Score: 87/100

Number of tablets in pack: 25

Price per tablet: 23p

These tablets tackled burnt-on pasta stains with ease, being one of the only tablets on test to do so. Burnt scrambled egg was more of a struggle on an intensive cycle though.

They proved highly effective cleaners on both normal and economy cycles, leaving cutlery spotless. A great all-rounder.

Score: 87/100

Number of tablets in pack: 68

Price per tablet: 22.5p

With both a fragrance-free and fruity lemon and mandarin scent on offer, these dishwasher tablets cater for all. They scored full marks on a normal cycle and only dropped a few on economy, largely because of porridge and pasta sauce remnants. The packaging is recyclable, too.

Score: 87/100

Number of tablets in pack: 20

Price per tablet: 16p

Scoring the highest of all our tablets on an economy program, this is a savvy switch to make if you’re looking to save on your energy bill without compromising on cleanliness.

At 16p per tablet, they aren’t the cheapest supermarket offering but they did an outstanding job lifting pasta sauce from Pyrex dishes on an intensive cycle, and our glassware came out shiny on all cycles. Burnt-on jam proved a challenge, however, and you can only recycle the packaging in Sainsbury's stores.

• Lidl W5 Dishwasher tablets with Lemon: Score 85/100
• BLUELAND Dishwasher Tablets: Score: 84/100
• Dishthings by Homethings: Score: 83/100
• Astonish All in One Dishwasher Tablets: Score: 81/100
• smol Dishwasher Tablets: Score: 80/100
• Sonett Dishwasher Tablets: Score: 79/100