Smeg DFFABBL 60cm Freestanding Dishwasher Review, Prices & Score
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Where to buy the Smeg DFFABBL dishwasher
🏆 Review & price summary
This Smeg DFFABBL dishwasher is a 60cm freestanding dishwasher combining 1950s-inspired black styling with practical capacity for everyday household use. Its 13-place-setting interior, adjustable FlexiDuo cutlery basket, Planetarium wash system and half-load option give it good flexibility for mixed loads. A 45dB noise level suits open-plan kitchens, while Dry Assist+ automatically opens the door at the end of the cycle to support drying. The long 4-hour-25-minute eco programme duration may require some planning.
✓ Key strengths
- ✓ Distinctive black 1950s-style design for shoppers who want an appliance with visual character
- ✓ 13-place-setting capacity is well suited to medium-sized households
- ✓ Quiet 45dB operation should be comfortable in open-plan or family kitchens
- ✓ Flexible baskets, adjustable upper-basket height and a removable split cutlery basket help accommodate different loads
- ✓ Automatic door opening and a broad programme selection add everyday convenience
Worth considering
- The eco programme duration of 4 hours 25 minutes is lengthy, so quick results may require one of the shorter programmes
Key Specifications
- Type
- 60cm freestanding dishwasher
- Capacity
- 13 place settings
- Dimensions
- 885 x 598 x 627mm (H x W x D)
- Programmes
- 11 programmes, including Eco, Express, Auto Sensor, Intense, Hygiene 99.9%, Self Clean and Crystal
- Delay timer
- Up to 9 hours
- Noise level
- 45dB(A), noise emission class C
- Wash system
- Planetarium wash system with double simultaneous spray-arm motion
- Drying system
- Natural condenser drying with Dry Assist+ automatic door opening
- Energy rating
- B
- Cutlery storage
- FlexiDuo third cutlery basket with two adjustable, removable sections
- Water consumption
- 9.0 litres per cycle
- Energy consumption
- 63kWh per 100 cycles on the eco programme
- Half-load function
- 1/2 load FlexiZone
- Eco programme duration
- 4 hours 25 minutes
- Manufacturer product code
- DFFABBL
Who Should Buy It?
- ✓ Choose it if you need a full-size dishwasher for a medium-sized household and value flexible loading arrangements.
- ✓ It is a good fit for open-plan kitchens where lower operating noise is important.
- ✓ The half-load option and delay timer suit households with variable washing volumes and routines.
Dishwashers to compare with the Smeg DFFABBL dishwasher
These alternatives are selected from our current ranked dishwashers, prioritising shared verified comparison traits and comparable BestBuysUK Scores.
| Model | BestBuysUK Score | Profile | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Smeg LVS344PM Semi Professional Freestanding Dishwasher In Stainless Steel
|
88/100 | Large Capacity · Laundry · Freestanding | Compare review → |
Design and capacity
The Smeg DFFABBL dishwasher is a full-size 60cm freestanding dishwasher finished in black, with Smeg’s distinctive 1950s-inspired styling. It is designed to make the appliance a visible part of the kitchen rather than blend into cabinetry.
Its 13-place-setting capacity is appropriate for medium-sized households. The upper basket has three foldable racks, EasyGlide movement and three height positions, while the lower basket has four foldable racks with anti-drip inserts. This gives useful scope for adapting the interior to different dishes and cookware.
Cleaning programmes and loading flexibility
The stated 11 programmes cover everyday, delicate, intensive and hygiene-focused washing, including Eco, Express, Auto Sensor, Intense, Self Clean and Crystal options. The Planetarium wash system uses a double simultaneous spray-arm motion to distribute water across the load.
For smaller loads, the 1/2 load FlexiZone can help avoid waiting for a completely full dishwasher. QuickTime can shorten selected cycles, and the delay timer can be set for up to 9 hours. The split FlexiDuo cutlery basket can be adjusted or removed, creating more flexibility for taller glasses or deeper utensils.
Noise, drying and efficiency
At 45dB(A), the Smeg DFFABBL dishwasher is specified as a quiet dishwasher, making it suitable for kitchens connected to living areas. Its B energy rating is supported by stated eco-cycle consumption of 63kWh per 100 cycles and water consumption of 9.0 litres per cycle.
The natural condenser drying system is combined with Dry Assist+, which automatically opens the door at the end of the cycle to support drying. The main compromise is the eco programme duration of 4 hours 25 minutes, although shorter express programmes are available when speed matters more than maximum eco-cycle efficiency.
Research note: this BestBuysUK assessment is based on the manufacturer's published specifications and other reputable technical sources. Specifications and retailer availability can change, so verify critical details before purchase.