Sophie Harris, Senior Lifestyle Reporter, tested four dishwasher tablet brands over several months to find the best value for everyday cleaning. The results were unexpected, with a supermarket own-label product outperforming a well-known brand.
The contenders and how they were tested
Harris trialled tablets from M&S, Aldi, Sainsbury's and Finish. She evaluated their effectiveness on plates, glasses, cutlery and pans, checking for residue and watermarks. She ensured rinse aid and salt were replenished throughout each wash cycle.
Aldi all-in-one lemon tablets
The Aldi tablets cost £2.99 for 40. They handled everyday crockery fairly well but struggled with stubborn food marks on several occasions, leaving occasional residue. Harris was not entirely convinced they cleaned as well as others.
Sainsbury's all-in-one hard tablets
Sainsbury's tablets cost £2.75 for 30, making them marginally pricier than Aldi's. Their performance was comparable, managing lightly soiled plates without difficulty but proving less effective on baked-on food or fuller loads. They did not consistently deliver immaculate results.
M&S dishwasher tablets
M&S tablets cost £3.50 for 30. They were the standout performers, reliably leaving dishes immaculate, tackling dried-on food effortlessly, and leaving glasses crystal clear without watermarks. They carried a pleasant lemon-and-ginger fragrance with no chemical odour. Despite the higher price, they were Harris's top pick.
Finish Quantum All In One Lemon tablets
Finish tablets cost nearly £13 for 64. They produced outstanding cleaning results, leaving dishes gleaming and handling all residues exceptionally well. The sole drawback was the cost, as they were the priciest tested. Harris noted that branded items don't always come out on top.
Conclusion: supermarket own-label can match or surpass brands
Harris concluded that while household names often carry expectations of superior quality, supermarket own-label alternatives can match or even surpass their performance. She has seen this repeatedly in comparisons of ketchup, jam and household essentials, but did not anticipate it with dishwasher tablets. Spending more on a recognisable brand does not automatically guarantee a superior product.
