At this time of year, I host countless dinner parties. Meticulously planning my Christmas table decor, putting out my best wine glasses, and stocking my home bar set-up. And yet, when the night ends, I always find myself at the sink, sleeves rolled up, hand-washing every fragile piece of glassware and tableware that I don't want to risk breaking in the dishwasher.
I’m one of those people who still wash their best dishes by hand, and certainly among the many who save their best stemware for 'special occasions.' Even with the best dishwashers, I can't bear the thought of one careless cycle undoing years of dedicated collecting.
So, when I heard that the redesigned SMEG dishwasher line was created with hosts like me in mind – people who cherish beautiful things and actually use them – I couldn't wait to share the news.
SMEG is known for its retro 1950s-inspired design; I've written extensively about their best refrigerators, adorable SMEG citrus juicers, and vintage-style stand mixers. The new line of SMEG dishwashers is more modern, with an integrated and invisibly hard-working design. It starts at $1399 and is available at major retailers and at smegusa.com.
SMEG's WinePro feature has flexible tines that secure each glass in place, so you can place delicate stems into the dishwasher with peace of mind. Even decanters (my George Jensen carafe from Bloomingdale's demands ceremonial hand-washing in my house) have a designated holder in the SMEG dishwasher. They'll sit securely, even on the lower rack, without wobbling.
The rest of the redesign feels equally attuned to the way I like to cook and entertain. I love big, generous meals – the kind that require the best roasting pans, Dutch ovens, and an array of little Le Creuset dishes for sauces, olives, nuts, and herbs. SMEG’s new interior layout shifts and opens to accommodate whatever you've used that day.
The Planetarium Wash System is designed to be effective, yet quiet (so you could even run a cycle while your guests are on their dessert course). At Homes & Gardens, we really value quiet appliances (we've tested the best quiet blenders, for example). There’s something luxurious about an appliance that can do a powerful job, without disruptive noise, too. This dishwasher might just be going straight on my Christmas wishlist.
Suprisingly Dishwasher-Safe Hosting Essentials
From the everyday to the extraordinary, these appliances and tableware pieces make entertaining effortless and elegant, yet each item can withstand a cycle in the dishwasher, especially when it's as gentle as SMEG's new launch.
I love this vintage-style shaker for cocktail hour. It is super stylish, and I wouldn't normally put crystal in the dishwasher, but it would be safe on a gentle cycle in the SMEG machine.
SMEG's blender is powerful and perfect for making cocktails, dips, soups, and entrees. Thankfully, the jug is completely dishwasher safe and will fit securely inside adjustable racks.
Made of pretty porcelain, this premium set can handle daily use and dishwashing without fading or chipping.
If this has inspired you to finally bring out your crystal and stemware without worry, we’ve recently covered some luxe cocktail hour essentials, like the timeless Nick & Nora glasses, that pair perfectly with a well-stocked bar and your newly liberated stemware.
