Ecological and water-saving concerns are driving sales of dishwashers. More than half of dishwashers purchased in the year up to April 2013 were 12-litre or less Sales of 8-litre or less models between May 2012 and April 2013 also accounted for 12percent of the market, compared with 3percent in 2010. Sales of 10 to 12-litre versions increased from 15percent to 25percent during the same year. The dishwasher market has maintained a stable performance over the past year, with 58percent of buyers opting for freestanding appliances. Overall, sales topped 108m up 8percent on the previous years. Dishwashers use less than half the water used in old fashioned washing up in the kitchen sink (plus free you up).