First, choose a format that fits your kitchen space and connections, then pick a capacity suited to the dishes you get through between cycles. A 60 cm appliance is worth considering if you have larger loads; a 45 cm or compact model takes up less room, but may need to run more often. To narrow down your options, compare the energy label, Eco programme duration and noise level.
If several meals quickly fill the baskets, compare the stated place-setting capacity as well as the room actually available for your dishes, pans and cutlery. How the racks are laid out matters just as much as the figure on the label.
If you have an existing housing unit, a space under the worktop or a small kitchen, start by measuring up. UFC-Que Choisir points out that an integrated model needs to fit a purpose-built housing unit; you should also check the door panel and connections against the model’s instructions.
In an open-plan kitchen, or when the dishwasher runs while people are at home, check the noise level and Eco programme duration. For regular use, ADEME and the European Commission also list litres per cycle and kWh per 100 cycles on the energy label.
For everyday meals, first check whether anything could prevent installation, then estimate how much washing-up builds up between cycles. A compact model, a 45 cm model and a 60 cm model are designed for different load sizes. Freestanding and integrated, meanwhile, describe how the appliance is installed, not its capacity.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Relevant for |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and loading | Compare the stated place settings and rack layout with the dishes and pans you usually use. | If washing-up piles up after meals, I want to avoid running extra cycles without choosing a capacity I won’t use; around 33% of consumers make capacity a priority. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space and, depending on the format, check the housing unit, door panel and connections specified in the instructions. | When the kitchen dictates where the appliance must go, I need to be able to install it without any problems with the units or connections; this comes first for around 27% of consumers. |
| Noise and duration | Check the noise level and Eco programme duration; look separately at the details of any other programmes you plan to use. | In an open-plan kitchen, or when the dishwasher is running while we’re at home, I want it to fit around family life; around 20% of consumers prioritise noise and cycle timings. |
| Water and electricity | On the model’s label, compare kWh per 100 Eco cycles and litres per cycle with the capacity you need. | With regular washing-up, I keep an eye on water and electricity use without overlooking how many cycles are needed; around 20% of consumers prioritise keeping these costs in check. |
If there’s no suitable space to install a dishwasher in line with the instructions, or you have very little washing-up, washing by hand remains an option. However, don’t assume it always uses less water: the comparison depends on your washing-up habits and the appliance you’re considering.
The letter doesn’t tell you everything about capacity, water use, Eco programme duration or noise. Appliances with different capacities may also need a different number of cycles to wash the same amount of dishes.
Compare the A to G rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, place settings, Eco programme duration and noise level together on the exact model’s European energy label.
An incompatible housing unit, door panel or fixing system could prevent the appliance from being installed as intended.
Measure the space and check the door panel, hinges and connections against the installation diagram for the model you’ve chosen.
Saving space means less capacity: dishes and pans from several meals may mean you need to run more cycles.
Estimate how much washing-up builds up between washes and check that your largest items will fit in the layout specified for the model.
The energy use, duration and noise shown on the label relate to the Eco programme; a quick or intensive programme may work differently.
Check the programme table and choose based on the cycles you’ll actually use, rather than assuming a quick option will have the same figures as Eco.
These brands offer a range of models to explore, depending on the format you’re looking for. The features mentioned relate to specific models, so you should still compare the specifications of models that will fit in your kitchen.
Bosch offers freestanding, integrated and compact dishwashers to compare based on your available space and preferred load size.
Some Siemens models may suit households looking for adjustable racks or a choice of programmes.
Miele offers freestanding and integrated models worth exploring if capacity and Eco programme details are important to you.
Beko offers 60 cm dishwashers, with capacity and features varying from model to model.
This selection includes freestanding, integrated and table-top models. First decide which installation type and capacity suit you, then compare each model’s specifications with your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding model for regular loads. The title lists a width of 60 cm, 14 place settings, 41 dB and an energy rating of C.
Check the dimensions and connections in the instructions before considering installation under a worktop. If you use the automatic door-opening feature, keep children away from the steam released.
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Worth considering for a fitted kitchen with a compatible housing unit and door panel. The title lists 14 place settings and an energy rating of C.
The 60 cm width listed in the title doesn’t match the dimensions in the description. Before buying, check the overall dimensions and housing-unit measurements in the instructions. Also make sure the stated Eco programme duration of 240 minutes works for your routine.
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Consider this model if you have space for a 60 cm integrated dishwasher. The title lists 13 place settings and an energy rating of B.
To assess noise levels, check which programmes the separate figures of 44 dB and 42 dBA in Extra Silence mode refer to. Also confirm the housing unit, door panel, hinges and connections; the description states that the appliance must be installed by a professional.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a 60 cm integrated dishwasher for everyday washing-up. The title lists 13 place settings and an energy rating of C.
Check the housing-unit dimensions, door panel, hinges and connections in the instructions. To compare how it performs for everyday use with other models, also check its energy label for consumption and Eco programme duration.
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Worth considering if saving space is a priority and six place settings are enough between washes. The title lists seven programmes, 47 dB and an energy rating of D.
Before choosing this format, check how much worktop space it needs, the connections and whether there’s enough room inside for your dishes. Compare the stated energy use with the energy label for this model and make sure the Eco programme duration suits your routine.
Compare the A to G rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise level, as recommended by ADEME and the European Commission. Compare models with a format and capacity that meet your needs: low energy use per cycle won’t help if you need to run more cycles.
It can suit a small family if its capacity and cycle frequency match the amount of washing-up you produce. UFC-Que Choisir describes 45 cm models with 9 place settings as suitable for a small family, even if they need to be run every day. However, check there’s enough room for your dishes and pans.
Measure the width, height and depth of the housing unit, then check the door panel, hinges and connections specified in the model’s instructions. UFC-Que Choisir points out that an integrated model is designed for a purpose-built space in the kitchen, so don’t choose one as if it were a freestanding appliance.
No. Follow the installation instructions for the model you choose for the water inlet, drainage and electricity supply. The Bosch documentation reviewed, for example, says to follow the installation instructions and use a properly installed, earthed wall socket. If you have any doubts about your existing installation, ask a professional to check it.