For a fitted kitchen, start by choosing a built-in dishwasher whose dimensions, kitchen door and door mechanism suit the space available. A ‘45 cm’ or ‘60 cm’ label alone won’t confirm that it will fit. A fully integrated model conceals the controls behind the kitchen door, while a semi-integrated model keeps its control panel visible. Then compare capacity, noise and the Eco programme figures.
In an existing fitted kitchen, measure the housing again and check the current kitchen door and door mechanism. Bosch recommends checking these details before buying: two appliances of the same width won’t necessarily fit in the same way.
A 45 cm model may suit the available width, provided you check all the installation measurements. Que Choisir, for example, describes 9-place-setting models suited to a small family, although they may need to be run more often.
Choosing between a fully integrated and a semi-integrated model affects the look of your kitchen and where the controls are positioned. According to Que Choisir, the former is hidden behind the cabinetry, while the latter has a visible control panel.
Start with the existing space and door, then compare appliances that will fit, taking into account how much washing up you have and how you plan to use your dishwasher.
| Criteria | What to check | To suit your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and door | Measure the usable width, height and depth. Compare them with the installation diagram for the model, then check the kitchen door fixings, plinth and door movement. Bosch distinguishes between fixed and sliding hinges. | I’m replacing an appliance in an existing fitted kitchen: the new one needs to fit the space, and its door must be able to open with my kitchen door in place. |
| Type of integration | According to Que Choisir, a fully integrated model is concealed behind the kitchen door, while a semi-integrated model has a visible control panel. Check that the door is suitable for the type you choose. | If I want a seamless kitchen front, I’ll look at fully integrated models. If I’d rather have the controls visible, I’ll compare semi-integrated models. |
| Width and capacity | Make sure the appliance width matches the available space, and don’t overlook the other measurements. Compare place settings and basket layouts; Que Choisir describes 45 cm models with 9 place settings that may need to be run frequently. | My space is narrow, or my household gets through a lot of washing up: I’ll choose a capacity that suits the room available and how often I expect to run a wash. |
| Energy use and noise | The energy label shows kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise level in dB, according to ADEME. Compare these figures for appliances of a similar size and capacity. | Noise matters to me in an open-plan kitchen. If I run a cycle often, I’ll also check energy and water use and the Eco programme duration. |
| Kitchen door and installation | Check whether you already have a compatible kitchen door and what work is needed to fit it, connect the appliance or remove the old one. Whirlpool, for example, states that the decorative door panel for its WH6IB10BS7LA0 model is not supplied. | If I’m replacing an appliance, I want to know whether I can reuse my kitchen door and what the installation service includes before choosing a model. |
The stated width doesn’t confirm the height, depth or clearance needed for the door. Bosch, for example, lists its XXL SBH4HVX14E model as measuring 865 × 598 × 550 mm.
Measure the space and compare all the dimensions with the installation diagram for the exact model before ordering.
According to Que Choisir, a semi-integrated model has a visible control panel, unlike a fully integrated model, which is concealed behind the cabinetry. They look different and require different types of kitchen door.
Decide whether you want the controls to remain visible, then check the kitchen door and how it attaches.
Replacing a dishwasher may require a suitable kitchen door, as well as removal, fitting and connection of the appliance.
Check what’s included in the service and ask separately about the supply of a kitchen door and removal of your old appliance.
The energy rating doesn’t tell you everything about water use, Eco programme duration, capacity or noise. ADEME lists these figures separately on the energy label.
For appliances of a similar capacity and size, also compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration and the noise level in dB.
Bosch offers a range of built-in dishwashers, including the fully integrated 60 cm XXL SBH4HVX14E.
Siemens’ French range includes 45 cm built-in models with a visible control panel and fully integrated 45 cm models, including a varioHinge version.
Whirlpool’s range includes the 45 cm built-in dishwasher WH6IB10BS7LA0.
Miele’s range of fully integrated dishwashers includes standard, 45 cm and XXL sizes, with configurations varying by model.
These two 60 cm built-in models are worth considering if your kitchen is designed for this size. Their stated features don’t replace the need to check the measurements and kitchen door fixings.
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If you have space for a 60 cm built-in model, check the installation measurements and kitchen door fixings before choosing this appliance. It has a stated capacity of 13 place settings, and its title gives an energy rating of B.
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This 60 cm built-in model has a stated capacity of 14 place settings and an energy rating of E. Compare its installation requirements with the measurements of your space, and check the door mechanism needed for your kitchen door.
Measure the usable width, height and depth of the space, then compare them with the installation diagram for the exact model. Bosch also recommends checking whether the door system is fixed or sliding. Make sure there’s enough room for the kitchen door and plinth when the door opens.
You’ll need to confirm that it’s suitable for the new model. Compare the permitted dimensions and weight of the kitchen door, as well as its fixing system; don’t assume it will fit just because the appliance is the same width. Whirlpool, for example, states that the decorative door panel for its WH6IB10BS7LA0 isn’t supplied.
First check the width of the space, then compare the capacity and basket layout of each model that will fit. Que Choisir describes 45 cm models with 9 place settings that may suit a small family, although you may need to run them more often. Then compare the energy and water use and noise levels of the models you’re considering.
Look at energy use in kWh per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise level in dB. ADEME lists these as separate figures. Compare them for appliances of a similar size and capacity rather than choosing on the energy rating alone.