First dishwasher: is it worth it, and what size?

Who is this choice for?

Households looking for the right capacity

You’d like to spend less time washing up without giving the appliance too much space. Compare the amount of washing up you actually build up with the capacities of 45 and 60 cm models listed by Que Choisir.

Households planning a new kitchen

You need to choose between the flexibility of a freestanding model and an integrated one that fits a housing space and door front. Where it will go and how it can be installed matter just as much as its size.

Households unsure whether to buy one

You want to know whether a dishwasher will save you enough time on a task you do often. Que Choisir points out that one may not be essential if washing and drying the dishes after each meal takes less than 15 minutes.

What should you look at first?

First, decide whether the amount of washing up you do and the time it takes make a dishwasher worthwhile. Then consider capacity, where it will go and running costs together: a size might suit your household but not your kitchen.

What to consider	What to check	Who this matters to
Capacity	Think about how much washing up builds up before you run a cycle and how much width you have available. Que Choisir generally lists 12 to 17 place settings for a 60 cm model and 9 to 10 for a 45 cm model.	I want to avoid buying a machine that’s rarely full, without having to run a small model too often. Around 36% of consumers would put getting the capacity right first.
Installation	Measure the space and, for an integrated model, check the housing space and door front. Also confirm the water connections and the socket on a dedicated circuit, as advised by Promotelec.	My kitchen is already fitted, so the appliance needs to fit and be connected. Around 29% of consumers would put this compatibility first.
Running costs	Compare models with similar capacities: according to ADEME, the energy label shows kWh per 100 cycles and litres of water per cycle. Remember to factor in detergent and maintenance too.	I want to use the appliance regularly without overlooking its energy and water consumption or the cost of maintenance products. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise these running costs.
Whether it’s worth buying	Time how long your usual hand-washing takes and consider whether you’ll regularly have enough to fill the machine. Que Choisir says a dishwasher may not be essential if washing and drying up after each meal takes less than 15 minutes.	I finish washing up quickly after meals and I’m not sure I’d have enough for a machine. Around 14% of consumers would decide whether to buy one before choosing a model.

Mistakes to avoid before you buy

Choosing an integrated model without checking the housing space

An integrated dishwasher needs to fit your kitchen units and have a compatible door front. Checking the appliance’s dimensions alone isn’t enough to confirm it will fit.

Before ordering, check the exact dimensions of the housing space, how the door front is attached and the installation requirements.

You may also need to factor in the cost of a door front and professional installation.
Assuming a 45 cm model will cost less to run

A smaller capacity may mean running more cycles if your household produces more washing up than you expected.

Choose this size if space is limited or its capacity suits your needs, then compare the energy label details of models that match how you’ll use it.
Looking at the energy rating alone

The rating letter doesn’t tell you everything about energy use or how long the Eco programme takes. According to ADEME and the European Commission, the label also shows energy use per 100 cycles and water use per cycle.

Compare these figures, the Eco programme duration and capacity across models that could fit your dishes.

Detergent and maintenance are part of the ongoing costs too.
Ordering before checking the connections

The space may be the right size, but that’s not enough if the water supply, drainage or electrical connection isn’t suitable. Promotelec says that a dishwasher’s socket must be on a dedicated circuit.

Measure the space, check the manual for the model you’re considering and have your existing installation checked if you’re unsure.

You may need electrical or plumbing work to adapt the installation.

Brands to consider by size

Bosch

Bosch offers freestanding dishwashers in both 45 and 60 cm widths. Compare the two sizes according to the space you have and the amount of washing up you do.

The range lets you compare a standard-width model with a slimline one.
Check the dimensions and features of the specific model rather than assuming them from its width.

Siemens

Siemens offers freestanding and integrated models to suit different kitchen layouts.

The brand’s range includes several installation types.
Check the configuration and features of each model you’re considering.

Beko

Beko offers freestanding 45 cm models advertised as holding 10 place settings.

This size is worth considering if width is limited.
The capacity and features advertised for some models don’t apply to the entire range.

Miele

Miele offers, among other options, 60 cm integrated models designed to fit beneath a worktop.

Individual product pages let you check the interior layout and energy label details.
The features of one model shouldn’t be assumed to apply to other models from the brand.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a dishwasher useful for a small household?

Not necessarily. It depends on how much washing up you have and how long it already takes you. According to Que Choisir, a 45 cm model generally holds 9 to 10 place settings, but you may not need one if washing and drying the dishes after every meal takes you less than 15 minutes.

What should I measure before choosing between 45 and 60 cm?

Measure the available width, height and depth, then check the clearance needed to open the door and fit the connections for your chosen model. Also compare the amount of washing up you do with the capacities generally listed by Que Choisir: 9 to 10 place settings for a 45 cm model and 12 to 17 for a 60 cm model.

Is a standard socket enough to install a dishwasher?

Don’t assume so: Promotelec says that a dishwasher’s socket must be on a dedicated circuit. Have your existing electrical installation checked, and make sure there’s a way to connect the water supply and drainage before deciding where to put the appliance.

Which energy label details should I compare?

Compare the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per cycle, Eco programme duration and place-setting capacity across appliances that suit your needs. The European Commission says the label also shows noise emissions. None of these figures alone replaces checking the size and installation requirements.