Start by checking which format suits your kitchen: choose freestanding if you are not replacing an integrated door panel, and built-in only if the housing space and door-panel system are compatible. Then compare the figures on the same energy label — kWh per 100 cycles, litres per Eco cycle, Eco programme duration, place settings and noise level — rather than looking at the energy class letter alone.
To keep recurring consumption under control, compare kWh per 100 cycles and litres per Eco cycle, then check that the capacity is sufficient to avoid running several small loads. ADEME and the European Commission present these figures as key points of reference on the energy label.
If noise could disturb mealtimes, working from home or sleep, compare the noise level in dB and the noise class rather than relying on a marketing description. ADEME states that this information appears on the label.
You will need to balance the space available against the number of place settings. UFC-Que Choisir states that a 45 cm model may suit a small family, but its price and label figures should still be compared model by model with those of a 60 cm appliance.
Consider it if: you have a 60 cm space available and generally want a large capacity without keeping a kitchen door panel.
Check: the format does not guarantee either quiet operation or low consumption; compare the full dimensions and the label for the exact model.
Consider it if: width is limited and your household is happy with a smaller capacity or more frequent cycles.
Check: a slim appliance is not necessarily cheaper or more economical than a 60 cm model.
Consider it if: your kitchen is designed to accommodate the appliance and a seamless frontage is a priority.
Check: the housing space, door panel or door, plinth and connections must match the chosen model precisely.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Water and electricity consumption | Compare the A to G class, kWh per 100 cycles and litres per Eco cycle. Use the same programme basis when comparing two appliances. | I want to limit consumption from repeated washes without confusing the energy class with all the other useful figures. |
| Noise | Check the noise level in dB and the noise class. Compare them between models with a suitable capacity and format. | A cycle run during mealtimes, while working from home or in the evening must be suitable for an open-plan kitchen or a nearby living area. |
| Capacity and storage | Check the number of place settings, width, baskets, cutlery drawer and height adjustments if you wash dishes or large glasses. | The capacity should match the household’s mealtime routine and the crockery actually used, while still fitting the available space. |
| Eco programme duration | Compare the displayed duration with the litres per cycle and kWh per 100 cycles. Do not apply these figures to a quick or intensive programme. | I want to know whether the reference cycle duration fits the household’s routine and how quickly the crockery needs to be available. |
Two appliances in the same class can have different water consumption, Eco programme durations, capacities and noise levels. The letter does not replace the figures shown on the label.
Compare the class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per Eco cycle, Eco programme duration, place settings and dB readings together.
Label data is based on the Eco programme. Auto, quick and intensive programmes are designed for different uses; UFC-Que Choisir measures them separately in its testing protocol.
If you will often use a short cycle, check the manual or comparable test results for that programme rather than estimating its consumption from the Eco label alone.
The installation type is a prerequisite: the dimensions of a built-in appliance vary by model and cannot be determined from its nominal width alone.
Measure the height, width, depth, plinth and position of the connections, then compare them with the exact model’s specifications before buying.
An incompatibility may require adjustments to the cabinet, door panel or installation.
Low energy consumption during use does not, by itself, tell you about maintenance or repairs. The French repairability index and European rules on spare parts provide separate information.
Check the repairability index for the exact model, the documentation available and the after-sales service arrangements before comparing washing performance alone.
The French range includes freestanding, built-in and fully integrated dishwashers in 45 and 60 cm formats. It is worth considering if you are weighing up width, your existing installation and the figures on the energy label.
An option to consider for households looking for a high stated capacity in a 60 cm freestanding format, with detailed product information for the model concerned.
The French range includes 60 cm and 45 cm freestanding and built-in dishwashers. It may be relevant if you are looking for an A energy class and a low stated noise level.
Joybuy options for everyday washing-up, including a 60 cm freestanding dishwasher for family-sized loads and a mini model designed for smaller volumes or very compact spaces.
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A freestanding option for a household with a 60 cm space available and looking for a stated capacity of 14 place settings.
Stated specifications include 41 dB, energy class C and approximately 9.5 L on the Eco cycle; a removable top and adjustable height are indicated for under-counter installation.
Check the 590 mm depth, under-counter height, connections and the model’s complete energy label before buying. The automatic door opening at the end of the cycle means you must follow the safety instructions relating to hot steam.
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This table-top solution is best suited to small quantities of washing-up, a compact kitchen or a property without a permanent water supply.
Stated specifications include a capacity of 3 place settings, seven programmes, a 205-minute Eco cycle, consumption of 4.2 L per wash and a noise level of 56.3 dB. It is stated to work with either a 5 L tank or a direct tap connection.
Capacity is limited for large loads and bulky dishes. Check the dimensions, kWh per 100 cycles, noise class and drainage arrangements according to the installation you choose.
Since 1 March 2021, the European label has ranged from A to G. According to the European Commission and ADEME, it shows information including energy consumption per 100 cycles, water consumption per cycle, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise emissions. Compare these figures between appliances in a suitable format, bearing in mind that they relate to the Eco programme.
No. The Eco programme is the reference cycle for the label information, while its duration is shown separately. So do not estimate water or electricity consumption from the duration alone: also compare litres per cycle and kWh per 100 cycles.
Check the noise level in dB and its noise class on the label. ADEME states that an increase of three decibels corresponds to an almost doubling of the noise, so it is better to compare the displayed figure than rely on a simple marketing claim.
No. A slim format primarily addresses space and capacity constraints. UFC-Que Choisir points out that 45 cm models are not necessarily cheaper than appliances with a larger capacity; compare the label figures for the model you are considering rather than the format alone.
Yes. France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition states that the repairability index is a score out of 10 provided to consumers for new dishwashers. It complements the energy label by providing a reference point for aspects such as access to spare parts, ease of disassembly and documentation.