Start by measuring the available space and estimating how much crockery you actually use: a 60 cm freestanding dishwasher is often suitable for everyday use, while a compact model prioritises space-saving over capacity. Then compare the Eco programme’s energy label, capacity, noise level, cycle duration, water consumption per cycle, and the costs of installation, maintenance and consumables.
Your main aim is to make everyday washing-up easier while checking that the appliance suits the amount of crockery you use and your running-cost budget. The UFC-Que Choisir buying guide highlights the importance of capacity, consumption and programmes when buying your first dishwasher.
You need to choose between a compact appliance, a 45 cm model and a 60 cm model. Bosch presents the 45 cm format as suitable for small kitchens, while Electrolux also offers a compact six-place-setting model: the format should remain consistent with the number of cycles you need.
Compare noise levels, capacity, basket layout, drying performance and Eco consumption rather than focusing solely on the purchase price. The UFC-Que Choisir testing protocol examines washing, drying, consumption, noise and ease of use in particular.
Choose this if: you have a suitable space with the necessary connections and regularly wash a family-sized load of crockery or large dishes.
Check: dimensions, door clearance, connections and noise levels, especially in an open-plan kitchen.
Choose this if: the available space matters more than the amount of crockery to be washed.
Compromise: reduced capacity may mean running more cycles if your household does a lot of cooking.
Choose this if: your kitchen is already designed for an integrated appliance and the installation requirements have been confirmed.
Check: cabinet opening, door panel, ventilation and connections before placing your order.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and format | Compare width, number of place settings, the space available for saucepans and door clearance. A 60 cm freestanding model may offer 13 or 14 place settings, while a compact model may be advertised with six. | I want to load the crockery from ordinary meals without running several cycles, while ensuring the appliance genuinely fits in my kitchen. |
| Running costs | Read the A to G rating, kWh per 100 Eco cycles, litres per cycle and Eco cycle duration together. Add detergent, rinse aid, dishwasher salt, water, electricity and maintenance costs. | I prefer to compare appliances on the same basis rather than choosing based solely on the purchase price. |
| Washing, drying and noise | Compare sound emissions in dB(A) on the label and check the drying functions for the specific model. Distinguish between Eco, Auto or Normal programmes and quick cycles. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want a noise level that is suitable during meals or evening washes, without overlooking drying performance. |
| Installation and maintenance | Confirm the water inlet, drainage, power supply, floor level and access to the filter. Also check the anti-leak or anti-overflow features provided by the model. | I want to avoid an unsuitable installation and be able to carry out routine maintenance in line with the instructions and the local water hardness. |
The energy rating alone does not tell you how many litres are used per cycle, how long the Eco programme lasts or which consumables are required.
Keep a model-by-model comparison covering Eco data, noise, capacity, installation and the cleaning products you will need.
A paid commercial warranty may cover services that differ from your statutory rights; pay particular attention to exclusions, labour and call-out charges.
The range includes 45 and 60 cm freestanding dishwashers. Bosch presents the 60 cm format as suited to everyday needs and the 45 cm format as an option for smaller kitchens.
The French range includes integrated compact models, 45 cm models and freestanding or integrated appliances, with capacities ranging from six to 14 place settings depending on the range.
Beko offers 60 cm freestanding dishwashers, including models with 13 or 14 place settings and appliances featuring a half-load option.
The French range includes freestanding, integrated and built-in appliances, with drying, basket-layout and noise-reduction features depending on the model.
Joybuy options for your first appliance, mainly 60 cm freestanding dishwashers, plus a compact countertop model for kitchens where space is the priority.
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For a household that washes a large amount of crockery every day in a suitable freestanding space with the necessary connections.
Advertised with 14 place settings, 41 dB(A), 75 kWh/100 Eco cycles, 9,5 L/cycle, 11 programmes, half-load, a third cutlery drawer, adjustable upper basket and AquaStop. Check the installation dimensions, door clearance and connections.
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A freestanding format for a large amount of everyday washing-up, with an adjustable upper basket that can be adjusted even when loaded.
Advertised with 14 place settings, 46 dB, six programmes including Eco and Intensive, stated water consumption of 9,5 L, delayed start and anti-overflow protection. Compare the label and model documentation for kWh/100 cycles and Eco duration.
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Designed for a household with a large amount of washing-up, featuring a third basket and adjustable upper basket.
14 place settings, 44 dB, seven programmes including Eco and Auto, and advertised consumption of 95 kWh/100 cycles and 10,5 L/cycle. Check whether anti-leak protection is included if this is a priority.
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A 60 cm freestanding option for family use, with Eco, Auto, Intensive and Quick programmes.
14 place settings, 41 dB, approximately 9,5 L for the Eco programme, automatic door opening, and a stainless-steel tub and filter. Allow enough clearance for the door to open and for steam to escape at the end of the cycle.
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A countertop dishwasher for a small household or kitchen with limited space, where reduced capacity is acceptable.
Six place settings, seven programmes, 47 dB, 49 kWh/100 cycles, 6,5 L/cycle, a 215-minute Eco programme, automatic door opening and a water softener. Check the dimensions, door clearance and connections before ordering.
Compare the energy class from A to G, kWh per 100 cycles for the Eco programme, water consumption per cycle, Eco duration, capacity and sound emissions. The European Commission requires these indicators on dishwasher energy labels; read them together, as an Eco programme can use little energy while still taking a long time.
No. The energy label compares appliances using the Eco programme. A quick programme may meet an occasional need for speed, but its results should not be compared directly with the Eco figures of another model.
Factor in any installation, electricity, water, tablets or gels, rinse aid, dishwasher salt and maintenance. Products carrying the EU Ecolabel are assessed, among other things, for their effectiveness at low doses, but always follow the manufacturer’s dosing instructions.
Yes. Check the type of protection specified for the model and confirm that it is compatible with the water inlet, drainage, power supply and available space. Anti-overflow or anti-leak functionality does not replace correct installation.
When buying from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory and may cover defects in the product, packaging or assembly instructions and, in certain circumstances, installation. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition states that the repairability index also applies to dishwashers and provides information about how repairable they are.