First, choose a dishwasher that will fit in your kitchen. Then check that its capacity and baskets can handle the dishes that build up between cycles. To compare running costs and noise levels, look at the figures on the energy label rather than just the energy efficiency class. A slimline or compact model takes up less space, but its capacity still needs to suit the dishes you use.
If the sink fills up after every meal, look at the capacity and basket layout, bearing in mind your pans and serving dishes as well as your plates. UFC-Que Choisir highlights these as important factors when choosing a dishwasher.
The available width, door clearance and, for an integrated model, the housing and cabinet door all affect which formats will fit. Slimline 45 cm and compact models are worth considering when space is limited.
In an open-plan kitchen, compare the noise levels of the models you’re considering. For water and electricity use, ADEME recommends checking the figures on the energy label rather than relying on the energy efficiency class alone.
Start by measuring the space and checking the connections specified in the model’s manual. Then compare usable capacity, energy and water use, noise levels and the cycles that suit the dishes you wash.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and loading | Number of place settings and the space in the baskets for your pans and large dishes. | When washing-up builds up every day, I want to load bulky items too, without having to wash them separately. Around 29% of consumers put this usable capacity at the top of their list. |
| Space and installation | Dimensions, door clearance and the connections specified in the manual; for integrated models, check the housing, cabinet door and door system. | In a fitted kitchen, I need to know whether the appliance will fit and can be installed in the space available. Around 29% of consumers put this compatibility ahead of other criteria. |
| Energy and water use, and noise | On the label, check kWh per 100 Eco cycles, litres per Eco cycle, programme duration and noise level; compare models with similar capacities. | If the kitchen is open-plan or the dishwasher runs frequently, I want to take account of noise and running costs. Around 24% of consumers put these costs or noise levels first. |
| Cycles and drying | The programmes you’ll use, basket layout and drying options available on the specific model. | When the dishes, plastics or mealtimes vary, I look for cycles and loading options that suit my routine. These needs are the top priority for around 18% of consumers. |
This figure doesn’t tell you whether your pans and large dishes will fit easily. Depending on the models in question, Beko and Whirlpool product details list capacities of 10 place settings for 45 cm models and 14 or 15 for 60 cm models. Here, width and capacity go hand in hand, but the interior layout matters too.
Make a note of the washing-up you produce between cycles, then check the basket layout of the model you’re considering.
The letter alone doesn’t tell you the water use in litres per Eco cycle, energy use in kWh per 100 cycles, programme duration, capacity or noise level shown on the EU energy label.
Compare these figures for appliances with similar capacities, then check that they offer the programmes you’ll actually use.
If a cycle is running during a meal or conversation, noise levels may matter more to you. A figure quoted for one model won’t apply to every appliance from the same brand.
Check the dB rating and noise class on the energy label for each model you compare.
Installing a dishwasher depends on the available space and connections. An integrated appliance also needs a suitable housing and door system.
Before you order, confirm with the seller which services you need, including delivery, connection and, if necessary, removal of your old appliance.
Remember to factor detergent and appliance care products into the day-to-day running costs too.
Beko’s French product pages let you compare freestanding dishwashers in 45 cm and 60 cm formats.
Bosch’s installation information helps you tell integrated and fully integrated configurations apart.
The French product page for the G 5811 SC Front Active Plus highlights loading options, cycles and drying features.
The W8F HS61BS product page illustrates what to check on a 60 cm freestanding dishwasher.
These freestanding and fully integrated models are worth considering based on the space available and how much washing-up you need to load. For fully integrated appliances, check the housing and cabinet door before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want to load a large amount of washing-up without needing a cabinet door. The product name lists 14 place settings and 7 cycles. Before buying, check that it can fit your larger dishes, as well as the dimensions and connections.
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Consider this if you have space for a freestanding model and regularly need to wash a full load. The product name lists a width of 60 cm, 14 place settings and an E energy efficiency class. Check its dimensions and connections against your kitchen, then consult the energy label for its energy use.
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Worth considering for a kitchen designed to accommodate an integrated appliance. The product name lists a width of 60 cm, 13 place settings and a C energy efficiency class. Check the manual for the door type, housing dimensions and cabinet door compatibility. To compare noise levels and energy and water use, refer to the label for the exact model.
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Consider this if you have a suitable housing and cabinet door for a large daily load. The product name lists a width of 60 cm, 14 place settings, a white finish and an E energy efficiency class. Check the housing, door system and energy use figures in the model documentation.
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Worth considering if you want to install a dishwasher behind a compatible cabinet door. The product name lists a width of 60 cm, 13 place settings and a B energy efficiency class. Check the housing dimensions, door system and connections. Consult the label for the exact model to compare noise levels and energy and water use.
Compare the energy efficiency class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per cycle, Eco programme duration, capacity and noise level. The European Commission lists these as the information shown on the label. The reference figures may not reflect the energy and water use of every programme you’ll use.
Yes. Check the water supply, drainage, electrical supply and available space before choosing a model. Refer to the manual for the connection and installation requirements for that appliance. Bosch’s documentation, for example, distinguishes between drinking water, wastewater and electricity connections.
No. According to Bosch, the control panel remains visible on an integrated model, while a fully integrated model is completely concealed behind a cabinet door, with the controls on the top edge of the open door. In either case, check the housing, cabinet door and door system for the specific model.
Report the issue to the professional seller. In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a professional to a private individual, as the Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control points out. If the issue also involves installation agreed with the seller, keep a copy of the service description and installation documents so you can explain your claim.