Households that build up washing-up every day
If plates, saucepans and dishes pile up between meals, look at the stated capacity, basket layout and how often you want to run a cycle.
Who is this guide for?
People with a small kitchen
A narrow appliance is not necessarily easy to install: you’ll also need room to open the door, load the dishwasher and access the connections.
Households with an open-plan kitchen or who run cycles in the evening
If the dishwasher runs near a living area, the noise level on the energy label can help you choose a model that suits the times you plan to use it.
What should you look for?
First work out which size will fit in your kitchen, then compare its capacity with your mealtime routine before looking at the energy label figures.
60 cm freestanding
Worth considering: if you have the space and regularly build up plates, dishes and saucepans, but don’t have a cabinet housing to fit.
Bear in mind: you’ll also need to measure the door clearance and space for the connections. A freestanding model still needs a suitable water supply, waste outlet and electrical connection.
Built-in or fully integrated
Worth considering: if your kitchen has a suitable space and you want the appliance to blend in with the cabinets.
Bear in mind: check the instructions for compatible dimensions, door panels and hinges. Bosch recommends using a professional to install its built-in models.
Narrow 45 cm model
Worth considering: if a 60 cm appliance won’t fit, but you have space for one under the worktop or in a cabinet housing.
Bear in mind: check whether larger dishes will fit and be prepared to run cycles more often. UFC-Que Choisir features 45 cm models with a capacity of 9 place settings.
Compact worktop model
Worth considering: if you’re short on floor space and don’t have much washing-up to load.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to set aside space on the worktop and check the connections required for the specific model. The compact models described by UFC-Que Choisir hold 6 place settings.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and mealtime routine | Compare the stated number of place settings with the dishes and saucepans you normally use; check the basket layout too. | I want to load the washing-up from several meals without having to wash large dishes by hand; around 29% of consumers rank capacity as their top priority. |
| Space and connections | Measure the space and the door clearance; check the water supply, waste outlet and electrical connection specified in the instructions. | In a cramped kitchen, I need to be able to install and open the appliance without blocking the way; for around 29% of consumers, fitting the available space comes before other criteria. |
| Consumption and maintenance | Compare models with similar capacities: according to ADEME, the energy label shows energy use in kWh per 100 cycles and water use in litres per reference cycle. Remember to factor in consumables too. | I plan to use the dishwasher regularly and want to keep track of its consumption and the products it needs; around 24% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Noise | Check the decibel rating and noise class on the label, then consider when you’ll be running cycles. | If the kitchen opens onto the living area, I don’t want a cycle to disturb people nearby; around 18% of consumers put noise at the top of their list. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on what will fit
A narrow or compact model might fit in your kitchen without having enough room for the washing-up you want to load between cycles.
Estimate your usual load, including larger utensils, and think about how often you’d be happy to run a cycle.
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Ordering before checking the connections
A dishwasher needs a suitable water supply, waste outlet and electrical connection. Built-in installation also involves constraints around the cabinet housing and door panel.
Measure and photograph the space, then check the installation instructions for the exact model. Ask a professional for help if you’re unsure about the connections or installation.
Depending on your home, installation may require suitable accessories or work on the connections.
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Comparing only the energy rating
The same letter rating doesn’t tell you how much water an appliance uses, how long the reference cycle takes or how much it can hold.
For appliances with a similar capacity, compare the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and duration of the Eco programme together.
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Taking the word “quiet” at face value
This claim is no substitute for a measured figure, especially if the dishwasher will run near a room where you spend time.
Compare the decibel rating and noise class shown on the label, bearing in mind when you plan to use it.
Dishwasher brands to know
Bosch
Worth considering if you’re looking for a built-in or fully integrated appliance.
- Bosch offers installation support for its built-in dishwashers.
- The brand recommends using a professional for built-in installation. Check that the cabinet housing, door panel and chosen model are compatible, including with IKEA cabinets.
Beko
A brand to look at if you’re comparing 60 cm freestanding dishwashers.
- Beko features models such as the 14-place-setting freestanding BDFN26460G.
- This example doesn’t represent the entire range, so check the specifications of the model you’re interested in.
Whirlpool
Worth considering if you’re choosing between freestanding and built-in models, or between 45 cm and 60 cm widths.
- Whirlpool features these different formats in its French range.
- Compare the capacity, noise level and basket layout of each model; the specifications of one model don’t necessarily apply to others.
Miele
Worth a look if you’re comparing freestanding, integrated or narrow models.
- The range featured by Miele France includes several installation types and sizes.
- Check the energy rating, noise level and dimensions of the specific model rather than assuming they apply across the brand.
Dishwashers available on Joybuy
These models are options for switching to machine washing, with a freestanding appliance or, in the case of the AEG, a fully integrated one. Compare their capacity with your usual load and confirm the dimensions and connections before choosing.
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Samsung DW60M6050FS, freestanding, 14 place settings
Worth considering if washing-up builds up between meals: compare its capacity of 14 place settings with the size of your dishes.
Seven programmes; grey finish.
Check the space needed to open the door, as well as the connections specified in the instructions.
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Whirlpool WFP5O41PLGX, freestanding, 14 place settings
Compare its capacity of 14 place settings with the washing-up loads in your household.
Stated width of 60 cm; stainless steel finish; energy rating C.
The stated width of 60 cm conflicts with a dimension of 67.5 cm listed for this model. Confirm its dimensions and required clearances before planning where to put it.
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Indesit D2F HK26 S, freestanding, 14 place settings
If you load the dishwasher regularly, check whether its 14 place settings will also accommodate your saucepans and larger dishes.
Stated width of 60 cm; energy rating E; grey finish.
Check the label for the exact model to compare its energy consumption, then refer to the instructions for the dimensions and connections.
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Hotpoint H4FD641A, freestanding, 14 place settings
Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding appliance for regular loads and want to compare the stated noise level.
Stated width of 60 cm; 14 place settings; 41 dB; energy rating C; white finish.
Check the energy label for the exact model. Its automatic door opening at the end of a cycle can release hot steam, so bear this in mind when choosing where to put it and how to use it.
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AEG FSB34707Z, integrated, 14 place settings
Worth considering for a fitted kitchen with a cabinet housing and door panel compatible with a fully integrated appliance.
Stated width of 60 cm; 14 place settings; energy rating C.
Don’t rely on the stated size alone to confirm that it will fit: check the dimensions, door panel and hinges required in the instructions for the exact model.
Frequently asked questions
Which connections should I check before buying a dishwasher?
Make sure there’s a suitable water supply, waste outlet and electrical connection at the planned installation point. Then check the instructions for the exact model for its dimensions, hoses and connection requirements.
Does a compact dishwasher avoid installation constraints?
No. Its smaller size may make it easier to fit on a worktop, but you’ll still need to check the connection requirements for each model. UFC-Que Choisir describes compact models with a capacity of 6 place settings; compare this with the amount of washing-up you normally have.
What should I compare on a dishwasher’s energy label?
Compare the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per reference cycle, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise level. According to ADEME, the energy and water figures on the label are based on reference cycles, so compare appliances with a capacity that suits your needs.
What do I need to consider if I plan to use a dishwasher regularly?
Make sure you have the necessary connections, dishwasher detergents and products, and a maintenance routine. An energy rating doesn’t replace checking water and electricity consumption or working out how often you’ll run cycles.