Start by choosing an installation type that suits your kitchen: freestanding for greater flexibility, integrated or semi-integrated only when you have a suitable housing unit and door panel, or compact when a smaller amount of washing-up justifies the reduced capacity. For everyday meals, then compare the width, place settings, energy label figures, noise level, washing and drying performance, and repairability score of the exact model.
Prioritise a capacity and basket layout suited to the actual volume of plates, glasses, cutlery, dishes and saucepans you need to wash, then look at washing and drying results across representative cycles. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of capacity, consumption, programmes and cleaning efficiency.
First decide between a 45 or 60 cm freestanding appliance and a compact model. Limited space does not remove the need to check the water connections, drainage and exact dimensions.
Confirm that the housing unit and door panel are compatible with an integrated model, then compare the noise level on the energy label if sound could be disruptive in your living space.
Start with the available space and the amount of washing-up, then compare the standardised indicators and the internal layout of compatible models.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Compare the number of place settings, width and basket layout. According to UFC-Que Choisir, 60 cm models are advertised for 12 to 17 place settings and 45 cm models for 9 to 10 place settings; compact models remain below 9 place settings. | I need to be able to load the washing-up from several meals, including dishes and saucepans, without running multiple cycles. |
| Installation | Note the width, height, depth, connections and door clearance. An integrated or semi-integrated model requires a compatible housing unit and door panel; a plumbed-in compact model needs a water inlet and drainage arrangement suited to its installation. | My appliance must fit the existing kitchen, with no last-minute surprises involving the housing unit, cabinet door or connections. |
| Consumption and noise | For comparable capacity and installation types, check the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per Eco cycle, cycle duration and noise level in dB. ADEME and Gifam present these figures as indicators on the energy label. | I want to assess water and electricity usage on a comparable basis, while also taking noise into account if the kitchen is open-plan. |
| Washing and drying | Review the available results for Eco, Auto or Normal, and Intensive programmes, as well as residual moisture and basket flexibility. UFC-Que Choisir tests the Eco and Auto or Normal programmes in particular. | Plates, glasses, plastics and dishes must be cleaned properly and easy to put away after the cycle. |
| Maintenance and repairability | Check the repairability score out of 10 for the model in question, along with the warranty terms, parts availability and maintenance requirements. In France, this score applies to the relevant domestic dishwashers, including integrated and built-in models. | I prefer to factor consumables, maintenance and the possibility of repairs into the long-term cost of ownership. |
An incompatible housing unit or cabinet door can mean modifications, a new installation or a complicated return.
Measure the width, height, depth, required clearance and door-panel system before filtering the models. If in doubt, ask your kitchen fitter or installer to confirm compatibility.
UFC-Que Choisir states that an integrated model requires at least an additional 100 € for the door panel and installation in its guide; request a quote tailored to your kitchen.
A compact or 45 cm model may solve a space constraint, but more frequent cycles may become necessary when the washing-up from several meals builds up.
Assess the amount of washing-up produced between washes, including dishes and saucepans, then compare the advertised capacity, internal storage and litres used by the Eco cycle.
The class does not tell you everything about kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, the duration of the Eco cycle or the noise level.
Compare every figure on the energy label across appliances with similar capacity and installation types, then relate them to the programmes you will actually use.
A dishwasher used frequently also involves consumables, maintenance and, in some cases, repairs.
Allow for these costs in your budget and check the repairability score of the exact reference before buying.
Running costs may include detergent, rinse aid, dishwasher salt, maintenance and potential repairs.
In France, Bosch offers 45 cm and 60 cm freestanding formats. The brand is worth considering if you are choosing between a slimline machine for a small kitchen and a standard format for everyday washing-up.
In France, Beko offers freestanding, integrated with a visible control panel and fully integrated dishwashers, allowing you to compare several installation options.
Miele offers freestanding, integrated and fully integrated models, as well as 45 cm versions, which are useful when comparing integration solutions for a fitted kitchen.
This selection brings together freestanding and integrated dishwashers suited to the everyday washing-up needs of a household, with advertised capacities of 13 or 14 place settings.
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A 60 cm freestanding option for a household where washing-up accumulates over several meals.
14 place settings, advertised 41 dB, class C, 9.5 L on the Eco cycle, Eco, Auto, Intensive and Rapid programmes, adjustable upper basket and automatic door opening at the end of the cycle. Check the width, depth, height under the worktop, connections and clearance in front of the door; also check the repairability score for this reference.
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Suitable for a kitchen without a dedicated housing unit and for varying daily loads.
14 place settings, class C, 75 kWh/100 cycles, 9.5 L per Eco cycle, 41 dB, third cutlery drawer, adjustable basket, half-load and delayed start of up to 24 hours advertised. The supplied dimensions do not clearly match the 60 cm description: confirm the actual footprint before ordering.
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A fully integrated model for a fitted kitchen with a compatible housing unit and door panel.
13 place settings, class B, advertised 44 dB, three-level basket, folding prongs and automatic door opening at the end of the cycle. The product information gives a housing-unit size of 820–900 × 600 × 555 mm; also check the hinge, door panel, installation and energy label for the exact model.
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A freestanding option for households loading plates, dishes and saucepans throughout the day.
14 place settings, class E, 9.5 L of water, 46 dB, Eco, Intensive, Daily, Express and Push&Go programmes, adjustable basket and advertised overflow protection. Compare the noise level and energy class with other models, then check the dimensions of 85 × 60 × 59 cm and the conditions for connecting to a hot-water supply.
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A fully integrated model designed for a fitted kitchen with a suitable cabinet door.
13 place settings, class C, 44 dB, automatic door opening, Kitchen Fit sliding door, centre basket adjustable to three levels and advertised flexible prongs. Confirm the housing-unit dimensions, door panel and installation before buying; also check the standardised consumption figures and repairability score.
Base your choice on the amount that builds up before each cycle, including dishes and saucepans, and then on the width you actually have available. UFC-Que Choisir states that 60 cm models hold 12 to 17 place settings and 45 cm models hold 9 to 10; also check the flexibility of the baskets on your chosen model.
Measure the housing unit and check the door system, the required door panel and the necessary connections. An integrated model is not installed like a freestanding appliance because it is supplied without a door panel, worktop or side panels; a semi-integrated model also requires a suitable housing unit and door.
Compare the A to G class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per reference cycle, Eco-cycle duration, place-setting capacity and noise in dB together with its noise class. ADEME and Gifam explain that these figures allow appliances to be compared on the same basis; the reference programme is the Eco programme.
For non-urgent everyday washing-up, the Eco programme is generally the most economical benchmark for water and electricity use. If you need faster results on occasion or have very dirty dishes, check the manual and available test results, as consumption and performance can vary by programme.
Yes. The French decree relating to domestic dishwashers sets out the scoring and display system for the repairability score for the relevant products, including integrated and built-in models. Look for the score out of 10 for the exact reference and compare it between models, without treating it on its own as a guarantee of future reliability.