To cut down on washing up by hand, first choose an appliance that fits your kitchen and can hold the dishes you use regularly. Then compare cleaning and drying performance, noise levels and Eco programme consumption across the models you’re considering. According to Que Choisir’s guide, 60 cm models generally hold more place settings than 45 cm models, but the stated capacity alone won’t tell you whether the baskets will suit your dishes. An integrated model also needs a suitable housing unit and cabinet door.
If plates, saucepans and containers pile up every day, check how much usable space the baskets offer as well as the stated number of place settings. Que Choisir recommends comparing the capacity with the way you usually load the machine.
If the dishwasher runs near a living area, its stated noise level is a useful starting point. Que Choisir’s testing also looks at vibrations, high-pitched sounds and beeps.
If the appliance will be used regularly, compare water and electricity use on the same programme. To assess repairability, check the score for the specific model rather than relying on the brand alone.
Start by deciding how the appliance will be installed. A freestanding model suits a space intended for an appliance with its own finished exterior, while an integrated model fits into a fitted kitchen. Choosing between a 45 cm and 60 cm width is a separate decision, based on the space available and how much you need to wash.
Consider this if: you don’t plan to fit a cabinet door to the appliance.
Check: the height beneath your worktop and, if necessary, whether the top panel on your chosen model can be removed.
Consider this if: your kitchen is designed for a continuous run of cabinet fronts.
Check: according to Que Choisir, this type of appliance needs the right integration fittings and cannot simply be installed like a freestanding model.
Consider this if: you want a matching cabinet front while keeping the controls visible.
Check: you’ll need a compatible housing unit and cabinet front. Que Choisir notes that its visible control panel sets it apart from a fully integrated model.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and loading | Compare the width, stated number of place settings and basket layout with your largest dishes. | If I often load saucepans and containers, I want to avoid running another cycle because there isn’t enough room. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise usable capacity. |
| Cleaning and drying | Look for tests covering cleaning performance and residual moisture, particularly for the containers you use. | When I unload the machine, I don’t want to have to rewash or regularly dry the dishes by hand. Cleaning and drying would be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Noise and consumption | Check the stated noise level, then compare water and energy use and programme duration on the same Eco setting. Test results can also give you a better idea of how noisy a machine is. | In a kitchen near the living area, I want a frequently used cycle that keeps the household comfortable while helping me manage water and electricity use. Around 21% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Installation and repairability | Check the dimensions, cabinet front and connections against your kitchen, then look up the model’s repairability score. | When replacing a built-in appliance, I want to avoid installation problems and be able to assess how repairable it is. This would be the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
The stated number doesn’t necessarily show where you can put saucepans, dishes or containers. If the machine is awkward to load, you may end up running more cycles or finishing the washing-up by hand.
Check the basket layout and adjustment options against the items you wash most often.
In an open-plan kitchen, vibrations, high-pitched sounds and beeps can matter too. Que Choisir’s testing assesses these aspects as well as measuring noise.
Use the stated figure to shortlist models, then look for an independent review if quiet operation is a key consideration.
An integrated appliance won’t automatically replace a freestanding model in the same space: the housing unit, door and fittings all need to be compatible.
Before ordering, confirm the dimensions, hinges, connections and installation requirements.
A matching cabinet front and its installation may require extra parts and professional work.
Consumption and maintenance requirements are part of regular use, while the repairability score can help you assess another aspect of your choice.
Compare the Eco programme, any consumables required, the displayed score and the information available about spare parts for the model you’re considering.
These ranges offer useful comparisons in terms of sizes and features. Always check the specifications of the exact model you’re considering.
Bosch’s range includes freestanding and integrated dishwashers, in both 45 cm and 60 cm widths.
Miele offers freestanding and integrated models, with different basket configurations and convenience features.
Beko’s range includes freestanding and integrated models in different widths.
Electrolux offers freestanding and fully integrated appliances, including some models with ComfortLift.
These 60 cm models include integrated appliances for fitted kitchens and one freestanding appliance. Compare their stated capacities, then check the dimensions and performance that matter for your everyday use.
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Worth considering for a household looking to integrate the appliance into a fitted kitchen and load dishes regularly.
Stated energy rating: C. Before planning the housing unit, confirm the exact dimensions of this model: the product’s listed width details don’t match. Also compare this model’s cleaning and drying performance.
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Consider this if your kitchen has a space for a built-in model and 13 place settings suit the way you usually load the dishwasher.
Stated energy rating: C. Check the housing unit and door configuration, then compare this model’s Eco cycle consumption and cleaning and drying performance.
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Worth comparing for a fitted kitchen if the household’s usual load is suited to a stated capacity of 13 place settings.
Stated energy rating: B. Confirm the housing unit dimensions and compare this model’s consumption and cleaning and drying performance with those of the other models you’re considering.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding model with a stated capacity of 14 place settings for everyday loads.
Stated energy rating: E. Check the available space and connections. To compare everyday use, ask for the consumption figures for each programme, particularly the Eco cycle.
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Worth considering for a fitted kitchen if a stated capacity of 14 place settings meets your household’s needs.
Stated energy rating: E. Check the housing unit dimensions and the cabinet front required, then compare consumption by programme and cleaning and drying performance.
The Eco programme gives you a common basis for comparing stated figures, but you should also consider the cycles you’ll actually use. Que Choisir mainly tests Eco and Auto or Normal, and also measures consumption on the Intensive programme.
It may be, if your dishes fit in the baskets and the capacity suits how often you load the machine. According to Que Choisir’s guide, 45 cm models generally hold 9 to 10 place settings, compared with 12 to 17 for 60 cm models. Before choosing a narrower appliance, check that there’s room for your saucepans and dishes.
Yes. The French Ministry of the Economy states that dishwashers are among the products required to display a repairability score in France. The score out of 10 gives you an indication of how repairable a product is; check the score for the model you’re considering.
Check the manual for the exact model to find out about its leak-protection system and usage requirements: the size or brand alone won’t tell you. Also confirm that the water inlet and drainage connections are compatible with your planned installation.