Choose a capacity that your household can fill sufficiently without needing to run multiple cycles. Place settings alone don’t tell the whole story, as plates and utensils take up space too. Then compare water per Eco cycle, energy use, cycle duration and noise levels on the label for the exact model. A compact format frees up space but holds less washing-up. Whatever the format, check the dimensions and connections before you buy.
If you often cook at home, take a look at how much washing-up builds up before you start a cycle. ADEME recommends waiting until the dishwasher is full. Choose a capacity and baskets that suit this routine, rather than basing your choice solely on the number of people in your household.
Limited width may point you towards a 45 cm dishwasher or a compact model, but their capacities aren’t interchangeable. Beko lists a capacity of 10 place settings for its 45 cm DVS05024X freestanding model, while Electrolux lists 6 place settings for its 55 cm ESL2500RO compact built-in model. Check these dimensions against the space available and the dishes you use regularly.
When comparing two models, look at the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise level shown on the energy label. In France, the Ministry of the Economy also says that dishwashers must display a repairability index. This tells you about a different aspect of your choice from energy and water use.
Start by thinking about the washing-up you need to fit in one load, then check the available space and installation type. Finally, compare energy and water use, as well as the Eco programme duration, on the label for the model you’re considering. According to ADEME, consumption varies depending on the model and programme.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Water per load | Compare the litres per Eco cycle with the model’s capacity and whether you can regularly fill the dishwasher. | I want to avoid running a cycle for just a few plates, while keeping an eye on water use when the dishwasher is full. Around 27% of consumers prioritise water use per sufficiently full load. |
| Capacity and baskets | Check the stated number of place settings and the space available for your dishes, pans and utensils; take a look at how the baskets are arranged. | When several meals also mean dirty cookware, I want to fit everything in without needing to plan a second cycle. Capacity and loading are the top priorities for around 27% of consumers. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space and door clearance, then check the instructions for the installation type and required connections. | In a narrow kitchen or one with a fitted recess, I need to know whether the dishwasher can actually be installed before choosing its capacity. Space and installation are the main concern for around 33% of consumers. |
| Duration and noise | Check the Eco programme duration and the model’s noise level, particularly if your kitchen opens onto your living space. | If the washing-up needs to be ready for the next meal, or the dishwasher will run near the living room, cycle time and noise come first. Around 13% of consumers make these their top priorities. |
The litres shown refer to the reference Eco cycle. If the dishwasher won’t hold all the washing-up from your meals, you may end up running more cycles.
Compare litres per cycle with the stated number of place settings and the basket layout. ADEME recommends waiting until the dishwasher is full before starting it.
A small footprint doesn’t tell you how many cooking dishes you can fit inside. Electrolux lists a capacity of 6 place settings for the compact ESL2500RO, while Beko lists 10 for the 45 cm DVS05024X. These figures apply to these specific models.
Think about how much washing-up builds up between possible cycles, then compare the dimensions and baskets of the formats that will fit in your kitchen.
As Bosch points out, the Eco programme can take longer than other programmes. The consumption figures on the label refer to this programme, so the duration of a quick cycle doesn’t tell you how much energy it uses.
Check the Eco programme duration for the exact model and choose a time when you can leave the washing-up in the dishwasher until the cycle is finished.
The stated width and installation type alone won’t confirm that the recess, door panel and connections will suit your home.
Measure the space and check the diagrams and instructions for the model before ordering. If you’re unsure about the connections, ask someone to confirm that it can be installed.
An incompatible recess may require changes to your kitchen or an additional installation visit.
The Electrolux models featured here offer two built-in options to compare: the 60 cm fully integrated E72LA200P and the 55 cm compact, fully integrated ESL2500RO.
The 45 cm Beko DVS05024X freestanding dishwasher is one option for a kitchen with limited width, without having to opt for a compact format.
The Bosch models featured here let you look at basket storage, noise and drying features on specific appliances, without assuming that the same features apply across the whole range.
These built-in and freestanding models, both listed at 14 place settings, are suited to households that build up a large load of washing-up. To find the right format for your kitchen, compare capacity with the installation dimensions and Eco figures for the exact model.
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Worth considering if you build up a large load and have a recess for a fully integrated appliance.
The available product information gives different widths for this model. Before buying, confirm the appliance dimensions, door panel and connections in the instructions.
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An option for washing up after meals without a built-in unit, provided the space and connections are suitable.
The energy label for the exact model will help you check the Eco programme duration before deciding when to run it.
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Worth a look if you want to build up a large load between cycles and have space for a freestanding appliance.
Different widths are listed for this model. Check its exact dimensions and door clearance, and look at the Eco programme duration on its energy label too.
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Worth considering if you regularly build up a load of washing-up and can fit a freestanding appliance of this width in your kitchen.
Stated noise level: 41 dB. To compare water and energy use on a like-for-like basis, check the Eco programme figures on the energy label for the exact model.
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An option for meals that generate a large load, as long as you have space in your kitchen for this freestanding format.
Before comparing it with other appliances, check the energy label for the exact model to see the Eco programme’s water use, kWh per 100 cycles and duration.
Not necessarily: the number of people in your household alone doesn’t determine the capacity you need. Think about how often you cook at home, the dishes and pans you need to load, and how long you can wait for the dishwasher to fill up. The 6, 10 and 14 place settings listed by Electrolux and Beko for the models featured here show different options, not a rule for every format.
No. As Bosch points out, the Eco programme can take longer than other cycles. Check its duration on the label for the model you choose and plan to run it at a time that works with when you’ll next need the dishes.
Measure the space and check the installation type, dimensions, door opening and connections specified in the model’s instructions. For a fully integrated model, also check the required recess and door panel. Don’t assume that your existing water supply, waste outlet or electrical connection will be suitable for the appliance.
No. The repairability index indicates how easy or difficult a product is to repair, not how much water it uses per cycle. The Ministry of the Economy says it is mandatory for dishwashers in France. To compare water use, check the litres per Eco cycle separately on the energy labels for the models you’re considering.