Who is this guide for?

Small household with a narrow kitchen

If width is limited, compare a 45 cm model with a compact one based on the washing-up you actually build up. The smallest size won’t necessarily meet the same storage needs.

Household with lots of washing-up each day

If plates, pans and dishes quickly pile up, look at capacity and basket layout before considering extra features. 60 cm models generally hold more place settings than 45 cm models, depending on the models described by UFC-Que Choisir.

Fitted or refurbished kitchen

For an integrated appliance, measure the housing and check the door panel, door clearance and connections. Use the instructions for your chosen model to guide these checks.

What should you check before buying?

Start with the installation requirements, then check that the capacity suits the washing-up you usually have. Next, compare energy and water use, along with the features that matter in your day-to-day routine.

Criteria What to check Who this matters to
Space and connections Measure the width, any housing and the space needed to open the door. Check the connections and installation instructions for the model you’re considering. If my kitchen has a specific space for the dishwasher, I need to know whether the appliance will fit before choosing its features. Around 29% of consumers put this first.
Capacity and storage Compare the stated number of place settings with the space needed for dishes and pans, as well as the basket layout. If washing-up builds up between cycles, I want a tub that can also fit larger utensils. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers.
Energy and water use, and Eco programme duration Check the energy use per 100 cycles, water use per Eco cycle and programme duration on the label for the exact model. Compare models with similar capacities. If I expect to use the appliance often, I want to know how much energy and water it uses, and whether the Eco cycle duration works for my routine. Around 21% of consumers put this need first.
Cleaning, noise and maintenance Look at independent test results where available, the stated noise level and the interior layout. Also check the manufacturer’s maintenance guidance. In an open-plan kitchen, or if I want to avoid having to wash dishes again, noise and cleaning results matter more than the number of programmes. Around 21% of consumers put this everyday convenience first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Ordering an integrated model without measuring the housing

    An integrated model needs to fit the housing and work with the type of door panel you have planned. Depending on how it is fitted, additional panels or fittings may be needed.

    Take the relevant measurements and check the instructions for the exact model to find out what’s required for the door, panel and connections.

    A suitable door panel or alterations to the cabinetry may add extra steps to the installation.

  • Choosing a 45 cm model based only on household size

    The stated number of place settings doesn’t tell you how much room there is for frying pans, dishes and larger utensils. A tub that’s too small may mean running more frequent cycles.

    Take note of the washing-up you build up over several days and check the basket layout before choosing this size.

  • Looking only at the energy rating

    Energy labels also show capacity, water use per cycle, energy use per 100 cycles, Eco programme duration and noise. One letter can’t sum up all these differences.

    Compare all the figures for appliances with similar capacities, then make sure the Eco programme duration suits you.

  • Overlooking noise in an open-plan kitchen

    Noise levels matter more when the appliance runs close to your living area or in the evening.

    Check the decibel level and noise class on the label for the exact model, rather than relying on a general description of the range.

Brands to consider

Bosch

Bosch offers freestanding, integrated and compact dishwashers, giving you a choice of sizes to compare based on your available space and preferred installation.

  • The range includes models in both 45 cm and 60 cm sizes.
  • For an integrated model, check the dimensions and door panel compatibility for the specific model you choose.

Beko

Beko’s 45 cm models may suit households with limited space for a dishwasher.

  • Beko describes the BDFS26040X as a 45 cm freestanding model with capacity for up to 10 place settings.
  • Check the capacity and drying features for each model, as they vary across the range.

Miele

Miele offers 45 cm freestanding models, as well as other configurations to consider depending on your kitchen layout.

  • Miele describes the G 5740 SC SL as a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher.
  • Check the basket, programme and drying features for the model you’re considering.

Whirlpool

Whirlpool has 60 cm models to consider if you need a larger tub for your washing-up.

  • Whirlpool states that the WFC3C34APX has capacity for 14 place settings and an energy rating of D.
  • Programmes and energy and water use vary by model. Check its label rather than assuming the same features apply across the range.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Which size should a small household choose?

Choose based on the space available and how much washing-up you have, not just the number of people in your household. UFC-Que Choisir generally puts 45 cm models at around 9 to 10 place settings; a compact model is better suited to very small loads. Either way, check that there’s enough room for dishes and that the washing frequency works for you.

What should I check before ordering an integrated dishwasher?

Make sure the housing, door panel and connections are compatible with the model you’ve chosen. Also measure the clearance needed to open the door and read the installation instructions: you can’t choose an integrated model based on its stated width alone.

How can I compare the energy and water use of two models?

Compare the labels of two models with similar capacities, looking at energy use per 100 cycles, water use per Eco cycle and the duration of that programme. Capacity matters too: energy and water figures alone don’t tell you how much washing-up you can fit in each cycle.

How can I check the electrical supply before installation?

Check the instructions for your model and have the installation assessed if you’re unsure about the electrical circuit. For an installation or renovation project in France, Promotelec specifies a dedicated circuit for the dishwasher. A qualified professional can advise you on the work needed in your kitchen.