Households that get through a lot of washing-up
If you cook every day or entertain often, look beyond the stated number of place settings and check what the baskets can actually hold. There needs to be room for large dishes, saucepans and glasses.
Who is this type of dishwasher for?
Households with a fitted kitchen they want to keep
If your units and appliance space are already in place, the installation type and whether the door or furniture panel will fit matter just as much as the appliance size.
Households with a narrow appliance space
If the available width means you need a 45 cm appliance, check that it can still accommodate your dishes, especially after meals when you have guests over.
Which features should you prioritise?
First measure the space available, then compare each model’s capacity and installation type with your washing-up routine and kitchen units.
| Criteria | What to check | Relevant consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Loading capacity | Stated number of place settings and the space in the baskets for your dishes and saucepans. | When meals quickly fill the sink, I want to load my dishes without running multiple cycles; around 33% of consumers would prioritise this capacity. |
| Fit with your kitchen units | Installation type, appliance-space dimensions and whether a furniture panel will fit, if required. | If my kitchen is already fitted, I want the appliance to fit into the space provided; integration would be the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Available width | Space for a 45 or 60 cm model, plus room to open the door. | When my kitchen cannot accommodate a 60 cm model, I’m looking for a permanent appliance that fits the available space; around 20% of consumers would prioritise this constraint. |
| Use and repairability | The exact model’s label, care instructions and applicable repairability index. | For an appliance I use regularly, I want to consider its maintenance and the information available about its repairability; this would be the priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing 45 cm just to save space
In a household that often cooks or entertains, a narrower appliance may also mean less room for larger kitchenware.
Measure the space, then compare how much the 45 and 60 cm models can hold, using the dishes, saucepans and glasses you actually use.
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Confusing built-in and fully integrated models
According to Siemens, a fully integrated model is designed to be hidden behind a matching furniture panel, while a built-in model may have visible controls. These configurations do not necessarily use the same type of panel.
Check the installation type, the dimensions of the appliance space and the model’s fitting instructions before choosing.
Depending on the appliance and your existing kitchen units, you may need a compatible furniture panel or fitting accessories.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
The letter on the label tells you neither how much room there is in the baskets nor whether the model will suit your kitchen. ADEME also highlights the importance of washing habits when it comes to using an appliance.
Check the label and product information for the exact model, then consider its capacity, the programmes you usually use and its repairability index.
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Assuming the connections will be suitable
The Bosch SMH4HVX31E instructions deal separately with wastewater drainage, the drinking water supply and the electrical connection. So having enough space does not, on its own, mean installation will be possible.
Compare the instructions for your chosen model with the existing connections and, if you’re unsure, ask a qualified professional to confirm that installation is feasible.
Depending on your kitchen and the model, you may also need to pay for installation work or adjustments to your units.
Brands to compare by model
Bosch
Bosch’s range includes freestanding and built-in models in 45 and 60 cm widths.
- These options make it easy to compare widths and installation types within the range.
- Stated capacity, basket layout and installation dimensions vary by model.
Siemens
Siemens distinguishes between models with a visible front and appliances hidden behind a kitchen furniture panel.
- This distinction helps you choose the finish you want for a fitted kitchen.
- The appliance space, door and furniture panel must all be compatible with your chosen model.
Miele
Miele’s range includes freestanding models and appliances designed to fit into kitchen units, including 45 and 60 cm widths.
- Having both widths to choose from is useful when the available space determines your choice.
- The size or features highlighted across the range are no substitute for checking the details of the exact model.
Dishwashers for frequent entertaining
These freestanding and built-in models let you compare stated capacities of 13 or 14 place settings. For each one, check the basket space, the intended location and the installation requirements.
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Samsung DW60M6050FS — freestanding, 14 place settings
Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding appliance for frequent loads.
Stated capacity of 14 place settings and 7 cycles; check that your larger dishes will fit in the baskets and that the space is suitable for installation.
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Samsung DW80H72YBB0U1 — built-in, 60 cm, 13 place settings
Worth a look if you have a fitted kitchen and want to install the appliance within your units.
Stated capacity of 13 place settings and energy rating B; measure the appliance space and check the model’s instructions to make sure the furniture panel is compatible.
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Indesit D2F HK26 S — freestanding, 60 cm, 14 place settings
A freestanding option to compare if your household regularly has a lot of washing-up.
Stated capacity of 14 place settings and energy rating E; check the space needed for the appliance and to open its door, as well as whether your larger dishes will fit.
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Samsung DW90H79JAI0U1 Bespoke AI — built-in, 60 cm, 14 place settings
Worth comparing if you want to fit an appliance with a high stated capacity into a fitted kitchen.
Stated capacity of 14 place settings and energy rating A; check the instructions for details of the appliance space, furniture panel and installation requirements before choosing this model.
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Whirlpool W2I HD526 A — built-in, 60 cm, 14 place settings
Worth considering if your kitchen is designed for an integrated installation and you often have large loads.
Stated capacity of 14 place settings and energy rating E; check that the appliance space, furniture panel and connections are compatible, using the model’s instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Should you automatically choose a 60 cm dishwasher if you often entertain?
No. A 60 cm model is worth comparing if you have the space and regularly have large loads, but the stated number of place settings alone won’t tell you whether your dishes and saucepans will fit. If the available width means you need a 45 cm model, check the basket layout and whether the washing frequency suits you.
What’s the difference between a built-in and a fully integrated dishwasher?
A fully integrated model is designed to be hidden behind a furniture panel that matches your kitchen units, as Siemens explains. A built-in model may have part of its front visible. Check the door configuration and the fitting instructions for your chosen model.
What should you check before ordering a model to fit into your kitchen units?
Measure the appliance space and compare it with the dimensions and fitting requirements in the model’s instructions. Also check any furniture panel and the water, drainage and electrical connections; the Bosch SMH4HVX31E instructions cover these connections separately.
What is a dishwasher’s repairability index for?
It gives an indication of how easy or difficult an appliance is to repair, with a score out of 10. In France, the government departments responsible for the ecological transition include dishwashers among the categories covered. The score alone doesn’t tell you how reliable the model is or how well it washes.
Does a dishwasher guarantee savings on water and energy compared with washing by hand?
No, simply choosing a dishwasher doesn’t guarantee these savings. ADEME highlights the importance of washing habits. When choosing an appliance, check the information on its label and consider how you plan to load and use it.