For regular meals with several people, start by working out how much space you need for a day’s worth of dishes. A 60 cm model is worth considering if you have room, while a compact dishwasher is best suited to a more modest load. Choose between freestanding and integrated to suit your kitchen: an integrated model needs a compatible housing unit and door panel. UFC-Que Choisir reports that 60 cm integrated dishwashers generally offer 12 to 17 place settings, compared with 9 to 10 for 45 cm models. Then check the baskets, noise levels and Eco cycle figures for each model.
If plates and cutlery are regularly joined by serving dishes and saucepans, check whether one load can fit everything without needing to run several cycles. The stated number of place settings doesn’t tell the whole story, so take a look at the baskets too.
If the dishwasher will be running during conversations or in the evening, compare the airborne acoustical noise emissions on the energy label. Noise can be just as important as capacity when choosing a model.
An integrated dishwasher needs a suitable housing unit, door panel and connections. Measure the space and check what the installation service includes before ordering.
Consider this if: you have a suitable space and connections, but no housing unit with a door panel.
Bear in mind: the appliance will be on show, and its dimensions need to fit the available space.
Consider this if: you have a suitable housing unit to integrate the appliance into your kitchen.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to make extra checks on the door panel and installation. Some work may not be included in the installation service.
Consider this if: space is limited and your daily load is fairly small.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir describes worktop models with 6 place settings. Check whether this capacity would really prevent you from having to run repeated loads at home.
Once you’ve chosen a format, compare models that suit your kitchen on a like-for-like basis: usable capacity, energy label and how often you run a load.
| What to compare | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and baskets | Compare the stated number of place settings with the actual space for serving dishes and saucepans. According to UFC-Que Choisir, 60 cm integrated dishwashers generally offer 12 to 17 place settings, compared with 9 to 10 for 45 cm models. | I’d like to load the dishes from our meals without having to wash bulky items separately. |
| Noise | Check the airborne acoustical noise emissions and noise class on each model’s label. If noise is a deciding factor, look for test results that assess it while the appliance is running too. | The kitchen opens onto our living space, so I want to be able to run a cycle without interrupting conversations. |
| Water, energy and cycle duration | The label shows kWh per 100 Eco cycles, litres per Eco cycle and the duration of that programme, as explained by ADEME and the European Commission. Compare all these figures together. | If I sometimes need to run two loads back to back, cycle duration matters too. A quick programme shouldn’t be confused with the Eco cycle. |
| Installation | Measure the space or housing unit and check the door panel, water inlet, drainage and electrical supply. For an integrated model, make sure you know exactly what the installation includes. | I’d rather know before delivery whether the appliance can be installed in my kitchen as it is. |
A daily load can include saucepans, serving dishes and glasses as well as plates. If the baskets don’t hold all these items comfortably together, the stated capacity may be less useful in your day-to-day routine.
Before choosing a smaller format to save space, check how the baskets can be adjusted and whether there’s enough room for your larger items.
A description such as “quiet” isn’t enough on its own to compare two appliances for an open-plan kitchen.
Check the airborne acoustical noise emissions and noise class on their labels, then look at noise test results if this is a key consideration.
UFC-Que Choisir explains that an Eco programme can use less energy and water at the expense of a longer cycle. This is worth bearing in mind if you need to run several loads on the same day.
Check the Eco cycle duration alongside the consumption figures on the label. Look at quick programmes separately for occasional needs.
An unsuitable housing unit or door panel could prevent the appliance from being installed as planned. An installation service doesn’t necessarily include carpentry, plumbing or electrical work, as Electrolux explains in its pre-installation guide for its services.
Measure the housing unit, check the door panel and connections, then ask the seller exactly what the installation covers.
UFC-Que Choisir also notes that the door panel and installation may be separate costs in addition to the appliance itself.
The range includes several formats to explore, including freestanding, integrated and compact models.
Siemens offers a range of dishwashers with different programmes and options.
Beko offers freestanding dishwashers with 14 place settings for everyday household use.
These models include freestanding and integrated options for regular meals with several people. First, check that the format suits your kitchen, then compare each model’s specifications with your daily load.
Image unavailable
For regular loads shared by several people, this model offers 14 place settings, a 60 cm freestanding design and an energy rating of E. Check the available space and connections, and the consumption figures on the label for the model being sold.
Image unavailable
This integrated model offers 14 place settings and is designed for a fitted kitchen with a suitable housing unit and door panel. Its title states 60 cm, but the product details also list a width of 68 cm. Confirm the actual dimensions and that it will fit your housing unit before ordering.
Image unavailable
This freestanding model offers 14 place settings, a stainless steel finish and an energy rating of C. If you need to run loads back to back, check the Eco programme duration as well as the dimensions and connections.
Image unavailable
With 14 place settings, this model is designed for people looking for an appliance for shared meals. If you plan to run it often, compare the Eco cycle duration, noise and consumption figures for the exact model.
Image unavailable
This model has an energy rating of B and offers 13 place settings for a fitted kitchen. Check the housing unit, door panel, connections and installation terms. Also consult the label for the exact model to compare its consumption figures and Eco cycle duration.
Compare the energy rating, kWh per 100 Eco cycles, litres per Eco cycle, Eco cycle duration, capacity and noise. ADEME and the European Commission list these as information provided on the label. Read the figures together to work out whether an appliance suits your routine and kitchen.
It may be, if your actual load fits in the baskets, including serving dishes and saucepans. UFC-Que Choisir reports that 45 cm integrated dishwashers generally offer 9 to 10 place settings, compared with 12 to 17 for 60 cm models. If you often cook for several people, compare how frequently you’d need to run each size.
UFC-Que Choisir explains that an Eco programme may use less water and electricity, but take longer. If you need to empty and reload the appliance during the day, check the stated cycle duration. A quick programme won’t necessarily use the same amount of energy and water as the Eco cycle.
Measure the housing unit and check that the door panel is compatible. You should also check the water inlet, drainage and electrical supply. Ask what the installation service includes too, as any work needed around the appliance may be charged separately.