For your first kitchen, start by choosing a size that fits the space and works with the available connections. Then look for a capacity that suits the amount of washing-up you build up between cycles. A freestanding model is right for a space without a cabinet front to fit, an integrated model needs a compatible housing unit, while a compact model suits smaller loads when floor space is limited. Finally, compare Eco programme duration, energy and water use, and noise levels against your needs.
If you regularly use serving dishes, saucepans and food containers, check the capacity and basket layout before settling on a width. UFC-Que Choisir says 45 cm models are listed as holding 9 to 10 place settings, while 60 cm models hold 12 to 17. These figures alone won’t tell you whether your larger items will fit.
A 45 cm model may be worth considering if it fits the available space and you have access to a water inlet, drain and electrical supply. Check that its capacity also suits your mealtime routine: a narrower model may mean running cycles more often.
If there’s no room on the floor for a 45 or 60 cm appliance, a compact worktop model could be worth considering for smaller loads. UFC-Que Choisir describes worktop models with a capacity of 6 place settings. However, check how much worktop space it will take up, whether the door can open fully and how it will drain.
Consider this if: you have space without a cabinet to fit a front panel to and want to choose the width to suit your washing-up.
Bear in mind: the appliance will be visible. Check its connections separately and, if you plan to fit it under a worktop, check whether its top can be removed.
Consider this if: your kitchen already has a compatible housing unit and you have decided on a cabinet front.
Bear in mind: the housing unit, door clearance and cabinet front all need to be checked for the specific model. Integration doesn’t remove the need for connections.
Consider this if: you’re short on floor space and usually have smaller loads.
Bear in mind: capacity varies considerably by model, and the appliance takes up worktop space. Even a model with a water tank needs an electrical supply and a way to drain.
Once you’ve identified a format that will fit, compare its stated capacity with your cookware and how often you want to run a wash. The criteria below will help you narrow down your choice.
| Criterion | What to check | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and cycle frequency | Compare the amount of washing-up you produce between washes with the loading layout and basket height. UFC-Que Choisir says 45 cm models hold 9 to 10 place settings, while 60 cm models hold 12 to 17. | When plates and saucepans pile up between meals, I want to avoid running extra cycles without choosing based solely on the number of place settings. Around 33% of consumers may put usable capacity first. |
| Space and connections | Measure the space and door clearance; check the water inlet, drain and electrical supply. For an integrated model, check the housing unit and cabinet front too. | In a fitted kitchen, I need to be able to position the appliance and open it without assuming the connections will be suitable. This may be a priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Water and energy use | Check the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and Eco programme duration together on the energy label, as recommended by ADEME. | If I expect to wash regularly, I want to compare the stated consumption without overlooking how long the cycle I’ll use takes. Around 20% of consumers may prioritise this criterion. |
| Noise, washing and drying | Check the noise emissions in dB and look for tests covering both washing and drying, rather than relying on a single advertised feature. | In a studio or open-plan kitchen, I want to consider noise while also checking the results on my washing-up. Around 20% of consumers may put quiet operation and washing performance first. |
A stated capacity doesn’t guarantee that your plates, saucepans and containers will fit easily. If the appliance is too small for the load you build up between washes, you may end up running more cycles or leaving washing-up waiting.
Take note of the items you use over a day or two, then check the loading layout, basket height and internal dimensions of the model you’re considering.
A model with compatible stated dimensions may still be difficult to use if there isn’t enough room to open the door or the required connections aren’t accessible. With an integrated model, you’ll also need to check the housing unit and cabinet front.
Measure the space with the door open and check the water inlet, drain and electrical supply before choosing a model.
An integrated model may need extra preparation if the housing unit or cabinet front has to be adapted. Electrolux says its installers don’t carry out carpentry, plumbing or electrical work.
The consumption figures on the label refer to the Eco programme, and its duration may matter if you need your dishes again quickly. Noise levels are also worth considering in an open-plan room.
Compare capacity, water use per cycle, energy use per 100 cycles, Eco programme duration and dB on the same label, then look at any available washing and drying results for the model.
Bosch’s range in France includes freestanding, integrated and compact dishwashers, including models in 45 and 60 cm widths.
Siemens’ range in France includes freestanding and integrated models, with features varying by model.
Miele’s range in France includes freestanding, built-under and fully integrated models, including some slimline 45 cm options.
Daan Tech makes Bob, a mini worktop dishwasher that, depending on the setup described by the manufacturer, can use its built-in water tank or connect to a water supply.
Check that the chosen space has access to a usable water inlet, waste outlet and electrical supply. Bosch lists these connections as part of installation. If you choose an integrated model, also check the housing unit, door clearance and cabinet front.
Not necessarily: Daan Tech says Bob can use its built-in water tank or connect to a water supply. However, you’ll still need an electrical supply and a way to drain it, so check the requirements for the model you’re considering.
Check the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per cycle, Eco programme duration, capacity and noise emissions together. ADEME recommends comparing these details with your habits. Eco programme duration is particularly important if you need your dishes back quickly.
No. You should also check whether the plates, saucepans and containers you use will fit in the baskets, and how much washing-up you build up between cycles. The stated capacities for 45 cm, 60 cm and worktop models suit different loads, so compare them with each model’s loading layout.