Households that eat at home regularly
If dirty dishes pile up between washes, look at place setting capacity, basket layout and consumption per cycle together. The number of place settings alone won't tell you whether your plates and pans will fit.
Who is this guide for?
People living in smaller homes
Limited space may point you towards a compact model. UFC-Que Choisir highlights countertop models with a capacity of 6 place settings, for example. Check whether this will also handle the amount of washing-up you produce each day.
Households with open-plan kitchens or late-night cycles
If the dishwasher is near your living area or bedrooms, compare its noise level in decibels and the noise class shown on the energy label. UFC-Que Choisir stresses how important noise levels are when an appliance is in the same room as your living space.
What should you look for?
First, make sure the dishwasher will fit and can be loaded to suit your mealtime routine. To compare consumption, ADEME and the European Commission explain that the energy label shows, among other things, energy use per 100 standard cycles and water use per standard cycle.
| Criteria | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and loading | Compare the stated place setting capacity and basket layout. Check that there is room for your plates and pans. | If you need to fit the washing-up from several meals into one load, avoiding extra cycles comes before other considerations. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this need for capacity and easy loading. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space and clearances, then check that the model is compatible with your water supply, drainage and electrical connection. | If space is limited in my kitchen, I need to know I can install the appliance before choosing its capacity or programmes. Fitting the available space is the main concern for around 36% of consumers. |
| Water and electricity | Check the kWh per 100 standard cycles and litres per standard cycle, along with the capacity and duration of the eco programme. | If I run washes often, I want to compare consumption on a like-for-like basis rather than rely on the energy rating alone. Around 21% of consumers put this comparison at the top of their list. |
| Noise | Compare the decibel rating and noise class on the energy label, taking into account how close the appliance is to your living areas. | In an open-plan kitchen or when running late-night cycles, I want the appliance to disturb everyone as little as possible. Noise is the top priority for around 7% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at the energy rating
An energy rating doesn't tell you everything about consumption, capacity or eco programme duration. When you eat at home regularly, the number of cycles you need to run also matters.
Compare energy labels on a like-for-like basis: kWh per 100 standard cycles, litres per cycle, eco programme duration, place setting capacity and noise.
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Choosing a compact model just to save space
A countertop appliance may fit in your kitchen but still not hold all the washing-up produced between meals.
Before choosing this type of model, picture how you'd load it after a typical day, including plates and bulky utensils.
If its capacity means you have to run more washes, the number of cycles you use will increase too.
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Assuming installation covers every type of work
Delivery and installation may not include adjustments to the space or connections. Electrolux France states that its installers do not carry out carpentry, plumbing or electrical work as part of its service.
Measure the space and, before ordering, check the connections required for your chosen model and exactly what is included in the installation service.
Adjustments to your kitchen or connections may require a separate visit.
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Trusting the word “quiet” on its own
A marketing label doesn't provide a measurement you can compare between appliances. How much noise bothers you also depends on your home's layout and when the cycle runs.
For an open-plan kitchen or evening washes, compare the decibel ratings and noise classes shown on the energy labels.
Brands to know
Bosch
The French range includes models worth considering if noise or drying is important to you.
- Bosch lists models in its quiet range at between 38 and 42 dB.
- These noise levels and the PerfectDry function apply to specific models. Check the details of the one you're considering.
Siemens
Some models offer features for scheduling cycles or changing how long they run.
- Siemens offers the varioSpeed Plus option on selected models.
- Check the features of the model you're choosing, and use the figures on the energy label to compare consumption.
Miele
The G 7000 range may appeal to households looking for flexible basket layouts.
- Miele describes the baskets in this range as adjustable.
- Check the configuration and other features of the specific model you're considering.
Beko
Some integrated models offer an option to reduce noise, depending on the programme.
- According to Beko, the SilentWash function on the BDIN18441 reduces noise by 2 dBA on the Auto, Eco 50 and Intensive programmes.
- This information applies to this model and these programmes; it does not describe every Beko dishwasher.
Dishwashers to consider on Joybuy
These models are suited to everyday washing-up for a household: four freestanding appliances and one fully integrated model. Compare their capacity with your mealtime routine, then check the dimensions and connections for the model you choose.
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Samsung DW60M6050FS, freestanding, 14 place settings
Worth considering if you want to combine the washing-up from several meals in a freestanding appliance. The product listing states 14 place settings and 7 cycles. Check the interior layout, eco programme duration and dimensions before choosing.
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Whirlpool WFP5O41PLGX, freestanding, 14 place settings
Worth considering if you need a stated capacity of 14 place settings in a model described as 60 cm wide. Before planning where to put it, confirm the exact dimensions of this model, as the detailed measurements and stated width don't clearly match.
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AEG FSB34707Z, integrated, 14 place settings
Worth considering if your kitchen is designed for a fully integrated dishwasher. The model is described as 60 cm wide, with a stated capacity of 14 place settings. Confirm the exact installation dimensions and that it will fit your cabinet space before ordering.
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Hotpoint H4FD641A, freestanding, 14 place settings
Worth considering if noise during cycles near your living area is an important factor. The product listing states a width of 60 cm, a capacity of 14 place settings and a noise level of 41 dB. Compare the latter with the noise class on the energy label too.
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Indesit D2F HK26 S, freestanding, 14 place settings
Worth considering for the washing-up from several meals if a freestanding appliance suits your kitchen. The product listing states 14 place settings and a width of 60 cm. Check the energy label to compare its consumption and noise with other models on a like-for-like basis.
Frequently asked questions
Which figures should you compare between two dishwashers?
Compare the energy labels on a like-for-like basis: energy rating, kWh per 100 standard cycles, litres per standard cycle, eco programme duration, place setting capacity and noise. According to ADEME and the European Commission, these figures relate to the standard cycle; they don't directly show the consumption of a quick programme.
Is a long eco programme suitable if you eat at home regularly?
It may be suitable if you can wait for the cycle to finish and gather enough washing-up before starting it. Check its duration on the energy label, then consider when you'll need your plates and utensils again.
Is a compact dishwasher enough for several meals a day?
A compact model may be enough if it can hold your usual washing-up between cycles. For a countertop model with a capacity of 6 place settings, check that your plates and pans will fit too: their size may mean you have to run separate washes.
What should you check before having a dishwasher installed?
Measure the space and check the water supply, drainage and electrical connection required for the model you've chosen. For an integrated model, also check the cabinet space and whether a door panel is needed. Make sure you know what work is included in the installation service.
Can you plug a dishwasher into an extension lead?
Promotelec recommends plugging a dishwasher directly into a wall socket connected to a dedicated circuit, rather than using an extension lead. If there isn't a suitable power supply where you plan to install it, have the electrical installation checked before fitting the appliance.